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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 P02814 Super Slinky Flatwound Bass Strings provide bassists a unique tonal option. Featuring Ernie Ball's proprietary SuperBright cobalt alloy, these flatwound strings have the silky smooth feel of traditional flats but the clarity and punch of roundwounds. The innovative cobalt wrap wire is optimized for enhanced magnetic pickup response, giving each note superb definition and projection. For bassists seeking vintage flatwound tone with a touch of modern grit, look no further than the P02814 Super Slinky Flatwound Bass Strings.

SuperBright Cobalt Alloy for Roundwound Sound

At the heart of the P02814 strings is Ernie Ball's high-output SuperBright cobalt alloy. Cobalt's natural magnetic qualities allow each string to produce a crisp, bold tone that cuts through the mix. The cobalt wrap wire is precision engineered to the ideal thickness for balanced tension and intonation on most standard scale basses. The end result is a set of flats that feel slick under the fingers but growl with roundwound authority.

Vintage Feel Meets Modern Versatility

For decades, flatwound strings have been prized for their smooth, compressed tone and slick playing feel. The P02814 strings build on this heritage with hand-polished cobalt wrap wire that glides effortlessly along the frets. At the same time, the SuperBright cobalt alloy introduces a level of clarity and definition not typically associated with flatwounds. This unique combination of vintage vibe and contemporary power makes the P02814 strings ideal for genres as diverse as Motown, reggae, hard rock, and heavy metal.

Premium Quality and Value

Like all Ernie Ball strings, the P02814 Super Slinky Flatwound Bass Strings are constructed in California to the highest standards using only the finest materials. With proper care and maintenance, these cobalt flatwounds can last several times longer than typical roundwound sets. For bassists seeking a premium set of strings that provides maximum tone and value, the P02814 is an unbeatable choice.

Ernie Ball P02814 Super Slinky Flatwound Bass Strings
Ernie Ball P02814 Super 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

Featured Articles

collapse expand iconReviews

4.67

21 Reviews

95%

of respondents would recommend this to a friend

Great tone and outstanding feel and ease of playing.

Most Liked Positive Review

5

Flatwounds vs Roundwounds?

I'm a gigging bassist who usually prefers roundwounds. I have them on all of my basses, including a 4-string fretless. We rehearse at 3 or more times a week, and I practice about 2 hours a day on technique and music theory/improvisation. As would be expected, at some point my fingers shout "STOP!" I recently strung these on my J-bass (which is my go-to baby) and I have to tell you that there is NO appreciable difference--other than price LOL!--between the sound of these and well-known roundwounds. In fact, I replaced a set of nice Rotosound 66's--my favorite for roundwounds--with these and, shut the front door Beethoven, I actually PREFER this sound of these Slinky flatwounds. FWIW I asked our lead guitarist/band leader how he liked the sound of the bass: he said of course, he always did. I told him I restrung with Slinky flatwounds and he said they sounded great--like always. There ya go, roundwound snobs (of whom I was one).

VS

Most Liked Negative Review

3

Good sound and feel but replacing every month is getting old

Perfect for those that keep their instruments in a hard case or monitored environment when not in use, or for those that don't mind replacing strings often. I only play maybe 3-5 hours a week and although these things sound pretty great and are easy on my fingers, I don't understand why they seem to rust quicker than any other strings. I have multiple instruments that I leave out on stands and nothing else has this issue. Switched to these from Elixirs and might have to switch back. Never had this issue with them.

Filters
Best Uses
  1. Practicing8
  2. Concerts6
  3. Back-Up2
  4. Knick knack patty wack on the bass2
  5. Gigging1
Cons
  1. Price1
  2. Not yet1
  3. Pricey / Poor Value1
  4. Rustdeteriorate Quickly1
Describe Yourself
  1. Experienced14
  2. Novice5
  3. Professional Musician1
Pros
  1. Good Tone15
  2. Consistent8
  3. Well Built / Quality6
  4. Long Life3
  5. Fun1

Reviewed by 21 customers

  • Amazing sound and feel

    5

    Verified BuyerVerified Buyer

    submitted3 months ago

    byAdam

    fromFayetteville, AR

    Submitted as part of a sweepstakes

    I'm new to flatwounds but these feel and sound fantastic. I tried them out and bought another set for a 2nd bass.

  • Flats

    5

    Verified BuyerVerified Buyer

    submitted9 months ago

    byhexchunchan

    fromVirginia

    Submitted as part of a sweepstakes

    Slip slap slide pop

  • Flats

    5

    Verified BuyerVerified Buyer

    submitted9 months ago

    byHEXCHUNCHAN

    fromVa

    Submitted as part of a sweepstakes

    Awesome strings

  • I wil buy these strings again for sure

    5

    Verified BuyerVerified Buyer

    submitteda year ago

    byClint

    fromBirmingham alabama

    Submitted as part of a sweepstakes

    I'm using them on my 4003 Rickenbacker . There really loud strings. They are the brightest flat wound strings I've heard so far .

  • I plan to install another set on my Fender Jazz Bass

    5

    Verified BuyerVerified Buyer

    submitted2 years ago

    byPaul

    fromYoungstown, OH

    Submitted as part of a sweepstakes

    Installed a set of Ernie Ball Flatwound electric bass strings on my Fender Precision bass guitar to reduce string noise.

  • Great Flatwound Bass Atrings from Ernie Ball

    5

    Verified BuyerVerified Buyer

    submitted2 years ago

    byDarian

    fromSan Antonio, Tx

    Submitted as part of a sweepstakes

    Much better than the flatwound bass strings I bought and used 30 years ago. These have nearly all of the bounce and brightness of regular (round-wound) strings but are much smoother. They feel great. Would recommend.

collapse expand iconQ&A

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

  • submitted2 years ago

    asked bySmacker

    fromPennsylvania

    Good choice / use on a Fender Precision Bass?

    Good choice / use on a Fender Precision Bass?

    Open Reply - Gear-Support
    Great choice.

  • submitted3 years ago

    asked byBottomthump1

    fromKnoxville TN

    Will these work on a through body bridge jazz bass?

    Will these work on a through body bridge jazz bass?

    Open Reply - Thomas
    Yes

  • submitted3 years ago

    asked byRDV

    fromPoulsbo, WA

    Are the P02814 Flatwound Bass Strings available in short scale?

    Are the P02814 Flatwound Bass Strings available in short scale?

    Open Reply - Thomas
    Please give us a call to help you find something – 855-770-3373
    Open Reply - Thomas
    Unfortunately, no.

  • submitted4 years ago

    asked byb

    fromLocation

    Do these fit long scale??? It is not clarified. I don't want to order with out being certain.

    Do these fit long scale??? It is not clarified. I don't want to order with out being certain.

    Open Reply - Beau
    These strings would work well on a long scale bass.