• From: Detroit
  • Registered: 2006-06-02
  • Posts: 5,807

Topic: Ernie Ball Cobalts

This is a repost from another topic, so I thought I'd start a poll.
Have you used these? Could you tell a difference?

I saw an ad with a quote from Joe B on it saying they were good. I just don't know if he is using them exclusively.

"There's a certain degree of clarity and punch you get from Cobalt Strings that I haven't heard tonally from any other strings I've played." - Joe Bonamassa

Apparently, Slash likes them a lot too. He's on YouTube saying they're the best strings he ever played.

- Nic from Detroit... posting on JB's Forum since 6-2-2006
Ask me about my handwound Great Lakes Guitar Pickups
Since 2010, Bonamassa fans have taken advantage of my JB friend discount = my cost + shipping. cool
  • From: North Carolina
  • Registered: 2008-10-26
  • Posts: 2,926

Re: Ernie Ball Cobalts

I want to try them but $10 for a set of strings seems expensive.  I've read reviews on other sites that say there is a playing difference as well as a sound, they more then likely sound brighter the nickel wound string.

AD3THREE's Website

  • Registered: 2012-03-29
  • Posts: 84

Re: Ernie Ball Cobalts

I want to know if they last any longer than regular strings. I have start during elixir strings as i don't have to change them so often

Smitty Custom classic Strat in sonic blue
Smitty Custom classic Gold top Hog tele
DR Z m12
  • From: New York
  • Registered: 2011-02-13
  • Posts: 444

Re: Ernie Ball Cobalts

+1 on the longevity issue. I love the feel of Super Slinkies, but they seem to corrode faster than D'addarios.

Gibson Custom Joe Bonamassa Ltd Signature Les Paul VOS # 31

5 Reply by Charlie Foxtrot (edited by Charlie Foxtrot 2012-04-18 22:12:07)

  • From: Salt Lake City
  • Registered: 2012-04-04
  • Posts: 22

Re: Ernie Ball Cobalts

I have been using them for about a month now and I am sold.  One thing I have noticed about the Cobalt strings is that they don't get corroded or gunky very easily, and what little does get on them it is easy to wipe it right off.  For me that is a sign that the longevity should be very good.  The strings that are 4 weeks old still sound and play great and feel clean when I wipe them down.

  • From: New York
  • Registered: 2011-02-13
  • Posts: 444

Re: Ernie Ball Cobalts

Awesome. I'll have to pick up a set after I vanquish the 4 sets of Super Slinkies I just got.

Gibson Custom Joe Bonamassa Ltd Signature Les Paul VOS # 31
  • From: Orlando, FL
  • Registered: 2012-02-15
  • Posts: 16

Re: Ernie Ball Cobalts

Charlie Foxtrot wrote:

I have been using them for about a month now and I am sold.  One thing I have noticed about the Cobalt strings is that they don't get corroded or gunky very easily, and what little does get on them it is easy to wipe it right off.  For me that is a sign that the longevity should be very good.  The strings that are 4 weeks old still sound and play great and feel clean when I wipe them down.

I'm assuming that you've gigged with them before? I currently use the Ernie ball Slinkys, very good for the price, but they don't last long.

If they don't go through a gig, they last me quite a while, a couple months even. I typically switch out strings very often cause I like them to be fresh for a gig. When I do gig with the Slinkys however, I usually only get one show out of them maybe two. They just loose that feel and get that darkened look to them....plus they're MUCH more likely to break, even though I use lubricant at then nut and bridge.

Just wanted to see if you'd gigged with the cobalt ones and if they held up for you, also do you use any kind of string conditioner or anything?

"One great rock show can change the WORLD!"

RocknRoll5's Website

8 Reply by cindyron (edited by cindyron 2012-05-14 13:23:26)

  • From: New Hampshire, USA
  • Registered: 2010-12-21
  • Posts: 3,650

Re: Ernie Ball Cobalts

RocknRoll5 wrote:
Charlie Foxtrot wrote:

I have been using them for about a month now and I am sold.  One thing I have noticed about the Cobalt strings is that they don't get corroded or gunky very easily, and what little does get on them it is easy to wipe it right off.  For me that is a sign that the longevity should be very good.  The strings that are 4 weeks old still sound and play great and feel clean when I wipe them down.

