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Ernie Ball String Explorer: Electric Slinky Bass Nickel Wound 4-Stringplay button

Ernie Ball String Explorer: Electric Slinky Bass Nickel Wound 4-String

Ernie Ball: String Alloys - Bass Nickel Woundplay button

Ernie Ball: String Alloys - Bass Nickel Wound

Ernie Ball

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These revolutionary strings are engineered with groundbreaking round-wound technology and proprietary American alloys for unrivaled clarity, punch and longevity. The round-wound design maximizes vibrancy and sustain, while the custom-formulated nickel-plated steel wrap wire is built to endure. Made in the USA, Ernie Ball Slinky strings are the choice of iconic rock bassists around the world for their full, balanced tone and ability to hold up to aggressive playing styles.

Revolutionary Round-Wound Design

Ernie Ball pioneered the round-wound bass string and the 2838 Slinky strings showcase why this design has stood the test of time. The round-wound construction produces clear, punchy low end, present midrange and crisp highs that cut through the mix. Long scale gages from .032 to .130 provide a balanced tension that's ideal for most bass playing techniques and styles. The nickel-plated steel wrap wire is also corrosion resistant, keeping your tone consistent through hours of playing.

Proprietary Alloys for Tone and Durability

Ernie Ball strings are made in the USA using alloys formulated in-house for the optimal blend of tone, feel and longevity. The nickel-plated steel wrap wire on the 2838 Slinky strings provides a balanced and articulate tone with less finger noise. Underneath, a hexagonal core wire made of tin-plated high carbon steel acts as an ideal foundation for the wrap wire to grip onto. Together, these alloys produce a versatile tone that records and performs with excellence while standing up to aggressive playing.

Iconic Endorsers and a Legendary Legacy

For over 50 years, Ernie Ball Slinky strings have been the choice of world-class rock bassists. Artists like Geddy Lee, John Paul Jones and Duff McKagan rely on Slinky strings for their signature sound, with many exclusively using the 2838 set. Made by a pioneering company with a passion for tone, these strings embody the spirit of rock and roll. Now you can experience the strings that shaped the sound of generations.

Ernie Ball 2838 Slinky Nickel Round Wound 6-String Electric Bass Strings
Ernie Ball 2838 Slinky Nickel Round Wound 6-String Electric Bass Strings

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5

6 Reviews

100%

of respondents would recommend this to a friend

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  2. Good Tone2
  3. Long Life2
  4. Well Built / Quality2
  • Good product

    5

    Verified BuyerVerified Buyer

    submitted2 years ago

    byPeter

    fromGlen Burnie, Md.

    Submitted as part of a sweepstakes

    It gives the a chance to pick lighter gauges also; Ernie Ball strings are of v.ery good quality;

  • Yes

    5

    Verified BuyerVerified Buyer

    submitted2 years ago

    byJackson

    fromFlórida

    Submitted as part of a sweepstakes

    I use it for live shows traveling all over the world

  • Best string for the price.

    5

    submitted7 years ago

    byKevin

    fromUndisclosed

    I play a very mid-rangy Ibanez BTB746 6 string bass. Its very articulate and expressive and needs good strings to really bring out its personality with its active Bartolini pickups. I've played other strings, high end, boutique brands and have been let down. Ernie Ball strings always seem to get the job done at the most reasonable price. They're bright and deep sounding all at once. Will no longer go to any other string for my bass needs.

  • They work

    5

    Verified BuyerVerified Buyer

    submitted9 years ago

    byWeston

    fromundisclosed

    Still playing with other brands to see what i like but i've always gone with this brand in the past (4 and 5 string bass). I've only had my 6 string for about a year (ibanez BTB686SC terra firma) i didn't notice any rattle or anything after a small adjustment to my bridge. I wouldn't call these special but they work just fine.

  • 👍🏿

    5

    Verified BuyerVerified Buyer

    submitted9 years ago

    byAnthony

    fromundisclosed

    Great strings

  • Positive feedback

    5

    submitted17 years ago

    byOscar Bazet-Mutio

    fromElkhart IN

    I like this brand because they are pretty affordable, and I'm very satisfied with the nice, clean and smooth sound that you get.

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Have a question about this product? Our expert Gear Advisers have the answers.

  • asked byDaniel

    fromNashville TN

    What are the notes of these strings?

    What are the notes of these strings?

    Open Reply - Gear-Support
    Are you familiar with a 6 string bass? Low B to high C.