What is the gauge of the internal conductor?

The Fender Contour 18.6 cable features a 24-gauge conductor. This thickness is designed to ensure a strong and reliable signal path for instrument-level audio.

What type of shielding does this cable use?

It utilizes 90 percent oxygen-free copper (OFC) spiral shielding. This design helps to minimize interference and enhance overall signal clarity.

What is the diameter of the outer jacket?

The cable has a durable 6mm outer jacket. This provides a balance between physical protection and the flexibility required for stage use.

What material are the connectors plated with?

The connectors are nickel-plated. This plating offers long-term durability and a secure connection to reduce the risk of signal loss.

What is the specific colour of this model?

This specific model comes in Burgundy Mist. It is a classic Fender metallic colour designed for a professional and stylish aesthetic.

Is this cable suitable for both stage and studio?

Yes, the manufacturer describes it as a dependable choice for both stage and studio use. Its durable construction and shielding make it versatile for different environments.

How long is an 18.6 cable in metres?

An 18.6-foot cable is approximately 5.6 metres long. This length is standard for providing enough room to move around while performing.

Does the cable feature oxygen-free copper?

Yes, the spiral shielding is made from 90 percent oxygen-free copper. This material is preferred in audio cables for its conductive properties and noise rejection.

What is the typical price range for this cable?

The typical price range for this Fender cable is approximately GBP 14. This places it in the affordable yet high-performance category of instrument accessories.

How does this cable compare to the Ernie Ball P06049?

While both are high-quality instrument cables, the Fender Contour 18.6 is longer and features a specific metallic finish. The Ernie Ball P06049 is a 10ft cable with different aesthetic options.

Can this cable be used for microphones?

No, this is an instrument cable with jack connectors. For microphones, you would typically need an XLR cable like the Studiospares Standard XLR (M) - XLR (F).

What is the main benefit of the 6mm jacket?

The 6mm jacket provides a high level of protection for the internal components. It is thick enough to prevent damage from being stepped on while remaining flexible enough for easy handling.

Gear article

Fender Contour 18.6 Cable Burgundy Mist

The Fender Contour 18.6 Cable is a high-performance instrument cable designed to provide a secure and reliable connection between electric instruments and amplifiers. Part of Fender's metallic-finish accessory range, it features a 24-gauge conductor and 90 percent oxygen-free copper shielding for enhanced signal clarity.

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Background and Design

Fender has long complemented its instrument catalogue with a range of utility accessories designed to meet the demands of touring musicians. The Contour series represents a fusion of the brand's aesthetic heritage with modern electrical specifications. This specific model is finished in Burgundy Mist, one of Fender's classic metallic colours, allowing players to match their cabling to their instrument's finish or general stage aesthetic.

Technical Specifications

The cable is built around a 24-gauge conductor, which is standard for ensuring a strong signal path without excessive bulk. To protect against electromagnetic interference and radio frequency noise, it employs a 90 percent oxygen-free copper (OFC) spiral shield. The external structure consists of a 6mm flexible jacket, designed to withstand the physical stresses of stage movement while maintaining enough pliability for easy coiling.

Performance and Durability

For connectivity, the Fender Contour cable utilizes nickel-plated connectors. Nickel is chosen for these components due to its balance of conductivity and corrosion resistance, ensuring the cable maintains a secure connection over repeated insertion cycles. The combination of the OFC shielding and the conductor gauge is intended to minimize signal loss and preserve the high-frequency response of the instrument's pickups.

User Profile

The Contour 18.6 is primarily suited for guitarists and bassists who require a standard-length instrument lead for stage or studio environments. Its length (approximately 5.6 metres) provides sufficient range for movement on medium-sized stages. The aesthetic appeal of the Burgundy Mist finish makes it a popular choice for performers who prioritize a professional, coordinated visual setup alongside functional reliability.

Market Comparisons

Within the wider cable market, the Fender Contour 18.6 competes with options such as the Ernie Ball P06049 10ft Straight-Angle cable. While both offer high-quality signal paths, the Fender model focuses on a larger gauge and specific metallic aesthetics. It sits in a different category than utility patch leads like the Studiospares Standard XLR or specialized lighting cables like the Adam Hall 5-Pin DMX, as it is purpose-built for high-impedance instrument signals.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the gauge of the internal conductor?: The Fender Contour 18.6 cable features a 24-gauge conductor. This thickness is designed to ensure a strong and reliable signal path for instrument-level audio.
What type of shielding does this cable use?: It utilizes 90 percent oxygen-free copper (OFC) spiral shielding. This design helps to minimize interference and enhance overall signal clarity.
What is the diameter of the outer jacket?: The cable has a durable 6mm outer jacket. This provides a balance between physical protection and the flexibility required for stage use.
What material are the connectors plated with?: The connectors are nickel-plated. This plating offers long-term durability and a secure connection to reduce the risk of signal loss.
What is the specific colour of this model?: This specific model comes in Burgundy Mist. It is a classic Fender metallic colour designed for a professional and stylish aesthetic.
Is this cable suitable for both stage and studio?: Yes, the manufacturer describes it as a dependable choice for both stage and studio use. Its durable construction and shielding make it versatile for different environments.
How long is an 18.6 cable in metres?: An 18.6-foot cable is approximately 5.6 metres long. This length is standard for providing enough room to move around while performing.
Does the cable feature oxygen-free copper?: Yes, the spiral shielding is made from 90 percent oxygen-free copper. This material is preferred in audio cables for its conductive properties and noise rejection.
What is the typical price range for this cable?: The typical price range for this Fender cable is approximately GBP 14. This places it in the affordable yet high-performance category of instrument accessories.
How does this cable compare to the Ernie Ball P06049?: While both are high-quality instrument cables, the Fender Contour 18.6 is longer and features a specific metallic finish. The Ernie Ball P06049 is a 10ft cable with different aesthetic options.
Can this cable be used for microphones?: No, this is an instrument cable with jack connectors. For microphones, you would typically need an XLR cable like the Studiospares Standard XLR (M) - XLR (F).
What is the main benefit of the 6mm jacket?: The 6mm jacket provides a high level of protection for the internal components. It is thick enough to prevent damage from being stepped on while remaining flexible enough for easy handling.