Loading ...Recently Ernie Ball developed the first Cobalt string on the market. Why Cobalt? Cobalt offers a larger frequency response and a louder output than any nickel or stainless steel string set out there. And seriously if you read my blog, do I ever pass up a chance to check out a new set of bass strings? Never!
Ernie Ball sent along 2 sets for me to try. There was so much buzz surrounding these strings I had to wait a few weeks for them to restock after NAMM. I checked out the 50-105 gauge set of 4-string bass strings as well as the 45-130 gauge set of 5-string bass strings. My weapons of choice for this trial were; a 90s Fender California Special Precision bass and my 5-string OLP copy of a Musicman.
I put the strings on with ease, nothing crazy, new or exotic here. I did note the strings were packaged well. They come in a sealed foil wrapper and inside the wrapper the strings are coiled up in individual, well-marked envelopes. I had plenty of slack for both of my 34” scale basses.
My expectations were that the strings would be incredibly bright, but I couldn’t have been more wrong. I don’t want to say they are dark, but well you’ll be able to hear them in a second. Very full and midrange focused. Not that they are lacking anywhere, these strings just say, “Hey man, this is a bass!”
Here’s the strings on my P-bass. Nice fat lows and crystal clear harmonics at the end.
PBass
Here’s the Cobalts on my 5-string. You can really hear the mids. I way overplayed the open Low-B string. If you want to get thrown out of a band, this riffs a good start!
5 String
The feel reminds me exactly how I remember any other set of Ernie Ball Slinkys. Smooth, not too slick and very easy on your fingers. I have just under a month on the strings and haven’t noticed any wear of the strings construction, tuning or tone.
Web: ernieball.com
Street Price: $29.99 for the 4-string set and $35.99 for the 5-string set.
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