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Sweetwater
4.5 (60)
$8.99
Guitar Center
5.0 (352)
$8.99
Amazon
4.8 (33616)
$8.99
Reverb
5.0 (50)
$5.49 New
$6.00 Used
Musician's Friend
5.0 (240)
$8.99
zZounds
5.0 (9)
$8.99
Thomann
4.8 (5896)
$5.60

Price History

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

What are the benefits of using Ernie Ball Super Slinky Guitar Strings (9-42)?

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.

Are Ernie Ball Super Slinky strings suitable for beginners?

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.

How do Ernie Ball Super Slinky strings compare to Regular Slinky strings?

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.

What type of electric guitar is best suited for Ernie Ball Super Slinky strings?

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.

How long do Ernie Ball Super Slinky strings typically last?

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.

GAK

GAK

What Guitar Strings Are Right For You? | Ernie Ball

Video thumbnail for What Guitar Strings Are Right For You? | Ernie Ball by GAK

What Guitar Strings Are Right For You? | Ernie Ball

GAK

GAK

Video thumbnail for Ernie Ball Electric Guitar Strings Comparison - The Ultimate Strings Demo! by Guitar World

Ernie Ball Electric Guitar Strings Comparison - The Ultimate Strings Demo!

Guitar World

Guitar World

Video thumbnail for Ernie Ball M-Steel Strings vs Regular Slinky Strings by Guitar World

Ernie Ball M-Steel Strings vs Regular Slinky Strings

Guitar World

Guitar World

Video thumbnail for Ernie Ball: Slinky, Cobalt, M-Steel, Paradigm: A 9-42 Taste Test! by Brett Kingman

Ernie Ball: Slinky, Cobalt, M-Steel, Paradigm: A 9-42 Taste Test!

Brett Kingman

Brett Kingman

Video thumbnail for Ernie Ball Super Slinky Electric guitar Strings review by Arvin Viray

Ernie Ball Super Slinky Electric guitar Strings review

Arvin Viray

Arvin Viray

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

  • Super Slinkys are favored on Fender-style guitars with longer scale lengths for their sound and durability during hard playing.

    Source
  • Some players noted a significant difference in bend ease and fret pressure when switching from Power Slinkys to Super Slinkys.

    Source
  • 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.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Some users who switched from D'Addario to Super Slinkys noticed improved tuning stability on guitars with floating tremolos.

    Source
  • Users who switched from DR and D'Addario often cite the ease of bending and tone of Super Slinkys as key reasons.

    Source
  • Ernie Ball Super Slinkys are perceived to have less tension than D'Addario NYXLs, which could benefit those seeking easier playability.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Locking tuners and proper installation technique have prevented string breakage for users who frequently retune.

    Source
  • Switching from a 24.75" to a 25.5" scale with 9-42 gauge can feel stiff; adjusting the trem setup may enhance string flexibility.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • A hybrid set like 9-46 might offer better tension balance for those who play fast metal, maintaining lightness on higher strings with more weight on lower ones.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Ernie Ball Super Slinky Review - Nickel Electric Strings

gearank.com

Ernie Ball 2223 Super Slinky strings deliver a nostalgic experience with a versatile tone that's neither too bright nor too dark. They're ideal for those who appreciate the history and lighter gauge feel, making fretting chords a breeze. However, their brilliance diminishes quickly, necessitating frequent replacements, which may deter long-term loyalty. While they offer a springy sound and rich legacy, they may not be the best pick for musicians who prioritize durability over sentimentality.

Add

4.5 out of 5

Based on 44 Reviews and 249 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
S

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!

aron_mccracken

Affordable and pack a punch

For a an affordable set of strings these have been my go to string on my Jackson guitar and give me the tone I want

From Gear Setup
roybon

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 original
zessenea30

industry standard

The best mainstream strings around. They're much better than d'addario's .

Preferred Settings + Usage:

Tuned to e flat

D

The best strings

Before Ernie Ball Super Slinkys I used Coated Strings. Coated Strings are great. But Ernie Ball Super Slinkys have a different tone.

julianwolf2

[deleted]

T

I use those too! They are great.

