Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 8 stores. Prices updated .

Sweetwater
4.0 (34)
$11.99 $9.99 $2.00 · All time low
Guitar Center
4.5 (65)
$11.99
Amazon
4.8 (4101)
Used
Reverb
4.0 (3)
$9.99 New
$4.67 Used
Musician's Friend
4.0 (68)
$11.99 $9.99 $2.00 · All time low
zZounds
5.0 (2)
$11.99
Thomann
4.6 (505)

Price History

Based on price data from 4 merchants for "Ernie Ball Regular Slinky Cobalt Guitar Strings (10-46)". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

Experience a new level of clarity and definition with the Ernie Ball Regular Slinky Cobalt Guitar Strings. Manufactured with a unique cobalt alloy core, these strings are designed to provide guitarists an unmatched sonic experience that's as effortless as it is impressive.

With their special blend of cobalt, these strings give your pickups a magnetic boost that translates vibrations into a broader tonal spectrum. The result is a beefed-up low end, crystal-clear highs, and a robust midrange that cuts through any mix.

The cobalt core of these strings offers not just superior sound, but also a silky feel that facilitates smooth playability, enabling you to execute fast passages effortlessly. This set of strings doesn't just sound good - they feel good under your fingers too.

Known for their durability, Cobalt strings are highly resistant to corrosion and oxidation. These strings retain their tone and intonation over a longer lifespan, reducing the need for frequent restrings. They're low maintenance, high-performance strings built to rigorous quality standards.

Key Features:

  • Engineered with a unique cobalt alloy core for unrivaled clarity and definition
  • Boosts output and enhances harmonic richness and sustain
  • Provides a silky feel for fluid playability
  • Highly resistant to corrosion and oxidation
  • Favored by top musicians including Slash, John Petrucci, and Steve Vai
  • Cobalt blend that attracts the magnets in your pickups better than any other alloy

Product specs

Guitar Type Electric Guitar
Number of Strings 6
Coated No
Gauges .010, .013, .017, .026, .036, .046
Core Material Steel
Winding Material Iron/cobalt alloy
Winding Type Round Wound

FAQs

What makes Ernie Ball Regular Slinky Cobalt Guitar Strings unique?

These strings use a cobalt alloy, which provides a stronger magnetic relationship with pickups, resulting in increased output and a more dynamic tonal range compared to traditional nickel-wound strings.

Are Ernie Ball Cobalt strings suitable for all music genres?

Yes, Ernie Ball Cobalt strings offer a balanced tone and enhanced output, making them versatile for various music styles, from rock and metal to blues and jazz.

Do Ernie Ball Regular Slinky Cobalt strings last longer than traditional strings?

While they are not coated, the cobalt alloy provides increased durability and resistance to corrosion, which can extend their lifespan compared to standard nickel-wound strings.

How do Ernie Ball Regular Slinky Cobalt strings affect my guitar's tone?

These strings deliver a brighter, more articulate sound with greater clarity and punch, enhancing both clean and distorted tones.

Are Ernie Ball Cobalt strings compatible with all electric guitars?

Yes, these strings are designed for use with all standard electric guitars and are particularly effective with magnetic pickups due to their cobalt alloy composition.

Ernie Ball

Ernie Ball

John Petrucci Play Tests The New Ernie Ball Cobalt Electric Guitar Strings

Video thumbnail for John Petrucci Play Tests The New Ernie Ball Cobalt Electric Guitar Strings by Ernie Ball

John Petrucci Play Tests The New Ernie Ball Cobalt Electric Guitar Strings

Ernie Ball

Ernie Ball

Video thumbnail for Ernie Ball Cobalt Guitar String Introduction by Ernie Ball

Ernie Ball Cobalt Guitar String Introduction

Ernie Ball

Ernie Ball

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 Cobalt guitar strings, any good? Quick review and demo by The Novice Noise Maker

Ernie Ball Cobalt guitar strings, any good? Quick review and demo

The Novice Noise Maker

The Novice Noise Maker

Video thumbnail for Ernie Ball Slinky Cobalt (10-46) String Demo by AskAGuitarPro

