Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 6 stores. Prices updated .

Sweetwater
4.0 (8)
$12.99 $10.99 $2.00 · All time low
Guitar Center
4.5 (31)
$10.99
Amazon
4.7 (919)
$10.99
Musician's Friend
4.0 (16)
$10.99

Price History

Based on price data from 4 merchants for "Ernie Ball Skinny Top Heavy Bottom Cobalt Guitar Strings (10-52)". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

Crafted for guitarists who crave the perfect balance between soaring solos and powerhouse rhythms, the Ernie Ball Skinny Top Heavy Bottom Cobalt Guitar Strings (10-52) are a game-changer in the realm of string technology. Designed with an innovative cobalt alloy, these strings provide an enhanced magnetic connection with your pickups, resulting in a richer output and astonishing clarity. Whether you're diving into intricate solos or laying down thick, resonant riffs, these strings offer a silky feel that makes playing effortless.

Unlike traditional alloys, the cobalt formulation not only enhances the sonic profile but also extends the lifespan of the strings, making them a cost-effective choice for serious musicians. The unique hybrid gauge allows for expressive bending on the lighter strings, while the heavier bottom strings deliver robust lows with defined growl. Players like Slash and John Petrucci endorse the Cobalt series for its unmatched flexibility and tonal depth, making these strings a favorite among pros.

Aimed at delivering an unparalleled playing experience, Ernie Ball's Cobalt series strings are precision engineered to meet the highest standards, ensuring consistency and optimum performance every time you pick up your guitar.

Key Features:

  • Innovative cobalt alloy for enhanced magnetic interaction
  • Hybrid gauge: .010, .013, .017, .030, .042, .052
  • Improved sustain, clarity, and output
  • Longer lifespan than traditional guitar strings
  • Made in the USA for assured quality and performance

Product specs

Guitar Type Electric Guitar
Number of Strings 6
Coated No
Gauges .010, .013, .017, .030, .042, .052
Core Material Steel
Winding Material Iron/cobalt alloy
Winding Type Round Wound

FAQs

What are Ernie Ball Skinny Top Heavy Bottom Cobalt strings best suited for?

These strings are ideal for guitarists who play in drop-D or other alternative tunings, offering a balance of bright, bendable treble strings and thicker, more robust bass strings for powerful rhythm playing.

How do Ernie Ball Cobalt strings differ from regular nickel-wound strings?

Ernie Ball Cobalt strings provide a stronger magnetic relationship with pickups, resulting in higher output and enhanced clarity, while also offering a smoother feel and increased longevity compared to traditional nickel-wound strings.

Are Ernie Ball Skinny Top Heavy Bottom Cobalt strings suitable for beginners?

Yes, these strings can be suitable for beginners who are exploring heavier styles or alternative tunings, as they offer both playability on the treble strings and stability on the bass strings.

What is the benefit of the cobalt material in these guitar strings?

The cobalt material in these strings enhances the magnetic interaction with pickups, leading to improved output and clarity, along with a more comfortable playing feel and extended string life compared to standard materials.

Do Ernie Ball Skinny Top Heavy Bottom Cobalt strings work well for metal music?

Yes, these strings are well-suited for metal music due to their ability to maintain clarity and definition in lower tunings, while also providing bright, articulate treble tones for solos and leads.

AskAGuitarPro

AskAGuitarPro

Ernie Ball (Skinny Top, Heavy Bottom) Guitar String Demo

Video thumbnail for Ernie Ball (Skinny Top, Heavy Bottom) Guitar String Demo by AskAGuitarPro

