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Ernie Ball Cobalts: probably my favourite strings now

javi_bassist

javi_bassist

Dec 6, 2011
1,600
3,028
Madrid, Spain
#1
Hello guys

Yesterday I tried a set of these strings in my Yamaha BB735 and I was just blown away. I was skeptical at first: it's my main bass and these were supposed to be very different to roundwounds. But they just sound amazing. And I think they have more output than regular roundwounds. I was expecting more "flat" touch, but they feel like rounds.
I have been on a quest for the perfect strings for years. I have tried a lot of strings. I was using lately Markbass (grooves), Dunlop (regular and super bright) and D'addario XLs. However, in my country, Cobalts cost the same as D'addario XLs. Dunlop and Markbass are a little bit more expensive. They are all awesome strings and I am happy with any of these sets, but the Cobalts really have something.
 
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#5
javi_bassist said:
Hello guys

Yesterday I tried a set of these strings in my Yamaha BB735 and I was just blown away. I was skeptical at first: it's my main bass and these were supposed to be very different to roundwounds. But they just sound amazing. And I think they have more output than regular roundwounds. I was expecting more "flat" touch, but they feel like rounds.
I have been on a quest for the perfect strings for years. I have tried a lot of strings. I was using lately Markbass (grooves), Dunlop (regular and super bright) and D'addario XLs. However, in my country, Cobalts cost the same as D'addario XLs. Dunlop and Markbass are a little bit more expensive. They are all awesome strings and I am happy with any of these sets, but the Cobalts really have something.
Click to expand...

Are you talking about Cobalt Flats or Cobalt Rounds? You should specify which. Every time someone talks about "Cobalts", people assume Cobalt Flats.
 
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#6
javi_bassist said:
I am thinking about selling my remaining spare strings and buy more Cobalts for most of my basses
Click to expand...

My BB735 also wears Cobalt Flats. They are great, on that bass. I once did exactly what you’re proposing here: bought several sets of Cobalt Flats because I liked them so much on the 735. But they did not work on every bass: on one bass, they felt too floppy, on another they sounded too thin. And so on.

So I ended up trying on lots of sets (flats) to find the optimal string for each bass. There is no shortcut, I’m afraid.
 
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#11
I find cobalt rounds have a very distinctive tone that I love on my EBMM Stingray, Sterling and Bongo basses. They don't work so well on my Jazz. One of the best/easiest/cheapest ways to change the sound of your instrument is to change strings--and Cobalts are definitely one way to change it up in a big way.
 
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#12
Yeah, Cobalts are the business, the flats made such an impression that I tried the rounds. Ernie Ball has entered the arena with these strings! Started out with slinky’s and moved along and never really looked back, any bass I’ve ever bought with them on it quickly got changed. But Cobalts have staying power for me, great strings! Anybody on the fence should try a set!
 
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#16
ItsmeSantiago said:
I use Cobalt rounds on all of my basses. Made my P bass sing and my two J basses growl like crazy. The Cobalt flats are amazing too. If I get another P bass I'll probably put those on it.
Click to expand...

I have the Cobalt Flats on one of my Musicman Reflexes. I thought about trying the Cobalt Rounds but read several instances of internet gossip that described heavy fret wear. I am wondering if you have experienced that? I have read many of your posts and respect your opinion and experience.
 
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#18
BobKos said:
I have the Cobalt Flats on one of my Musicman Reflexes. I thought about trying the Cobalt Rounds but read several instances of internet gossip that described heavy fret wear. I am wondering if you have experienced that? I have read many of your posts and respect your opinion and experience.
Click to expand...
Thank you I appreciate that. I’ve had Cobalts on my Fender for three years now with no fret issues. I had them on my Bongo which got heavy use for about three years as well with no fret wear as well. The only strings I felt would ruin my frets would be stainless steels and they’re really hard on your hands too, which the Cobalts are not.

Personally I think the rounds take a couple hours to break in whereas the flats are nice right out of the bag.
 
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