Ernie Ball Slinky Cobalt (10-46) String Demo

AskAGuitarPro

AskAGuitarPro

Reviews

PROS

  • Significant improvement in sound quality

  • Suited for both electric and acoustic guitars

  • Exceptional tone and playability

  • Ideal for players with nickel allergies

  • Longer-lasting "new string" feel and sound

  • Enhances strength for bending and finger strength

  • Great presence and clarity

  • Smooth feel, easy to get used to

  • Worth the added price for durability and performance

CONS

  • Uneven highs and lows for some users

  • May rust quickly compared to other strings

  • Higher price compared to regular strings

  • Sound may not appeal to everyone

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Ernie Ball Regular Slinky Cobalt Guitar Strings (10-46).

Comparisons

  • Cobalt strings offer a louder, smoother, and silkier feel compared to traditional Slinkies, but they may corrode easily depending on individual body chemistry.

    Source
  • Users who prefer a consistent feel across guitars may find the transition from regular Slinkies to Cobalts too drastic, opting instead for Titanium strings for a more familiar feel.

    Source
  • Some players find the tone of Cobalt strings fuller compared to others, but they describe them as rougher than typical nickel-wound strings.

    Source

User experience

  • Paradigm strings, used on a Tele with a traditional bridge, reportedly last longer and resist breakage better than standard Slinkies.

    Source
  • Cobalt strings provide better bend and vibrato control, especially for techniques like BB King-style vibrato, due to their grippy nature.

    Source
  • Sliding with Cobalt strings may feel grainy and cause increased friction, which some users find requires an adjustment period.

    Source
  • Cobalt strings are noted to enhance single-coil pickups, making them sound fatter and punchier, with improved control over tone through picking dynamics.

    Source
  • Some users report that Cobalt strings allow for precise sliding and stopping due to a combination of grippiness and coating, aiding in muscle memory execution.

    Source
  • Cobalt strings are reported to feel rough or gritty, which can affect sliding techniques, making them challenging for players who frequently use slides.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • M-Steel strings have been noted for holding tuning longer than any other strings by users, especially beneficial for hard rock and metal genres.

    Source
  • Cobalt strings are claimed to enhance guitar pickup output, notably with passive pickups, providing a fuller sound.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Cobalt and M-Steel strings are particularly suited for players focusing on hard rock and metal, enhancing distorted sound profiles.

    Source
  • Cobalt strings are preferred by players allergic to nickel as they offer a viable alternative without compromising on feel and sound quality.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Cobalt strings are noted for potentially causing increased fret wear, especially on nickel silver frets, leading to more frequent leveling and dressing.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • Owners outside the U.S. report significant price disparities for Cobalt strings, with costs varying greatly in Australia, Canada, and New Zealand.

    Source

Other

  • It's been noted that Cobalt strings may cause allergic reactions in some players, potentially due to the cobalt material itself.

    Source
Add

5.0 out of 5

Based on 4 Reviews and 30 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
zisis

Very interesting and very different

I can say these strings helped me to improve my strength towards bending and some other skills.

I was looking for a bright tone and more output sound and i came up with Cobalts. Their feel is a little bit different but you will get used to it and they're pretty smooth to the feel. They soar when you put them in the amp and have this smooth feel that helps you a lot to build strength on your fingers. Basically if weeks or months pass without playing guitar these are the strings I put on to re-build the strength of my fingers again

The only con i'd give is that they rust pretty fast like every other Ernie Ball string product (except Paradigm and Coated)

Preferred Settings + Usage:

Perfect for half step down tuning

O

Excellent!

They hardly go out of tune at all, they have a sound that, while many may not like it, personally they have an excellent brightness. The only downside I've heard is that they rust easily, so if you plan to install them, I recommend that you clean them before and after playing.

This review has been translated automatically into English. See original
the_patchman

Kill your tone in 6 easy steps.

Well, for my most negative review, the renowned cobalt strings by Ernie Ball. I put these strings on my guitar, expecting the Gods themselves to appear in pure sonic awe. Well I got no God, even worse, the only thing I received was disappointment, anger, regret and dispair because I could have bought 3 sets of regular 010's for the price I payed for this pathetic excuse for strings. New isn't always better, these strings prove that statement. My rating was a generous two stars, because they didn't affect the guitar after I took them off. My guitar forgave me and I am never going to take that kind of risk again.

jimmy_strummer

..

