Ernie Ball Cobalt Strings

othomas2 · Post by **othomas2** » Thu Nov 01, 2012 11:35 pm

Got a free sample through work and fitted them to my Jag. Wasn't expecting too much from them to be honest ...but as there has been some hype surrounding them, I sure was intrigued.

In short, they kinda do what they say on the tin. Maximise output & Clarity. Really...

I've been an avid Elixir user for a few years now, so my comparisons are really based on them.

Only just fitted so they haven't had time to settle... but they seem bright yet fairly well rounded at the same time, almost like I was playing in stereo at times, weird !! They really do add some single note clarity, less muddy & and quite responsive. Having the Cool Rails in the bridge, that's something that is very much welcomed. Because the magnetic pull is stronger I hear more sustain in the notes which is nice...

They don't feel as silky as the Elixirs which will take a little getting used to, and perhaps something I don't see as a benefit personally. Mapping my fingers over the fretboard seems off.

I guess my quick review could be jaded somewhat seeing as they were free but I wasn't asked to do this. I just thought I'd post up with a positive response to say thanks. It's not a fraud !! Worth a try I'd say and they can be had for under Â£10 now... originally I think they were meant to be closer to Â£15 but prices must have been forced down, through pricing wars.

My favourite Elixirs may become second best in time...

cheers
O

George · Post by **George** » Thu Nov 01, 2012 11:57 pm

Sounds interesting but at Â£10 it's a bit of a stinker. Strings are fine as they are and I doubt these reinvent the wheel. But let's say they do, and let's say you urgently need more strings and they don't carry your brand at the local music store so all your settings are fucked for that all important pub gig where 8 people are going to turn up (story of my life). WHAT DO YOU DO?

Also, from my understanding of the effect of magnetic pull on sustain, less pull means more sustain because the strings are able to vibrate more freely?

othomas2 · Post by **othomas2** » Fri Nov 02, 2012 7:19 am

George wrote: Also, from my understanding of the effect of magnetic pull on sustain, less pull means more sustain because the strings are able to vibrate more freely?

That could be true also.... I guess my pickups aren't high out put enough for that to be a concern. But adjusting the pickup height could sort that and any intonation type issues that goes along with this.

I know what you're saying about the availability...but if it was me and and I was in that position I'd buy enough beforehand. He says lol...

It's hard to describe strings, and without sounding like a douche, but I get what they're trying to do and their intentions do seem to come out in the sound.

O

Gabriel · Post by **Gabriel** » Fri Nov 02, 2012 8:45 am

I've heard really bad things about these strings, one of the main complaints I've heard is that they corrode really fast. Also I've heard they also increase fretwear and corrosion spreading to the hardware as well. There is a big long thread about them on Harmony Central.

http://acapella.harmony-central.com/sho ... lt-Strings

othomas2 · Post by **othomas2** » Fri Nov 02, 2012 11:06 am

Free Relicing

ekwatts · Post by **ekwatts** » Fri Nov 02, 2012 11:38 am

Rotosound Blues.

That's it.

(Unless I'm tuning down, in which case it's their new "Dark Zone" Zakk Wylde copies or D'Addario "heavy" 8-string guitar strings for tuning to A)

I just don't see how spending Â£10-Â£15 on a pair of strings to try to prolong their useful life or "increase output" etc works better than simply changing your strings when they start to feel a bit worn out. COME ON.

Plus, they're Ernie Balls, so NO.

cobascis · Post by **cobascis** » Tue Jan 08, 2013 3:21 am

Just put a pair of these on my teisco and they are noticeably loudly acoustically, which is sweet. I'll report back if I have any problems like the HCFX ones. I have another pack too, so I hope not!

FreeBird · Post by **FreeBird** » Tue Jan 08, 2013 10:45 am

Being naturally curious, I will try thoses Cobalt Ernie Ball strings. I hope they won't rust et eat my guitars.

cobascis · Post by **cobascis** » Thu Jan 10, 2013 1:13 am

Nothing bad to report yet. Some of those HCFX reports are stupid, too. The claim that they wear frets faster? WTF they have been out for like a month. There is no way to accurately say that.

dub · Post by **dub** » Fri Jan 11, 2013 12:14 pm

I tried some of these on my yamaha, and they sound weak as hell. Jangle jangle jangle.
Although, they are probably not suited for my rolled off tones.

They are lasting longer than ernie balls usually do with my sweat, but not much longer than d'addarios.