Detail 01
12-56 gauge
High tension at pitch. Bends take real effort in standard tuning, but stay tight and clear when detuned.
Product detailSKU #1321473138315
Ernie BallP02726 Cobalt Not Even Slinky Electric Guitar Strings 12-56
1/2
Independent shopping perspective
The Korena take
Heavy 12-56 cobalt-alloy electric guitar strings. Built for low tunings and drop setups where standard gauges go slack.
Strong match
Who this is for
- Drop C, C standard, and lower tunings that need real tension
- Baritone-scale or extended-scale electrics kept in low tunings
- Players who dig in hard and push strings sharp
Consider the trade-offs
When to look elsewhere
- Standard E tuning on a 25.5" scale — very stiff
- Players who bend a lot or use light touch
- Guitars set up for 9s or 10s without a re-setup
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
Cobalt alloy
More magnetically responsive than nickel, so pickups read them hotter with more upper-midrange bite and attack.
Detail 03
Electric guitar strings
Steel core with magnetic winding. Will not work on classical or nylon-string instruments.
Detail 04
Six-string set
One set, one restring. Buy multiples if you break strings often or want a spare on hand.
Final check
Know before you order
- 01Heavier gauge means more tension — expect neck relief and intonation to shift
- 02Nut slots may need filing to seat a 56 low E
- 03Tremolo bridges will need spring tension rebalanced after switching from lighter strings
Product questions
Before you decide
Straight answers to the questions shoppers most often ask about this product.
01Will these fit my guitar without any work?
Not always. Going from 9s or 10s to 12-56 raises tension enough that truss rod, intonation, and often nut slots need adjusting. Hardtails are easier than tremolos.
02What tuning are these meant for?
Low tunings. Drop C, C standard, and below keep sensible tension at these gauges. In standard E they feel very stiff.
03How is cobalt different from regular nickel strings?
Cobalt is more magnetic, so the pickups pick up more output and more upper-mid detail. The tone is brighter and more aggressive than nickel-plated steel.
04Can I use these on an acoustic guitar?
No. These are electric strings. Use acoustic strings — bronze or phosphor bronze — on an acoustic.
