Pricing and availability

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

Sweetwater
5.0 (5)
$9.49
Guitar Center
5.0 (4)
$9.49
Amazon
4.7 (261)
$9.49
Reverb
$6.53 New
$9.49 Used
Musician's Friend
5.0 (1)
$9.49

Price History

Based on price data from 4 merchants for "Ernie Ball Magnum Slinky Guitar Strings (12-56)". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

* Product prices and availability are updated by Equipboard every 24hrs and are subject to change. Equipboard may receive compensation for purchases made at participating retailers linked on this site. This compensation does not affect what products or prices are displayed, or the order of prices listed. For more information, please refer to our affiliate disclosure.

Description

Introducing the Ernie Ball Magnum Slinky Guitar Strings (12-56) — your go-to choice for a robust, balanced tone that stands out in any mix. These strings are perfect for guitarists who thrive on heavier sets and demand precision and durability from their gear. Crafted from nickel-plated steel wire wrapped around a tin-plated, hex-shaped steel core, they're designed to deliver a sound that's neither too bright nor too dark, offering the perfect tonal balance.

Whether you're shredding through heavy riffs or laying down deep, resonant chugging chords, the Magnum Slinky Strings are engineered to provide optimal tension, especially for drop tunings. This makes them an ideal choice for metalheads and rock enthusiasts who don't want to compromise on their sound. The inclusion of a wound G string ensures that your guitar's tone remains articulate and powerful across the board.

Ernie Ball's legacy of quality and innovation shines through in these strings, giving you the confidence that your music will always sound its best. With a history of setting the standard for guitar strings since the 1960s, Ernie Ball continues to be a favorite among guitarists worldwide.

Key Features:

  • Nickel-plated steel wrap for balanced tone
  • Tin-plated hex steel core for durability
  • Gauge combination: .012, .016, .022w, .032, .044, .056
  • Ideal for downtuned guitars and heavy genres
  • Includes wound G string for enhanced tonal clarity

Product specs

Guitar Type Electric Guitar
Number of Strings 6
Coated No
Gauges .012, .016p, .022w, .032, .044, .056
Core Material Tin-plated Hexagonal Steel
Winding Material Nickel Plated Steel
Winding Type Round Wound

FAQs

What genres are Ernie Ball Magnum Slinky Guitar Strings (12-56) best suited for?

These strings are ideal for heavier music styles like rock, metal, and blues due to their thicker gauge, which provides a fuller tone and increased tension suitable for lower tunings.

Are Ernie Ball Magnum Slinky strings suitable for drop tunings?

Yes, the 12-56 gauge of Ernie Ball Magnum Slinky strings is well-suited for drop tunings, offering the necessary tension and stability to maintain tuning and playability.

What is the tonal characteristic of Ernie Ball Magnum Slinky Guitar Strings?

These strings deliver a balanced and powerful tone with enhanced low-end response, perfect for players seeking a robust sound with clear articulation.

Are Ernie Ball Magnum Slinky Guitar Strings compatible with all electric guitars?

Yes, these strings are compatible with most electric guitars, but their thicker gauge may require adjustments to the guitar's setup, such as truss rod and action.

What is the winding type of Ernie Ball Magnum Slinky Guitar Strings?

Ernie Ball Magnum Slinky strings are round wound, which provides a bright, clear tone and a traditional feel preferred by many guitarists.

Matt The Riff Master

Matt The Riff Master

Ernie Ball Magnum Slinky! (DETUNING DOMINATION)

Video thumbnail for Ernie Ball Magnum Slinky! (DETUNING DOMINATION) by Matt The Riff Master

Ernie Ball Magnum Slinky! (DETUNING DOMINATION)

Matt The Riff Master

Matt The Riff Master

Reviews

PROS

  • Excellent for drop tunings, maintaining ideal tension and feel

  • Bright, clear tone suited for various music styles

  • Wound third string enhances playability and palm muting

  • Durable construction, lasting through heavy use

  • Smooth nickel wound feel, comfortable for long sessions

  • Consistent sound quality over time without dulling

  • Versatile gauge, perfect for both rhythm and lead

  • Retains slinky feel without being too stiff

CONS

  • Initial break-in period may cause tuning instability

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Ernie Ball Magnum Slinky Guitar Strings (12-56).

Setup and maintenance

  • Adjusting spring tension is crucial for maintaining tuning stability with 12-56 gauge strings on a Floyd Rose bridge.

    Source
  • Filing the nut may be necessary for fitting a 56 gauge string, specifically on Squier Stratocasters.

    Source
  • Tuning stability issues may arise when using a tremolo with tight-fitting 56 gauge strings.

    Source
  • Users find that 10-52 strings often require adjusting action height to prevent fret buzz, especially when switching from lighter gauges.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Replacing the nut with a Graphtech model can improve tuning stability when using heavier strings.

    Source
  • A few owners recommend swapping the stock tremolo springs with heavier ones to accommodate the tension of 12-56 gauges for better tuning stability.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners report successful use of Ernie Ball Magnum Slinkys on Floyd Rose systems, provided careful setup adjustments are made.

    Source
  • Owners find that strings above 0.70 gauge typically require more modifications for fitting in tuners or nuts.

    Source
  • Some players report that Ernie Ball Magnum Slinkys provide a beefier tone ideal for heavy rock and metal styles, especially when detuned.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The Lo TRS Trem II is noted for its poor performance with thicker strings compared to higher-end Floyd Rose bridges.

    Source
  • The 12-56 gauge is often compared to D'Addario NYXL 11-56, with some users noting the Ernie Ball set feels more balanced for aggressive playing styles.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Magnum Slinkies are ideal for tuning to B or lower, such as drop C, drop B, and drop A#.

    Source
  • Ernie Ball Magnum Slinkys are praised for maintaining clarity and punch in lower tunings like Drop C and Drop B, making them suitable for genres like metalcore and djent.

    Source
Add

4.5 out of 5

Based on 2 Reviews and 4 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
i_am_jfelts

The best heavy gauge strings for Drop C

I used to use the not even slinky set of strings for the longest time for any guitar I tuned down to drop c. They held up well but I could never get over the feel of the plain 24 gauge G string. I've been hoping a set of strings like this would come to the market for the longest time from Ernie Ball. These have to be my favorite heavy gauge strings!

skytimesfive

strings

i was quite excited when i saw these come out as i much prefer a wound g string, and this gauge works great for my main tuning (c standard) and ernie ball strings seem to be a bit cheaper than daddario in the uk

Genres:

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 Magnum Slinky Guitar Strings (12-56), it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Ibanez RGRT421
Ibanez RGRT421 Solid Body Electric Guitars
1
Epiphone SG Muse
Epiphone SG Muse Solid Body Electric Guitars
1
Seymour Duncan SH-4/TB-4 JB
Seymour Duncan SH-4/TB-4 JB Electric Guitar Pickups
1

Community setups

Show yours
cyklopsyndrome

cyklopsyndrome

Gear IQ 159

cyklopsyndrome

cyklopsyndrome

Gear IQ 159

1 alternative for Ernie Ball Magnum Slinky Guitar Strings (12-56), curated by the Equipboard community.

Ernie Ball Not Even Slinky Guitar Strings (12-56)

$5.87 - $12.66

newer similar sound

Same gauges, but with a .22 wound third insted of a .24 plain wire.

More Ernie Ball Strings

Accessories & Related Items

Artist usage

Gear Guides