Pricing and availability

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

Sweetwater
4.5 (12)
$11.99
Guitar Center
4.5 (25)
$11.99
Reverb
5.0 (1)
$9.99 New
$9.89 Used
Musician's Friend
4.0 (18)
$11.99 $8.95 $3.04 · All time low
zZounds
5.0 (1)
$11.99
Thomann
4.6 (145)
$12.90
Gear4Music
£14.99

Price History

Based on price data from 4 merchants for "Ernie Ball Cobalt Power Slinky Strings (11-48)". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

Experience a new level of string performance with the Ernie Ball Cobalt Power Slinky Strings (11-48). These strings are not just an accessory, but a revolutionary innovation that will enhance your musical performance, whether you're into hard rock or heavy metal. Crafted from a unique cobalt alloy, these strings are specifically designed to deliver higher output, improved clarity, and superior harmonic response.

The Cobalt Construction of these strings does not only ensure unparalleled output, but also provides a stronger magnetic relationship with your guitar's pickups compared to traditional nickel-plated steel. The result? A hotter signal with beefed-up lows, focused mids, and crisp highs that will ring powerfully through high-gain amps and effects.

These strings are not just about providing an impressive output but also about endurance. Designed to withstand aggressive playing styles, the cobalt alloy gives these strings superior strength over traditional nickel-plated steel strings. Even under heavy picking and tuning down, these strings retain stable intonation and offer a slick, flexible feel for speedy fretting and string bending.

Ernie Ball Cobalt Power Slinky Strings are not just made, but handcrafted in California to ensure the highest standards of quality and consistency. Experience the power, tone, and durability that these strings provide and let them be the tool to fully realize your musical visions.

Key Features:

  • Constructed from a unique cobalt alloy for superior output and endurance
  • Provides a stronger magnetic relationship with pickups for higher output
  • Designed for aggressive playing styles and tuning down
  • Delivers improved clarity and enhanced harmonic response
  • Retains stable intonation even under heavy picking
  • Offers a slick, flexible feel for speedy fretting and string bending
  • Handcrafted in California to ensure highest standards of quality and consistency
  • Gauge: .011, .014, .018, .028, .038, .048

Product specs

Guitar Type Electric Guitar
Number of Strings 6
Coated No
Gauges .011, .014, .018p, .028, .038, .048
Core Material Steel
Winding Material Iron/cobalt alloy
Winding Type Round Wound

FAQs

What are the benefits of using Ernie Ball Cobalt Power Slinky Strings for electric guitar?

Ernie Ball Cobalt Power Slinky Strings offer enhanced magnetic interaction with pickups, resulting in increased output and clarity. These strings provide a powerful, expressive tone ideal for rock and blues genres.

Are Ernie Ball Cobalt Power Slinky Strings suitable for drop tuning?

Yes, the 11-48 gauge of Ernie Ball Cobalt Power Slinky Strings provides enough tension and stability for drop tunings, making them a great choice for heavier styles and lower tunings.

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

Ernie Ball Cobalt Power Slinky Strings offer a brighter tone and increased sustain compared to regular nickel-wound strings, thanks to their iron/cobalt alloy winding material.

Do Ernie Ball Cobalt Power Slinky Strings last longer than other strings?

While not coated, Ernie Ball Cobalt Power Slinky Strings are known for their durability and gradual tonal change, maintaining their clarity and feel longer than many standard strings.

Are Ernie Ball Cobalt Power Slinky Strings suitable for beginners?

While they are suitable for players of all levels, beginners might find the thicker gauge of 11-48 slightly challenging, but they offer robust tone and stability for developing strong playing techniques.

GAK

GAK

What Guitar Strings Are Right For You? | Ernie Ball

Video thumbnail for What Guitar Strings Are Right For You? | Ernie Ball by GAK

What Guitar Strings Are Right For You? | Ernie Ball

GAK

GAK

Video thumbnail for John Petrucci Play Tests The New Ernie Ball Cobalt Electric Guitar Strings by Ernie Ball

John Petrucci Play Tests The New Ernie Ball Cobalt Electric Guitar Strings

Ernie Ball

Ernie Ball

Video thumbnail for Ernie Ball Cobalt Guitar String Introduction by Ernie Ball

Ernie Ball Cobalt Guitar String Introduction

Ernie Ball

Ernie Ball

Video thumbnail for Ernie Ball Electric Guitar Strings Comparison - The Ultimate Strings Demo! by Guitar World

Ernie Ball Electric Guitar Strings Comparison - The Ultimate Strings Demo!

