LeftyBassist.com

I have been thinking of picking up a set of these, but it's not really clear to me what the differences are between the Slinky's/Regular/Power/Hybrid model.

Anyone here try these? Would love to hear your opinion of them.

I actually have a deal with Ernie Ball up here in Canada. I know this thread will likely break down rather quickly on why LaBella's, or D'Addarios, or whatever string is better but I've used EB's for eons and I really love them. Again, for me. (Sorry, I just have an aversion to the way things go on forums sometimes with respect to personal opinion and others disrespect of it. But, this is by far the best forum for respect that I've ever been a part of in this regard so I'll take my chances. In other words, it ain't no TalkBass. )

The difference between the strings you mention are just gauge.
Extra Slinky = 40-95
Super Slinky = 45-100
Regular Slinky = 50-105
Hybrid Slinky = 45-105 (Heavy bottom)
Power Slinky = 55-110
This is for 4 string versions. The 5 string versions all shift down one. (eg, Regular Slinky 5's are the same as a Super Slinky 4 + 0.130 B.)

I've tried the Cobalts a number of times and I always keep some on hand just for recording. For modern rock and roll - read: NOT Motown - they have a real boost in the high mids that I like while recording that sort of thing. I also find that they don't stay brand new sounding for nearly as long as the marketing would suggest. BUT, they seem to settle into a tone very similar to a regular nickle wound EB string and stay there for longer. My opinion is that they are just a little too expensive to use for live and touring - I still use the nickles for that - but they are worth using if you are heading to the studio and you want something with a higher amount of harmonic content. They do really shine through there.

Hope this helps.

Hi JC,
that does help a lot! The other thing I noticed on TB is some folks beeyotching about them being fret chewers, unless your frets weren't stainless steel. IYHO, is there any truth to that rumor?

I have two Edwards (my basses, not he ESP's) modern 5 strings. Both maple bodies, huge necks and the best materials and electronics available. One has EMG 40's and the full on BQS system. The older bass has 3 Alembic WMXY 5 pickups, two pan pots and the Stanley Clarke Signature electronics. I don't think i need to say these basses sound great... but, well, I said it! LOL!
I use Ernie Ball Hybrid Slinky Stainless- 45-105, and buy a separate 125 low 'B.' This has been my favorite set for a long time. I wish Ernie Ball would make this set. Great, even tension and 'pull' across the set- and very good longevity.
I cannot find them, unless I order them online, so I have been using D'Addario stainless 5 sets- .45, .65, .80, .100, .130.
The only reason I use these is budget and availability. They're excellent, but the .130 is not to my liking. A .125 sounds better with less wolf tones, and lasts longer.

I have had a set of EB Cobalts on my EMG equipped bass- and they are a really good string. VERY 'zingy.' I wouldn't say in my experience that there was an increase in mids- just that the overall timbre is different than a nickel, or a stainless string. But NOT that different than a normal stainless set! Longevity was good, a little more than a stainless set...but not enough to justify the price difference.

I'm not sure I can confirm nor deny the fret chewing claim. I tend to change my strings more often than most people because I like a brighter sound - and I play in a loud southern rock band with three guitar players so I find it allows me to cut through the wall of sound better - plus, I sweat ALOT. As such, because I only use the Cobalts when I'm heading to the studio, they are only ever on one or two basses at a time and don't stay for long before the nickels go back on. I can't imagine that they would be any worse than a stainless string. I also don't tend to obsess over the pristine condition of my fret crowns like some people do. I'm just a straight ahead rock 'n' roll guy. Things are usually pretty loud in my world. Some of you guys who are more accomplished at jazz, soloing and Michael Manring tributes might notice these things way before I would. (Don't get me wrong, I LOVE that stuff - I've spent HOURS watching Manring videos online - and I have much respect for you guys who make those beautiful sounds. I've just come to a place in my musical life where I get too much regular work in the rock scene to have any time to practice anything else..... and spend time with my wife..... and walk the dog..... and change the oil in the van....and dress my frets.... .) Like LHBASSIST says, they fall somewhere in between the nickels and stainless. I do like them better than stainless though. They are definitely more expensive than I'd like. But, you can't really go wrong by grabbing one set and trying them out so you can form your own opinion.

In closing. Rock on!!

I'm with Jayce on this

They're great for rock tones in the studio, but the price is too high for regular gigging. I also found that once I burned them out, the "awesome" in the tone goes from full out to absolute zero (especially the E string).
They do last a week or two longer than regular EBs, but not enough to justify the price tag. I'd rather just use normal slinkys or DR sunbeams.

hey guys,
your advice matches my experience this weekend. They had a high awesomeness-factor when I did the intital bass rig setup in the venue before the rest of the band showed up. Once the rest of them kicked in it was business as usual in the tone dept.

Thanks for all of your input