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Description

Unleash the full potential of your bass guitar with the Ernie Ball Power Slinky Cobalt Flatwound Bass Strings (55-110). These strings are designed for bassists who crave that powerful, full-bodied tone that can only be achieved through Cobalt-plated steel wire wrapping. The unique composition delivers an extended dynamic range and exceptional clarity, allowing every note to resonate with precision and punch.

Crafted with a hexagonal steel core wire, these strings provide unparalleled strength and stability, ensuring they withstand intense playing sessions while maintaining superior intonation. Whether you're laying down a rock-solid groove or exploring complex jazz lines, the smooth feel of the flatwound design reduces finger noise, making them ideal for both studio recording and live performances.

Proudly manufactured in Southern California, these strings not only promise top-notch performance but also come with environmentally friendly packaging, reflecting Ernie Ball's commitment to sustainability. Elevate your sound and experience the difference with these meticulously engineered bass strings.

Key Features:

  • Gauge sizes: .055, .075, .090, .110
  • Hexagonal steel core wire for enhanced durability
  • Cobalt-plated steel wire wrapping for an extended range and clarity
  • Smooth flatwound design minimizes finger noise
  • Made in Southern California with eco-friendly packaging

Product specs

Brand Ernie Ball
Model 2731 Cobalt Power Slinky Electric Bass Strings (55-110)
Finish Silver
Year 2010s
Categories Bass Guitar Strings

FAQs

What tone characteristics can I expect from the Ernie Ball Power Slinky Cobalt Flatwound Bass Strings?

These strings offer a powerful combination of flatwound smoothness with the enhanced output and clarity of cobalt, providing a rich, warm tone with pronounced mids and lows, ideal for genres like jazz, R&B, and reggae.

Are the Ernie Ball Power Slinky Cobalt Flatwound Bass Strings suitable for all bass guitar types?

Yes, these strings are designed to fit most standard electric bass guitars, providing a solid and dynamic sound across various styles and setups.

How do the Cobalt Flatwound Bass Strings compare to traditional flatwound strings?

The cobalt construction offers increased magnetic interaction with pickups, resulting in a brighter, more articulate sound compared to traditional flatwounds, which are typically warmer and more subdued.

What gauge are the Ernie Ball Power Slinky Cobalt Flatwound Bass Strings?

These strings come in a heavier gauge of 55-110, offering more tension and a robust tone, ideal for players seeking a thicker sound and greater string control.

Are these strings durable for frequent playing and gigging?

Yes, the cobalt material provides enhanced durability and longevity, maintaining tone and playability even with regular use, making them suitable for both studio and live performance settings.

Oliver Tobyn

Oliver Tobyn

Do they sound like roundwound strings? | Ernie Ball Cobalt Flatwound

Video thumbnail for Do they sound like roundwound strings? | Ernie Ball Cobalt Flatwound by Oliver Tobyn

Do they sound like roundwound strings? | Ernie Ball Cobalt Flatwound

Oliver Tobyn

Oliver Tobyn

Video thumbnail for Ernie Ball Cobalt Flats | DEMO by IvanBassist

Ernie Ball Cobalt Flats | DEMO

IvanBassist

IvanBassist

Video thumbnail for Why I switched to Ernie Ball Slinky Cobalt  Flatwound Bass Strings by Searcy String Works

Why I switched to Ernie Ball Slinky Cobalt Flatwound Bass Strings

Searcy String Works

Searcy String Works

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Ernie Ball Power Slinky Cobalt Flatwound Bass Strings (55-110).

Features and functionality

  • Ernie Ball Cobalt Flats have a cobalt alloy outer wrap, offering higher magnetic output and a brighter tone than traditional flatwounds.

    Source
  • Lighter gauge B strings offer a more consistent tonal match across all strings, enhancing clarity in scales and reducing tonal disparity.

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Mods and upgrades

  • Using WD40 or alcohol to wipe down Cobalt Flats before use can remove machine oil and prevent a metallic smell.

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Use cases and applications

  • Cobalt Flats are recommended for players who want a flatwound feel but with a sound closer to roundwounds, suitable for slap bass techniques.

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  • Ernie Ball Power Slinky Cobalt Flats in BEAD tuning are favored for genres like jazz and prog, offering melodic versatility on the upper frets of the B string.

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Setup and maintenance

  • Players tuning to C may benefit from using the lighter tension of Cobalt Flats to ease bending.

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  • Using lighter gauge B strings (.110 or .115) on a 34" scale bass can improve intonation and sustain, especially when tuning to BEAD.

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User experience

  • Cobalt Flats are noted for retaining brightness longer on basses with Kent Armstrong Claymore pickups compared to dual rail pickups.

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  • Owners report improved tonal consistency and satisfaction switching from heavier (.130) to lighter (.110) B strings, citing better balance across the fretboard.

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Comparisons

  • Compared to LaBella flats, Cobalt Flats are less polished and more grabby initially but provide a versatile sound for aggressive bass styles.

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  • Dunlop Super Brights with a .120 B string provide a less boomy tone compared to D'Addario EXL170SLs with a .130 gauge.

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Artist usage

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See how BrownMark uses Ernie Ball Power Slinky Cobalt Flatwound Bass Strings (55-110)

BrownMark

Singer, Bassist

The Revolution

...
Verified via MusicRadar

How are you recreating that classic sound these days?

“My sound is simple. I learned this from Prince: get rid of all active electronics. I play a passive Fender Geddy Lee Jazz with heavy-gauge Ernie Ball Cobalt flatwounds on the E, A and D strings. Flatwound strings are funky. My G string is a medium round-wound GHS Boomer for that bright pluck. The only thing fancy is a Boss Super Octave so I can go low. Bass in your face!”

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 Power Slinky Cobalt Flatwound Bass Strings (55-110), it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Boss OC-3 Super Octave
Boss OC-3 Super Octave Harmonizer & Octave Effects Pedals
1

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