Pricing and availability

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Price History

Based on price data from 3 merchants for "Ernie Ball Custom Gauge Guitar Strings". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

Elevate your musical expression with the Ernie Ball Custom Gauge Guitar Strings, a staple choice for discerning guitarists since the early 1960s. Born from a desire to craft a lighter, more responsive string, Ernie Ball revolutionized the way players interact with their instruments. Whether you're strumming gentle chords or shredding electrifying solos, these strings promise unparalleled performance.

Each string is meticulously crafted with nickel-plated steel wire, perfectly wrapped around a hex-shaped steel core to deliver a bright and balanced tone. The addition of a wound G string not only enhances the tonal richness but also provides an exceptional feel under your fingers. Designed for reliability and longevity, these strings are an ideal companion for both practice sessions and live performances.

Join the community of musicians who trust Ernie Ball to bring out the best in their sound. With a legacy of quality and innovation, these strings are more than just an accessory — they are an extension of your musical journey.

Key Features:

  • Wound G string for enhanced tonal richness
  • Tin-plated hex steel core for durability
  • Nickel-plated steel wrap for bright, balanced tone
  • Custom gauge: .011/.011, .015/.015, .024w/.010, .030/.014, .042/.022w, .052/.028

Product specs

Guitar Type 12-string Electric Guitar
Number of Strings 12
Coated No
Gauges .011/.011, .015/.015, .024w/.010, .030w/.014, .042w/.022w, .052w/.028w
Core Material Hexagonal Steel
Winding Material Nickel Plated Steel
Winding Type Round Wound

FAQs

Are Ernie Ball Custom Gauge Guitar Strings suitable for a 12-string electric guitar?

Yes, these strings are specifically designed for 12-string electric guitars, offering a balanced tension and enhanced playability across all strings.

What are the benefits of using nickel-plated steel for Ernie Ball Custom Gauge Guitar Strings?

Nickel-plated steel provides a bright, clear tone with excellent magnetic properties, making these strings ideal for electric guitars while ensuring durability and a smooth feel.

What is the gauge range for Ernie Ball Custom Gauge Guitar Strings?

These strings have a gauge range of .011 to .052, providing a balanced tension suitable for various playing styles and offering a full, rich tone.

Are Ernie Ball Custom Gauge Guitar Strings coated?

No, these strings are not coated, which allows for a natural feel and vibrant tone, though they may require more frequent changes to maintain optimal performance.

How does the hexagonal steel core affect the performance of Ernie Ball Custom Gauge Guitar Strings?

The hexagonal steel core enhances tuning stability and string longevity by providing a strong, consistent core that supports the nickel-plated winding.

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Ernie Ball Custom Gauge Guitar Strings.

Setup and maintenance

  • Custom gauge strings may require nut filing, especially with larger gauges like 72s used for Drop A tuning on 7-string guitars.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Players using 10-52 Slinky Top Heavy Bottom sets find them suitable for Drop C# and Drop F#/B tunings on both 24.75" and 25.5" scale guitars.

    Source

User experience

  • Some owners prefer wound third strings for drop tunings like Drop C, offering a different feel and tension balance.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • Custom sets allow for balanced tension across strings, catering to players who desire consistent tension for their playing style, especially with hard picking.

    Source
Add

5.0 out of 5

Based on 3 Reviews and 6 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
skylinerr

Nice for leads

I use them on my les paul and sg exclusively love the super light gauge

Genres:
john_mccants

Blues lead guitar strings

I use these strings for playing blues lead guitar on my lead-dedicated Epiphone Les Paul.

tyree_mckelton

Replacement for Fender 150XL

I use a custom gauge set based on the discontinued Fender 150XL set. The gauges are .009, .011, .015, .024, .032, and .040

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Jim Root uses Ernie Ball Custom Gauge Guitar Strings

Jim Root

Guitarist

Slipknot

...
Verified via Ernie Ball Blog

In this post, it says Jim uses custom gauge 11-58 Ernie Balls.

