Ernie Ball Cobalt

Joined: 24 Jul 2007 Posts: 5320 Location: DOA #07-01193

Anyone else try these out? I put a set on my SG today and will be changing everything over to them today. They do exactly what Ernie Ball claimed; they are noticeably clearer especially when A/B'ing with my Les Paul with Regular Slinkys on it. Also the output seems to be higher. The strings them self feel smoother and more comfortable to the touch. The only real draw back I've found thus far is they take a little longer to stretch out.

Joined: 29 Oct 2007 Posts: 724

Mark (Jag Panzer) tried them recently and wasn't too impressed.I'll give em' go next time I have to restring...

Joined: 20 Dec 2007 Posts: 4913 Location: Brooklyn, NY

I want to as well but the price tag makes it tough.

Joined: 19 Dec 2011 Posts: 421 Location: Northern Arizona

Dunlops please Laughing

Joined: 05 Dec 2008 Posts: 909

I'll give 'em a try.
Cobalt alloys are supposed to be pretty corrosion resistant, maybe they will last longer.
If they DO last x2 as long, AND sound better, AND feel better, it's a win win win!

Joined: 27 Feb 2006 Posts: 13396 Location: Earth

Tried them at NAMM. I will be making the transition from my coated EBs....

Posted: Thu Mar 08, 2012 8:54 am

Lanning is Killdozer wrote:

Tried them at NAMM. I will be making the transition from my coated EBs....

I thought you were using some special gauge ddarios or something?

Joined: 09 Jan 2005 Posts: 169 Location: Pawtucket RI

I want to try them, but $10 a set is more than 2X what I'm paying now.

Joined: 06 Jun 2007 Posts: 12284 Location: Twin Cities

$10 strings? no thanks

Joined: 30 Mar 2009 Posts: 4705 Location: Dayton, OH

I was going to put a set on my LP if they have them at GC this weekend. I also want to try their new Everlast acoustic strings when they come out also.

Joined: 27 Feb 2006 Posts: 13396 Location: Earth

lordkronos187 wrote:

Lanning is Killdozer wrote:

Tried them at NAMM. I will be making the transition from my coated EBs....

I thought you were using some special gauge ddarios or something?

I have pretty much exclusively used EB strings singe 2004 but I was using D'Addario 11-56 for a short period of time on a specific guitar. That's no longer the case. I still have some packs though just in case but I don't need them. I use either Beefy or Not So Slinky strings on everything not in standard tunings.

Joined: 13 Dec 2010 Posts: 3673 Location: Tampa, FL

Ok, little update. So I bought a set of cobalts, 10-52, a few weeks ago. Put them on my Jackson, at the same time I got a new set of Daddario coated, 9-46, and put them on my CFH. I play the CFH more but I do play the Jackson a bit. So I was playing the Jackson today and noticed the strings sounded a little dead (short sustain and not very bright/spanky). Figured it was the guitar, cause since I've played the CFH so much I started to get used to the resonance of it. Mahogany set neck, mahogany body vs maple neck thru, poplar wings. The Jackson definitely has less sustain but has much more attack. But anyways, it sounded dead compared to normal. Looked at the strings and noticed the plain steels were turning black from the 2nd to 7th frets and where I pick/use my fingers. The wound strings were getting rusty and just weren't bright anymore.

So I grabbed my CFH to see how those were lasting. Still nice and shiny silver, compared to the Jackson they still have a bit of spankiness to them and sound great.

So looks like I'm sticking with Daddario. Good thing I checked, I was about to pick up a few sets of cobalts today for my other guitars and start using them instead.

Joined: 09 Jan 2005 Posts: 1827 Location: KY

I want to know why Ernie Ball isn't making strings like they make for Schecter. The ones that came on my Schecter 8 string were the best feeling strings I've ever played, but none of the Ernie Balls I've picked up since then can match their feel and longevity

Joined: 27 Feb 2006 Posts: 13396 Location: Earth

I have been using Cobalts for a month now. I usually change strings once every week when not gigging and every show when I am gigging. After a month my strings haven’t deadened at all, they have barely gone out of tone once after they were stretched and still sound as good as the day I got them. I play A LOT and these things keep on giving. I’m switching over to them permanently. I read a letter that the guy from the RHCP sent to Ernie Ball. He said the Cobalts he put on his guitar have lasted 8 shows straight and have locked in tune. I’m getting similar results. Next time I’m on tour I think I can probably go a week of shows without changing them so $10 a set yes, but that’s cheaper than the 5-6 sets a week I normally use while gigging. Also the feel is OUTSTANDING! I have given them a month of solid use and can confidently say they are awesome.