C

Best strings money can buy

Good for pretty much any type of music. Classic rock, metal, punk, blues, country. You name it and these strings are good

paulsmithiii

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.

stevo_guitaro

Affordable

Good affordable strings. World famous for a reason. Love the package design. Little rough feeling after using D'addario NYXL but good strings.

fleshwound

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Tommy Bolin uses Ernie Ball Super Slinky Guitar Strings (9-42)

Tommy Bolin

Guitarist

Deep Purple

...
Verified via Thehighwaystar

In this article from March, 1977's edition of Guitar Player Magazine, Bolin states that he uses Ernie Ball Super Slinky 9-42 guitar strings on his Stratocaster (likely along with heavier gauge sets for short-scale guitars like Gibson models).

WHAT ABOUT YOUR EQUIPMENT?

BOLIN: I'm using two HiWatt tops with four Sound City bottoms. The Stratocaster I use is a stock 1963. It's very hot, and I really don't know why. I use Ernie Ball Extra Super Slinky for the Strat, because my hands aren't very strong. I use heavy picks , Herco gold, but I chew them all day first. It loosens them up and gives them a feeling somewhere between a heavy and medium thickness. [Ed. Note: Bolin also had two other Strats, one with a Telecaster neck, an Ibanez Explorer he used for slide playing, and a $160.00 Yamaha Acoustic that sounded great."]

DO YOU PERFER THE HIGHTS OF A FENDER TO THE THICKER GIBSON SOUND?

BOLIN: Yes, I like the cutting sound of a Fender. With Les Pauls, at least for me, I can get only two or three different tones. That's it. But with the Strat, I can use it on about everything I play. I keep the amp on full bass with no treble and also use a Sam Ash Fuzztone [manufactured by the Sam Ash Music stores of New York, no longer available]. You can't get those anymore. I have the fuzz on all the time with attack, volume, and tone all the way up. It doesn't sound like a fuzz, really. It just gives the guitar so much more bite and attack.

HOW DO YOU GET SUCH A SMOOTH TONE WITH THE FUZZ ON ALL THE TIME?

BOLIN: Having the bass up on the amp is the ticket. Plus you have to work a lot with the tone controls on the guitar. You have to use a lot of bass, because the Strat has such a thin sound. The tone I have now is somewhere between a Strat and a Les Paul. [Ed. Note: Bolin also utilized a phase shifter, built by a roadie, and an Echophlex, which he mounted waist high for access onstage.]

ONE OF YOUR CHARACTERISTICS AS A GUITARIST SEEMS TO BE TRIPLETS. DO YOU HAMMER YOURS OR PICK EACH ONE?

BOLIN: I probably play them too much. I pick each one. I think the ability to do that, again, comes from the drums. The drums strengthened my wrist, which allows me to keep my picking hand relaxed when I play. That's important, and it comes form doing it for a long time. How good you play triplets, or anything really, comes from the way you say something with the guitar, the way you attack the notes. You have to attack with confidence. Practice gives you that, I guess. For me, practice isn't doing scales but doing things like writing, jamming with other people, or playing gigs.

LOOKING BACK, WOULD YOU HAVE DONE ANYTHING DIFFERENTLY?

BOLIN: A lot of times I wish I would have learned to read [theory]. But I'm very impatient. I used to try and take things in leaps and bounds. Now I've realized it's got to be step by step.

See how Blake Ibanez uses Ernie Ball Super Slinky Guitar Strings (9-42)

Blake Ibanez

Guitarist

Power Trip

...
Verified via Premierguitar

"Blake Ibanez tours with a Jackson RR 1 and a Jakson RRMG Pro, both loaded with Lace Drop & Gain Pickups. Both guitars are strung with Ernie Ball Super Slinky (.009 - .042) gauge strings."

