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Finally tried Ernie Ball Cobalt Flats

#21
Gyver said:
Howdy,

I finally tried Ernie Ball Cobalt Flats on my Ric 4003, and must say I am really impressed (and surprised!). I like bright /middy flats (Chromes, Fender 9050, TIs), and from everything I've read about the Cobalts I expected them to be bright, which they are. But I was surprised by how punchy and tonally balanced they are. And no "clank," either. Awesome.

If you are looking for a string that straddles the worlds of flats and rounds I highly recommend them. I'm curious to hear how they sound as they age, but for now it appears I have a new favorite flat.

Gyver
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Which EB set did you use. SKU number please?
 
#23
I had them on a MM Stingray Special for a while an enjoyed them but ended up changing them out for some half wounds instead which I prefer (I think they're D'addario but cant quite remember). I do really enjoy the Cobalt rounds and have them on a SR5 and a SR Special at the moment.
 
#24
Gyver said:
Howdy,

I finally tried Ernie Ball Cobalt Flats on my Ric 4003, and must say I am really impressed (and surprised!). I like bright /middy flats (Chromes, Fender 9050, TIs), and from everything I've read about the Cobalts I expected them to be bright, which they are. But I was surprised by how punchy and tonally balanced they are. And no "clank," either. Awesome.

If you are looking for a string that straddles the worlds of flats and rounds I highly recommend them. I'm curious to hear how they sound as they age, but for now it appears I have a new favorite flat.

Gyver
Click to expand...
I have a set of the Cobalt flats. They were on my Am Performer Precision PJ for a about a week. Currently have them in storage because I had planned on black D'Addario Tapes for that bass.

They are great strings. I would put them on one of my other basses but I'm happy with the sets that are on those basses too.

Guess I need to find a bass to buy that needs a string change so I can use my Cobalt flats :cool:
 
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#28
How stiff are the Cobalt flats? I love a pretty stiff feeling string, such as D'Addario Chromes and DR Lo Riders, but I just did NOT TI Jazz Flats at all.

From what I've seen here on TB, the sound would probably suit me but the feel is important to me. If they're pretty stiff, I'd give them a try.
 
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#30
Gyver said:
Howdy,

I finally tried Ernie Ball Cobalt Flats on my Ric 4003, and must say I am really impressed (and surprised!). I like bright /middy flats (Chromes, Fender 9050, TIs), and from everything I've read about the Cobalts I expected them to be bright, which they are. But I was surprised by how punchy and tonally balanced they are. And no "clank," either. Awesome.

If you are looking for a string that straddles the worlds of flats and rounds I highly recommend them. I'm curious to hear how they sound as they age, but for now it appears I have a new favorite flat.

Gyver
Click to expand...
Glad to hear that you found string nirvana! I have Cobalts on my PJ and they sound ok. IMO, I think the ultimate string for "straddling the worlds of flats and rounds" are the GHS Pressurewounds. Sound great on ANY bass and especially J basses. But, to each their own. Good to hear your pleased, though :thumbsup:
 
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#31
dave64o said:
How stiff are the Cobalt flats? I love a pretty stiff feeling string, such as D'Addario Chromes and DR Lo Riders, but I just did NOT TI Jazz Flats at all.

From what I've seen here on TB, the sound would probably suit me but the feel is important to me. If they're pretty stiff, I'd give them a try.
Click to expand...
IMO, not very stiff. I'm with you where the stifnness/flopiness factor plays an important role when it comes to string choice. I like a stiffer, higher tension string also.
 
#32
dave64o said:
How stiff are the Cobalt flats? I love a pretty stiff feeling string, such as D'Addario Chromes and DR Lo Riders, but I just did NOT TI Jazz Flats at all.

From what I've seen here on TB, the sound would probably suit me but the feel is important to me. If they're pretty stiff, I'd give them a try.
Click to expand...
Not as flexible as TIs but not as stiff as Chromes. On a scale of stiff to flexible I would say they lean towards the flexible side.
 
#36
I have a Roscoe PJ that's strung with cobalts and they sound wonderful. They're broken in now, took about 6 months of consistent use. They still have a nice amount of top end available, but it is noticeably less than a fresh set. Perfect strings for most things unless you need super crispy top end.
 
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#38
Like @StayLow tried them on a friends Jazz and Ray, loved them and I am not a flats guy. Will probably put them on my Ray that has East MM PRE in it which will give the amount of brightness I need if I want it. Theses strings really felt good also. Will try the really light gauge as my friend had on his.
 
#39
Gyver said:
Hmmm, they came up as bass strings when I plugged the number in. They are "Ernie Ball Hybrid Slinky Flatwounds" 45-65-85-105. Maybe this link will work? https://www.upcitemdb.com/upc/749699128137
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I actually have 2 sets of those on order. I’m going to string my SG Std with them. So the gauge is slightly different than RIC strings. Any tension issues (truss rod adjustment needed) or nut issues?
 

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