Guitar World

Guitar World

Video thumbnail for Kenny Wayne Shepherd Play Tests The New Ernie Ball Cobalt Electric Guitar Strings by Ernie Ball

Kenny Wayne Shepherd Play Tests The New Ernie Ball Cobalt Electric Guitar Strings

Ernie Ball

Ernie Ball

Video thumbnail for Ernie Ball: Slinky, Cobalt, M-Steel, Paradigm: A 9-42 Taste Test! by Brett Kingman

Ernie Ball: Slinky, Cobalt, M-Steel, Paradigm: A 9-42 Taste Test!

Brett Kingman

Brett Kingman

Video thumbnail for Steve Morse Play Tests The New Ernie Ball Cobalt Electric Guitar Strings by Ernie Ball

Steve Morse Play Tests The New Ernie Ball Cobalt Electric Guitar Strings

Ernie Ball

Ernie Ball

Video thumbnail for Ernie Ball Cobalt Strings: Kenny Wayne Shepherd by Ernie Ball

Ernie Ball Cobalt Strings: Kenny Wayne Shepherd

Ernie Ball

Ernie Ball

Reviews

PROS

  • Exceptional harmonic response, making each note "sing" more than non-Cobalt strings

  • Retain brightness longer, reducing the need for frequent changes

  • Enhanced bass response, especially with low output pickups

  • Smooth, buttery feel, making them easier on fingers during playing

  • Clear, higher output, enhancing overall tone quality

  • Suitable for nickel allergy sufferers

  • Remain stable and in tune during performances

  • Highlight unique sound characteristics of different guitars

  • Slightly stiffer, providing stability without sacrificing playability

CONS

  • Higher price point, not ideal for budget-conscious players

  • Potentially harsh on frets, even stainless steel ones

  • Can be brittle if over-tightened, especially with powered peg winders

Owner Insights

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

Use cases and applications

  • Power Slinky strings are preferred for power and open chords, providing a rich, full sound, especially suitable for hard-hitting styles like hard rock.

    Source

User experience

  • Power Slinky strings are noticeably harder to bend, which can improve technique for players transitioning from lighter gauges.

    Source
  • Players report a stronger sound from Power Slinky strings when hitting hard, contributing to a fuller tonal experience in heavier music genres.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Thicker strings like the Power Slinky offer better tuning stability when down-tuning compared to lighter strings, making them ideal for drop-D or D standard tuning.

    Source
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5.0 out of 5

Based on 3 Reviews and 20 Ratings

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D

Perfect

I've been using Ernie Ball 2223 on my Les Paul Studio and wanted to try EXL115. The low E started to buzz a lot. I thought it was due to the gauge change (.9 to .11). I thought it needed some adjustments on the bridge, truss rod... But before trying that, I removed the strings and restring my guitar with Ernie Ball 2720 (also .11). Where is the buzz?! Gone! And more: it nailed every string tune. Maybe someday I will try EXL 115 againg, but any time soon. Now my favorite strings are Ernie Ball 2223 and Ernie Ball 2720.

trymtheguitarist

Super Strings of metal !

Tested these bad boys out playing to Standard E and Drop D songs of Rammstein, and really love how it feel in my hands playing with them on works well for Linkin Park. only downside they are expensive ( in norway)

nicklaspolan

Good for Rock

Rock music sounds much better here, use a higher gauge if you want to tune lower to D or C though.

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Slash uses Ernie Ball Cobalt Power Slinky Strings (11-48)

Slash

Guitarist

Guns N' Roses

...
Verified via Guitar Center

Slash praises the Ernie Ball Cobalt Power Slinky Strings (11-48) for their superior sound and feel, as highlighted on Guitar Center's product page.

See how Kenny Wayne Shepherd uses Ernie Ball Cobalt Power Slinky Strings (11-48)

Kenny Wayne Shepherd

Guitarist

The G3 Jam

...
Verified via YouTube

In this video, Kenny Wayne Shepherd talks about how he uses Erne Ball Cobalt strings. At the end of the videos, the Power Slinky 2720 set is shown:

Curiosity brought me to the Cobalt strings. I got my hands on several sets of them, put them on my guitars and I started using them in the live show immediately. And then my tech started telling me, by looking at the guitars and knowing how hard I am on strings and how often he normally has to change them we were both pretty impressed at the longevity of these strings. They seem a little bit louder to me then like a nickel wound string or even just a regular steel string and a little punchier. There's a little bit of graininess, grit to the wound strings which just makes me feel more in touch with the instrument. They're snappy man, they seem to have a little bit more output and if you're a guy that's spending your hard-earned cash on a regular basis and you want to really have strings that sound good but are gonna last you a long time the Cobalt is a really good option.

See how Ryan "Fluff" Bruce uses Ernie Ball Cobalt Power Slinky Strings (11-48)

Ryan "Fluff" Bruce

Guitarist, Music Producer

Dragged Under

...
Verified via Photo

In the "String Guide 2021" video on Instagram, Ryan Bruce discusses using Ernie Ball Cobalt Power Slinky Strings (11-48).

Genre Usage

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