Ernie Ball Slinky Cobalt

[Rook]

Just got this email:

I'm up for giving these a try provided they aren't silly gauges, anybody any thoughts/knowledge?

The Email in webview

 

[cwhitey2]

Hmmm...sounds interesting...now only if I can not go through a pack every other week because of string breakage

 

[sell2792]

Isn't cobalt radioactive?

 

[Underworld]

Isn't cobalt radioactive?

That is why they are the most powerfull strings ever made






Nah seriously idk. I'm Curious.

 

[Rook]

Isn't cobalt radioactive?

It can be in the same way Carbon can be but if all carbon were radioactive you would be.

I thought it was toxic though hahaha

EDIT: "Cobalt is an essential element for life in minute amounts. The LD50 value for soluble cobalt salts has been estimated to be between 150 and 500 mg/kg. Thus, for a 100 kg person the LD50 would be about 20 grams.[78]
After nickel and chromium, cobalt is a major cause of contact dermatitis.[79] In 1966, the addition of cobalt compounds to stabilize beer foam in Canada led to cardiomyopathy, which came to be known as beer drinker's cardiomyopathy." Weird.

 

[cyril v]

i'm interested, it's hard to turn down new strings.

 

[scherzo1928]

Well, my guess is that this is a kind of hss, which means that it has around 5-8% cobalt, the rest is just steel. Still impressive, as that kind of steel would normally be used in making cutting tools. The interesting part would be if they are heat treated... If they aren't, then why go through so much trouble and expenses to add cobalt. If they are heat treated then holy shit, I'll need thicker picks (then again, they could be so hard that they would be fragile).

I wonder if D'addario is now going to make a chrome vanadium string, or a tungsten string

Edit: Or perhaps it's just a regular low alloy with less than 1% cobalt?? Would still be a very significant change... I'd love to try them out.

 

[scherzo1928]

Isn't cobalt radioactive?

Cobalt is added to many alloys and ceramics to make them tougher. Most (expensive) cutting tools will have a small percentage of cobalt (or Si, W, Ti, Zr) in the mix, from steels to carbides in order to make them last longer.

 

[Alberto7]

So wait... Petrucci is saying that they're more magnetic and have more pull... Which makes sense, since Cobalt is magnetic indeed. Wouldn't that kill sustain though? Kinda like putting the pickups closer to the strings.

 

[Sepultorture]

CHRIST all we need next is manganese strings next, WILL NEVER BREAK lol

 

[SilenceIsACrime]

I didn't like Petrucci's tone when he first started playing in that video, but I warmed up to it by the end. Morse sounded awesome though - especially those harmonics. I think I will definitely be picking up a set or two when they come out (I didn't see any 7-string packs though )

 

[renzoip]

Looks interesting, the video is cool, but I would have to try a set myself to really know if they are all that; they can't be too expensive, so why not I just hope they release 7 string packs or that at least they release every other single string gauge so that I can use them on my upcoming 8 string.

 

[cwhitey2]

Now only if D'Addario made some of these

 

[SilenceIsACrime]

Looks interesting, the video is cool, but I would have to try a set myself to really know if they are all that; they can't be too expensive, so why not I just hope they release 7 string packs or that at least they release every other single string gauge so that I can use them on my upcoming 8 string.

They are listed as $10 a pack on Musician's Friend. Not terribly expensive, I would say (especially if they wind up lasting longer).

 

[renzoip]

They are listed as $10 a pack on Musician's Friend. Not terribly expensive, I would say (especially if they wind up lasting longer).

That's cool, I'll give them a shot. But I hope they don't sound weird when combined with regular slinky low B/F# strings.

 

[scherzo1928]

I'd recommend getting SS frets for these.

 

[JPMike]

Wouldn't those strings be less unforgiving? Since more magnetic pull?

 

[Lukifer]

I was gonna ask on price and your right, $10 isnt too bad compared to like Elixers and such. If I get double the life well worth it. If I get slightly better tone also worth it. If its a marketing ploy, waste of money!

 

[bluediamond]

Louder? Brighter? I think I will like them

 

[SirMyghin]

Interesting strings, if they have a decent life I'll try them out. I love EBs coated strings though.

CHRIST all we need next is manganese strings next, WILL NEVER BREAK lol

Strings already don't break as long as you aren't ham fisted