I'm assuming that you've gigged with them before? I currently use the Ernie ball Slinkys, very good for the price, but they don't last long.

If they don't go through a gig, they last me quite a while, a couple months even. I typically switch out strings very often cause I like them to be fresh for a gig. When I do gig with the Slinkys however, I usually only get one show out of them maybe two. They just loose that feel and get that darkened look to them....plus they're MUCH more likely to break, even though I use lubricant at then nut and bridge.

Just wanted to see if you'd gigged with the cobalt ones and if they held up for you, also do you use any kind of string conditioner or anything?

Hi All
You should try Curt Mangan 11-52 pure nickel with 3rd plan. These are awesome
Cheers Ron

"Joe B saved my soul, forever grateful Ron"
"Some people dream of worthy accomplishments while others stay awake and do them"
Skinner #1,JBLP 145(aged),252, (unaged),#285HM, Bburst #026, Joes 052 BCC black LP, Strat> RT,EC Gilmour,Beck,Lenny LP> PK 83,CC#2,3,4,9,Amps>Carol Ann RAH JB-100 SN 001,JB100 Red SN02,OD2, OD3,Tucana 2&3 Triptix,Twinkle land, Plexi ,JB Jub, Jubs,Plexi,Satch,Two Rock>others

9 Reply by Charlie Foxtrot (edited by Charlie Foxtrot 2012-05-14 17:15:54)

  • From: Salt Lake City
  • Registered: 2012-04-04
  • Posts: 22

Re: Ernie Ball Cobalts

RocknRoll5 wrote:
Charlie Foxtrot wrote:

I have been using them for about a month now and I am sold.  One thing I have noticed about the Cobalt strings is that they don't get corroded or gunky very easily, and what little does get on them it is easy to wipe it right off.  For me that is a sign that the longevity should be very good.  The strings that are 4 weeks old still sound and play great and feel clean when I wipe them down.

I'm assuming that you've gigged with them before? I currently use the Ernie ball Slinkys, very good for the price, but they don't last long.

If they don't go through a gig, they last me quite a while, a couple months even. I typically switch out strings very often cause I like them to be fresh for a gig. When I do gig with the Slinkys however, I usually only get one show out of them maybe two. They just loose that feel and get that darkened look to them....plus they're MUCH more likely to break, even though I use lubricant at then nut and bridge.

Just wanted to see if you'd gigged with the cobalt ones and if they held up for you, also do you use any kind of string conditioner or anything?

I haven't gigged with them yet, but that is basically because I don't have any gigs.  I have used them in a few practice sessions for a summer jam band and they have held up fine in that situation.  I do use nut sauce on the string saddles and the nut slots on all of my guitars and as long as I do that I usually don't break strings.  I find if I use a micro fiber string cleaner when I get done playing the guitar then the strings stay pretty clean.  I think I have one set going on about 6+ weeks now and the cobalts still sound really lively and snappy.  With normal strings, even when I keep them clean if a set has been on for that long it they usually sound fairly dead.

  • From: Southampton, UK
  • Registered: 2011-09-06
  • Posts: 231

Re: Ernie Ball Cobalts

cindyron wrote:
RocknRoll5 wrote:
Charlie Foxtrot wrote:

I have been using them for about a month now and I am sold.  One thing I have noticed about the Cobalt strings is that they don't get corroded or gunky very easily, and what little does get on them it is easy to wipe it right off.  For me that is a sign that the longevity should be very good.  The strings that are 4 weeks old still sound and play great and feel clean when I wipe them down.

I'm assuming that you've gigged with them before? I currently use the Ernie ball Slinkys, very good for the price, but they don't last long.

