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Anybody still having issues with EB Cobalt Flats breaking?

fourstringbliss

fourstringbliss

Supporting Member
Oct 5, 2003
12,442
6,016
56
Puyallup, WA
#1
I bought myself a set of EB Cobalt flats and I'll install them on a bass coming to me in about a week.

I've read that people have experienced string break issues, but the most recent posts were from 2019. Are any of you still experiencing breaking string issues?

Also, are you installing them the way the package shows? That method just seems so weird to me!
 
#5
Don't know if they still have breakage problems but I love them on my Moollon P Bass. My suggestion though is to be very careful when you first put them on. Bring them up to proper tuning very slowly, especially on the D and G strings. I found they can get caught in the nut, perhaps because they're a bit sticky when first installed.
 
#6
They have been my favorite flats for the last year. I have them on a few basses, and have taken them off and on at least four times trying them on different basses. I have a light set on one p bass, regular set on another. So far no issues with breakage, and I wrap them in my typical manner; cut the string to size, stick the end in the tuner hole and wrap 3-4 times around the post. Great string and don’t see changing them any time soon.
 
#7
JGbassman said:
They have been my favorite flats for the last year. I have them on a few basses, and have taken them off and on at least four times trying them on different basses. I have a light set on one p bass, regular set on another. So far no issues with breakage, and I wrap them in my typical manner; cut the string to size, stick the end in the tuner hole and wrap 3-4 times around the post. Great string and don’t see changing them any time soon.
Click to expand...
I'm going to have to install them this way, and just try to be careful. I have individual bridges on my bass and the ball end has to go in a particular way.
 
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#8
Love 'em! Bought lots of spares.

One of the best strings ever for me, and I've always used from steel rounds to flats on different basses at the same time, all gigged regularly for different projects.

Have them on a few basses, never a break. At least the first time I strung up via their recommended method. Can't recall subsequent installs.
 
#9
StayLow said:
Love 'em! Bought lots of spares.

One of the best strings ever for me, and I've always used from steel rounds to flats on different basses at the same time, all gigged regularly for different projects.

Have them on a few basses, never a break. At least the first time I strung up via their recommended method. Can't recall subsequent installs.
Click to expand...
So, as I'm reading the instructions, I put the uncut end of the string into the hole and bend as usual - but then I run it back through the tuner channel and then i start wrapping under the wraps?

Would this possibly twist the strings? I only ask because my bridges hold the ball end in one position, so there's no chance the string can rotate while I'm cranking the tuners.
 
#10
Alright! I do believe I've found the perfect strings for this bass!

I strung them up like the instructions said (as weird as it felt) and went really slowly on the winding once there was any real tension on the strings. I was nervously waiting to hear and feel a snap, but it didn't come. Whew!

Maybe it's just because they're new, but I'm hearing more texture than I was with the Sadowsky flats I took off this bass. I'm glad because those Sad Flats are going right on another bass I have coming later this week and I know they work well for the pickups on that bass.

Now I'm just hoping that the stickiness I feel on the strings will go away with time and playing.

Thanks!
 
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#14
fourstringbliss said:
I bought myself a set of EB Cobalt flats and I'll install them on a bass coming to me in about a week.

I've read that people have experienced string break issues, but the most recent posts were from 2019. Are any of you still experiencing breaking string issues?

Also, are you installing them the way the package shows? That method just seems so weird to me!
Click to expand...
I had mine on for about a month. No issues. And, they're all right strings. But, just swapped them out for fenders. Because they're better in every way.
 
#15
I just have one set, but they are at least two years old & I’ve moved them between basses about four times. No problems so far except I don’t have three or four more sets yet. They’ve sounded good on everything, particularly a Jazz.
 
#19
HaphAsSard said:
Don't you...run out of hands?
I mean, I try and do the same when I change strings, but I feel like I'm playing twister with the guitar sometimes...
Click to expand...

After I posted I knew I hadnt been clear enough. Ha! I only play Gibson auto-tune basses:D
I want the string to go around the post ~3/4 or even five times. I want to maintain tension and downward pressure behind the nut. I like a nice downward spiral. Depending on the evolution of the string tightening I do one more than the other. Add to that I have to make sure there is no twist in the string so the ball end has to be able to rotate before the tension holds it in place. My anal method takes longer but I rarely have string problems.
 
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