Detail 01
Cobalt alloy
Stronger magnetic pull on pickups than nickel-plated steel. Higher output, brighter highs, more pronounced mids.

Independent shopping perspective
Cobalt-alloy electric guitar strings in the lightest common Slinky gauge. For players who bend a lot and want more output than nickel-plated steel.

Strong match
Consider the trade-offs
What matters in use
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 01
Stronger magnetic pull on pickups than nickel-plated steel. Higher output, brighter highs, more pronounced mids.
Detail 02
The lightest of the standard Slinky range. Easiest bends, lowest tension, most prone to going sharp under a heavy hand.
Detail 03
Textured wound strings give finger squeak and bite. Grippier under the fingers than flatwounds.
Detail 04
Steel core relies on magnetic pickups. Won't drive an acoustic top properly.
Final check
Product questions
Straight answers to the questions shoppers most often ask about this product.
It is the lightest of Ernie Ball's standard Slinky range — built for low tension and easy bending rather than heavy strumming or low tunings.
Different, not better. Cobalt pushes more signal into the pickup with a brighter, more aggressive voice. Nickel is warmer and smoother.
No. These are magnetic-pickup strings. An acoustic needs bronze or phosphor bronze windings to sound right.
Possibly. Dropping to a lighter gauge reduces tension and pulls the neck straighter, which can lower action into the frets. Check relief after installing.