Detail 01
The 8 in the name
The high E measures .008, the lightest common electric gauge. Noticeably slinkier under the fingers than a standard .009 set.
Product detailSKU #1273887998486
Ernie Ball2238 Extra Slinky RPS 8 Electric Guitar Strings
1/2
Independent shopping perspective
The Korena take
Ernie Ball's lightest Slinky gauge with reinforced plain strings. For heavy benders, sore fingertips, and players who find standard sets too stiff to move.
Strong match
Who this is for
- Heavy benders who want less fight from the strings
- Beginners whose fingertips are still toughening up
- Players who find .009 sets still too stiff
Consider the trade-offs
When to look elsewhere
- Drop tunings — thin strings go floppy below standard
- Heavy pick attack; light gauges go sharp and rattle
- Players who want thick, dense rhythm tone
What matters in use
The specifications, translated
Catalog numbers tell only part of the story. These are the details most likely to change how this product feels, sounds, or fits into a setup.
Detail 02
RPS
Reinforced Plain Strings — extra wrap at the ball end of the plain strings, which is where light gauges usually snap.
Detail 03
Extra Slinky
One step lighter than Super Slinky across the whole set, not just the top string.
Detail 04
Electric guitar strings
Made to drive magnetic pickups. They will sound thin and quiet on an acoustic.
Detail 05
$9.99 a set
Ordinary single-set money. Light gauges break more often, so buying two at a time is sensible.
Final check
Know before you order
- 01Coming down from .009s cuts neck tension — expect a truss rod check
- 02Light strings go sharp under a hard grip; ease off
- 03Below standard tuning they lose tension fast
Product questions
Before you decide
Straight answers to the questions shoppers most often ask about this product.
01Is 8 gauge too light for a beginner?
No. They are easier to press and bend, which helps while fingertips toughen up. The trade-off is that they pull sharp easily if you squeeze hard.
02What does RPS mean?
Reinforced Plain Strings. The plain G, B and E get extra wrap at the ball end, the spot where thin plain strings take the most stress and break.
03Will these work with a Floyd Rose?
Yes, once the ball ends are clipped. On a floating trem, dropping to a lighter gauge shifts the spring balance, so you will need to reset the bridge angle.
04Do I need a setup after switching to these?
Usually, if you are coming from a heavier set. Less tension lets the neck straighten and shifts intonation, so a truss rod and saddle check is worth doing.
