Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 7 stores. Prices updated .

Sweetwater
4.5 (6)
$11.99
Guitar Center
5.0 (15)
$11.99
Amazon
4.6 (713)
$11.99
Reverb
5.0 (1)
$10.07 New
$15.99 Used
Musician's Friend
4.0 (13)
$11.99

Price History

Based on price data from 4 merchants for "Ernie Ball Hybrid Slinky Cobalt Guitar Strings (9-46)". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

Elevate your guitar's performance with the Ernie Ball Hybrid Slinky Cobalt Guitar Strings (9-46), blending traditional craftsmanship with innovative cobalt wrapping. This fusion delivers a broader tonal spectrum, ensuring your play transcends the ordinary. Perfect for musicians seeking both versatility and dynamic sound, these strings redefine your musical journey.

Key Features:

  • Gauge sizes: .009, .011, .016, .026, .036, .046
  • Cobalt-plated steel wire wrapping enhances tonal range
  • Crafted around a hexagonal steel core for durability
  • Produced in Southern California with eco-friendly packaging

Product specs

Guitar Type Electric Guitar
Number of Strings 6
Coated No
Gauges .009, .011, .016, .026, .036, .046
Core Material Steel
Winding Material Iron/cobalt alloy
Winding Type Round Wound

FAQs

What are the benefits of using Ernie Ball Hybrid Slinky Cobalt Guitar Strings?

Ernie Ball Hybrid Slinky Cobalt Guitar Strings offer a bright, well-balanced tone with increased output and clarity. The cobalt alloy provides a stronger magnetic relationship with pickups, enhancing sustain and response.

Are Ernie Ball Hybrid Slinky Cobalt Strings suitable for all music genres?

These strings are versatile and suitable for a wide range of genres, offering a balanced tone that works well for rock, blues, metal, and more. The hybrid gauge (.009-.046) provides a mix of playability and depth.

How does the gauge of Ernie Ball Hybrid Slinky Cobalt Strings affect playability?

The hybrid gauge (.009-.046) combines lighter top strings for easier bending and heavier bottom strings for solid rhythm playing, offering a balanced feel ideal for versatile guitarists.

Do Ernie Ball Hybrid Slinky Cobalt Strings last longer than regular nickel strings?

While not coated, the cobalt material in these strings is more resistant to corrosion and wear, potentially offering longer life and consistent tone compared to standard nickel strings.

Are Ernie Ball Hybrid Slinky Cobalt Strings easy to install on any electric guitar?

Yes, these strings are designed for standard electric guitars and can be easily installed on most models without requiring any special adjustments or tools.

KBK1973

KBK1973

Ernie Ball Hybrid Strings 9-46

Video thumbnail for Ernie Ball Hybrid Strings 9-46 by KBK1973

Ernie Ball Hybrid Strings 9-46

KBK1973

KBK1973

Reviews

PROS

  • Clear and articulate tone with bright, high-end frequencies

  • Strong magnetic reaction enhances output and sustain

  • Durable, with some users noting extended lifespan

  • Smooth feel, making bends easier and more comfortable

  • Great for heavy distortion and metal tones

  • Flexible and responsive, allowing for expressive play

  • Maintains tuning stability well for some users

  • Distinctive tonality for each string, enhancing clarity

  • Enhanced mid-range and growl ideal for blues, rock, and metal

CONS

  • Higher cost compared to standard strings

  • May lack warmth and low-end frequencies

  • Some users experience tuning instability

  • Strings can feel "stringy" or wire-like

  • Bright tone can get dull quickly for some players

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Ernie Ball Hybrid Slinky Cobalt Guitar Strings (9-46).

Setup and maintenance

  • Lighter strings like 9-46 require less force to fret, potentially causing sharp notes if accustomed to heavier strings.

    Source
  • Switching to lighter strings might necessitate adjusting action to prevent buzzing, especially if lowering tuning.

    Source
  • Switching to 9-46 gauge may necessitate adjustments to the tremolo system on Fender Strats to maintain proper float and intonation.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • 9-46 strings are praised for E standard and Drop D by some users, but generally not favored for lower tunings like Drop C or B.

    Source
  • Ernie Ball Hybrid Slinky Cobalt 9-46 strings are favored for E standard and Drop D tunings but struggle with tuning stability in Drop B, as noted by users.

    Source

User experience

  • Some players experience floppiness and lack of sustain with 9-46 strings during fast legato or hammer-ons, especially if accustomed to a higher gauge.

    Source
  • Owners report that Ernie Ball strings, including the Hybrid Slinky Cobalt, tend to die faster than other brands like D'Addario XL, affecting longevity.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The 9-46 gauge offers an advantage in string bending on high strings, but may compromise clean fast-picking for some players accustomed to heavier gauges.

    Source
  • Some users find DR Dragonskin 9-42 strings last longer and perform similarly to more expensive coated strings, offering a cost-effective alternative to Elixir and D'Addario XS.

    Source
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4.5 out of 5

Based on 2 Reviews and 5 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
martyn_ford

Best strings I have used

Ernie Ball Cobalts are the best guitar strings I have ever used. Good tone, good output and phenomenal playability

kuppet

kinda sucks tbh

= too much gunk :(.

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Syu uses Ernie Ball Hybrid Slinky Cobalt Guitar Strings (9-46)

Syu

Guitarist

Galneryus

...
Verified via Twitter

In a tweet made by Syu in March 16th of 2017, it is shown that he uses Ernie Ball Slinky Cobalt 9-46 guitar strings.

Genre Usage

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