Ernie Ball Cobalt Guitar Strings: The Ultimate Guide
Editor’s Note: Ernie Ball Cobalt Guitar Strings are a revolutionary new type of string that offers a number of advantages over traditional nickel-plated strings. In this guide, we’ll take a closer look at these strings and explore their benefits.
We’ve done the research and put together this comprehensive guide to help you make the right decision about whether Ernie Ball Cobalt Guitar Strings are right for you.
Key Differences: Ernie Ball Cobalt vs. Nickel-Plated Strings
| Characteristic | Ernie Ball Cobalt Strings | Nickel-Plated Strings |
|---|---|---|
| Material | Cobalt | Nickel |
| Brightness | Brighter | Duller |
| Sustain | Longer | Shorter |
| Magnetic Properties | More magnetic | Less magnetic |
| Price | More expensive | Less expensive |
Benefits of Ernie Ball Cobalt Guitar Strings
- Brighter sound
- Longer sustain
- Increased magnetic properties
- Improved tuning stability
- Longer lifespan
Conclusion
If you’re looking for a new set of guitar strings that will give you a brighter sound, longer sustain, and increased magnetic properties, then Ernie Ball Cobalt Guitar Strings are a great option. They’re more expensive than traditional nickel-plated strings, but they’re worth the investment if you’re serious about your playing.
1. Brighter sound
Ernie Ball Cobalt Guitar Strings are known for their brighter sound. This is due to the fact that cobalt is a harder metal than nickel, which is the material used in traditional guitar strings. Harder metals produce brighter sounds because they vibrate at a higher frequency. This results in a sound that is more clear and articulate, with less muddiness.
The brighter sound of Ernie Ball Cobalt Guitar Strings is a major benefit for guitarists who want to cut through the mix. This is especially important for lead guitarists who need to be heard over the rhythm section. Brighter strings also sound better when played with distortion, as they help to retain clarity and definition.
Here are some real-life examples of how Ernie Ball Cobalt Guitar Strings can improve your sound:
- If you’re playing a lead guitar solo, Ernie Ball Cobalt Guitar Strings will help you to stand out from the mix and be heard over the rhythm section.
- If you’re playing a rhythm guitar part, Ernie Ball Cobalt Guitar Strings will help to add clarity and definition to your sound.
- If you’re playing with distortion, Ernie Ball Cobalt Guitar Strings will help to retain clarity and definition, even at high gain levels.
Overall, the brighter sound of Ernie Ball Cobalt Guitar Strings is a major benefit for guitarists of all levels. If you’re looking for a brighter, more articulate sound, then Ernie Ball Cobalt Guitar Strings are a great option.
Table: Comparison of Ernie Ball Cobalt Guitar Strings to Traditional Nickel-Plated Strings
| Characteristic | Ernie Ball Cobalt Strings | Nickel-Plated Strings |
|---|---|---|
| Material | Cobalt | Nickel |
| Brightness | Brighter | Duller |
| Sustain | Longer | Shorter |
| Magnetic Properties | More magnetic | Less magnetic |
| Price | More expensive | Less expensive |
2. Longer sustain
Sustain is the length of time that a note continues to ring out after it has been played. Ernie Ball Cobalt Guitar Strings have longer sustain than traditional nickel-plated strings. This is due to the fact that cobalt is a harder metal than nickel. Harder metals vibrate at a higher frequency, which results in a longer sustain.
Longer sustain is important for guitarists who want to play lead guitar solos or who want to create ambient soundscapes. It is also important for guitarists who play in genres that require a lot of sustain, such as blues and jazz.
Here are some real-life examples of how Ernie Ball Cobalt Guitar Strings can improve your sustain:
- If you’re playing a lead guitar solo, Ernie Ball Cobalt Guitar Strings will help you to sustain your notes for longer, which will give you more time to develop your ideas.
- If you’re playing a rhythm guitar part, Ernie Ball Cobalt Guitar Strings will help to create a more ambient and spacious sound.
- If you’re playing in a blues or jazz band, Ernie Ball Cobalt Guitar Strings will help you to achieve the long, sustained notes that are characteristic of these genres.
