Ernie Ball Cobalt Strings

I've been curious about them too, and might give them a try one of these days.  Specifically, how long do they last?  I chew through regular (non-coated) strings pretty quick.

I too am sold. They are a bit expensive - but they feel different and somehow better. It's not just placebo, as I strung up a few guitars vs EB slinkys and D'Addarios.

Price and personality of the guitars have spoken loudly as to what goes on the guitar itself.
Previously, I had certain guitars that like D'Addarios better (PRS and Fender) and stuck with Slinky's on the Gibsons. I use GHS Boomers as gig backups strings for everything (in a pinch). Boomers seem to be a nice middle ground but havent played them enough to hear a difference between them and EBs.

But as soon as those cases of strings are gone, I'm may go with Cobalts on everything. Just wish the price would come down.

btw, if you wipe down your strings at least AFTER you play, they'll last a lot longer. this goes for all strings. I could rust up a set of strings in a week if I didn't.

- 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.

I've been using Roto sound reds for ages now. They are the best string I have come across and can't see myself changing anytime soon. They also seem to last much longer before the performance reduces with age

I played Ernie Ball's for years and then switch to GHS boomers because I bought a bunch of strings from Ernie Ball that the ball would come undone almost a week after I installed them.  Didn't try very hard to get my money back, just decided it was time to switch brands.  GHS are brighter to my ear the Ernie Balls but I never tried the Cobalt.  My favorites are DR Pure Blues, but I'm cheap and GHS fit the bill.

I have not tried Cobalts. I will try a set at some point. But every time I do I stay with my Curt Mangan 11-52 pure nickel. Love these strings

I briefly tried the Cobalts.  Took me a while to get used to them - the 'stickiness' that people reported was evident when they were brand new, although it seemed to wear off after a while.

Tone wise, they are probably more 'vintage' sounding, and not as bright, which suited my Blues playing better, but not so much my Rock playing.

The strings do seem to last longer than the normal Slinkies, although not as long as my old Snake Oil Brand strings, which were my absolute favourites - pity they went out of business with their odd business practices...

Lately I am leaning towards Pyramid nickels, but will try some Curt Mangans too one day because I've heard good things about them.

Haha - Thanks Ron... That's me and my two boys... Taken a couple of years ago, but one of my favourite shots with all of us and our guitars..