See how Justin Sane uses Ernie Ball Super Slinky Guitar Strings (9-42)

Justin Sane

Guitarist

Anti?Flag

...
Verified via YouTube

Chris #2 mentions that Justin is using ernie ball super slinky strings at 14:45

See how Mick Ralphs uses Ernie Ball Super Slinky Guitar Strings (9-42)

Mick Ralphs

Guitarist

Bad Company

...
Verified via Vintage Guitar® magazine

He used an Ernie Ball .009-.042 set on open-tuned guitars.

See how Nick Stewart Power Trip uses Ernie Ball Super Slinky Guitar Strings (9-42)

Nick Stewart Power Trip

Guitarist

Power Trip

...
Verified via Premierguitar

"Guitarist Nick Stewart tours with two Gibson Explorers: one finished in natural mahogany, the other in Heritage Cherry. Both feature Lace Drop & Gain pickups and are strung with Ernie Ball Super Slinky (.009 - .042) gauge strings."

See how Teri Gender Bender uses Ernie Ball Super Slinky Guitar Strings (9-42)

Teri Gender Bender

Singer, Guitarist

Le Butcherettes

...
Verified via Premierguitar

According to the Premier Guitar's article, Gender Bender uses the Ernie Ball Super Slinky guitar strings.

See how Sade Sanchez uses Ernie Ball Super Slinky Guitar Strings (9-42)

Sade Sanchez

Singer, Guitarist

L.A. Witch

...
Verified via Guitarcenter

"If the strings sound a little dull on a guitar, we usually just re-string it. I carry around my pliers & winder. Love those things. I use the Ernie Ball Super Slinky or Regular Slinky packs." source

See how Jamie Oldfield uses Ernie Ball Super Slinky Guitar Strings (9-42)

Jamie Oldfield

Guitarist

...
Verified via YouTube

He lists these strings in the video.

See how Dan Fogelberg uses Ernie Ball Super Slinky Guitar Strings (9-42)

Dan Fogelberg

Guitarist, Composer

...
Verified via danfogelberg

"Dish Diva" : bergman says: Dan, What type of guitar strings do you perform with? "Dan Fogelberg" : Acoustic D'Addario Medium bronze electric Ernie Ball Super Slinky.

See how Bob Kulick uses Ernie Ball Super Slinky Guitar Strings (9-42)

Bob Kulick

Guitarist

W.A.S.P.

...
Verified via Photo

Bob Kulick trusts Ernie Ball Slinky string sets

See how Steve Lynch uses Ernie Ball Super Slinky Guitar Strings (9-42)

Steve Lynch

Guitarist

Autograph

...
Verified via YouTube

In this YouTube video chat interview, Steve was asked at the 12:00 time mark what guitar strings he uses, and he replied “I use Ernie Ball, and I just played the 9 through the 42s, the pink package, that’s it.”

See how Alice Go uses Ernie Ball Super Slinky Guitar Strings (9-42)

Alice Go

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via Photo

It makes an instagram appearance on Alice Go's pedal board along with her comment "The Essentials" https://www.instagram.com/p/CM9TKFDLOKW

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.

Voodoo Lab Pedal Power 2 PLUS
Voodoo Lab Pedal Power 2 PLUS Effects Pedal Accessories
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Ibanez TS9 Tube Screamer
Ibanez TS9 Tube Screamer Overdrive Effects Pedals
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Shure SM57
Shure SM57 Dynamic Microphones
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Marshall JCM800 2203
Marshall JCM800 2203 Guitar Amplifier Heads
2
Boss BD-2 Blues Driver
Boss BD-2 Blues Driver Overdrive Effects Pedals
2
Boss NS-2 Noise Suppressor
Boss NS-2 Noise Suppressor Noise Gate Effects Pedals
2
Boss RC-1 Loop Station
Boss RC-1 Loop Station Looper Effects Pedals
2
Boss SD-1 Super OverDrive
Boss SD-1 Super OverDrive Overdrive Effects Pedals
2

Community setups

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1 alternative for Ernie Ball Super Slinky Guitar Strings (9-42), curated by the Equipboard community.

Ernie Ball Regular Slinky Guitar Strings (10-46)

$5.30 - $8.99

similar sound

They both have similar tone but are in different gauges.

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