Joined: 20 Aug 2008 Posts: 2182 Location: New York City

rridner wrote:

$10 strings? no thanks

Definitely worth it, imo.

I just slapped them on my Blood Angel Razorback V, and it sounds different. I stick to 9-46's when I play in drop D, and the strings just feel so tight. The gauge stayed the same, but the tension seemed higher. Not to mention, I got a thicker and more fuller sound overall when I played chords. The individual lower notes (your basic riffing) felt smoother, and definitely more aggressive; but the higher notes were really bright and articulate.

I'm gonna pickup another two sets, just to try them out in E standard tuning. These definitely look promising to me.

Joined: 27 Feb 2012 Posts: 1242 Location: New York, NY

I've been using DM Blue Steels for so long, I can't remember using anything else. The only time I don't use Blue Steels are when I buy a guitar that's set up with something else.

Maybe it's time to try something new.

Joined: 13 Dec 2010 Posts: 3673 Location: Tampa, FL

Lanning is Killdozer wrote:

I have been using Cobalts for a month now. I usually change strings once every week when not gigging and every show when I am gigging. After a month my strings haven’t deadened at all, they have barely gone out of tone once after they were stretched and still sound as good as the day I got them. I play A LOT and these things keep on giving. I’m switching over to them permanently. I read a letter that the guy from the RHCP sent to Ernie Ball. He said the Cobalts he put on his guitar have lasted 8 shows straight and have locked in tune. I’m getting similar results. Next time I’m on tour I think I can probably go a week of shows without changing them so $10 a set yes, but that’s cheaper than the 5-6 sets a week I normally use while gigging. Also the feel is OUTSTANDING! I have given them a month of solid use and can confidently say they are awesome.

Not sure how the humidity is up there but that's what made me switch to coated in the first place. Up north I'd probably love cobalts but down here they didn't last long enough for me. Oh well, cool idea.

Posted: Mon May 07, 2012 3:57 pm

tommytoolz wrote:

I've been using DM Blue Steels for so long, I can't remember using anything else. The only time I don't use Blue Steels are when I buy a guitar that's set up with something else.

Maybe it's time to try something new.

Blue Steels are my first choice for any clean/bluesy guitar I set up. They have a certain chime that I don't find in any other string.

Joined: 27 Feb 2012 Posts: 1242 Location: New York, NY

That's why I've used them for so long. I'm going to try a set of cobalts on my one schecter the next time I change the strings and see if there's a difference to me. I've seen so many different opinions of them I can't see how they'll be any better, but opinions are like a#@holes and all.......

Joined: 27 Feb 2006 Posts: 13396 Location: Earth

jkkkjkhk wrote:

Lanning is Killdozer wrote:

I have been using Cobalts for a month now. I usually change strings once every week when not gigging and every show when I am gigging. After a month my strings haven’t deadened at all, they have barely gone out of tone once after they were stretched and still sound as good as the day I got them. I play A LOT and these things keep on giving. I’m switching over to them permanently. I read a letter that the guy from the RHCP sent to Ernie Ball. He said the Cobalts he put on his guitar have lasted 8 shows straight and have locked in tune. I’m getting similar results. Next time I’m on tour I think I can probably go a week of shows without changing them so $10 a set yes, but that’s cheaper than the 5-6 sets a week I normally use while gigging. Also the feel is OUTSTANDING! I have given them a month of solid use and can confidently say they are awesome.

Not sure how the humidity is up there but that's what made me switch to coated in the first place. Up north I'd probably love cobalts but down here they didn't last long enough for me. Oh well, cool idea.

I just looked it up and the average morning humidity level here is 81% and evening is 63%. We average 166 days a year with rainfall that is considered “measurable precipitation” according to the weather service. So year... It’s humid and rainy. In the last 2 weeks we had 2 days of sun and it rained every day other than those two days. We also have the warmest, year round, climate of all Canadian cities. I dunno what we’re comparing here lol but the strings hold up amazingly.

Joined: 29 Jul 2009 Posts: 1049 Location: charlottle nc

totally worth it I love mine, they are the most lively and articulate strings I have played.

Posted: Tue May 08, 2012 3:16 am

I bought a set but I'm a huge dumbass. Theyre only 11-48. Are the gauges limited in selection atm?