Ernie Ball (Skinny Top, Heavy Bottom) Guitar String Demo

AskAGuitarPro

AskAGuitarPro

Reviews

PROS

  • Silky smooth feel, ideal for bending and pinch harmonics

  • Strong magnetic pickup reaction enhances sound clarity

  • Dramatic improvement in tone across the entire frequency spectrum

  • Increased harmonics and sympathetic overtones enrich sound

  • Highly durable, lasting through extensive use without breakages

  • Versatile sound, great with distortion and clean tones

  • Easy tuning adjustments, stays in tune well

  • Adds rich color and depth to tone, even with power chords

  • Warm, bright tone with high-end and deep bass

  • Not coated, preserving natural sound quality

CONS

  • Strings may feel "stringy" and loose for some users

  • Tends to dull more quickly than standard strings

  • Extra brightness might lack lower tone richness

  • May accentuate pick chirp due to increased output

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Ernie Ball Skinny Top Heavy Bottom Cobalt Guitar Strings (10-52).

Setup and maintenance

  • Owners suggest using a piece of the old string to gently file the nut for a proper fit of the 52-gauge string.

    Source
  • It's noted that a new nut and setup by a guitar tech is advisable for switching to heavy gauge strings, preserving the original nut for potential reversion.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • For those who want to switch back and forth, buying a replacement nut and saddle is suggested, to be customized for specific string gauges.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • It's reported that strings do not need to fit entirely into grooves; they should only be centered, as some saddles are notched for this purpose.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Several users successfully use Skinny Top Heavy Bottom strings on six-string guitars, highlighting their versatility for different setups.

    Source
  • These strings are ideal for metal due to their ability to produce big, booming low-end tones and squealy high notes, catering to rhythm and lead transitions.

    Source
  • The set is particularly suited for drop tuning, maintaining tension similar to standard tuning, especially beneficial for those frequently using drop D or similar tunings.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners report that Skinny Top Heavy Bottom strings are particularly well-suited for the Gibson SG, enhancing its playability for both rhythm and lead styles.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Users note that these strings offer a balance similar to a 10-52 set on a 25.5-inch scale when tuned to Eb standard, providing a familiar feel on different guitar models.

    Source
Add

5.0 out of 5

Based on 3 Reviews and 18 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
fleshwound

Good strings

They're got so much clarity, they refuse to break, I can get a good grip on them and I can play Standard, E Flat and Drop D with them, although the guitars I have them on fret buzz more than the guitars with normal strings.

justinmpatrick

Good strings :)

I love these strings, very clear tone, very good feel. Easy for bending, sliding, and they increased the sustain for me

king_andrew

The best string I even used

More output and comfortable than SLINKY CLASSIC ROCK N ROLL string

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Dave Baksh uses Ernie Ball Skinny Top Heavy Bottom Cobalt Guitar Strings (10-52)

Dave Baksh

Guitarist

Sum 41

...
Verified via Photo

dave uses a set of ernie ball slinky cobalt strings

See how Ryan "Fluff" Bruce uses Ernie Ball Skinny Top Heavy Bottom Cobalt Guitar Strings (10-52)

Ryan "Fluff" Bruce

Guitarist, Music Producer

Dragged Under

...
Verified via Photo

In the "String Guide 2021" video on Instagram, Ryan Bruce showcases the Ernie Ball Skinny Top Heavy Bottom Cobalt Guitar Strings (10-52) as part of his gear setup.

See how Syu uses Ernie Ball Skinny Top Heavy Bottom Cobalt Guitar Strings (10-52)

Syu

Guitarist

Galneryus

...
Verified via Twitter

In a tweet made by Syu on March 28th, 2018, he is seen using Ernie Ball Cobalt 10-52 strings.

See how Dean Richardson uses Ernie Ball Skinny Top Heavy Bottom Cobalt Guitar Strings (10-52)

Dean Richardson

Guitarist

Frank Carter & The Rattlesnakes

...
Verified via Photo

Dean Richardson uses Ernie Ball Skinny Top Heavy Bottom Cobalt Guitar Strings (10-52), as shown in his Instagram post thanking Ernie Ball for supporting his performances throughout the summer with Frank Carter & The Rattlesnakes.

Genre Usage

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

Community setups

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ryancas95

ryancas95

Gear IQ 294

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