Detail 01
RPS
The reinforced version of the plain strings. Aimed squarely at players who keep breaking the unwound top strings.
Product detailSKU #1273887998586
Ernie Ball2239 Super Slinky RPS 9 Electric Guitar Strings
1/2
Independent shopping perspective
The Korena take
Ernie Ball's Super Slinky set in the reinforced RPS build, .009 top. For electric players who like a light feel and keep snapping plain strings.
Strong match
Who this is for
- Players who break the high E or B repeatedly
- Bend-heavy playing where light gauge matters
- Standard-tuned electrics with a stock setup
Consider the trade-offs
When to look elsewhere
- Drop or low tunings — .009s go floppy fast
- Players who want a thick, firm feel under the pick
- Acoustic or classical guitars
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
9 gauge top
Light. Bends and vibrato take little effort, but the strings are easier to pull sharp when fretting hard.
Detail 03
Super Slinky
The light end of the Slinky range. Fast under the fingers, thinner attack, less tension pulling on the neck.
Detail 04
Electric guitar strings
Made for magnetic pickups. They won't drive an acoustic top properly, so keep them on the electric.
Detail 05
$9.99 per set
Cheap enough to change before a gig rather than after a break. Fresh strings do more for tone than most pedals.
Final check
Know before you order
- 01Switching from .010s drops tension — expect to adjust relief and intonation
- 02Set only, no winder, cutters or cleaning cloth included
- 03On a floating tremolo, any gauge change means resetting the bridge balance
Product questions
Before you decide
Straight answers to the questions shoppers most often ask about this product.
01What is RPS on Ernie Ball strings?
It's the reinforced plain-string build. The unwound strings are made to hold up better at the point where they usually let go.
02Are 9s too light for me?
They're easy to bend and easy to play fast on. If you pick hard or want a fatter feel, a heavier set will suit you better.
03Do I need a setup after switching to 9s?
If you're coming from heavier strings, yes. Lower tension changes neck relief and intonation. On a floating tremolo it's not optional.
04Can I tune down a step with these?
You can, but .009s get slack quickly. For anything below standard, a heavier gauge holds tension and intonation far better.