If they don't go through a gig, they last me quite a while, a couple months even. I typically switch out strings very often cause I like them to be fresh for a gig. When I do gig with the Slinkys however, I usually only get one show out of them maybe two. They just loose that feel and get that darkened look to them....plus they're MUCH more likely to break, even though I use lubricant at then nut and bridge.

Just wanted to see if you'd gigged with the cobalt ones and if they held up for you, also do you use any kind of string conditioner or anything?

Hi All
You should try Curt Mangan 11-52 pure nickel with 3rd plan. These are awesome
Cheers Ron

Hey thanks for the heads up on these strings Ron - I'd never heard of them before, but I've found a UK outlet and will try a set as they seem very well priced.

Gibson LP '89 Custom * Gibson LP '04 Classic * Gibson JB LP Studio * Fender 50th Ann. Deluxe Strat * Gibson Explorer Pro * Epiphone Korina SG * Michael Kelly Patriot Premium * Ibanez 105NT Artcore Custom * Takamine acoustics * Fender Blues Deville 4x10" * Marshall DSL100 and DSL50 * Marshall 1960A * Laney LH55 * Bugera V55HD * Bugera 212VT * Marshall 1912 * Roland Cube 60

Coolaxeman's Website

  • From: New Hampshire, USA
  • Registered: 2010-12-21
  • Posts: 3,650

Re: Ernie Ball Cobalts

Coolaxeman wrote:
cindyron wrote:
RocknRoll5 wrote:

I'm assuming that you've gigged with them before? I currently use the Ernie ball Slinkys, very good for the price, but they don't last long.

If they don't go through a gig, they last me quite a while, a couple months even. I typically switch out strings very often cause I like them to be fresh for a gig. When I do gig with the Slinkys however, I usually only get one show out of them maybe two. They just loose that feel and get that darkened look to them....plus they're MUCH more likely to break, even though I use lubricant at then nut and bridge.

Just wanted to see if you'd gigged with the cobalt ones and if they held up for you, also do you use any kind of string conditioner or anything?

Hi All
You should try Curt Mangan 11-52 pure nickel with 3rd plan. These are awesome
Cheers Ron

Hey thanks for the heads up on these strings Ron - I'd never heard of them before, but I've found a UK outlet and will try a set as they seem very well priced.

Yeah check them out, if you are not currently using 11-52 pure nickle (3rd plan) try thr curt Mangan 11-48 pure nickle. Let me know what you think. It is always interesting how we all have diffrent ideas what are good. It is only the fact this along with the guitars we use this are such personel things. At the end of the day no matter what any one says it is always what you like and no one should tell you otherwise. Cheers Ron

"Joe B saved my soul, forever grateful Ron"
"Some people dream of worthy accomplishments while others stay awake and do them"
Skinner #1,JBLP 145(aged),252, (unaged),#285HM, Bburst #026, Joes 052 BCC black LP, Strat> RT,EC Gilmour,Beck,Lenny LP> PK 83,CC#2,3,4,9,Amps>Carol Ann RAH JB-100 SN 001,JB100 Red SN02,OD2, OD3,Tucana 2&3 Triptix,Twinkle land, Plexi ,JB Jub, Jubs,Plexi,Satch,Two Rock>others
  • From: East Lancashire, UK
  • Registered: 2011-06-24
  • Posts: 3,019

Re: Ernie Ball Cobalts

cindyron wrote:
Coolaxeman wrote:
cindyron wrote:

Hi All
You should try Curt Mangan 11-52 pure nickel with 3rd plan. These are awesome
Cheers Ron

Hey thanks for the heads up on these strings Ron - I'd never heard of them before, but I've found a UK outlet and will try a set as they seem very well priced.

Yeah check them out, if you are not currently using 11-52 pure nickle (3rd plan) try thr curt Mangan 11-48 pure nickle. Let me know what you think. It is always interesting how we all have diffrent ideas what are good. It is only the fact this along with the guitars we use this are such personel things. At the end of the day no matter what any one says it is always what you like and no one should tell you otherwise. Cheers Ron

Same here £5.05 a set. Worth a try thanks...