Posted: Tue May 08, 2012 3:26 am

lordkronos187 wrote:

I bought a set but I'm a huge dumbass. Theyre only 11-48. Are the gauges limited in selection atm?

MF has them in every gauge combination EB offers.

Those will be fine for D Std.

Joined: 20 Dec 2007 Posts: 4913 Location: Brooklyn, NY

wyd-open wrote:

lordkronos187 wrote:

I bought a set but I'm a huge dumbass. Theyre only 11-48. Are the gauges limited in selection atm?

MF has them in every gauge combination EB offers.

Those will be fine for D Std.

If you don't want them I'll take them! I use those for Eb!

Joined: 13 Dec 2010 Posts: 3673 Location: Tampa, FL

Lanning is Killdozer wrote:

jkkkjkhk wrote:

Lanning is Killdozer wrote:

I have been using Cobalts for a month now. I usually change strings once every week when not gigging and every show when I am gigging. After a month my strings haven’t deadened at all, they have barely gone out of tone once after they were stretched and still sound as good as the day I got them. I play A LOT and these things keep on giving. I’m switching over to them permanently. I read a letter that the guy from the RHCP sent to Ernie Ball. He said the Cobalts he put on his guitar have lasted 8 shows straight and have locked in tune. I’m getting similar results. Next time I’m on tour I think I can probably go a week of shows without changing them so $10 a set yes, but that’s cheaper than the 5-6 sets a week I normally use while gigging. Also the feel is OUTSTANDING! I have given them a month of solid use and can confidently say they are awesome.

Not sure how the humidity is up there but that's what made me switch to coated in the first place. Up north I'd probably love cobalts but down here they didn't last long enough for me. Oh well, cool idea.

I just looked it up and the average morning humidity level here is 81% and evening is 63%. We average 166 days a year with rainfall that is considered “measurable precipitation” according to the weather service. So year... It’s humid and rainy. In the last 2 weeks we had 2 days of sun and it rained every day other than those two days. We also have the warmest, year round, climate of all Canadian cities. I dunno what we’re comparing here lol but the strings hold up amazingly.

Was just curious how humid it was there. Of course strings will rust faster in a humid place like FL compared to a super dry place like AZ, so that was my only possible reasoning as to why mine rusted so quickly.

Posted: Tue May 08, 2012 4:37 am

Berserker829 wrote:

wyd-open wrote:

lordkronos187 wrote:

I bought a set but I'm a huge dumbass. Theyre only 11-48. Are the gauges limited in selection atm?

MF has them in every gauge combination EB offers.

Those will be fine for D Std.

If you don't want them I'll take them! I use those for Eb!

As much as I'd like to try them I just prefer a thicker gauge. Fits my style a bit better. Pm sent Berserker.

Joined: 27 Feb 2006 Posts: 13396 Location: Earth

I’m using the 12-56 on my Gibson in drop C. My Esoterik is being set up for 11-54 Cobalts for the same tuning. It should be great since it’s 25.5” scale. The Cobalts stay in tune amazingly well. The only other strings that stay in tune as good as these are the DR DDT sets but they don’t last as long as the Cobalts do.

Posted: Tue May 08, 2012 9:10 am

I really liked the DR DDT 11-54 but they went dead on me real fast. Probably my fault from Floyd abuse though.

Joined: 27 Feb 2006 Posts: 13396 Location: Earth

I don’t use a trem and I have completely neutral Ph so I NEVER have rust a set of strings no matter how long I have had them on a guitar. Thus I rarely have issues with any strings regardless of brand. The Colbalts just feel and sound better to me.

Joined: 15 Dec 2008 Posts: 4251 Location: Derry, N Ireland

So ive tried them on my tele for the past week. I love the tone from them and they are definately louder when unplugged. But i really dislike the feeling of them compared to a normal set of slinkies. I dont really think they are worth the extra cash. I can make a normal set last a a good while anyways Laughing

Joined: 05 Dec 2008 Posts: 909

UPDATE: tried these and LOVED the tone. Biggest downfall was that they are very weak. The core wire is smaller and the wraps a larger for a given gauge.
I have broken more strings on the 3 sets I have bought ink less time than ANY other string I have tried.
IF I ever use these again, it will ONLY be for a gig, or recording, and they will be brand new for those days. I personally don't trust them after a week or two. Actually broke one just stretching the strings!!!
Baring some improvement in the design, I'm sticking with D'Addarios,,, though, I would like to item someone Dunlops.

