Cobalt Strings

[Pete Academy]

I tried a set of Ernie Ball Cobalts for the first time on a gig last night. Very impressed. Punchy and responsive compared other strings I've tried. Not sure about the longevity, which seems to be an issue with them. Will keep you posted.

[kevin_lindsay]

I've not heard about these strings before. Keepnus informed about how they last.

[Kev]

I tried some, loved the sound and feel, but they lasted me only as long a set of regular ernie ball strings. I concluded they were too expensive for what they are.

[Roger2611]

I have just taken the EB coated strings off the Stingray and replaced them with Cobalt's definitely prefer the sound and feel of the Cobalt's, I will just have to see how long they last

[Dingus]

I tried some of these and the tone was excellent but I thought the tension was slightly higher than average ( which doesn't suit me ) and although they sounded good , they didn't sound significantly better than many other less expensive strings and didn't stay fresh - sounding any longer than other ordinary steel or nickel strings . On that basis , I really cannot see where they are getting the price from .

[Highfox]

I tried some and put them on my Stingray, thought they sounded ok lots of zing, but as Dingus said, I found the tension a little high and took them off after about a week.
Remember reading some threads on Talkbass about them eating frets, not sure how true that is! I tried and didn't really like.

[EliasMooseblaster]

Funnily enough, I used these on Cherry White's most recent album - Mr Ball was kind enough to send us some free sets, so I put them on my Epiphone and my Schecter.

It probably wasn't the fairest comparison as the studio had a beautiful, early '60s Fender Bassman for me to play through instead of my solid-state Laney, pleased though I am the latter. (The results are (surprisingly audible) at http://cherrywhite.bandcamp.com/ if anyone wants to hear them!)

Longevity wasn't great, though. I have come to expect this of Ernies, and this is why I rarely buy them. They lasted better than the sets of guitar Slinkies I've tried, but I decided it was time to go back to my usual Rotos for our last gig.

[Roland Rock]

[quote name='Highfox' timestamp='1373737747' post='2141154']
Remember reading some threads on Talkbass about them eating frets, not sure how true that is!
[/quote]

I've had a five string set on my main player for a year now, no sign of fret wear yet.

In terms of longevity, I'd say the new 'zing' lasted about the same as most other rounds.

To my ears, they have a nice emphasis in the lower mids (compared to the Foderas they replaced), The 'played in' tone is full, round and clear, which is why I've kept them on for so long.

[dave_bass5]

[quote name='kevin_lindsay' timestamp='1373716993' post='2140911']
I've not heard about these strings before. Keepnus informed about how they last.
[/quote]

Personally i didn't like them, ,but that was then. I still have my set and will give them another outing one day

[url="http://basschat.co.uk/topic/165581-ernie-ball-cobalt-strings/page__hl__cobalt"]http://basschat.co.u...age__hl__cobalt[/url]

http://basschat.co.uk/topic/181881-has-anyone-here-tried-these-eb-cobalt-strings-yet/page__p__1745300__hl__cobalt__fromsearch__1#entry1745300

Edited July 18, 2013 by dave_bass5

[longtimefred]

yeah i didnt like them either Pete, i complained to EB about the first pack i had as they literally lastest 2 weeks before they died. The gave me a 2nd pack free of charge which was nice andwere a little better but they ran out of steam very quickly and didnt sound good after the breaking in period was over.

I am currently using Fender strings and loving them! they are meaty.

[Greggo]

I've got a set of these on my 'ray copy. I don't know if it's the bass itself or the nature of the strings but from day one they didn't sound very bright, certainly not compared to the daddario xl pack I slung on my yammy. Anyone else find this with them?

Tension does also seem higher too which has made a setup for my tastes a bit of a pain.

I didn't actually order cobalt though they were upgraded by strings direct because run out of slinkies so was a bonus.

Edited July 28, 2013 by Greggo

[Pete Academy]

Second gig last night with these string. Again, amazing sound and feel. Absolutely love them. Still concerned about longevity and price.

[Greggo]

Yeah they do sound great on my bass in live situation they really cut through but when soloed they just seen a little bit duller for a new string.