Why your choice of bass strings matter – and which Ernie Ball set to choose

When it comes to one of the most important equipment choices a bass player can make, we can be creatures of habit. Your string choice for your bass guitar affects playability and tone. It can be the key factor in getting the best from your instrument and the way you play, but how do you make the right investment when it comes to choosing a new set of strings?

The best place to start is the world's leading manufacturer of strings. Ernie Ball now offers its widest range of bass strings integrating the latest construction technology.  

With carefully honed design and materials, each Ernie Ball string set offers a distinct playing experience for bassists. Here, we'll take a look at each string type to understand which will be be best for your playing needs and style.

There's also a wide selection of string gauges for four, five and even six-string bass players available in the extensive Ernie Ball range; from the lightest gauge Extra Slinky sets, to the heavier Beefy Slinky and custom gauges too. 

Lighter gauges generally tend to be better for slap bass style and fast lead work. A heavier gauge string will give you a meatier tone that can be better for heavier and down-tuned musical styles. 

All Ernie Ball strings are produced and packaged at Ernie Ball's desert headquarters in Coachella, CA in Element Shield sealed bags to deliver factory-fresh performance.

Let's take a look at the differences and key features of each Ernie Ball string set. 

Ernie Ball Regular Slinky Nickel 

Ernie Ball's Slinky Bass sets are the classic nickel wound electric bass strings. Made from nickel plated steel wrapped around a hex shaped steel core wire. They are used by professional players all over the world.

Characteristics: Bright, balanced tone

Great for: All bass and playing styles – a great all-round choice 

4-string gauges available: 

Extra Slinky 40-95
Super Slinky 45-100
Super Slinky Short Scale 40-100
Super Slinky Long Scale 45-100
Hybrid Slinky 45-105
Regular Slinky 50-105
Regular Slinky Short Scale 45-105
Power Slinky 55-110
Beefy Slinky 65-130

5-string:

Super Slinky 40-125
Regular Slinky 45-130
Slinky Super Long Scale 45-130
Power Slinky 50-135

6-string:

Long Scale Slinky 32-130

Ernie Ball Slinky Cobalt 

Ernie Ball's trailblazing developments brought Slinky Cobalts to the bass community. Cobalt creates a stronger magnetic relationship between your bass pickups and strings for greater clarity and output. 

Characteristics: Enhanced response and output, superior output with mid scoop

Great for: Prog, modern metal, funk, slap

Four-string gauges available:

40-95
45-100
45-105
50-105
55-110

five-string:

45-130

Slinky Flatwound

Another unique Ernie Ball advancement combines the feel of a flatwound string with the sound of a roundwound for the best of both worlds. While traditional flatwound strings are made from a stainless steel wrap wire. Ernie Ball uses the design of its Cobalt strings and applies it to flatwound. 

Characteristics: Roundwound sound with a flat feel, reduced finger noise 

Great for: Recording, excellent all-rounder 

Four-string gauges available:

Extra Slinky 40-95
Super Slinky 45-100
Regular Slinky 50-105
Power Slinky 55-110
Hybrid Slinky 45-105

Five-string gauge:

45-130

Flatwound

A more traditional approach to flatwound strings with stainless steel wrap wire for those that don't need the higher output and definition of cobalt. 

Characteristics: Warm and mellow tone, reduced unwanted finger noise

Great for: Motown soul, acoustic accompaniment, recording 

Four-string gauges available:

Group I 55-110
Group II 50-105
Group III 45-100
Group IV 40-95 

Five-string gauge:

45-130

Coated Slinky

Ernie Ball Slinky Coated Electric Bass Nickel wound sets use the company's technological advancements in string manufacturing to combine the feel of uncoated strings with resilience to impurities that can negatively impact your tone over time. 

Each string is treated with nanotechnology with a thin enamel coating to repel unwanted moisture and oils to keep your tone vibrant for longer.

Characteristics: Brighter balanced tone, longer life 

Great for: Longevity, fingerstyle players  

Four-string gauges available:

Super Slinky 45-100
Hybrid Slinky 45-105
Regular Slinky 50-105

Five-string gauge:

45-130

Stainless Steel Slinky  

Ernie Ball's stainless steel wrap wire doesn't just make for brighter tonality, it's also more resistant to corrosion from skin moisture to give that its distinct strengths more longevity. It's also a great option for players who experience allergies to nickel. 

Character: Bright, punchy and defined 

Great for: Pick players, rock, metal and funk, any bassist with a nickel allergy  

Four-string gauges available: 

Extra Slinky 40-95
Super Slinky 45-100
Hybrid Slinky 45-105
Regular Slinky 50-105

Earthwood Phosphor Bronze Acoustic 

The premium choice for acoustic bass players. Ernie Ball Earthwood bass string are made from 92% copper, 7.7% tin, 0.3% phosphorus wire wrapped around tin plated hex shaped steel core wire.

These acoustic strings have a light orange, gold colour that reflect their mellow tonality. 

Character: Mellow but defined with ringing clarity

Great for: All acoustic bass styles 

Four-string gauge available:

45-95

For more information of Ernie Ball bass string range, head to ernieball.co.uk