See how Frank Zappa uses Ernie Ball Custom Gauge Guitar Strings

Frank Zappa

Singer, Guitarist

The Plastic Ono Band

...
Verified via Killuglyradio

What kind of picks and strings do you use? "I use Fender Heavy picks, and I use a different set of strings for each guitar, and I have about 22 guitars. To give you an idea, I use either an .008 or .009 on top [E], an .011 or .012 on the B, a .016 or .017 on the G, a .024 on the D, anywhere from a.032 to a .038 on the A, and anywhere from a .046 to a .052 on the low E. So it's medium on the bottom strings, and they're mainly all Ernie Balls. " - from the Guitar Player interview in 1977, written down on Frank Zappa Wiki "Wiki "Jawaka"

See how Glenn Tipton uses Ernie Ball Custom Gauge Guitar Strings

Glenn Tipton

Guitarist, Keyboardist

Judas Priest

...
Verified via Photo

Before switching to the RPS 10-46 for E flat, Tipton used to use a custom set of RPS .009, .011 and .016 for the top three strings and regular Nickel .028, .038, .048 for the bottom three strings. I also remember for standard tuning his gauges were .009, .009, .014, .022, .034 and .038.

See how Billy Howerdel uses Ernie Ball Custom Gauge Guitar Strings

Billy Howerdel

Guitarist, Bassist

A Perfect Circle

...
Verified via YouTube

At around 33:48 in this Premier Guitar Rig interview, he mentions he uses Ernie Ball Custom sets in these particular gauges for C♯ Standard Tuning:

c♯-13 G♯-17 E-20p B-32 F♯-44 C♯-56

See how K. K. Downing uses Ernie Ball Custom Gauge Guitar Strings

K. K. Downing

Guitarist, Composer

Judas Priest

...
Verified via Photo

This diagram shows Downing uses a custom set of Ernie Ball strings. His gauges for E flat are .008, .010, .014, .020, .030 and .040. I also remember reading that his gauges for standard were .007, .009, .012, .018, .028, and .036.

See how Ryan "Fluff" Bruce uses Ernie Ball Custom Gauge Guitar Strings

Ryan "Fluff" Bruce

Guitarist, Music Producer

Dragged Under

...
Verified via YouTube

In the 2018 Studio Tour on Riffs, Beards & Gear's YouTube channel, Ryan Bruce, also known as Fluff, discusses his use of Ernie Ball Custom Gauge Guitar Strings. He frequently customizes string gauges beyond the standard packs, highlighting his status as an Ernie Ball artist.

See how Andrew Baena uses Ernie Ball Custom Gauge Guitar Strings

Andrew Baena

Guitarist, Music Producer

Carcosa

...
Verified via YouTube

In this video Andrew changes the strings on his custom 8 string. For this guitar he uses a regular slinky 7 string pack from Ernie Ball. For the lowest string he adds a 80 gauge

See how Dan O'Connor uses Ernie Ball Custom Gauge Guitar Strings

Dan O'Connor

Guitarist

Four Year Strong

...
Verified via Premierguitar

In this rig rundown with Pemier Guitar they explain that "Like Day, O’Connor uses Ernie Ball strings, gauged .060w, .052w, .036w, .020, .014, and .011."

See how Alan Day uses Ernie Ball Custom Gauge Guitar Strings

Alan Day

Singer, Guitarist

Four Year Strong

...
Verified via Premierguitar

In a rig rundown with Premier Guitar, they explain "Day tunes his tour guitars down a whole-step to D standard and strings them with custom Ernie Ball sets, gauged .060w, .052w, .036w, .020, .014, and .011."

See how Tim Howley uses Ernie Ball Custom Gauge Guitar Strings

Tim Howley

Guitarist

Fit for an Autopsy

...
Verified via YouTube

for some of his guitars, Tim uses a custom ernie ball set. he uses a 11-50 on the first 6 string, and then a 70 on the lowest string

See how Paul C. Wilson uses Ernie Ball Custom Gauge Guitar Strings

Paul C. Wilson

Guitarist

LANDMVRKS

...
Verified via YouTube

Paul uses a custom ernie ball string set. He uses a 68-14 string guage

See how Pete Cottrell uses Ernie Ball Custom Gauge Guitar Strings

Pete Cottrell

Guitarist

...
Verified via Photo

Pete can be seen using a custom gauge ernie ball set for his guitars

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 Custom Gauge Guitar Strings, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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