Joined: 27 Feb 2006 Posts: 13396 Location: Earth

Wow that's crazy. I haven't broken any since I started using them. I find they last longer and are more resilient even though they have a more slinky feel.

Joined: 09 Jul 2007 Posts: 340 Location: cali.

I like the EB Cobalts. They seem to have a bit more ring to them . I have used the Blue Steels and those are good strings , I had GHS before the Cobalts.

Joined: 24 Jul 2007 Posts: 5320 Location: DOA #07-01193

Lanning is Killdozer wrote:

Wow that's crazy. I haven't broken any since I started using them. I find they last longer and are more resilient even though they have a more slinky feel.

This I have them on everything but the 12 string neck of my double neck. I have yet to have a string break with these, and they are last much longer then the coated or plain slinky strings. I love them, and honestly can't see my self going to any other type of string.

Joined: 05 Dec 2008 Posts: 909

Don't know if it has anything to do with different types of bridges. My Ibanez lives with them just fine, but my other 2 are tone pros style bridges....they always break right at the bridge.

Joined: 24 Jul 2007 Posts: 5320 Location: DOA #07-01193

mahly wrote:

Don't know if it has anything to do with different types of bridges. My Ibanez lives with them just fine, but my other 2 are tone pros style bridges....they always break right at the bridge.

Have you checked for a bur on your bridges? It is odd for stings to keep break right at the bridge.

Joined: 05 Dec 2008 Posts: 909

Yeah, my other strings don't have any problem....just the Cobalts.

Joined: 15 Sep 2010 Posts: 976 Location: Rock Hill,SC

I slapped a set of 9's on my V. Did a complete reset. Went down a gauge & took off 2 springs. I've abused the hell out of my Floyd & its stayed in tune fairly well at home. Only thing it didn't handle well is flutters. Other that I've lost no more than 2 cents in pitch. Took it out this mornin & even with the temp changes I haven't had to tune much. Now the only thing is longevity. I haven't had them long enough like Lanning or the others but I've put 9 hours on this set so far. I like the grip the strings have & they're definitely brighter but not a tinny bright. They project amazingly. I swear I'm gettin as much beef as I did with 10's. Rocked the old Unforgiven solo on em & they just sounded perfect. I also want to say I've never liked EB's. Been an avid DR user for years but these strings rock! Have they converted me? Not completely but they're winning me over. All I need now is 7-string set & see how they are before I completely drop DR.

Joined: 29 Nov 2003 Posts: 12252 Location: PEORIA ILLINOIS

change strings every week? you guys must be some dirty sweaty greasy fingered mofos.

twice a year max. My strings sound just as good at a week old at 5 months. I once sold a guitar to a respected forum member here. when he got it, he said "got the guitar. very nice. and thanks for putting new strings on it" They hadnt been changed in over a year.

i used coateds for a while but they are too expensive and just dont sound as good as uncoated. I have no use for pissing money away.

Joined: 04 Jun 2012 Posts: 349 Location: South-West Ohio

I thought there was someconcern that the cobalt was too hard [when vs steel or nickel frets] and was causing excessive fret wear?

I find if I wipe my strings down after playing, as well as washing my hands before and after I play not only warms my hands up some, but also makes the strings last longer as I'm not mashing crud from my hands into the strings.

I've always used D'Addario 9's, but I'm currently trying my first pair of Ernie Ball "light top heavy bottom" slinkys. Haven't made up my mind yet.

Joined: 09 Jul 2007 Posts: 340 Location: cali.

pariah2 wrote:

I thought there was someconcern that the cobalt was too hard [when vs steel or nickel frets] and was causing excessive fret wear?

I find if I wipe my strings down after playing, as well as washing my hands before and after I play not only warms my hands up some, but also makes the strings last longer as I'm not mashing crud from my hands into the strings.

I've always used D'Addario 9's, but I'm currently trying my first pair of Ernie Ball "light top heavy bottom" slinkys. Haven't made up my mind yet.

I can tell you the cobalts are hard on your fingers. I'm going to try a set of D adarrio just to see the difference. I have had the cobalts for 6 months, no issues.

Joined: 27 Feb 2006 Posts: 13396 Location: Earth

I find the Cobalts easier to play and easier on my fingers. They have more "slink" and last forever.

Joined: 09 Jul 2007 Posts: 340 Location: cali.

Maybe it's just me. I'm going to try the D addario since I picked up 3 packs. I am using the hybrid cobalt .09. I had always used a .010 because I had broken several .09 E strings on my old SG. (Not Ernie Ball.)