Pricing and availability

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Sweetwater
4.5 (12)
$59.99 $46.99 $13.00 · All time low
Guitar Center
4.5 (22)
$47.91
Amazon
4.7 (2493)
$46.99
Musician's Friend
4.0 (8)
$59.99 $46.99 $13.00 · All time low
zZounds
5.0 (2)
$59.99

Price History

Based on price data from 4 merchants for "Ernie Ball Super Slinky Cobalt Flatwound Bass Strings (45-100)". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

Ernie Ball Super Slinky Cobalt Flatwound Bass Strings (45-100) bridge the gap between the classic feel of flatwound strings and the modern power you need to make your sound stand out. Designed with a SuperBright Cobalt ribbon wrap, these strings provide a sleek, smooth touch that flatwound enthusiasts love, while delivering a tone that rivals the brightness and sustain of roundwounds.

The secret sauce? A proprietary blend of iron and cobalt, scientifically crafted to interact with your pickups like no other, ensuring higher output and a robust, dynamic sound. Whether you're fingerpicking or slapping, the optimal core-to-wrap ratio offers just the right amount of tension for effortless playability. Plus, these strings are perfect for players who crave a growling low end, defined midrange, and shimmering highs without compromising comfort.

Experience the best of both worlds and elevate your bass game with strings that are as versatile as your music.

Key Features:

  • SuperBright Cobalt ribbon wrap for enhanced tone and feel
  • Proprietary cobalt-iron alloy for higher magnetic response
  • Optimal core-to-wrap ratio for balanced tension and playability
  • Punchy, bright sound with beefy lows and defined growl
  • Increased midrange focus, harmonics, and sustain
  • Long-lasting durability compared to conventional strings

Product specs

Guitar Type Electric Bass
Number of Strings 4
Coated No
Gauges .045, .065, .080, .100
Winding Type Flat Wound
Core Material Hexagonal Steel
Winding Material Iron/Cobalt Alloy
Scale Length Long

FAQs

What makes Ernie Ball Super Slinky Cobalt Flatwound Bass Strings unique?

These strings feature a cobalt alloy winding, which enhances magnetic interaction with pickups, providing a more dynamic range and increased output compared to traditional flatwounds.

Are Ernie Ball Super Slinky Cobalt Flatwound Bass Strings suitable for all music genres?

These strings are ideal for genres like jazz, R&B, and reggae due to their warm, smooth tone and reduced high-end presence, but they can also add a unique character to other styles.

How do Ernie Ball Super Slinky Cobalt Flatwound Bass Strings affect playability?

The flatwound design offers a smooth feel under the fingers, reducing finger noise and making them comfortable for extended playing sessions.

What gauge are the Ernie Ball Super Slinky Cobalt Flatwound Bass Strings?

These strings come in gauges .045, .065, .080, and .100, providing a balanced tension that suits a wide range of playing styles.

Do Ernie Ball Super Slinky Cobalt Flatwound Bass Strings fit all bass guitars?

Designed for long-scale basses, these strings fit most standard electric bass guitars, but always check your instrument's scale length for compatibility.

Reviews

PROS

  • Unique blend of flatwound feel and roundwound brightness

  • Perfect for achieving a late 70s funk tone

  • Smooth and easy to play with a flexible feel

  • Offers a balanced tonal range with warm mids and articulate highs

  • Great for various musical styles, including rock and slap bass

  • High midrange content enhances tone across different bass models

  • Affordable alternative to more expensive brands like LaBella and D'Addario

  • Consistent quality with no reports of defective strings

  • Suitable for both beginners and experienced players

  • Comfortable for percussive playing styles

CONS

  • D string prone to breaking in multiple spots

  • Potentially causes blisters without string lubricant

  • Coated with an oily substance, requiring cleaning before use

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Ernie Ball Super Slinky Cobalt Flatwound Bass Strings (45-100).

Features and functionality

  • The cobalt alloy outer wrap is more magnetic than steel or nickel, providing high output and making these flats the brightest available, with a sound close to roundwounds.

    Source
  • The cobalt flats have a smooth matte finish, providing an organic feel that contrasts with the polished, metallic texture of strings like Fender 9050s or LaBellas DTF.

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User experience

  • Cobalt flats are reported to be slightly grabby initially, and it's recommended to wipe them down with alcohol or WD-40 to remove machine oil.

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  • Owners note a distinctive metal smell during the break-in period, which dissipates over time, affecting the initial playing experience but not the long-term usability.

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  • After the break-in period, these strings transition from a cold, glass-like feel to a warmer, more characterful tone, enhancing the mids and highs.

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  • Some players describe the strings as having a slightly sticky feel, akin to spiderwebs, which might affect tactile comfort during play.

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Use cases and applications

  • These strings are favored for aggressive basses like the Stingray to tame the sound, and they are noted to slap well, avoiding the dull thud typical of flats.

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  • For players transitioning from roundwounds, the feel is compared to the difference between going bareback and using an unlubricated condom, indicating a unique tactile experience.

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  • On a fretless Jazz Bass, these strings are favored for maintaining brightness while providing the desired feel and sound.

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  • Owners report achieving a Led Zeppelin-like tone when using these strings on a P Bass.

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Setup and maintenance

  • Cobalt flats maintain brightness longer on basses with Kent Armstrong Claymore pickups compared to those with dual rail style pickups, suggesting pickup choice affects longevity.

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Comparisons

  • Compared to GHS pressure wounds, cobalt flats are noted to be less polished but offer a versatility that complements various bass styles without the typical squeak.

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4.5 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 3 Ratings

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Artist usage

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See how Pino Palladino uses Ernie Ball Super Slinky Cobalt Flatwound Bass Strings (45-100)

Pino Palladino

Bassist

Nine Inch Nails

...
Verified via Photo

Pino Palladino, an Ernie Ball artist, uses Ernie Ball Super Slinky Cobalt Flatwound Bass Strings (45-100), as highlighted in Ernie Ball's Instagram birthday post.

Genre Usage

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Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Ernie Ball Super Slinky Cobalt Flatwound Bass Strings (45-100), it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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thetrespasers

thetrespasers

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