Ernie Ball Cobalt good for jazz??
- Thread starter lareplus
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TimmyPage
New member
Re: Ernie Ball Cobalt good for jazz??
As a jazz player, strings are strings. In the end it's mostly about feel, and most of that feel comes from how the string feels when bent (tight, loose, string tension etc). With less emphasis on bending, most strings honestly feel the same to me, unless they are coated or are a completely different shape such as flatwounds. Roll down the tone knob and a lot of the strings start sounding the same to me too.
I haven't used them personally, but the one minor detail that would put me off them is that Ernie Ball advertises them as very loud strings, not a trait I would normally look for in a string in a jazz setting. I don't believe it would be much of a difference, as I've used a whole bunch of different random strings on my jazz box, and the differences were minute no matter what. I'd say its worth a shot.
As a jazz player, strings are strings. In the end it's mostly about feel, and most of that feel comes from how the string feels when bent (tight, loose, string tension etc). With less emphasis on bending, most strings honestly feel the same to me, unless they are coated or are a completely different shape such as flatwounds. Roll down the tone knob and a lot of the strings start sounding the same to me too.
I haven't used them personally, but the one minor detail that would put me off them is that Ernie Ball advertises them as very loud strings, not a trait I would normally look for in a string in a jazz setting. I don't believe it would be much of a difference, as I've used a whole bunch of different random strings on my jazz box, and the differences were minute no matter what. I'd say its worth a shot.
El Dunco
Sock Supplier to RHCP
Re: Ernie Ball Cobalt good for jazz??
Just how do you make a string 'louder'? Are they going to start advertising distortion strings? I bought a couple of packs of DR coated strings. They're pretty awful. Advertised as not sounding dull despite the coating which they do. They feel too thick and mushy.
Just how do you make a string 'louder'? Are they going to start advertising distortion strings? I bought a couple of packs of DR coated strings. They're pretty awful. Advertised as not sounding dull despite the coating which they do. They feel too thick and mushy.
Snake Aces
Singlecut Slut
Re: Ernie Ball Cobalt good for jazz??
I've never tried the cobalt strings. I do play Elixir nanoweb strings and I do play some jazz. I also play everything from blues and classic rock all the way up to hard rock on the same guitars. They work for me and they are coated but I can't give you a comparison because I have never tried the cobalts.
A lot of factors are at play here. What kind of guitar are you playing (not as in Strat versus Les Paul versus semi-hollow etc. but as in is it bright, balanced or warm?). How is your touch and your attack? How do you set the EQ on your amp, what kind of amp (tube versus SS)? How is your action and string tension? I think one of the reasons why there are so many different string preferences has a little bit to do with some of these factors.
I've never tried the cobalt strings. I do play Elixir nanoweb strings and I do play some jazz. I also play everything from blues and classic rock all the way up to hard rock on the same guitars. They work for me and they are coated but I can't give you a comparison because I have never tried the cobalts.
A lot of factors are at play here. What kind of guitar are you playing (not as in Strat versus Les Paul versus semi-hollow etc. but as in is it bright, balanced or warm?). How is your touch and your attack? How do you set the EQ on your amp, what kind of amp (tube versus SS)? How is your action and string tension? I think one of the reasons why there are so many different string preferences has a little bit to do with some of these factors.
Lazarus1140
New member
Re: Ernie Ball Cobalt good for jazz??
I have played a set of Ernie Ball Cobalts. The opinion of this (not a) jazz player is that they are without question unsuitable for jazz.
I have played a set of Ernie Ball Cobalts. The opinion of this (not a) jazz player is that they are without question unsuitable for jazz.
Myaccount876
Amira-Maker
Re: Ernie Ball Cobalt good for jazz??
Cobalts basically feel like "used" strings rather than brand new ones, and I didn't notice a real difference in sound nor improved string longevity. Just a general waste of money to me. One pack of normal .008 - .038 slinkys can last two or even three months with me, because I don't destroy strings.
Cobalts basically feel like "used" strings rather than brand new ones, and I didn't notice a real difference in sound nor improved string longevity. Just a general waste of money to me. One pack of normal .008 - .038 slinkys can last two or even three months with me, because I don't destroy strings.
TimmyPage
New member
Re: Ernie Ball Cobalt good for jazz??
I think the 'theory' behind it is that certain materials react stronger to magnets. Your pickups are basically just magnets, reacting to the vibrations of the metallic string. You could try to sell it that a stronger magnetic material would thus affect the pickups in a different way... but considering how many different strings I've tried, I've never noticed a difference. Hence, my string advice is always just.. pick a brand that feels nice when you bend them and go with their basic model.
I think the 'theory' behind it is that certain materials react stronger to magnets. Your pickups are basically just magnets, reacting to the vibrations of the metallic string. You could try to sell it that a stronger magnetic material would thus affect the pickups in a different way... but considering how many different strings I've tried, I've never noticed a difference. Hence, my string advice is always just.. pick a brand that feels nice when you bend them and go with their basic model.