Pricing and availability

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

Sweetwater
4.0 (6)
$12.99
Guitar Center
3.5 (10)
$12.99 $10.99 $2.00 · All time low
Amazon
4.6 (433)
$10.99
Reverb
5.0 (1)
$9.99 New
$15.99 Used
Musician's Friend
4.0 (4)
$12.99 $10.99 $2.00 · All time low
zZounds
4.5 (1)
$12.99

Price History

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

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Description

Unleash your guitar's potential with the Ernie Ball Slinky Cobalt Guitar Strings. These strings are a perfect choice for those who prefer to detune their instrument to lower tuning combinations, making them a favorite among metal enthusiasts across the globe.

The Cobalt Series is a step up from the classic nickel-wound strings, providing increased sustain, clarity and output. Even better, these strings resist sweat and moisture, ensuring they retain their top-notch performance even during the most intense performances.

The significant feature of these strings is the cobalt alloy, the most magnetically active string alloy, which attracts the magnets in your pickups more than any other string. This results in a higher output, better sound, and longer life, enhancing your overall playing experience.

"Ernie Ball Cobalt Strings sound and feel better than anything I've ever played! You have to check these out!" - Slash.

All Ernie Ball strings are precision-manufactured to the highest standards and the most exacting specs to assure consistency, optimum performance and long life.

Key Features:

  • Gauge combination optimized for Drop D and Drop C tuning
  • Cobalt alloy for increased sustain, clarity and output
  • Highly resistant to sweat and moisture
  • Unmatched flexibility compared to other nickel wound strings
  • Precision manufactured to ensure consistency and quality
  • Gauges: 12-16-24p-32-44-56
  • Made in the USA

Product specs

Guitar Type Electric Guitar
Number of Strings 6
Coated No
Gauges .012, .016, .024p, .032w, .044, .056
Core Material Steel
Winding Material Iron/cobalt alloy
Winding Type Round Wound

FAQs

What advantages do Ernie Ball Slinky Cobalt Guitar Strings offer over traditional nickel strings?

Ernie Ball Slinky Cobalt Guitar Strings provide a stronger magnetic response, resulting in a more dynamic sound. They also offer increased flexibility, making string bending easier compared to traditional nickel strings.

Are Ernie Ball Slinky Cobalt Guitar Strings suitable for drop tunings?

Yes, the 12-56 gauge of Ernie Ball Slinky Cobalt Guitar Strings is ideal for drop tunings, providing a balanced tension that supports lower tunings without sacrificing playability.

What is the composition of Ernie Ball Slinky Cobalt Guitar Strings?

These strings feature a steel core with an iron/cobalt alloy winding, which enhances their magnetic properties and contributes to their unique tonal characteristics.

Are Ernie Ball Slinky Cobalt Guitar Strings coated?

No, Ernie Ball Slinky Cobalt Guitar Strings are not coated, which allows for a more natural feel and tone, though they may require more frequent changes to maintain brightness.

How do Ernie Ball Slinky Cobalt Guitar Strings affect pickup response?

The cobalt alloy in these strings enhances the magnetic interaction with pickups, resulting in a more powerful and articulate sound compared to strings made from other alloys.

Ernie Ball

Ernie Ball

Ernie Ball: String Alloys - Slinky Cobalt on the Cutlass HSS

Video thumbnail for Ernie Ball: String Alloys - Slinky Cobalt on the Cutlass HSS by Ernie Ball

Ernie Ball: String Alloys - Slinky Cobalt on the Cutlass HSS

Ernie Ball

Ernie Ball

Reviews

Owner Insights

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

Setup and maintenance

  • Significant jump from 9s to 12s may require neck adjustment to address bowing, intonation issues, and potential fret buzz.

    Source
  • Stock Squier Stratocaster nut likely requires filing for D, A, and E strings when moving to 12-56 gauge.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Transitioning to thicker strings like 12-56 can mimic a bass player's role, particularly in Drop A tuning.

    Source
  • Cobalts are praised for high-gain, rhythm, and punk styles, while D'Addario NYXL is favored for tube clean and edge-of-breakup tones.

    Source
  • Ernie Ball Cobalt strings retain brightness and resist oxidation longer than regular strings, appealing to players who prefer a crisp sound and dislike frequent restringing.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Ernie Ball Cobalt strings offer a brighter, more bass-heavy tone compared to D'Addario, which are known for their midrange presence and tuning stability.

    Source
  • D'Addario XS strings are criticized for their slippery coating, making finger control during bends challenging, while Cobalts are preferred for their non-slippery feel.

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  • Elixir strings are noted for their slippery coating, which some players find impacts finger control during bends, differing from the non-slippery feel of Ernie Ball Cobalts.

    Source

User experience

  • Users with oily skin report Ernie Ball strings corroding faster, lasting only about a week, whereas D'Addario strings are noted to last significantly longer.

    Source
  • Some players find Ernie Ball strings ready for gigs immediately after installation, whereas D'Addario strings may require a day of playing to settle in.

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  • Elixir strings are favored for longevity, with some players reporting they last up to seven months, significantly outlasting Ernie Ball and D'Addario strings for users with acidic sweat.

    Source
  • A user reported that Ernie Ball Paradigms have not broken across ten guitars in six years, highlighting their durability despite being marketed with a breakage guarantee.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • Ernie Ball Paradigm strings are priced around $15 per pack, positioned similarly to D’Addario NYXL and Elixirs, but offer a three-month breakage guarantee.

    Source

5.0 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 10 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
peasinafookinpod420

I love these

I use them on my non-modified Jagstang, Warmoth Jaguar, SG and Les Paul Jr's, and Les Paul Special. great and I normally tune these instruments 1/2 a step lower or drop D tunings. recommend if you like lower tunings

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Dave Baksh uses Ernie Ball Slinky Cobalt Guitar Strings (12-56)

Dave Baksh

Guitarist

Sum 41

...
Verified via Twitter

The boys of @Sum41 know that when it comes to guitar and bass tone, Slinky strings are All Killer, No Filler. Join the legacy. #iplayslinky

See how Steve Sladkowski uses Ernie Ball Slinky Cobalt Guitar Strings (12-56)

Steve Sladkowski

Singer, Guitarist

Pup

...
Verified via Gearmetropolis

I try to get setups done at least twice a year. As far as strings go, I use Ernie Ball Cobalt Not Even Slinkys (.012 gauge) that are tuned to Eb-standard.

See how Taylor Madison uses Ernie Ball Slinky Cobalt Guitar Strings (12-56)

Taylor Madison

Guitarist

Superheaven

...
Verified via YouTube

Taylor says at 7:40 that he uses 12-56 Ernie Ball Cobalt strings

See how Jona Weinhofen uses Ernie Ball Slinky Cobalt Guitar Strings (12-56)

Jona Weinhofen

Guitarist

Bring Me The Horizon

...
Verified via Tumblr

On his official Tumblr, Jona Weinhofen mentions using Ernie Ball Slinky Cobalt Guitar Strings with a custom gauge setup, specifically swapping the 54 for a 70.

See how Marc Okubo uses Ernie Ball Slinky Cobalt Guitar Strings (12-56)

Marc Okubo

Guitarist

Veil of Maya

...
Verified via Photo

"You can see my gauges are 12-56 with a 70. See y’all on the road ????" - Marc Okubo of Veil of Maya

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

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