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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
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What advantages do Ernie Ball Slinky Cobalt Guitar Strings offer over traditional nickel strings?
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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.
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Are Ernie Ball Slinky Cobalt Guitar Strings suitable for drop tunings?
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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.
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What is the composition of Ernie Ball Slinky Cobalt Guitar Strings?
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These strings feature a steel core with an iron/cobalt alloy winding, which enhances their magnetic properties and contributes to their unique tonal characteristics.
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Are Ernie Ball Slinky Cobalt Guitar Strings coated?
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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.
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How do Ernie Ball Slinky Cobalt Guitar Strings affect pickup response?
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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.
Videos
Ernie Ball
Ernie Ball: String Alloys - Slinky Cobalt on the Cutlass HSS
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
Use cases and applications
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Transitioning to thicker strings like 12-56 can mimic a bass player's role, particularly in Drop A tuning.
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Cobalts are praised for high-gain, rhythm, and punk styles, while D'Addario NYXL is favored for tube clean and edge-of-breakup tones.
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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.
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Comparisons
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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.
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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.
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User experience
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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.
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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.
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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.
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5.0 out of 5
Based on 1 Review and 10 Ratings
2423
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
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
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.
Genre Usage
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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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