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Based on price data from 1 merchant for "Ernie Ball Papa Het's Hardwired Master Core Strings (11-50)". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.
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Description
Introducing the Ernie Ball Papa Het's Hardwired Master Core Strings (11-50), a product of an exceptional collaboration with James Hetfield of Metallica. These signature guitar strings offer a unique blend of custom light top/heavy bottom design, constructed with groundbreaking RPS (Reinforced Plain String) technology and master core wire. The result? Uncompromised output and clarity.
These strings are far from ordinary. The RPS technology reinforces each string, providing unmatched tensile strength and facilitating powerful drop-tuning without compromising on tone or tuning stability. Expect to explore lower tunings with the confidence that your strings will not slack or lose their intonation.
But that's not all. The Master Core wire is the secret sauce that unlocks your guitar's true potential. It drives your pickups to deliver superior output, clarity, and sustain. This specialized alloy produces punchy lows, articulate mids, and searing highs that cut through the mix, ensuring your performance is never short of remarkable.
Packaged in an iconic tin with custom artwork designed by James Hetfield himself, these strings not only guarantee a full, powerful tone but also a long lifespan. They are built to withstand many hours of playing before needing replacement, making them ideal for both gigging and recording.
Key Features:
- Developed in collaboration with James Hetfield of Metallica
- Constructed with RPS technology for maximum output and clarity
- Master Core wire for enhanced magnetic properties
- Ideal for powerful drop-tuning
- Packaged in a durable tin with custom artwork designed by James Hetfield
- Long lifespan suitable for gigging and recording
- Signature 11-50 gauge combination
- Paradigm Ultra-High Strength Tin Plated Steel Plain Strings
- Thicker sound with added pitch stability
Videos
Ernie Ball
Ernie Ball: Papa Het's Hardwired Master Core Guitar Strings Official Film
Ernie Ball: Papa Het's Hardwired Master Core Guitar Strings Official Film
Ernie Ball
Ernie Ball: Papa Het's Hardwired Master Core Guitar Strings (Trailer)
Ernie Ball
James Hetfield Signature Strings - ONE MONTH LATER!
Matt The Riff Master
Should you buy the Ernie Ball Papa Het's Master Cores James Hetfield Strings?
George V Guitars
PAPA HET'S HARDWIRED MASTER CORES - JAMES HETFIELD SIGNATURE ERNIE BALL STRINGS UNBOXING AND DEMO
Dogshark Guitar Players Society
Reviews
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Ernie Ball Papa Het's Hardwired Master Core Strings (11-50).
Features and functionality
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It's noted that the strings are used in standard E tuning, but they are more commonly associated with Eb tuning, especially for live Metallica performances.
Source
User experience
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Users who play live with these strings mention they aren't difficult to play in E standard, despite the thicker gauge.
Source
Critic Reviews
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Based on 0 Reviews and 1 Rating
Artist usage
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In this video from Ernie Ball, James Hetfield discusses his signature strings.
The heavy core was a major milestone in strings. Heavy? I want heavy! I'm kind of a little bit of a barbarian when I play. You got to have some of these Metallica calluses to play some of these things some times.
Ryan Primack's main guitar is strung with James Hetfield's signature Ernie Ball Papa Het Hardwired strings.
Jamie Oldfield confirms his use of Ernie Ball Papa Het's Hardwired Master Core Strings (11-50) in an Instagram post, where he expresses gratitude to Ernie Ball and mentions his excitement to use the strings on his explorer guitars, highlighting his admiration for Metallica and Hetfield.
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 Papa Het's Hardwired Master Core Strings (11-50), it is most commonly used with the following gear.
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