Come on the Blades (sorry Idolbone just had to borrow your line)
  • From: N.Wales, UK
  • Registered: 2009-03-06
  • Posts: 2,183

Re: Ernie Ball Cobalts

After trying this and finding it BS...although nice strings for a good price (I can imagine them just branded and repackaged).
http://www.zacharyguitars.com/Strings.htm

CM seem worth a go for sure.
Also Colbalts...but they will really have to blow my mind to justify the price over a set of EBSSs.

  • From: Adelaide, South Australia
  • Registered: 2011-10-14
  • Posts: 1,339

Re: Ernie Ball Cobalts

Just bought some DR Tite-Fit 11-50 strings and they're really great... I recommend DR strings highly!!

http://www.stefanhauk.com

stefanhauk's Website

  • Devan
  • Devan
  • BONAMETAL
  • Offline
  • From: Darwin, Australia
  • Registered: 2010-04-13
  • Posts: 1,304

Re: Ernie Ball Cobalts

I've just ordered some Cobalts - JustStrings.com had them for $11 I think.  My local shop was going to get them in at $24 a packet - Yikes!

I saw the EB ad in the latest edition of Premier Guitar on my iPad, which showed Joe B amongst other big league players 'endorsing' them, which reminded me about them and prompted this post.

I had been using Snake Oil nickels strings which I loved, but the supply has gone to pot - literally.  I tried Pyramid strings after that which I also like, but the price is quite high there too.  Have to try the Curt Mangans, which I've heard good things about.  Also had guys recommend the R Coco strings to me which I might try, but they seem to be a one man show like Snak Oil which makes me a bit nervous... wink

JBLP Gold Top #129 - redubbed "#1 in Oz"
  • From: Detroit
  • Registered: 2006-06-02
  • Posts: 5,807

Re: Ernie Ball Cobalts

Just bought two packs!

I had a session in the studio yesterday. put the strings on my best sounding guitar for the studio... a 1997 Les Paul Classic Honeyburst with RS Guitarworks/Fralin 1960 PAFs.
http://store.rsguitarworks.net/nRSFRZEBPAFS.html

I didn't oil the board or shine the frets like I usually do... I wrapped around the 10's I bought, gave them a quick tug before I left for the studio. When I had them in tune for the first time, I tried getting it out of tune by chording heavy and some crazy bends all over... the strings stayed in tune pretty much right away, I couldn't believe it.

The studio experience with the strings was grand as well... I could hit a bar chord and I could feel it through the guitar (more of a tribute to the guitar) but the strings resonated and sustained noticably longer... as advertised. I wasn't sure if it was "new string placebo" or "voodoo" but who cares - I liked them.

We'll see how long they sound good before they go dead.

- Nic from Detroit... posting on JB's Forum since 6-2-2006
Ask me about my handwound Great Lakes Guitar Pickups
Since 2010, Bonamassa fans have taken advantage of my JB friend discount = my cost + shipping. cool
  • Devan
  • Devan
  • BONAMETAL
  • Offline
  • From: Darwin, Australia
  • Registered: 2010-04-13
  • Posts: 1,304

Re: Ernie Ball Cobalts

Well, I received mine in the mail last week.  Slapped them on my Strat and did this short comparative recording:

http://soundcloud.com/cyberferret/cobal … comparison

Must say, so far, I am not that impressed.  I much preferred the tone of my old Snake Oil/Pyramid strings.  The Cobalts seem a bit 'thinner' sounding.  Fell wise I don't find them too different from other strings. 

I'll keep going with this and see how they 'bed in', but at this stage I don't think I will persist with them.

JBLP Gold Top #129 - redubbed "#1 in Oz"
  • From: York, PA
  • Registered: 2010-08-27
  • Posts: 1,749

Re: Ernie Ball Cobalts

Theres definitely a difference in tone. Yes, they do sound thinner but a little cleaner on the top end than the first set of strings. It almost sounded like you switched pickup positions, they're that much different in sound.