Pricing and availability

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Price History

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

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Description

Elevate your guitar's sound with the Ernie Ball Super Slinky Stainless Steel Guitar Strings (9-42), designed for musicians who crave a bright, cutting tone and long-lasting performance. Crafted with a stainless steel wire wrapped around a tin-plated, hex-shaped steel core, these strings offer a vibrant sound that stands the test of time, thanks to the anti-corrosive nature of stainless steel. Whether you're shredding on stage or practicing in your garage, these strings promise consistent, optimal performance.

Ernie Ball is a trusted name among rock legends like Jimmy Page and Eric Clapton, and these Super Slinky strings carry on that legacy. The stainless steel roundwound construction ensures a lively tone that jumps off the fingerboard, while the high-carbon core maximizes string life without sacrificing clarity. Adding to the ease of use, the precision-machined brass ball ends are color-coded for quick identification, minimizing the hassle during string changes.

Key Features:

  • Stainless steel roundwound outer layer for bright, crisp tone
  • Tin plated, high-carbon hex core for durability and extended string life
  • Naturally anti-corrosive, ideal for humid conditions and sweaty fingers
  • Precision-machined brass wire ball ends, color-coded for easy identification
  • Suitable for electric guitars
  • String gauges: .009, .011, .016, .024, .032, .042

Whether you're a touring musician or a home enthusiast, Ernie Ball Super Slinky Stainless Steel Strings are your ticket to a brighter, more dynamic sound.

Product specs

Guitar Type Electric Guitar
Number of Strings 6
Coated No
Gauges .009, .011, .016, .024, .032, .042
Core Material Tin-plated Hexagonal Steel
Winding Material Stainless Steel
Winding Type Round Wound

FAQs

What are the benefits of using Ernie Ball Super Slinky Stainless Steel Guitar Strings?

These strings offer a bright, crisp tone with excellent sustain and durability due to their stainless steel construction. They are ideal for players who prefer a livelier sound and increased longevity compared to nickel-wound strings.

Are Ernie Ball Super Slinky Stainless Steel Strings suitable for beginners?

Yes, their 9-42 gauge is light and easy to play, making them ideal for beginners who are developing finger strength and dexterity. They provide a comfortable playing experience with easy bending and smooth fretting.

How do Ernie Ball Super Slinky Stainless Steel Strings affect tone?

These strings produce a bright and vibrant tone with enhanced clarity and articulation. The stainless steel winding offers a sharper attack and more pronounced high frequencies, suitable for genres like rock and metal.

Can Ernie Ball Super Slinky Stainless Steel Strings be used for drop tuning?

While they can be used for light drop tunings, such as Drop D, their lighter gauge may not provide enough tension for heavier tunings. For more stable tunings, heavier gauge strings are recommended.

How do Ernie Ball Super Slinky Stainless Steel Strings compare to nickel-wound strings?

Stainless steel strings typically offer a brighter tone and greater durability compared to nickel-wound strings, which are known for their warmer sound. The choice between them depends on your tonal preference and playing style.

Brett Kingman

Brett Kingman

Ernie Ball: Slinky, Cobalt, M-Steel, Paradigm: A 9-42 Taste Test!

Video thumbnail for Ernie Ball: Slinky, Cobalt, M-Steel, Paradigm: A 9-42 Taste Test! by Brett Kingman

Ernie Ball: Slinky, Cobalt, M-Steel, Paradigm: A 9-42 Taste Test!

Brett Kingman

Brett Kingman

Reviews

PROS

  • Exceptional longevity, lasting months to over a year with proper maintenance

  • Bright and crisp tone that remains consistent over time

  • Offers great value compared to more expensive alternatives

  • Excellent for bending without losing tune quickly

  • Enhances sound on Strat and Tele guitars with single coil pickups

  • Feels comfortable on fingers, reducing strain during play

  • Reliable for hard rock and blues instrumental styles

  • Maintains tune well, even after extended use

  • Picks up harmonics effectively, enhancing playability

CONS

  • Occasional reports of strings breaking prematurely at unusual spots

  • Some users find the tone less appealing on clean amp settings

  • Wound strings may feel rougher than non-stainless alternatives

  • Can develop dirt quicker than other strings, requiring frequent cleaning

  • Slight rattle noticed on lower E and A strings by some users

Owner Insights

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

Comparisons

  • Multiple owners prefer Super Slinky 9-42 gauge for easier bends over Regular Slinky 10-46, especially for lighter touch and standard tuning.

    Source
  • Users switching from Power Slinkys to Super Slinkys notice significantly easier bending on 25.5" scale guitars, making them ideal for lighter touch playing styles.

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  • Transitioning from D'Addario to Super Slinkys on a Strat with a floating tremolo shows no increase in string breakage, suggesting comparable durability between brands.

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Setup and maintenance

  • Users note that switching to lighter gauge strings like Super Slinky may require intonation adjustments for proper tuning stability.

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  • Regular string changes every two weeks can prevent breakage and maintain tone, especially when paired with proper string installation techniques like locking tuners.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners who play multiple guitars report averaging one or two sets of Super Slinkys per year per guitar, valuing their fresh feel over coated strings.

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  • Super Slinkys are favored for Fender-style guitars with longer scales, offering a robust sound even under hard playing without frequent string breakage.

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  • Some users report that Ernie Ball strings break in faster, which can be an advantage for performers who change strings frequently and need quick adaptability.

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  • Players who frequently bend strings up a step and a half find Super Slinkys reliable, highlighting their durability under intensive playing conditions.

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Use cases and applications

  • Super Slinky strings are recommended for standard tuning, with thicker strings suggested for drop tunings due to increased tension needs.

    Source

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