Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 6 stores. Prices updated .

Sweetwater
4.0 (10)
$12.99
Guitar Center
4.5 (12)
$12.99
Amazon
4.6 (403)
$12.99
Reverb
$12.99 New
$15.99 Used
Musician's Friend
4.0 (9)
$12.99
zZounds
5.0 (1)
$12.99

Price History

Based on price data from 4 merchants for "Ernie Ball M-Steel Super Slinky Guitar Strings (9-42)". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

Unlock the potential of your guitar with the Ernie Ball M-Steel Super Slinky Guitar Strings (9-42), designed for those who demand both power and precision. These strings are not your average set; they are crafted from Maraging Steel, a superalloy known for its strength and resilience, typically used in high-stress aerospace applications. This ensures that whether you're bending strings with fervor or playing intricate solos, they maintain their integrity without the risk of breakage.

The wound strings feature a patented Super Cobalt alloy wrapped around a Maraging Steel hex core wire, delivering a rich, full-bodied tone with an impressive low-end response. This unique combination enhances the frequency response, providing a vibrant and dynamic sound that elevates your playing experience. The plain strings are made from specially tempered steel, offering maximum fatigue resistance and a consistent, reliable performance.

Whether you're gigging, recording, or just jamming at home, these strings are built to stay in tune longer and reduce slippage, thanks to a patented winding of steel around the ball end. The Ernie Ball M-Steel Super Slinky strings are a popular choice among guitarists for their balance of playability and powerful output.

Key Features:

  • Maraging Steel for high durability in high-stress applications
  • Patented Super Cobalt alloy wrapped around Maraging Steel hex core wire
  • Gauge: .009, .011, .016, .024w, .032, .042
  • Enhanced low-end response and frequency output
  • Specially tempered steel plain strings for maximum fatigue resistance
  • Reduced slippage and improved tuning stability

Product specs

Brand Ernie Ball
Model 2923 M-Steel Super Slinky Electric Guitar String Set (9-42)
Finish Silver
Year 2010s
Categories Guitar Strings

FAQs

What makes Ernie Ball M-Steel Super Slinky Guitar Strings unique compared to regular Slinky strings?

Ernie Ball M-Steel Super Slinky strings use a patented M-Steel wrap wire, which provides a stronger and more powerful tone with increased output and durability compared to regular Slinky strings.

Are Ernie Ball M-Steel Super Slinky strings suitable for all music genres?

Yes, the M-Steel Super Slinky strings are versatile and suitable for a wide range of genres, including rock, blues, jazz, and country, offering a bright and clear tone.

What gauge are Ernie Ball M-Steel Super Slinky Guitar Strings?

The Ernie Ball M-Steel Super Slinky strings are a 9-42 gauge set, providing a light and easy-to-bend feel ideal for players who prefer a more flexible string tension.

How do Ernie Ball M-Steel Super Slinky strings affect playability?

These strings are designed to be highly flexible and easy to bend, making them ideal for expressive playing styles and techniques like bending and vibrato.

Do Ernie Ball M-Steel Super Slinky strings offer increased durability?

Yes, the M-Steel technology enhances the durability and lifespan of the strings, making them resistant to breakage and maintaining their tone longer than traditional strings.

Guitar World

Guitar World

Ernie Ball M-Steel Strings vs Regular Slinky Strings

Video thumbnail for Ernie Ball M-Steel Strings vs Regular Slinky Strings by Guitar World

Ernie Ball M-Steel Strings vs Regular Slinky Strings

Guitar World

Guitar World

Video thumbnail for Ernie Ball M-Steel Electric Guitar Strings by Ernie Ball

Ernie Ball M-Steel Electric Guitar Strings

Ernie Ball

Ernie Ball

Video thumbnail for Ernie Ball M-Steel Electric Guitar Strings Demo by Guitar Center

Ernie Ball M-Steel Electric Guitar Strings Demo

Guitar Center

Guitar Center

Video thumbnail for Steve Stevens and M-Steel Guitar Strings [Official] by Ernie Ball

Steve Stevens and M-Steel Guitar Strings [Official]

Ernie Ball

Ernie Ball

Video thumbnail for Guitar String Shootout: Ernie Ball M-Steel 9-42 vs. Cobalt 9-42 & 8-38 Comparison Test by Barista Bear

Guitar String Shootout: Ernie Ball M-Steel 9-42 vs. Cobalt 9-42 & 8-38 Comparison Test

Barista Bear

Barista Bear

Video thumbnail for Ernie Ball: String Alloys - M-Steel Slinkys on the Cutlass HSS by Ernie Ball

Ernie Ball: String Alloys - M-Steel Slinkys on the Cutlass HSS

Ernie Ball

Ernie Ball

Reviews

PROS

  • Stronger, louder output compared to other strings

  • Bright and crisp sound, even unplugged

  • Consistent tone retention, even after extensive use

  • Retain tuning better than most strings

  • Ultra tough and durable

  • Wide, open ring with chords and single notes

  • Quickest restringing and tuning process

  • Smooth feel after initial playtime

  • Excellent for high gain and heavy music styles

  • Touch sensitive and responsive to playing dynamics

CONS

  • More rigid and harder to bend than other strings

  • Higher price point compared to standard strings

  • Not ideal for blues/jazz guitar styles

  • Initial roughness before smoothing out

  • Some strings may break within a month of use

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Ernie Ball M-Steel Super Slinky Guitar Strings (9-42).

Comparisons

  • M-Steel strings are noted to be louder and brighter than both regular and Cobalt strings, making them ideal for hard rock and metal genres.

    Source

User experience

  • M-Steel strings can feel rough when sliding, which may affect playability for some guitarists.

    Source
  • M-Steel strings reportedly hold tuning longer than any other strings tried by certain users.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Ernie Ball M-Steel Super Slinkys 9-42 strings – review – Lone Phantom

lonephantom.com

Ernie Ball's M-Steel Super Slinky strings deliver a robust tone and impressive clarity, rivaling their Cobalt counterparts. Musicians will appreciate the quick stretch to tune and the durability that keeps them sounding fresh. However, the added rigidity may make bends a bit challenging, and the heavier feel might not suit everyone's style. Ultimately, the M-Steels offer a solid choice for players seeking longevity and punch without switching to a thicker gauge, making them a worthy addition to Ernie Ball's string lineup.

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