Overall, the longer sustain of Ernie Ball Cobalt Guitar Strings is a major benefit for guitarists of all levels. If you’re looking for a string that will give you more sustain, then Ernie Ball Cobalt Guitar Strings are a great option.
Table: Comparison of Ernie Ball Cobalt Guitar Strings to Traditional Nickel-Plated Strings
| Characteristic | Ernie Ball Cobalt Strings | Nickel-Plated Strings |
|---|---|---|
| Material | Cobalt | Nickel |
| Brightness | Brighter | Duller |
| Sustain | Longer | Shorter |
| Magnetic Properties | More magnetic | Less magnetic |
| Price | More expensive | Less expensive |
3. Increased magnetic properties
Ernie Ball Cobalt Guitar Strings have increased magnetic properties compared to traditional nickel-plated strings. This is due to the fact that cobalt is a more magnetic metal than nickel. Increased magnetic properties give Ernie Ball Cobalt Guitar Strings several advantages:
- Improved tuning stability – The increased magnetic properties of Ernie Ball Cobalt Guitar Strings help them to stay in tune better than traditional strings. This is because the strings are more attracted to the magnets in the pickups, which helps to keep them in place.
- Increased output – The increased magnetic properties of Ernie Ball Cobalt Guitar Strin
gs also result in a hotter output. This means that the strings produce a stronger signal, which can be beneficial for guitarists who want to get more volume and sustain out of their guitars. - Improved tone – The increased magnetic properties of Ernie Ball Cobalt Guitar Strings can also improve the tone of your guitar. This is because the strings are more responsive to the magnets in the pickups, which results in a more articulate and defined sound.
Overall, the increased magnetic properties of Ernie Ball Cobalt Guitar Strings offer a number of benefits for guitarists. If you are looking for a string that will stay in tune better, produce a hotter output, and improve the tone of your guitar, then Ernie Ball Cobalt Guitar Strings are a great option.
Table: Comparison of Ernie Ball Cobalt Guitar Strings to Traditional Nickel-Plated Strings
| Characteristic | Ernie Ball Cobalt Strings | Nickel-Plated Strings |
|---|---|---|
| Material | Cobalt | Nickel |
| Brightness | Brighter | Duller |
| Sustain | Longer | Shorter |
| Magnetic Properties | More magnetic | Less magnetic |
| Price | More expensive | Less expensive |
4. Improved tuning stability
Improved tuning stability is a key benefit of Ernie Ball Cobalt Guitar Strings. This is due to the fact that cobalt is a more magnetic metal than nickel, which is the material used in traditional guitar strings. The increased magnetic properties of Ernie Ball Cobalt Guitar Strings help them to stay in tune better because the strings are more attracted to the magnets in the pickups, which helps to keep them in place.
Tuning stability is important for guitarists of all levels, but it is especially important for guitarists who play in genres that require a lot of string bending or vibrato. If your strings are not stable, they will go out of tune quickly, which can make it difficult to play in tune. Ernie Ball Cobalt Guitar Strings can help to solve this problem by providing improved tuning stability.
Here are some real-life examples of how Ernie Ball Cobalt Guitar Strings can improve your tuning stability:
- If you are a lead guitarist who bends strings a lot, Ernie Ball Cobalt Guitar Strings will help you to stay in tune better, even after bending strings multiple times.
- If you are a rhythm guitarist who uses a lot of vibrato, Ernie Ball Cobalt Guitar Strings will help you to stay in tune better, even when using heavy vibrato.
- If you are a guitarist who plays in a band that tunes to drop tunings, Ernie Ball Cobalt Guitar Strings will help you to stay in tune better, even when tuning down to lower tunings.
Overall, improved tuning stability is a major benefit of Ernie Ball Cobalt Guitar Strings. If you are looking for a string that will stay in tune better, then Ernie Ball Cobalt Guitar Strings are a great option.