I string all of my guitars with EB Cobalt 10s. Great presence and clarity, they feel really good on my fingers, great for my style of music.

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Slash uses Ernie Ball Regular Slinky Cobalt Guitar Strings (10-46)

Slash

Guitarist

Guns N' Roses

...
Verified via YouTube

"The first thing I notice when you put them on is that they have an entirely different feel" "They're very bouncy, and very pliable" "They're a lot of fun for bending and whatnot" "They're just as bright as titanium strings, but they're more ballsy and they have more grout" "As far as I'm concerned, they're the best strings I've used, ever".

See how J Mascis uses Ernie Ball Regular Slinky Cobalt Guitar Strings (10-46)

J Mascis

Singer, Guitarist

Dinosaur Jr

...
Verified via YouTube

at the end of the video it says "J MASCIS PLAYS ERNIE BALL SLINKY COBALT STRINGS" along with a photo of 10 gauge cobalt slinkys

See how Paul Gilbert uses Ernie Ball Regular Slinky Cobalt Guitar Strings (10-46)

Paul Gilbert

Guitarist

Racer X

...
Verified via YouTube

He demos the Slinky Cobalt 10-46 gauge strings in this video on YouTube!

See how Laura Jane Grace uses Ernie Ball Regular Slinky Cobalt Guitar Strings (10-46)

Laura Jane Grace

Singer, Guitarist

Against Me!

...
Verified via Premierguitar

"All guitars are strung with Ernie Ball Cobalt 10-46." quote from article

See how Peter Honoré uses Ernie Ball Regular Slinky Cobalt Guitar Strings (10-46)

Peter Honoré

Guitarist

...
Verified via Photo

"First time trying the @ernieball Slinky Cobolt strings. #letshaveit"

See how Colin Newman uses Ernie Ball Regular Slinky Cobalt Guitar Strings (10-46)

Colin Newman

Singer, Guitarist

Wire

...
Verified via Photo

In this online interview from 2010, Newman indicates that he has used Ernie Ball 10-46 strings for as long as he can recall.

See how Wes Hauch uses Ernie Ball Regular Slinky Cobalt Guitar Strings (10-46)

Wes Hauch

Guitarist

The Faceless

...
Verified via Photo

Wes Hauch expresses gratitude to Ernie Ball on Instagram for providing him with custom gauges of the Regular Slinky Cobalt Guitar Strings (10-46), praising them as the best strings ever.

See how James Bowman uses Ernie Ball Regular Slinky Cobalt Guitar Strings (10-46)

James Bowman

Guitarist

Against Me!

...
Verified via YouTube

from 4:00 - 4:10 of this video James states roughly that the Ernie Ball Cobalt Slinkys gave been all that they have been using in the band.

See how Emily Wolfe uses Ernie Ball Regular Slinky Cobalt Guitar Strings (10-46)

Emily Wolfe

Guitarist

...
Verified via Premier Guitar

According to 2021 Premier Guitar interview, Wolfe uses Ernie Ball Cobalt Slinky strings.

See how Brandon Mullen uses Ernie Ball Regular Slinky Cobalt Guitar Strings (10-46)

Brandon Mullen

Guitarist

...
Verified via YouTube

In the YouTube video titled "Here is MY Guitar Setup" by Fayence Dream, Brandon Mullen confirms at the 1:09 mark that he uses Ernie Ball Regular Slinky Cobalt Guitar Strings (10-46), stating, "...the strings I like to use are 10 gauge slinky cobalt."

See how Esteban Mejia Hellfire uses Ernie Ball Regular Slinky Cobalt Guitar Strings (10-46)

Esteban Mejia Hellfire

Guitarist

Revenge

...
Verified via Revengespeedmetal

Esteban Mejia Hellfire uses Ernie Ball Regular Slinky Cobalt Guitar Strings (10-46), as detailed on the REVENGE Speed Metal Official Website.

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Ernie Ball Regular Slinky Cobalt Guitar Strings (10-46), it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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