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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

collapse expand iconDescription

The Ernie Ball P02813 Hybrid Slinky Flatwound Bass Strings combine the silkiness of traditional flatwound strings with Ernie Ball's cutting-edge Cobalt technology. These innovative strings are the first flats to actually sound like rounds while maintaining a flatwound feel. The SuperBright Cobalt wrap, Cobalt underwraps, and optimal core-to-wrap ratio give the Hybrid Slinky Flatwounds a robust, well-defined tone with shimmering highs and a focused midrange. The result is a versatile set of strings perfect for any style of bass playing, from Motown to metal. The Hybrid Slinky Flatwound Bass Strings let you enjoy the best of both worlds.

Optimal Core-to-Wrap Ratio Balances Tone and Feel

Ernie Ball carefully engineered the Hybrid Slinky Flatwounds to have an optimal core-to-wrap wire ratio. The result is a set of strings with an ideal balance of tone and playing feel. The flats provide a smooth, silky feel under the fingers while producing a modern, versatile tone. The Hybrid Slinky Flatwounds have the comfort of traditional flatwounds and the power of roundwound strings, giving you the best of both worlds in one innovative set of strings.

Versatile Tone Works for Any Style

Whether you play Motown, metal, or anything in between, the Hybrid Slinky Flatwound Bass Strings have you covered. Their robust tone with enhanced lows, focused mids, and shimmering highs provides a versatile sound that works for any genre. Fusion, funk, R&B, rock, and more—the Hybrid Slinky Flatwounds handle it all. Their smooth feel and punchy, articulate tone make these innovative flats a must-have for any bassist looking to expand their tonal palette.

Ernie Ball P02813 Hybrid Slinky Flatwound Bass Strings
Ernie Ball P02813 Hybrid Slinky Flatwound Bass Strings

collapse expand iconFeatures

  • Propietary blend of iron and cobalt attracts the magnets in your pickups more than any other alloy available
  • SuperBright cobalt ribon for a superior sheen and feel
  • Cobalt underwraps adds clairty and output
  • Optimal core to wrap ratio for comfortable tension and playability

collapse expand iconReviews

3.89

18 Reviews

86%

of respondents would recommend this to a friend

Most Liked Positive Review

4

They're like roundwounds, but without the finger noise

These are as close to the tone of round wounds in a flat wound string that I m aware of. There's nothing "wrong" with these strings other than I was hoping for more of a flat wound tone. These are not as smooth to the touch as Fender 9050's, but are by no means sticky or grabby. I had bought these in a lighter gauge which were otherwise fine and decided to try this medium gauge set as well. The .105 string arrived with an area of gappy winds as was mentioned in another review. The vendor replaced it at no charge, but it does seem to be an issue that happens with these strings.

VS

Most Liked Negative Review

3

Technically flat, like a file is flat.

These feel flat until I slide up and down, then it's lots of tiny sharp edges like a file. I was expecting complete smoothness and these don't have that quality. Maybe I got a bad batch? Though it is all 4 strings. I'm a guitarist learning how to play bass like an actual bass player. So maybe I'm not qualified to judge the sound, though I think they sound fine. I'm uploading a close-up of the E string. It looks like the outer wrap is spread out instead of as tight as it could be.

Filters
Best Uses
  1. Practicing7
  2. Concerts6
  3. Back-Up4
Cons
  1. Not Consistent3
  2. Breaks Easy1
  3. Poor Tone Quality1
  4. Rough texture1
  5. Too heavy a gauge string for me1
Describe Yourself
  1. Experienced12
  2. Professional Musician4
  3. Novice1
Pros
  1. Good Tone10
  2. Consistent4
  3. Long Life4
  4. Well Built / Quality3
  5. Clarity1
  • I would buy this again

    5

    Verified BuyerVerified Buyer

    submitted3 months ago

    byRobert

    fromForestville New York

    Submitted as part of a sweepstakes

    Great sound and easy on your fingers

  • Not what I expected

    2

    submitteda year ago

    byRobert

    fromSouth Boston va

    I put these strings on my brand new Gretsch bass. These strings are great for one who likes the sound of roundwounds but like the comfortable feel of flatwounds. Me personally I can't stand these strings they didn't meet up to my standard of flatwounds.

  • Feels like flat sounds like round

    5

    submitted2 years ago

    byChad

    fromJacksonville, FL

    Absolutely amazing quality. They have all the clarity and brightness of rounds without the sliding noise. They feel amazing and last forever. I've had a pair on my Schecter for over a year playing it every day and using it almost every Sunday at church and they still sound clearer than a set of rounds that have only been on for a month. Definitely worth the money!

  • Yes I would buy these again

    5

    Verified BuyerVerified Buyer

    submitted3 years ago

    byRudy

    fromFarmer city illinois

    Been out in the field haven't had time to put them on yet

  • I would buy these bass strings again

    5

    Verified BuyerVerified Buyer

    submitted4 years ago

    byHank

    fromPflugerville Tx

    Great sound and very smooth to play . I really enjoy how they feel.

  • Was sent a faulty pack

    1

    Verified BuyerVerified Buyer

    submitted4 years ago

    byJoe

    fromNewark NJ

    I figured I'd give Ernie a try again instead of my usual D'.. the A string literally pulled apart during install. GC was extremely helpful and sending another sent just glad I own more then one bass.

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collapse expand iconQ&A

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

  • asked byWilliam

    fromDenver

    Can these be strung thru body without breaking?

    Can these be strung thru body without breaking?

    Open Reply - Gear-Support
    Yes, the P02813 can be strung the body.