Table: Comparison of Ernie Ball Cobalt Guitar Strings to Traditional Nickel-Plated Strings
| Characteristic | Ernie Ball Cobalt Strings | Nickel-Plated Strings |
|---|---|---|
| Material | Cobalt | Nickel |
| Brightness | Brighter | Duller |
| Sustain | Longer | Shorter |
| Magnetic Properties | More magnetic | Less magnetic |
| Price | More expensive | Less expensive |
| Tuning Stability | Improved | Standard |
5. Longer lifespan
Ernie Ball Cobalt Guitar Strings have a longer lifespan than traditional nickel-plated strings. This is due to the fact that cobalt is a harder metal than nickel, which means that it is less likely to corrode or wear out.
- Resistance to corrosion
Cobalt is a highly corrosion-resistant metal, which means that Ernie Ball Cobalt Guitar Strings are less likely to rust or tarnish than traditional nickel-plated strings. This is especially important for guitarists who live in humid climates or who play in sweaty conditions.
- Resistance to wear
Cobalt is a very hard metal, which means that Ernie Ball Cobalt Guitar Strings are less likely to wear out than traditional nickel-plated strings. This is especially important for guitarists who play frequently or who use heavy gauge strings.
- Reduced need for string changes
Because Ernie Ball Cobalt Guitar Strings have a longer lifespan, you will need to change them less frequently. This can save you time and money in the long run.
Overall, the longer lifespan of Ernie Ball Cobalt Guitar Strings is a major benefit for guitarists. If you are looking for a string that will last longer and require less maintenance, then Ernie Ball Cobalt Guitar Strings are a great option.
6. More expensive
Ernie Ball Cobalt Guitar Strings are more expensive than traditional nickel-plated strings. This is due to a number of factors, including the cost of cobalt, the manufacturing process, and the fact that Ernie Ball Cobalt Guitar Strings are a premium product.
- Cost of cobalt
Cobalt is a relatively rare metal, and it is more expensive to mine and refine than nickel. This increased cost is reflected in the price of Ernie Ball Cobalt Guitar Strings.
- Manufacturing process
Ernie Ball Cobalt Guitar Strings are made using a unique manufacturing process that is more expensive than the process used to make traditional nickel-plated strings. This process involves coating the strings with a thin layer of cobalt, which gives them their unique sound and feel.
- Premium product
Ernie Ball Cobalt Guitar Strings are a premium product, and they are priced accordingly. Ernie Ball is a well-known and respected brand in the guitar industry, and their Cobalt Guitar Strings are considered to be some of the best strings on the market.
Despite their higher price, Ernie Ball Cobalt Guitar Strings offer a number of advantages over traditional nickel-plated strings, including brighter sound, longer sustain, increased magnetic properties, improved tuning stability, and longer lifespan. If you are looking for a high-quality string that will give you the best possible sound and performance, then Ernie Ball Cobalt Guitar Strings are a great option.
7. Made of cobalt
The fact that Ernie Ball Cobalt Guitar Strings are made of cobalt is significant for several reasons.
First, cobalt is a harder metal than nickel, which is the mate
rial used in traditional guitar strings. This means that Ernie Ball Cobalt Guitar Strings are more durable and less likely to break. They are also less likely to corrode or rust, which means they will last longer.
Second, cobalt is a more magnetic metal than nickel. This means that Ernie Ball Cobalt Guitar Strings have increased magnetic properties, which gives them a hotter output and a more articulate sound. They are also more responsive to the magnets in the pickups, which results in improved tuning stability.
Third, cobalt is a brighter metal than nickel. This means that Ernie Ball Cobalt Guitar Strings have a brighter sound than traditional nickel-plated strings. They are also more articulate and defined, which makes them ideal for lead guitar playing and soloing.
Overall, the fact that Ernie Ball Cobalt Guitar Strings are made of cobalt gives them a number of advantages over traditional nickel-plated strings. They are more durable, have increased magnetic properties, and have a brighter sound. If you are looking for a high-quality string that will give you the best possible sound and performance, then Ernie Ball Cobalt Guitar Strings are a great option.
