Ernie Ball Cobalt STINKS

HotHead

HotHead

New member
May I proclaim my hatred for these strings? They are absolutely awful. I think these are the only strings that I've had that actually rusted on me. I tend to keep my strings on for about a month or so until I change them, and I take absolute care of them. The so-called corrosion-resistant coating on these things doesn't seem to be present. Also, they have a very subtle, almost impossible to feel, tackiness to them. Almost as if you ran your strings through some Play Doh.

I tend to use regular Ernie Ball strings, which I've never had any problems with, other than the fact that their sound dies within a few hours of use. EVEN THEN, I've never had those rust on me. I've been messing around with Cobalt for a few months, so I've gone through a few packs of them. I've tried using Dunlop 65 on them, I've tried just wiping them off dry, and I've tried just leaving them alone, but the result is the same. Around the 2 week mark, they start corroding. Whatever boost in output they actually give is overshadowed by how quickly they turn brown. Why pay $10 the amount for strings that go bad quicker than the ones that cost $5?

With that out of the way, any recommendations on GOOD coated strings comparable to fresh-out-the-pack Ernie Balls?
 
Re: Ernie Ball Cobalt STINKS

Don't know about the Cobalts; 'Rock 'N' Roll' Nickel Ernie Balls seem to brown up pretty quick without going dead, necessarily (I like these strings.) Just seems to be a visual thing.
 
Re: Ernie Ball Cobalt STINKS

I thought a banned member was back based off of the title. lol

I really liked the Ernie Ball Cobalt BUT they do feel different. I never had any rust on me–they always lasted a long time and sounded great.

That being said, I've switched to D'Addario NYXLs now and have been very pleased.
 
Re: Ernie Ball Cobalt STINKS

I used a coated Ernie Ball set once before but didn't really notice any difference to a regular set. I too usually restring monthly, and I think the coated ones lasted the same amount time for me, albeit 1-2 weeks more. They didn't really rust, more just lost their brightness. They're like twice as much as regulars so for how long I had them on for it wasn't much difference.

Elixir's are supposed to be good but I haven't used them before.
 
Re: Ernie Ball Cobalt STINKS

I just stick to my Not Even Slinky for guitar and Regular Slinky for bass. I have only had a rust problem when the guitar gets put away for a long time without cleaning them. I have never had a set go dead in under a month. Bass ones can last years with weekly gigging.
 
Re: Ernie Ball Cobalt STINKS

I tried them a couple of times (bought a 3 pack or something). Hated them. Sticky feeling and dull dead dark dumb damn why did I buy these things. Switched to Elixirs, which are not as bright as other strings, but stay about 90% as bright as brand new strings for a long time where other strings lose brightness quickly.
So, if you have to pay 10 bucks for strings, go with Elixirs or something else. Anything else.
 
Re: Ernie Ball Cobalt STINKS

I had a set about a week ago that broke on the high e string after I only played them for a few days. I went back to Dunlops. No problems there.
 
Re: Ernie Ball Cobalt STINKS

Goes to show how different everyone is. I love these strings, I think they feel great, and I've nevery had a set rust on me. I did break a high E on a one set after about 3 days and one had playing gig, but one string out of over a dozen sets is acceptable to me. I've had sets from more than one brand break while tuning a brand new string
 
Re: Ernie Ball Cobalt STINKS

D'Addario XL, and Fender Super Bullets on my G&Ls with the vibrato. Been using them for years and never felt the need to change. I get about 10-15 hours of "gig time" on these sets...or more if "sofa time". I maintain them with Dunlop 65 String Cleaner and Big Bend's Nut Sauce lube.

I do like the EXP and Martin Lifespan SP coated phosphor bronze sets on my acoustics.

Bill
 
Re: Ernie Ball Cobalt STINKS

I only prefer Daddarrio for my twelve string acoustics; they make the lowest tension strings available (some silk wraps might be lighter? Not a huge fan of the feel/sound though.)

I prefer Ernie Ball all around; I switch between the nickels and regular Slinkies, depending on my mood; the reinforced strings they make are great for Jaguars/Jazzmasterd, or other guitars where the ball-end bears a lot of strain.
 
Re: Ernie Ball Cobalt STINKS

I snap strings. Often. I've broken bass strings playing with my fingers. I found that the Not Even Slinkys don't break nearly that often on me. They sound good for a long time as an added bonus. I was thinking of giving the Cobalts a spin, but I'm not too sure now.
 
Re: Ernie Ball Cobalt STINKS

Ernie Cobalt and coated
d'addario nyxl= never again because corrosion comes fast

Elixir strings=the best strings ever
one pack = one year :) or more
 
Re: Ernie Ball Cobalt STINKS

always SD said:
Ernie Cobalt and coated
d'addario nyxl= never again because corrosion comes fast

Elixir strings=the best strings ever
one pack = one year :) or more
Click to expand...

I've never had a pack of Elixirs that the coating lasted more than two weeks. To each his/her own.
 
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