Everything You Need to Know About Our 2019 New Slinky Release

The Ernie Ball Slinky string line dates back to the 1960s and has been a staple for artists and musicians alike ever since. It’s been over 16 years since we offered new Slinky string sets — back when we introduced Beefy and Not Even Slinkys to the world in 2003. Over the years we’ve carefully listened to our customers and artists, taking crucial notes along the way. Fast forward to 2019 and we’re excited to have finally welcomed some new additions to the family. Below we dive into everything you need to know about this years new gauge sets: Ultra, Burly, Mega, Primo, and Mammoth Slinky.

Hybrid Combination Sets

Burly and Ultra Slinky guitar string sets feature the same great bright and balanced tone that Slinkys are known for, in new never-before-offered hybrid gauge combinations. Ultra Slinkys combine the popular Regular Slinky and Power Slinky strings into one set featuring the lighter playability of the Regular Slinkys with the heavier low-end tone of the Power Slinky set. This combination is perfect for lead players who love to bend without losing fullness or tension for rhythm and chords. Burly Slinkys are ideal for players who prefer a heavier set of strings for thicker sounding chords, beefier low end but also require a little more tension when playing solos.

Product Features:

— Bright, balanced tone

— Classic Slinky feel

— Wound strings wrapped with nickel plated steel around tin plated

high carbon steel hex cores

— Tin plated high carbon steel plain strings

— Ultra gauges: 10, 13, 17, 28, 38, 48

— Burly gauges: 11, 14, 18, 30, 42, 52

Learn more about Ultra and Burly from our friends Karl Golden and Sped Spedding below.

Half-Gauges

These are for our perfectionists out there, because a half-gauge indeed makes a difference! Primo Slinkys sit neatly between the popular Regular Slinky and Super Slinky strings while providing a balanced, comfortable feel across all six strings. This combination is perfect for players who are looking for added playability with minimal differences in tone and tension. Mega Slinky strings are ideal for players who prefer a thicker sounding set with only a slight difference in tension and feel. Both sets feature nickel-plated steel wrap wire around a tin-plated hex core for that iconic Slinky feel and tone that players have relied on for decades.

Product Features:

— Bright, balanced tone

— Classic Slinky feel

— Wound strings wrapped with nickel plated steel around tin plated

high carbon steel hex cores

— Tin plated high carbon steel plain strings

— Primo gauges: 9.5, 12, 16, 24, 34, 44

— Mega gauges: 10.5, 13.5, 17.5, 28, 38, 48 

Learn more about our new half-gauges from our friends Mike Bradley and Matt The Riff Master below.

For Our Drop-Tuners

Our heaviest string set ever created, the Mammoth Slinky comes in collaboration with our friend Ryan “Fluff” Bruce. This Slinky was developed specifically for ultra-low tunings including drop A, drop B, and C standard. Mammoth Slinky strings are ideal for players who prefer a powerful and heavy set of strings delivering punishing low end and brutally thick tone with optimal tension and definition.

Product Features:

— Bright, balanced tone

— Classic Slinky feel

— Wound strings wrapped with nickel plated steel around tin plated high carbon steel hex cores

— Optimal for lowered tunings

— Tin plated high carbon steel plain strings

— Mammoth gauges: 12, 16, 24, 34, 48, 62

Learn more about our heaviest gauge from our friends Ryan “Fluff” Bruce and Andrew Baena below.

Not seeing a Slinky you like? Fret not! We manufacture over 200 varieties of electric guitar strings in a diverse selection of materials, string gauges, and styles. Whether you are a beginner or a professional guitar player, you can find the right strings for your level and guitar type with our electric guitar string buying guide.