Table: Benefits of Ernie Ball Cobalt Guitar Strings
| Benefit | Reason |
|---|---|
| More durable | Cobalt is a harder metal than nickel. |
| Increased magnetic properties | Cobalt is a more magnetic metal than nickel. |
| Brighter sound | Cobalt is a brighter metal than nickel. |
8. Available in different gauges
Ernie Ball Cobalt Guitar Strings are available in a variety of different gauges, which allows guitarists to choose the strings that best suit their playing style and the sound they want to achieve. Lighter gauge strings are easier to bend and vibrato, and they produce a brighter sound. Heavier gauge strings are more durable and have a fatter, fuller sound.
The gauge of a guitar string is measured in thousandths of an inch. The most common gauges for electric guitar strings are .009, .010, .011, .012, .013, .015, and .017. Ernie Ball Cobalt Guitar Strings are available in all of these gauges, as well as a few additional gauges, such as .008 and .018.
The gauge of the strings you choose will depend on a number of factors, including your playing style, the type of guitar you play, and the sound you want to achieve. If you are unsure which gauge of strings to choose, it is a good idea to consult with a guitar teacher or experienced guitarist.
Here are some examples of how different gauges of Ernie Ball Cobalt Guitar Strings can be used to achieve different sounds:
- Lighter gauge strings (.009-.011) are often used for lead guitar playing, as they are easier to bend and vibrato. They also produce a brighter sound, which is ideal for cutting through the mix.
- Medium gauge strings (.012-.015) are a good all-around choice for both rhythm and lead guitar playing. They are not as bright as lighter gauge strings, but they have more volume and sustain. They are also more durable and less likely to break.
- Heavier gauge strings (.016-.018) are often used for rhythm guitar playing, as they produce a fatter, fuller sound. They are also more durable and less likely to break. However, they can be more difficult to bend and vibrato.
Ultimately, the best way to choose the right gauge of Ernie Ball Cobalt Guitar Strings for your needs is to experiment with different gauges and see what sounds and feels best to you.
Table: Ernie Ball Cobalt Guitar String Gauges
| Gauge | Description | Sound |
|---|---|---|
| .008 | Extra light | Bright, easy to bend |
| .009 | Light | Bright, versatile |
| .010 | Regular | Balanced, good for all-around playing |
| .011 | Medium light | Warm, good for rhythm playing |
| .012 | Medium | Versatile, good for both rhythm and lead playing |
| .013 | Medium heavy | Full, good for rhythm playing |
| .015 | Heavy | Fat, good for heavy rhythm playing |
| .017 | Extra heavy | Fat, good for drop tunings |
| .018 | Super heavy | Fat, good for extreme tunings |
9. Can be used on any type of guitar
Ernie Ball Cobalt Guitar Strings are versatile and can be used on any type of guitar, including electric guitars, acoustic guitars, and bass guitars. This makes them a great choice for guitarists who play multiple types of guitars or who want to have one set of strings that they can use for all of their guitars.
- Electric guitars
Ernie Ball Cobalt Guitar Strings are a great choice for electric guitars because they produce a bright, articulate sound that is perfect for cutting through the mix. They are also very responsive to the magnets in the pickups, which gives them a hotter output and a more powerful sound.
- Acoustic guitars
Ernie Ball Cobalt Guitar Strings can also be used on acoustic guitars, where they produce a warm, rich sound with plenty of clarity and definition. They are also very durable, which makes them a good choice for acoustic guitars that are played frequently.
- Bass guitars
Ernie Ball Cobalt Guitar Strings can also be used on bass guitars, where they produce a deep, powerful sound with plenty of sustain. They are also very flexible, which makes them easy to play and bend.
Overall, the versatility of Ernie Ball Cobalt Guitar Strings makes them a great choice for guitarists of all levels and playing styles. Whether you play electric guitar, acoustic guitar, or bass guitar, Ernie Ball Cobalt Guitar Strings can help you achieve the sound you are looking for.
