Pricing and availability

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

Sweetwater
4.5 (9)
$39.99
Guitar Center
5.0 (5)
$39.99
Amazon
4.6 (545)
$39.99 New
$22.04 Used (Like New)
Reverb
5.0 (1)
$34.12 New
$39.99 Used
Musician's Friend
4.0 (13)
$39.99
Thomann
4.5 (142)
$32.00

Price History

Based on price data from 4 merchants for "Ernie Ball Hybrid Slinky Cobalt Bass Strings (45-105)". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

Experience a new level of performance with the Ernie Ball Hybrid Slinky Cobalt Bass Strings (45-105). Crafted with a unique combination of Super Slinky and Regular Slinky gauges, these strings redefine the standards of bass guitar strings. A breakthrough in string technology, these strings offer exceptional tonal range, dynamic responsiveness, and remarkable longevity.

The Ernie Ball Cobalt Bass Strings stand out for their unparalleled magnetic interaction with pickups due to the cobalt alloy, the most magnetically active alloy on the planet. This interaction results in a significantly higher output, delivering a stronger, punchier sound with crisp highs and robust lows. Moreover, these strings offer unmatched flexibility and resistance to sweat and moisture, outperforming other nickel wound strings on the market.

Enhance your bass guitar performance with these strings' superior sustain, clarity, and output. Comfortable under the fingers, they allow a smooth glide for effortless execution of fast passages. Produced in the USA, these strings maintain the high-quality standards that Ernie Ball is renowned for, ensuring consistent performance and extended lifespan.

Key Features:

  • Cobalt alloy for maximum magnetic interaction with pickups
  • Combination of Super Slinky and Regular Slinky gauges
  • High output for a punchier sound
  • Resistant to sweat and moisture
  • Unmatched flexibility compared to nickel wound strings
  • Superior sustain, clarity, and output
  • Comfortable under the fingers for effortless execution of fast passages
  • Made in the USA
  • Gauges: .045, .065, .085, .105

Product specs

Guitar Type Electric Bass
Number of Strings 4
Coated No
Gauges .045, .065, .085, .105
Winding Type Round Wound
Core Material Steel
Winding Material Iron/Cobalt Alloy
Scale Length Long

FAQs

What are the tonal characteristics of Ernie Ball Hybrid Slinky Cobalt Bass Strings?

Ernie Ball Hybrid Slinky Cobalt Bass Strings are known for their enhanced output and clarity, offering a bright and punchy tone. The cobalt alloy provides a stronger magnetic relationship with pickups, resulting in a more dynamic and expressive sound.

Are Ernie Ball Hybrid Slinky Cobalt Bass Strings suitable for all playing styles?

These strings are versatile and can accommodate a range of playing styles, from fingerstyle to slap bass. Their balanced tension and dynamic response make them suitable for various genres, including rock, funk, and jazz.

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

Cobalt strings generally offer a brighter and more articulate sound compared to traditional nickel-wound strings. They also provide a stronger magnetic interaction with pickups, enhancing overall output and sustain.

Do Ernie Ball Hybrid Slinky Cobalt Bass Strings maintain tuning stability well?

Yes, these strings are designed to offer excellent tuning stability. The cobalt alloy and hex core construction help ensure consistent performance and reliable tuning, even during extended playing sessions.

Are Ernie Ball Hybrid Slinky Cobalt Bass Strings suitable for long-scale bass guitars?

Yes, these strings are designed for long-scale bass guitars, providing a perfect fit and optimal tension for instruments with a standard scale length.

Bill Plays Bass

Bill Plays Bass

Ernie Ball Cobalt Slinky bass strings - What sorcery is this? A very unique string indeed.

Video thumbnail for Ernie Ball Cobalt Slinky bass strings - What sorcery is this?  A very unique string indeed. by Bill Plays Bass

Ernie Ball Cobalt Slinky bass strings - What sorcery is this? A very unique string indeed.

Bill Plays Bass

Bill Plays Bass

Video thumbnail for Elixir NANOWEB Nickel Plated (45/105) 🔥VS🔥 Ernie Ball 2833 HYBRID SLINKY (45/105) by Pepo Vidal

Elixir NANOWEB Nickel Plated (45/105) 🔥VS🔥 Ernie Ball 2833 HYBRID SLINKY (45/105)

Pepo Vidal

Pepo Vidal

Reviews

PROS

  • Outstanding clarity, tone, and stability across various bass models

  • Long-lasting brightness and crunchiness in sound

  • Provides a full, loud B string with pronounced highs on D/G

  • Works well with both fingers and picks

  • Suitable for headless bass systems

  • Retains tune well after initial break-in

  • Bright, aggressive tone compared to other brands

  • Fairly priced for high performance

  • Distinctive, amplified upgrade over standard strings

CONS

  • Slightly rougher texture compared to smoother strings

  • Prone to rust more quickly

  • Occasional defect with strings unraveling or breaking

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 Bass Strings (45-105).

User experience

  • Ernie Ball Cobalt rounds can feel rough, similar to stainless steel strings, which may not suit users preferring smoother textures.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • Cobalt flats blend the low-end "slam" of flats with a grindy treble similar to rounds, offering a unique hybrid tone.

    Source
  • They offer a bright, punchy sound that suits styles requiring extra top-end like rock or jazz on a passive jazz bass.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Cobalt rounds may cause fast fret wear, especially on non-stainless frets, akin to the effect of a Dremel tool.

    Source
  • Some users report rapid corrosion, particularly on the E string, even with regular cleaning, leading to premature wear.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Cobalt flats maintain their brightness longer than some flats but eventually lose their high-end sparkle after extended use.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Cobalt flats provide more articulation on short-scale basses, enhancing clarity and note definition.

    Source
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5.0 out of 5

Based on 2 Reviews and 7 Ratings

5 star
4 star
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1 star
snijbonenmolen

Great step up

Great step up from the normal hybrid slinkies I've been using before (and still use for my first bass, the cobalts give of a nice sound and play well enough whether you prefer your fingers or a pick.

skylinerr

loving them

really fond of these using them more than the rs66lds as it seems but i will always have some strung with rotos

Genres:

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Mike Dirnt uses Ernie Ball Hybrid Slinky Cobalt Bass Strings (45-105)

Mike Dirnt

Singer, Guitarist

Green Day

...
Verified via YouTube

They're shown several times in the video, most noticeably at 2:40.

See how Rex Brown uses Ernie Ball Hybrid Slinky Cobalt Bass Strings (45-105)

Rex Brown

Bassist

Pantera

...
Verified via YouTube

In the video Rex says he plays hybrid cobalt slinky bass strings

See how Linus Klausenitzer uses Ernie Ball Hybrid Slinky Cobalt Bass Strings (45-105)

Linus Klausenitzer

Bassist

Obscura

...
Verified via Photo

Linus uses this set with single .135 and .032.

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 Hybrid Slinky Cobalt Bass Strings (45-105), it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Community setups

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joaoribeiro

joaoribeiro

Gear IQ 573

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