Pricing and availability

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

Sweetwater
3.0 (2)
$14.99
Guitar Center
4.5 (10)
$14.99
Amazon
4.8 (1870)
$14.99
Reverb
4.0 (1)
$9.12 27 available New
Musician's Friend
4.0 (2)
$14.99

Price History

Based on price data from 4 merchants for "Ernie Ball Regular Slinky 7-String Cobalt Guitar Strings (10-56)". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

Elevate your 7-string guitar's performance with the Ernie Ball Regular Slinky 7-String Cobalt Guitar Strings (10-56), where innovation meets tradition. These strings are engineered for those who seek the ultimate in clarity and tonal versatility. The cobalt wrapping not only extends your range but also enriches harmonics, ensuring every note you play is distinct and full-bodied. Perfect for musicians aiming to push the boundaries of genre and technique.

Key Features:

  • Gauge sizes: .010, .013, .017, .026, .036, .046, .056, tailored for 7-string guitars
  • Hexagonal steel core wire provides enhanced durability and tuning stability
  • Cobalt-plated steel wire wrapping boosts output and clarity
  • Eco-friendly packaging, reflecting a commitment to sustainability

Product specs

Guitar Type 7-string Electric Guitar
Number of Strings 7
Coated No
Gauges .010, .013, .017, .026, .036, .046, .056
Core Material Steel
Winding Material Iron/cobalt alloy
Winding Type Round Wound

FAQs

What are the benefits of using Ernie Ball Regular Slinky 7-String Cobalt Guitar Strings?

These strings offer increased output and clarity due to their iron/cobalt alloy winding, providing a brighter and more dynamic tone. They also enhance the magnetic relationship between pickups and strings, resulting in improved sustain and tonal response.

Are Ernie Ball Regular Slinky 7-String Cobalt Strings suitable for drop tuning?

Yes, the .010-.056 gauge provides a balanced tension suitable for standard tuning and can handle drop tunings effectively, making them versatile for various playing styles and genres.

How do Ernie Ball Cobalt Strings compare to nickel-wound strings?

Cobalt strings provide a stronger magnetic relationship with pickups, offering higher output and a more pronounced midrange compared to traditional nickel-wound strings, which tend to have a warmer tone.

Are these Ernie Ball strings coated or uncoated?

The Ernie Ball Regular Slinky 7-String Cobalt Guitar Strings are uncoated, which can offer a more natural feel and sound, although they may not last as long as coated strings.

What type of guitar are these strings designed for?

These strings are specifically designed for 7-string electric guitars, providing the necessary tension and tonal clarity for extended range instruments.

Reviews

PROS

  • Enhanced punchy tone with a clear, vibrant sound

  • Excellent durability and longevity compared to regular strings

  • Significant improvement in tone quality for seasoned players

  • Resonates with pitch-perfect stability and accurate harmonics

  • Great for reducing midrange congestion in certain guitar setups

  • Ultra-clear sound, particularly on the low B string

  • Controlled and quiet, with less ringing between nut and tuners

CONS

  • Wound strings feel loose at standard tuning, especially for lower tunings

  • Rougher texture than some players might be used to

  • Potential risk of scratching frets, especially on high-end guitars

  • Less midrange presence compared to some other strings

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Ernie Ball Regular Slinky 7-String Cobalt Guitar Strings (10-56).

User experience

  • Some players using .09-.52 gauge strings for B tuning report adequate tension, though results may vary based on guitar type and personal preference.

    Source
  • Ernie Ball Regular Slinky 7-String Cobalts are noted for their bright tone and ideal tension, although they might not last as long as other options.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • For non-metal genres, artists like Ichika Nito and Yvette Young use 7-string guitars, exploring tunings outside the metal norm.

    Source
  • Players find 10-62 gauge Cobalt Slinkys suitable for drop G on a 26.5" scale, with positive feedback on feel and sound quality for drop A as well.

    Source
  • Cobalts are recommended for tightening up bass sounds, making them suitable for genres needing clear low-end response, like doom metal.

    Source
  • Lighter strings are suggested for metal, as heavier strings can add muddiness due to overtone clashes, especially in 7-string guitar setups.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • Custom sets like StringJoy allow for a .074 low A string combined with a lighter gauge for the other strings, offering both clarity and playability.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Experimenting with EQ settings, such as reducing low mids, can help address muddiness in lower tunings with thicker strings.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • For balanced string tension in drop A, a combination of 10 on the high strings and a .68 on the low strings is suggested, with roughly 16-20 lbs tension.

    Source
  • A .74 gauge string on a 25.5" scale guitar can lead to muddy tones; a .62 or .64 gauge may offer better clarity and tension for drop A tuning.

    Source
  • Thicker strings in low tunings can result in a "woofy" tone with slow bass response, especially under distortion or fuzz effects.

    Source
  • For B standard tuning on a 25.5" scale, string gauges around 12-60 are commonly used, but proper guitar setup is crucial to avoid tension issues.

    Source
  • Ernie Ball Regular Slinky 7-String Cobalts work well in B standard on a 25.5" scale, offering good balance without needing excessive tension adjustment.

    Source
  • A 25.5" scale length is commonly paired with 10-59 gauge strings, offering balanced tension for both standard and slightly lower tunings.

    Source
  • Thicker gauges like a .70 low string enable low action without fret buzz, even achieving 1.8mm action smoothly.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Users compare using 10-74 from an 8-string set for drop A tuning to a regular 7-string set, noting potential muddiness with the thicker 8th string.

    Source
  • Users find Cobalts to have a warmer and darker tone than nickel strings, which may not suit all heavy metal styles.

    Source
  • Ernie Ball Cobalts are recommended as a lovely off-the-shelf option compared to D'Addario XLs, with better sound quality despite shorter lifespan.

    Source

5.0 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 1 Rating

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Stephen Rutishauser uses Ernie Ball Regular Slinky 7-String Cobalt Guitar Strings (10-56)

Stephen Rutishauser

Guitarist

Chelsea Grin

...
Verified via Ernie Ball Music Man

"As far as gear goes, though, I don’t ever worry about my guitars. I set them up myself, and we have guitar techs for the road, but on stage, I never have and issues. Sometimes I worry about strings if I get lazy and “forget” to change them for a little too long, then I start thinking about it. But, I play the Ernie Ball 7-String Cobalts, and they’re very durable, so that helps."

See how Taylor Lumley uses Ernie Ball Regular Slinky 7-String Cobalt Guitar Strings (10-56)

Taylor Lumley

Guitarist

Beartooth

...
Verified via YouTube

In the interview with Ernie ball, Taylor says that he uses the 56-10 seven string set, but removes the 26 Guage string.

See how JUSTUS HAJAS uses Ernie Ball Regular Slinky 7-String Cobalt Guitar Strings (10-56)

JUSTUS HAJAS

Guitarist

...
Verified via Instagram

In an Instagram reel, JUSTUS HAJAS shows a pack of Ernie Ball Regular Slinky 7-String Cobalt Guitar Strings (10-56)

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 7-String Cobalt Guitar Strings (10-56), it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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