Fender California Cables Review:

We've had to buy a few guitar/bass instrument cables lately. Since we've got most of the instruments in the music room and a few downstairs where I record my music, we've needed a couple of extras. So I've been buying different brands and types of instrument cables to use and to try to settle on a given brand/type.

One of our latest purchases was to buy a 10' Candy Apple Red Fender California Cable. It came with a box of several other things we needed (picks, etc.) from Musician's Friend. The look was really cool, with the chrome instrument plug ends and the deep, dark red translucent look to the cable insulation.

The cable ends are tough and heavy. The cable is 20 ga, and seems quite flexible. We immediately started using the cable on an everyday basis. My son and I both began to use the cable for use with our bass and guitars as if it was just another cable from the shelf.

The first thing we noticed was that the metal ends like to be come loose. After a week of use, the cable began to be very noisy - especially when hooked to our better amp. Now, after several weeks of use, the cable actually makes the sound drop in and out. You have to fiddle with the cable ends quite a bit when using this cable.

Overall, it is a neat cable, but requires lots of maintenance, and isn't trouble-free. I can't use it when recording because it introduces additional noise in the channel. I love Fender products - they are always consistent and excellent - except for these cables. Sorry Fender, I'll have to use another brand on our cables.

Quality of build, finish and hardware: 4
Value for the money 5
Sound: 4
Came set up properly: N/A
Would recommend to others: 4
Looks, extra features: 8