Home
... Musical Instruments
Instrument Accessories
Guitar & Bass Accessories
Strings
Ernie Ball
Ernie Ball RPS Super Slinky Guitar Strings (9-42)

Ernie Ball RPS Super Slinky Guitar Strings (9-42) main image

Ernie Ball RPS Super Slinky Guitar Strings (9-42)

^# 71

Equipboard's ranking is determined by analyzing factors such as professional artist usage, popularity, user ratings, reviews, and more.

$7.40 to $9.99

4.5 (7)

1 Review

Find out who is using Ernie Ball RPS Super Slinky (9-42)

1 wishlisted

11 saved

Page last updated Jul 06, 2026

Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 8 stores. Prices updated July 6, 2026.

Store

Reviews

Price

5.0 (5)

$8.29

View Deal

5.0 (2)

$9.99

View Deal

4.8 (2097)

$8.29

View Deal

5.0 (2)

$7.49 23 available New

$9.99 1 available Used

View Deal

5.0 (3)

$9.99

View Deal

$9.99

View Deal

4.7 (364)

$7.40

View Deal

£6.77

View Deal

Price History

Based on price data from 4 merchants for "Ernie Ball RPS Super Slinky Guitar Strings (9-42)". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

^* Product prices and availability are updated by Equipboard every 24hrs and are subject to change. Equipboard may receive compensation for purchases made at participating retailers linked on this site. This compensation does not affect what products or prices are displayed, or the order of prices listed. For more information, please refer to our affiliate disclosure.

Description

Edit description

For the rockstar within you, meet the Ernie Ball RPS Super Slinky Guitar Strings (9-42). The legend behind these strings lies in their unique RPS (Reinforced Plain Strings) technology, designed to minimize string slippage and breakage where it occurs most often - at the ball end. This patented winding of bronze wire tightly wrapped around the lock twist of the ball end adds durability and tuning stability, making these strings not just a choice, but the preference of renowned guitarists like Jimmy Page and Eric Clapton. When you string your guitar with Ernie Ball, you're not just playing music, you're creating a symphony.

Key Features:

Gauge: .009, .011, .016, .024w, .032, .042
Reinforced Plain Strings (RPS) technology for minimizing string slippage and breakage
Patented winding of bronze wire around the lock twist of the ball end for added durability and tuning stability
Precision manufactured to the highest standards and most exacting specs for optimum performance and long life
Used on electric and acoustic guitars (not suitable for classical guitars)
Nickel-plated steel wire wrapped around a tin-plated hex-shaped steel core wire
Provides a balanced rich harmonics and signature Slinky feel
Trusted by renowned artists worldwide

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 makes Ernie Ball RPS Super Slinky Guitar Strings different from regular Slinky strings?: Ernie Ball RPS Super Slinky Guitar Strings feature a reinforced plain string design that offers enhanced durability and tuning stability compared to regular Slinky strings. This makes them ideal for players who require reliable performance during intense playing sessions.
Are Ernie Ball RPS Super Slinky strings suitable for beginners?: Yes, the Ernie Ball RPS Super Slinky strings (.009-.042 gauge) are suitable for beginners due to their easy bendability and flexibility, which help in developing finger strength and playing techniques.
What type of music are Ernie Ball RPS Super Slinky strings best suited for?: Ernie Ball RPS Super Slinky strings are versatile and well-suited for a variety of musical styles, including rock, blues, jazz, and country, offering a bright and balanced tone.
How do Ernie Ball RPS Super Slinky strings affect playability?: The light gauge (.009-.042) of Ernie Ball RPS Super Slinky strings provides a smooth and responsive playing experience, making them ideal for fast playing styles and easy string bending.
Do Ernie Ball RPS Super Slinky strings have a coating?: No, Ernie Ball RPS Super Slinky strings are not coated, which allows for a natural feel and traditional tone while still offering durability through their reinforced plain string design.

Videos

Add video

GAK

What Guitar Strings Are Right For You? | Ernie Ball

GAK

Music Man Luke Electric Guitar with Tremolo (Candy Red)

N Stuff Music

Ernie Ball Music Man Axis Super Sport - General Demo

Brett Kingman

Music Man Luke III

N Stuff Music

Ernie ball RPS strings vs Ernie ball regular slinky

Matt The Riff Master

Suhr Modern Pro With Ernie Ball Super Slinky RPS 9-42

flowwiththeblood

Reviews

Add review

PROS

Consistent high-quality sound and tuning stability
Warm, dynamic tone with a responsive feel
Long-lasting durability compared to similarly priced strings
Great for rock and dynamic playing styles
Affordable price point for quality strings
Classic Ernie Ball sound with reinforced plain strings
Quick to reach and maintain tuning stability
Ideal for players with a heavy picking style
Bright, clear tone enhances guitar responsiveness

CONS

May wear out too fast for heavy users without maintenance
Length issues on certain guitars with Bigsby systems
Potential for breakage if not handled carefully during restringing

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Ernie Ball RPS Super Slinky Guitar Strings (9-42).

User experience

0 0

Super Slinky strings are praised for their ease of bending and minimal force needed on the frets, particularly suited for players transitioning from heavier gauges.
Source
0 0

Users playing on guitars with locking tuners report improved string longevity and reduced breakage, suggesting installation method impacts performance.
Source
0 0

Owners have reported that Ernie Ball Paradigm strings significantly reduce breakage, with one user claiming no breaks across 10 guitars over 6 years.
Source
0 0

Some users with acidic sweat find Elixir strings last significantly longer, up to 7 months, compared to 3 days for Ernie Ball and a week for D'Addario.
Source
0 0

Cobalt strings are noted for increased friction when sliding, requiring adjustment but offering better bend and vibrato control once acclimated.
Source
0 0

Ernie Ball Titaniums maintain a feel similar to regular Slinkys, with improved longevity and pleasing tonal consistency across multiple guitars.
Source
0 0

Pure Nickel strings are highlighted for their overlooked vintage tone, providing an increased lifespan due to reduced iron content.
Source

Comparisons

0 0

On Fender-style guitars with longer scale lengths, Super Slinkys are favored for their amazing sound, contrasting with heavier strings on short scale guitars.
Source
0 0

In terms of feel and tone, some players find D'Addario NYXL strings last longer and maintain desired feel compared to Ernie Ball strings, though at a higher cost.
Source
0 0

Players switching from Ernie Ball to D'Addario NYXL strings note that NYXLs avoid the nickel corrosion issue seen with Ernie Balls, which can leave a metallic smell.
Source
0 0

DR Pure Blues strings have been favored by users for lasting four years on gigging guitars, highlighting their longevity compared to other brands.
Source
0 0

M-Steels are praised for their bright and loud characteristics, offering a nickel-free option for players with allergies, compared to Cobalts' grippy feel.
Source

Use cases and applications

0 0

Players switching from heavier Power Slinkys to Super Slinkys on Strats notice a significant ease in bending, enhancing playability for genres requiring frequent bends.
Source

Setup and maintenance

0 0

Consistent string breakage can often be attributed to improper installation or tuning techniques rather than the strings themselves; proper setup can mitigate this issue.
Source
0 0

Users recommend cleaning strings with a mineral oil-dampened rag or products like FastFret to enhance longevity and maintain a silky feel.
Source

Features and functionality

0 0

While some note that Slinkys sound best when fresh, they often opt for coated strings like Elixirs for longevity, despite Slinkys having superior initial tone.
Source