Ernie Ball Cobalt Regular Slinky 45-130 5-String Bass Guitar Strings, Long Scale

**PLEASE NOTE** These strings measure 36.75" / 93cm from the ball end to the start of the taper. These strings have no silk winding at either end of the string.

Unsure what scale length string you need?  Click here!

Here's what we think about these strings;

Being the world's first and only cobalt bass string, you’d be forgiven for being cynical about the Ernie Ball Cobalt range and how they stand up against other wrap materials.  After all, why has it not been used before?

Ernie Ball’s Cobalt wrap is in fact a blend of iron and cobalt that delivers a really unique playing experience.

As a standalone element, Cobalt possesses properties that make it great for use in a set of bass strings.  First off it is highly magnetic.  A feature that Ernie Ball say really makes these strings stand out from the crowd when compared to the common Nickel Wound and Stainless Steel sets.  These greater magnetic properties mean that these strings will interact with your pickups far more than the sets you typically see on the shelves.

In fact, on the back of the outer packaging, Ernie Ball back this up with some graphical evidence of how these strings deliver greater output and frequency response in all areas including the lows, mids and highs and we’d certainly say that you get a bit more punch for your buck here.

They certainly make for a great all rounder string but we think they’d be a great option if you’re in a metal band or are playing particularly fast runs and need that extra bit of punch from your EQ.

Cobalt is naturally stable in the air and does not react with water.  In fact, any degradation that does occur takes place over a longer period of time even when it comes into contact with acids such as sweat and grime from our fingers.  This means that these strings not only perform straight out of the packet but for a greater period of time too.

Personally, I’m not a huge fan of that ‘brand new’ string sound.  I don’t like anything too jangly or twangy and even for a string with increased output and clarity they didn’t suffer from any of that.  Just nice, fresh sounding strings and this remained the case even after 4-5 weeks of consistent playing.  Perhaps a touch of zing from the top was lost but these still perform very well indeed and would be up to the job of recording well or cutting through on a gig several weeks/months later.

Packaging wise, in true Ernie Ball style it is of course pretty sexy (if you can call a set of strings sexy, hell we often do but perhaps we need to get out more!)  but above all the outer metalized foil and inner paper envelopes are all recyclable which gets a big thumbs up from us too.

When it comes to feel under the fingers, we were suitably impressed.  They aren’t too dry and crying out for string lubrication.  Likewise, on the flip side they don’t feel overly greasy and slippery. Straight out of the pack these strings bed in well and tune up nicely too with little to no adjustments to the bass necessary.

For me, the true test of a set of bass strings is that Low B on a 5-string set.  I’ve lost count the amount of times that I have bought a set of strings in the past and the Low B has dead spots here and there or it’s a dull sounding string.  This Low B didn’t suffer from any of that.  Even after a month of consistent sessions and rehearsals. I’ve never had a set of strings still play like this before.

Yes, these are a little bit more expensive than your average set and the standard Ernie Ball Slinky offerings but they definitely get my seal of approval.

Trevor Newnham // Strings Direct Bass String Ambassador

@newnhamtrevor

Here's what Ernie Ball say about these strings;

Ernie Ball 5-String Cobalt Bass Guitar Strings 45-130 Regular Slinky 2736

Ernie Ball 2736 Cobalt Regular Slinky Bass Strings for 5-string bass are round-wound for maximum clarity and serious punch. The Cobalt Regular Slinky 5-String set is clearly an improvement on its classic nickel-wound counterpart giving the player increased sustain, clarity and output. In addition, they resist sweat and moisture better and have unmatched flexibility when compared to other nickel wound strings.

"Ernie Ball Cobalt Bass Strings are the new standard! Bigger, better tone, sustain and volume. Finally a real innovation with strings." - Randy Jackson 
"I can't believe how much low end I get out of Ernie Ball Cobalt Bass Strings. Also, the high end is super crisp, seemingly with more definition. Unbelievable." - Dave Larue 

All Ernie Ball strings are precision manufactured to the highest standards and the most exacting specs to assure consistency, optimum performance and long life. Made in the USA.

Gauges: 45-65-80-100-130.

SKU: 2736

Re: Delivery. All orders placed on weekdays before 3:45pm will be despatched that same day.  All of our delivery options can be found at checkout or on our delivery page.

Re: Returns. We have a 30-day return policy, which means you have 30 days after receiving your item to request a return. To be eligible for a return, your item must be in the same condition that you received it, unworn or unused, with tags, and in its original packaging. You’ll also need the receipt or proof of purchase.

To start a return, please contact us at info@stringsdirect.co.uk.

For further information visit our Returns & refunds page.