10. Backed by Ernie Ball's warranty
Ernie Ball Cobalt Guitar Strings are backed by Ernie Ball’s industry-leading warranty. This means that if your strings break or become defective within the first 90 days of purchase, Ernie Ball will replace them for free. This warranty is a testament to the quality and durability of Ernie Ball Cobalt Guitar Strings. It also gives guitarists peace of mind, knowing that they are protected if their strings break.
There are several benefits to having a warranty on your guitar strings. First, it gives you peace of mind, knowing that you are protected if your strings break. Second, it can save you money in the long run, as you will not have to buy new strings as often. Third, it can help you to build a relationship with Ernie Ball, a company that is known for its customer service and support.
Here are some real-life examples of how Ernie Ball’s warranty can benefit guitarists:
- If you are a
gigging musician, you may break a string on stage. If you have Ernie Ball Cobalt Guitar Strings, you can simply replace the broken string with a new one and continue playing. You will not have to worry about buying a new set of strings or missing a gig. - If you are a student, you may break a string while practicing. If you have Ernie Ball Cobalt Guitar Strings, you can simply replace the broken string with a new one and continue practicing. You will not have to worry about asking your teacher or parents to buy you a new set of strings.
- If you are a collector, you may have a vintage guitar that is strung with Ernie Ball Cobalt Guitar Strings. If one of the strings breaks, you can simply replace it with a new one from Ernie Ball. You will not have to worry about finding a replacement string that is the same age and condition as the other strings on your guitar.
Overall, Ernie Ball’s warranty is a valuable benefit that gives guitarists peace of mind, saves them money, and helps them to build a relationship with Ernie Ball. If you are looking for a high-quality set of guitar strings that are backed by a warranty, then Ernie Ball Cobalt Guitar Strings are a great option.
Table: Benefits of Ernie Ball’s Warranty
| Benefit | Description |
|---|---|
| Peace of mind | Knowing that you are protected if your strings break. |
| Saves money | You will not have to buy new strings as often. |
| Builds a relationship with Ernie Ball | A company that is known for its customer service and support. |
FAQs about Ernie Ball Cobalt Guitar Strings
If you’re considering Ernie Ball Cobalt Guitar Strings, you may have some questions. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about these strings, along with their answers:
Question 1: What are Ernie Ball Cobalt Guitar Strings?
Answer: Ernie Ball Cobalt Guitar Strings are a new type of guitar string that is made of cobalt, a harder and more magnetic metal than nickel. This gives them a number of advantages over traditional nickel-plated strings, including brighter sound, longer sustain, increased magnetic properties, improved tuning stability, and longer lifespan.
Question 2: How do Ernie Ball Cobalt Guitar Strings sound?
Answer: Ernie Ball Cobalt Guitar Strings have a brighter sound than traditional nickel-plated strings. This is due to the fact that cobalt is a harder metal than nickel, which results in a higher frequency vibration.
Question 3: How long do Ernie Ball Cobalt Guitar Strings last?
Answer: Ernie Ball Cobalt Guitar Strings have a longer lifespan than traditional nickel-plated strings. This is due to the fact that cobalt is a harder metal than nickel, which makes it less likely to corrode or wear out.
Question 4: Are Ernie Ball Cobalt Guitar Strings more expensive than traditional nickel-plated strings?
Answer: Yes, Ernie Ball Cobalt Guitar Strings are more expensive than traditional nickel-plated strings. This is due to the fact that cobalt is a more expensive metal than nickel, and the manufacturing process for Ernie Ball Cobalt Guitar Strings is more complex.
Question 5: Are Ernie Ball Cobalt Guitar Strings worth the price?
Answer: Whether or not Ernie Ball Cobalt Guitar Strings are worth the price depends on your individual needs and budget. If you are looking for a high-quality set of strings that will give you the best possible sound and performance, then Ernie Ball Cobalt Guitar Strings are a great option. However, if you are on a budget, there are other good quality strings available for a lower price.
Question 6: What are the benefits of using Ernie Ball Cobalt Guitar Strings?
Answer: There are many benefits to using Ernie Ball Cobalt Guitar Strings, including brighter sound, longer sustain, increased magnetic properties, improved tuning stability, longer lifespan, and more. These strings are a great choice for guitarists of all levels and playing styles.
