Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 5 stores. Prices updated .

Sweetwater
5.0 (2)
$12.99
Guitar Center
4.0 (9)
$12.99
Amazon
4.6 (277)
Used
Reverb
5.0 (2)
$12.99 21 available New
Musician's Friend
4.0 (2)
$12.99

Price History

Based on price data from 3 merchants for "Ernie Ball M-Steel Power Slinky Guitar Strings (11-48)". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

Unleash the true potential of your guitar with the Ernie Ball M-Steel Power Slinky Guitar Strings. Designed for the guitarist who demands more, these strings blend the durability of maraging steel, commonly found in aerospace engineering, with the Power Slinky gauge for a playing experience that's both robust and nuanced. Perfect for those who push their music to the limit, these strings offer an unmatched combination of heavy tone and high output, ensuring your performance cuts through with clarity and precision.

Key Features:

  • Made with maraging steel, offering exceptional strength and durability
  • Power Slinky gauge (.011, .014, .018p, .028, .038, .048) for a balanced feel
  • High output design ensures your guitar's tone is always clear and prominent
  • Engineered for longevity, resisting wear under heavy play
  • Ideal for a wide range of musical styles, from rock to jazz

Product specs

Guitar Type Electric Guitar
Number of Strings 6
Coated No
Gauges .011, .014, .018p, .028w, .038, .048
Core Material Maraging Steel
Winding Material Super Cobalt Alloy
Winding Type Round Wound

FAQs

What makes Ernie Ball M-Steel Power Slinky Guitar Strings unique?

Ernie Ball M-Steel Power Slinky strings feature a maraging steel core and super cobalt alloy winding, providing enhanced output, clarity, and durability. These materials offer a powerful, punchy tone ideal for rock and blues genres.

Are Ernie Ball M-Steel Power Slinky strings suitable for drop tuning?

Yes, the 11-48 gauge of the Ernie Ball M-Steel Power Slinky strings provides enough tension for stable drop tuning, making them a good choice for players who frequently use alternate tunings.

How do Ernie Ball M-Steel Power Slinky strings compare to regular Power Slinky strings?

The M-Steel Power Slinky strings offer a higher output and more durability due to their maraging steel core and super cobalt alloy winding, compared to the regular Power Slinky strings.

Are Ernie Ball M-Steel Power Slinky strings good for heavy strumming?

Yes, with their thicker gauge and robust construction, Ernie Ball M-Steel Power Slinky strings are well-suited for heavy strumming, providing a full, resonant sound without sacrificing durability.

Do Ernie Ball M-Steel Power Slinky strings maintain tuning well?

Yes, the maraging steel core of the Ernie Ball M-Steel Power Slinky strings contributes to excellent tuning stability, even under rigorous playing conditions.

Ernie Ball

Ernie Ball

The Burst Brothers and M-Steel Slinky Guitar Strings

Video thumbnail for The Burst Brothers and M-Steel Slinky Guitar Strings by Ernie Ball

The Burst Brothers and M-Steel Slinky Guitar Strings

Ernie Ball

Ernie Ball

Reviews

PROS

  • Exceptional acoustic brightness and clarity, even when unplugged

  • High output and dynamic range suitable for hard rock and metal

  • Maintains tuning stability better than many other brands

  • Enhances aggressive sound while preserving bluesy tones

  • Quick break-in period, becoming smooth after initial roughness

  • Adds significant body and girth to Fender guitars

  • Ideal for alternate/drop tunings due to added tension

  • Delivers a punchy, articulate tone with minimal effort

  • Provides a crisp, chimey ring on clean channels

  • Resistant to breaking under normal playing conditions

CONS

  • Can feel rough and stiff initially for some users

  • Prone to corrosion and string breakage over time

  • Higher price point compared to standard strings

  • Overpowering low end may not suit all pickup types

  • Harder to fret and bend due to increased tension

  • Some users find them to be less durable than expected

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Ernie Ball M-Steel Power Slinky Guitar Strings (11-48).

Setup and maintenance

  • Some users suggest adjusting the tremolo hook to compensate for tension changes when using a tremolo system with these strings.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • These strings are noted for performing well in Eb tuning on a PRS SE 24, particularly for those playing heavier or groove metal styles.

    Source
  • These strings are described as potentially too heavy for Eb tuning, being more suitable for drop C or D standard tunings.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Users find the tension on the M-Steel Power Slinky set uneven and prefer D’Addario balanced tension 11’s for more uniform feel.

    Source

User experience

  • Despite the heavier gauge, some owners enjoy the "spongey" feel of these strings in certain tunings.

    Source
  • A transition to 10-52 strings allowed for easier bending on high strings while maintaining a beefy low end, highlighting a preference shift for some players.

    Source

5.0 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 6 Ratings

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Artist usage

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See how Jason Richardson uses Ernie Ball M-Steel Power Slinky Guitar Strings (11-48)

Jason Richardson

Guitarist

Chelsea Grin

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The M-Steel Power Slinky set you can see on the left side

Genre Usage

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

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