Ernie Ball is the definition of an institution in the world of guitar strings. Played by more world-famous guitarists than any other range of strings, the Slinky’s are iconic, allowing any musician to get the perfect tonal quality and sound they are looking for.
All it takes is a quick look at their signature “back-of-the-pack” list of artists to grasp just how many of the greats trust these strings. Paul McCartney, Slash, Keith Richards, Eric Clapton, Jimmy Page… the list goes on.
A reputation like this doesn’t appear out of thin air, it is built over years, 6 decades to be exact, through consistently providing the reliable quality required by guitarists of any level.
The X-Factor in the development of Ernie Ball was the Slinky, an innovation of the use of a lighter gauge of strings, including the first unwound G-string. This caught on with guitarists immediately, and propelled Ernie Ball into their position as the premiere string brand.
Today, Ernie Ball continues to innovate, and their Slinky range has become more and more robust, offering something different for every type of player. Let’s take a look at the range and help you find the Slinky’s for you!
Slinky Nickel Wound: The Original Slinky Sound
The original nickel wound slinky guitar string. Available in a number of gauges from 8 – 105, this is the definitive pack of Ernie Ball strings.
The wound strings are made from nickel plated steel wire wrapped around tin plated hex shaped steel core wire, while he plain strings are made of specially tempered tin plated high carbon steel producing a well balanced tone for your guitar.
Newly Expanded Gauges
Ernie Ball has recently expanded the available gauges of the original Nickel wound Slinky, most notably introducing half-guage .5 divisions in plain strings!
10-54
9.5-46
8.5-40
10.5-52
Slinky Paradigm: Unprecedented Strength, Longer Life
Ernie Ball Slinky Paradigm Electric guitar strings provide unprecedented strength and longer life while retaining 100% Slinky tone and feel. Ernie Ball’s industry leading ultra-high strength steel is included in both the wound and plain strings along with a patented reinforcement at the ball end twist of each plain string to provide superior tensile and fatigue strength for strings that lock into tune fast and hold up under the most stressful playing styles and conditions. The coupling of Ernie Ball’s Everlast nanotreatment with breakthrough plasma enhanced wrap wire provides added corrosion resistance and reduced accumulation of tone-robbing buildup and debris. Experience the first set of longer lasting strings that are worth playing with all benefits and no compromises.
plated steel wire wrapped around tin plated hex shaped steel core wire, while he plain strings are made of specially tempered tin plated high carbon steel producing a well balanced tone for your guitar.
Slinky Cobalt: Extended Dynamic Range
Ernie Ball Cobalt Slinky Electric Guitar Strings provide an extended dynamic range, incredible harmonic response, increased low end, and crisp, clear highs. Cobalt provides a stronger magnetic relationship between pickups and strings than any other alloy previously available. Cobalt Slinky guitar strings are also soft and silky to the touch, making string bending a breeze.
Slinky RPS (Reinforced Plain Strings)
Ernie Ball RPS Nickel Wound Electric Guitar Strings are made from nickel plated steel wire wrapped around tin plated hex shaped steel core wire. The plain strings feature a patented winding of brass wire that is tightly wrapped around the lock twist of the ball end string to minimize slippage and breakage at the ball end. RPS strings last longer and stay in tune better than conventional plain strings.
Slinky M-Steel: Richer, Fuller Tone
Ernie Ball M-Steel Electric Guitar Strings are made of a patented Super Cobalt alloy wrapped around a Maraging steel hex core wire, producing a richer and fuller tone with a powerful low-end response. M-Steel plain electric guitar strings are comprised of a specially tempered steel for maximum fatigue resistance. The electric plain strings also utilize a patented winding of steel around the ball end that reduces slippage, breakage and stays in tune better than conventional plain strings.
Slinky Classic Rock 'n Roll: Slinky Feel, Warmer tone
Ernie Ball Slinky Classic Rock N Roll Pure Nickel wrap electric guitar strings are made from pure nickel wire wrapped around tin plated hex shaped steel core wire, these guitar strings produce a warm rich tone with that signature Slinky feel.
Slinky Coated Titanium RPS: Improved Strength & Tuning
Ernie Ball Slinky Coated Electric Guitar Strings combine the latest technological advancements in string manufacturing. All wound strings are treated with groundbreaking nanotechnology that repels unwanted moisture and oils that negatively impact your tone. In addition to treating the wound strings, each plain string features a patented reinforcement winding of titanium wire. Titanium’s inherent strength prevents string breakage, string slippage, and is proven to keep your guitar strings in tune better than conventional plain strings. Ernie Ball Slinky Coated guitar strings maintain the feel and sound of uncoated sets, combining the added protection with the vibrant tone Ernie Ball customers have relied on for over 50 years.
Slinky Stainless Steel: Brighter Tone, & Longer Life
Ernie Ball Slinky Stainless Steel Wound Electric Guitar Strings are made from stainless steel wire wrapped around tin plated, hex shaped, steel core wire. These strings provide brighter tone and longer string life due to stainless steels inherent anti-corrosive properties.