These are just a few of the most frequently asked questions about Ernie Ball Cobalt Guitar Strings. If you have any other questions, please feel free to contact Ernie Ball customer service.
Key Takeaways
- Ernie Ball Cobalt Guitar Strings are a new type of string that offers a number of advantages over traditional nickel-plated strings.
- These strings are brighter, last longer, and have increased magnetic properties, which results in improved tuning stability and a hotter output.
- Ernie Ball Cobalt Guitar Strings are more expensive than traditional nickel-plated strings, but they are worth the investment if you are looking for a high-quality set of strings that will give you the best possible sound and performance.
Tips for Using Ernie Ball Cobalt Guitar Strings
Ernie Ball Cobalt Guitar Strings are a new type of string that offers a number of advantages over traditional nickel-plated strings. These strings are brighter, last longer, and have increased magnetic properties, which results in improved tuning stability and a hotter output. However, there are a few things you should keep in mind when using Ernie Ball Cobalt Guitar Strings to get the best possible results.
Tip 1: Break in your strings properly.
New guitar strings can be stiff and difficult to play, and Ernie Ball Cobalt Guitar Strings are no exception. It is important to break in your new strings properly before you start playing them seriously. This will help to stretch the strings and make them more flexible, which will make them easier to play and less likely to break.
Tip 2: Use the right gauge strings for your guitar.
Ernie Ball Cobalt Guitar Strings are available in a variety of gauges, from .009 to .018. The gauge of the strings you choose will depend on the type of guitar you play, your playing style, and the sound you want to achieve.
Tip 3: Store your strings properly.
When you are not playing your guitar, it is important to store your strings properly to prevent them from oxidizing and corroding. The best way to store your strings is in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
Tip 4: Clean your strings regularly.
Cleaning your guitar strings regularly will help to remove dirt, grime, and sweat, which can build up over time and affect the sound and playability of your strings. The best way to clean your strings is to use a soft cloth and a mild soap solution.
Tip 5: Replace your strings regularly.
Even with proper care, guitar strings will eventually need to be replaced. The lifespan of your strings will depend on how often you play your guitar and how well you take care of them. However, as a general rule of thumb, it is a good idea to replace your strings every 3-6 months.
By following these tips, you can get the most out of your Ernie Ball Cobalt Guitar Strings and enjoy their superior sound and performance for years to come.
Summary of Key Takeaways
Ernie Ball Cobalt Guitar Strings offer a number of advantages over traditional nickel-plated strings, including brighter sound, longer sustain, and increased magnetic properties. By following the tips above, you can get the most out of your Ernie Ball Cobalt Guitar Strings and enjoy their superior sound and performance for years to come.
Transition to Article Conclusion
Ernie Ball Cobalt Guitar Strings are a great choice for guitarists of all levels and playing styles. If you are looking for a set of strings that will give you the best possible sound and perform
ance, then Ernie Ball Cobalt Guitar Strings are a great option.
Conclusion
Ernie Ball Cobalt Guitar Strings are a new type of string that offers a number of advantages over traditional nickel-plated strings. These strings are brighter, last longer, and have increased magnetic properties, which results in improved tuning stability and a hotter output. Ernie Ball Cobalt Guitar Strings are a great choice for guitarists of all levels and playing styles who are looking for a set of strings that will give them the best possible sound and performance.
If you are considering trying Ernie Ball Cobalt Guitar Strings, here are a few things to keep in mind:
- Break in your strings properly.
- Use the right gauge strings for your guitar.
- Store your strings properly.
- Clean your strings regularly.
- Replace your strings regularly.
By following these tips, you can get the most out of your Ernie Ball Cobalt Guitar Strings and enjoy their superior sound and performance for years to come.
The future of guitar strings is bright with Ernie Ball Cobalt Guitar Strings. These strings are a game-changer for guitarists who are looking for the best possible sound and performance. If you have not already tried Ernie Ball Cobalt Guitar Strings, I encourage you to give them a try. You will not be disappointed.
