Pricing and availability

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

Sweetwater
3.5 (7)
$12.99
Guitar Center
4.0 (30)
$12.99
Amazon
4.6 (498)
$12.99
Reverb
5.0 (4)
$10.00 New
$15.99 Used
Musician's Friend
4.0 (13)
$12.99

Price History

Based on price data from 4 merchants for "Ernie Ball M-Steel Regular Slinky Guitar Strings (10-46)". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

Elevate your guitar's performance with the Ernie Ball M-Steel Regular Slinky Guitar Strings. These strings stand out with their maraging steel construction, a material renowned for its strength and durability, ensuring your tunes carry a punch that lasts. Designed for the musician who demands quality and endurance, these strings provide an unmatched playing experience with a tone that's both rich and commanding. Perfect for genres that demand precision and clarity, they'll make your guitar sing like never before.

Key Features:

  • Made with maraging steel, known for its super strength and durability
  • Hexagonal steel string core with steel wound winding for a balanced tone
  • Gauges: .010, .013, .017, .026, .036, .046, catering to a wide range of musical styles
  • Ideal for electric guitars, offering versatility across genres

Product specs

Guitar Type Electric Guitar
Number of Strings 6
Coated No
Gauges .010, .013, .017, .026, .036, .046
Core Material Maraging Steel
Winding Material Super Cobalt Alloy
Winding Type Round Wound

FAQs

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

Ernie Ball M-Steel Regular Slinky Guitar Strings are made with a maraging steel core and super cobalt alloy winding, offering enhanced output, clarity, and durability compared to traditional strings.

Are Ernie Ball M-Steel Regular Slinky Strings suitable for all genres?

Yes, these strings provide a balanced tone and are versatile enough for a wide range of genres, from rock and blues to jazz and metal.

What is the gauge range of Ernie Ball M-Steel Regular Slinky Strings?

The gauge range for these strings is .010, .013, .017, .026, .036, .046, providing a standard light tension that is comfortable for most players.

Do Ernie Ball M-Steel Regular Slinky Strings have a coating?

No, these strings are not coated, which allows them to maintain a natural feel and sound while delivering high performance and durability.

How long do Ernie Ball M-Steel Regular Slinky Strings typically last?

While durability can vary based on playing style and frequency, the maraging steel core and super cobalt alloy winding are designed to extend the lifespan compared to conventional strings.

Guitar World

Guitar World

Ernie Ball M-Steel Strings vs Regular Slinky Strings

Video thumbnail for Ernie Ball M-Steel Strings vs Regular Slinky Strings by Guitar World

Ernie Ball M-Steel Strings vs Regular Slinky Strings

Guitar World

Guitar World

Video thumbnail for Ernie Ball Strings - Regular Slinky vs Slinky M-Steel (Comparison) by Microdomus

Ernie Ball Strings - Regular Slinky vs Slinky M-Steel (Comparison)

Microdomus

Microdomus

Video thumbnail for Ernie Ball: String Alloys - M-Steel Slinkys on the Cutlass HSS by Ernie Ball

Ernie Ball: String Alloys - M-Steel Slinkys on the Cutlass HSS

Ernie Ball

Ernie Ball

Reviews

PROS

  • Louder output enhances playing, especially for rock and metal genres.

  • Excellent tuning stability compared to other brands.

  • Clear, crisp tone even when unplugged or with distortion.

  • Long-lasting durability; less frequent string changes needed.

  • Enhanced responsiveness and articulation, ideal for fast playing and solos.

  • Versatile sound suitable for various genres from metal to blues.

  • Smooth feel after initial play; reduces friction for easy playing.

  • Good balance of tension, providing strong and punchy sound.

  • Stronger and less prone to breaking, even with heavy use.

  • Maintains tone quality over extended periods, great for long sessions.

CONS

  • Higher price point compared to other strings.

  • Initial rough feel for some users before they smooth out.

  • Increased tension may make bending more difficult.

  • Some users experience faster corrosion despite clean handling.

  • Potential for early string breakage noted by a few users.

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Ernie Ball M-Steel Regular Slinky Guitar Strings (10-46).

User experience

  • M-Steel strings maintain tuning stability longer than other Ernie Ball strings, enhancing performance reliability.

    Source
  • Paradigm strings, despite feeling and sounding like Slinkies, offer superior durability and tuning stability due to advanced treatments and reinforced ball ends.

    Source
  • Owners with a heavy playing style still experience string breakage despite M-Steel’s durability, highlighting the importance of technique in string longevity.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • M-Steel strings are particularly suited for hard rock and metal, offering a louder and brighter tone ideal for distorted sounds.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • M-Steels may cause quicker fret wear compared to nickel-plated strings, potentially leading to more frequent maintenance.

    Source
  • Switching string types, even within the same gauge, may require a setup check due to potential tension differences affecting action and neck relief.

    Source

Comparisons

  • M-Steels are noted to be tougher than NYXL strings, with reports of cutting grooves in Floyd Rose units.

    Source

5.0 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 5 Ratings

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Paul Gilbert uses Ernie Ball M-Steel Regular Slinky Guitar Strings (10-46)

Paul Gilbert

Guitarist

Racer X

...
Verified via Ernieball

According to the artist page of Paul Gilbert on the Ernie Ball website, Paul uses a M-Steel strings.

See how Steve Stevens uses Ernie Ball M-Steel Regular Slinky Guitar Strings (10-46)

Steve Stevens

Guitarist

Michael Jackson (band)

...
Verified via YouTube

Steve Stevens talks about Ernie Ball strings on this video and we can see what kind he uses, on 7:58.

See how Jason Richardson uses Ernie Ball M-Steel Regular Slinky Guitar Strings (10-46)

Jason Richardson

Guitarist

Chelsea Grin

...
Verified via Instagram

Jason Richardson uploaded a photo on his Instagram, showing his Earnie Ball strings and accessories "...thanks to my @ernieball fam! ???????????? ???? your one stop for literally the BEST of everything including guitars, basses, strings and accessories!!!"

Genre Usage

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

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