Ernie Ball EB COBALT 5-STRING 45-130 BASS SET

Engineered to maximize output and clarity, Ernie Ball Cobalt Slinky Guitar Strings are the latest innovation in string technology. Seeking to provide guitarists and bassists with a new voice, Cobalt strings provide an extended dynamic range, incredible harmonic response, increased low end, and crisp, clear highs.

Cobalt provides a stronger magnetic relationship between pickups and strings than any other alloy previously available. Cobalt Slinkys are also soft and silky to the touch, making string bending a breeze.

A brief guide to strings:

The strings on your guitar have a major impact on its sound and playability. The wrong gauge makes playing harder, the guitar feel wrong and can seriously reduce your enjoyment.

Most new guitars come strung with light-gauge strings. For beginning players, that’s probably a good place to start. As you develop and your fingers gain calluses and strength, you may want to gradually move up to heavier strings, depending on the music you play.

Lighter gauge strings:

generally easier to play
allow easier bending of notes and fretting
can break more easily
produce less volume and sustain
prone to cause fret buzzing, especially on guitars with low action
exert less tension on the guitar neck and are a safe choice for vintage guitars

Heavier gauge strings:

are generally harder to play
require more finger pressure to fret and bend notes
produce more volume and sustain
are preferred for low tunings such as drop D
exert more tension on the guitar neck

Keep in mind that changing string gauges may require adjustments to your string height or “action” at the bridge saddles as well as adjustments to the nut and neck. Depending on your skill and the type of guitar you own, this may be better left to a guitar tech.