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Based on price data from 4 merchants for "Ernie Ball Super Slinky Guitar Strings (9-42)". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.
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Description
Introducing the Ernie Ball Super Slinky Guitar Strings (9-42), a classic choice for musicians seeking a balance between comfortable playability and versatile tonality. These strings are made of nickel-plated steel, offering a warm yet articulate voice that adapts to any genre or style, from rock and blues to jazz and country.
The Super Slinky gauges, ranging from .009 to .042, ensure a balanced tension that allows for effortless bending and solid low notes. The lighter top end provides smooth string bending, vibrato, and fretting, while the heavier bottom end delivers strong, resonant low notes. This unique combination ensures a slinky feel at the top and taut lows at the bottom, giving musicians the best of both worlds.
Furthermore, the nickel-plated steel composition of the Super Slinky strings delivers a tone that is both warm and articulate. The nickel plating adds richness and depth, while the steel core provides clarity and cut. This blend helps each note ring out with beautiful, harmonically complex overtones.
Key Features:
- Super Slinky gauges from .009 to .042 for balanced tension and versatile playability
- Nickel-plated steel construction for warm yet articulate voice
- Offers a balanced tone that's neither too bright nor too dark
- Tin-plated hex steel core for added durability
- Ideal for a variety of musical styles, from rock and blues to jazz and country
- Premium quality strings with reliable performance and long life expectancy
- Preferred by renowned musicians like Jimmy Page, Jeff Beck, and Angus Young.
Product specs
| Guitar Type | Electric Guitar |
| Number of Strings | 6 |
| Coated | No |
| Gauges | .009, .011, .016, .024, .032, .042 |
| Core Material | Tin-plated Hexagonal Steel |
| Winding Material | Nickel Plated Steel |
| Winding Type | Round Wound |
FAQs
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What are the benefits of using Ernie Ball Super Slinky Guitar Strings (9-42)?
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Ernie Ball Super Slinky strings offer a light gauge that provides easy bending and flexibility, making them ideal for genres like rock, blues, and jazz. Their nickel-plated steel winding delivers a bright tone with excellent clarity.
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Are Ernie Ball Super Slinky strings suitable for beginners?
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Yes, Ernie Ball Super Slinky strings are great for beginners due to their lighter gauge, which makes them easier to press and bend, reducing finger fatigue during practice.
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How do Ernie Ball Super Slinky strings compare to Regular Slinky strings?
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The main difference is the gauge; Super Slinky strings are lighter (.009-.042) compared to Regular Slinky (.010-.046), offering easier playability and bending, while Regular Slinky provides a slightly fuller tone.
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What type of electric guitar is best suited for Ernie Ball Super Slinky strings?
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Ernie Ball Super Slinky strings are versatile and can be used on most electric guitars, particularly those used for playing styles that benefit from easy string bending and bright tones, such as rock and blues.
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How long do Ernie Ball Super Slinky strings typically last?
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The lifespan of Ernie Ball Super Slinky strings depends on playing frequency and style, but they are known for their durability and consistent performance. Regular cleaning and maintenance can extend their life.
Videos
GAK
What Guitar Strings Are Right For You? | Ernie Ball
Reviews
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Ernie Ball Super Slinky Guitar Strings (9-42).
User experience
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Super Slinkys are favored on Fender-style guitars with longer scale lengths for their sound and durability during hard playing.
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Some players noted a significant difference in bend ease and fret pressure when switching from Power Slinkys to Super Slinkys.
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A user reported that while Ernie Ball Super Slinkys work well on a Floyd Rose, 1.5-step bends on the .009 string can result in breakage, suggesting caution with extreme bends.
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Comparisons
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Some users who switched from D'Addario to Super Slinkys noticed improved tuning stability on guitars with floating tremolos.
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Users who switched from DR and D'Addario often cite the ease of bending and tone of Super Slinkys as key reasons.
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Ernie Ball Super Slinkys are perceived to have less tension than D'Addario NYXLs, which could benefit those seeking easier playability.
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Setup and maintenance
Critic Reviews
4.5 out of 5
Based on 44 Reviews and 249 Ratings
488
Great strings - I use 'em on everything!
Ernie Ball is the standard for guitar strings and for good reason. Not a single set of these things has had any semblance of a fault or flaw.
Given that I'm very bend-happy with my playing, having something on the lighter side of gauges is super helpful.
Anywhere I could go in this world, a music shop would likely have a set of Super Slinky strings for a reasonable price.
If you're wanting a set of strings that won't feel like bridge cables and does everything you want strings to do? Think pink - play Super Slinkys!
561
282
EXCELLENT
Super durable and of the highest quality, but to buy a set of Ernie Ball strings I have to go into debt because in Argentina they are quite expensive. But they are worth it.
This review has been translated automatically into English. See original324
I use those too! They are great.
498
My Electric Strings for Life
I've used Ernie Ball SSs for over 40 years. I've never felt the need to try anything else. They've always been the right gauge with the right tone. I know the next gauge up gives a fatter tone, in fact I use the Regular Slinky's on my hollow body guitars, but for my Strats, my Les Paul, these are perfect.
472
Affordable
Good affordable strings. World famous for a reason. Love the package design. Little rough feeling after using D'addario NYXL but good strings.
Artist usage
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In an interview with Guitar Player magazine from 1979 Paul was asked “What kinds of picks and strings do you usually use?
I used to use Ernie Ball strings with a .010 first E [Regular Slinky set] and a .052 bottom, but lately—especially in the studio—I’ve been using the set that starts with a .009 [Super Slinky], just for fills and things I’ve been playing, because there’s a lot more going on. For picks, I always use mediums.”
According to Premier Guitar, Rowsell uses the Ernie Ball Super Slinky strings.
In the last paragraph of this interview, John McGeoch mentions that he uses Ernie Ball Super Slinky strings.
In a Rig Rundown with Premier Guitar, Mark Arm mentioned that he switched to using Ernie Ball Super Slinky Guitar Strings (9-42) after being influenced by a Black Sabbath biography.
Michael Angelo Batio has been known to use Ernie Ball Super Slinky Guitar Strings (.009 to .042) for soloing and most rhythm guitar parts. A user-uploaded photo from his equipment page previously indicated his preference for these strings. Although the specific mention of Ernie Ball strings has been removed, it is believed he may still use them.
According to the Premier Guitar, Rothery uses Super Slinky guitar strings.
In this Rig Rundown, Ron is talking about using Super Slinkys at 8:39.
According to 2021 Premier Guitar interview, Palm uses Ernie Ball Super Slinky Guitar Strings.
Genre Usage
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Used With
Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Ernie Ball Super Slinky Guitar Strings (9-42), it is most commonly used with the following gear.
Community setups
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