What is the primary material used in the Ernie Ball 2591 strings?

The strings use a patented cobalt alloy ribbon that is wrapped around a hex core and polished to a flat finish.

Are these strings suitable for jazz only?

No, while they are flatwound, the cobalt construction provides the brightness and punch of a roundwound, making them suitable for rock, pop, and blues.

Do these strings reduce finger noise?

Yes, the polished flat surface minimizes the 'squeak' and friction noise produced when sliding fingers across the fretboard.

What are the specific gauges in the 2591 set?

The set follows the Regular Slinky tension with gauges 10, 13, 17, 26, 36, and 46.

Is the G string wound or plain?

The G string in this set is plain, which allows for easier bending compared to traditional flatwound sets that often use a wound G.

How does cobalt affect the guitar's tone?

Cobalt provides a stronger magnetic relationship with the pickups, resulting in higher output, increased clarity, and a more responsive feel.

Are these strings more expensive than standard Slinkys?

Yes, they typically retail around GBP 20, which is higher than standard nickel-wound strings due to the cobalt material and flatwound polishing process.

Can I use these for recording?

They are ideal for recording because the reduced finger noise results in cleaner takes, especially during quiet or highly compressed passages.

How do they feel compared to regular strings?

They feel sleek and smooth under the fingertips, reducing friction and making transitions across the fretboard feel faster.

Will I need to adjust my guitar's setup for these?

Since they follow the standard 10-46 'Regular Slinky' gauges, they should fit most guitars set up for 10s without major adjustments to the nut or intonation.

Are these the same as Ernie Ball Cobalt Roundwounds?

No, while they use the same cobalt material, the 2591 set is polished flat, whereas the standard Cobalt Slinkys have a textured roundwound surface.

Do these strings last longer than nickel strings?

Cobalt is highly durable and resistant to corrosion, often providing a longer tonal life than traditional nickel-plated steel strings.

Gear article

Ernie Ball 2591 Cobalt Flatwound Regular Slinky 10-46

The Ernie Ball 2591 Cobalt Flatwound Regular Slinky is a premium set of electric guitar strings designed to combine the smooth tactile experience of flatwound strings with the high-output characteristics of cobalt. These 10-46 gauge strings feature a polished cobalt alloy ribbon wrap that reduces finger noise while maintaining the brightness and sustain typically associated with traditional roundwound sets.

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Background and Construction

Ernie Ball's Slinky series has long been a standard in the electric guitar industry. The 2591 set represents an evolution in string technology by applying a patented cobalt alloy to a flatwound design. Traditionally, flatwound strings are associated with jazz and vintage tones due to their mellow sound and smooth texture. However, the use of cobalt—a material with a stronger magnetic relationship with pickups than nickel or stainless steel—allows these strings to retain the punch and clarity required for modern genres.

The strings are constructed with a hex core wrapped in a cobalt ribbon that is polished to a sleek, flat surface. This process eliminates the gaps between the windings found on roundwound strings, resulting in a distinct physical profile and tonal signature.

Features and Playability

The primary benefit of the 2591 set is the reduction of 'finger squeak' and unwanted noise during slides and fast positional changes. This makes them highly effective for recording environments where extraneous noise can be problematic.

Unlike traditional jazz flatwound sets, which often feature a wound G string, the 2591 Regular Slinky set includes a plain G string. This choice ensures that the set feels familiar to players transitioning from standard roundwound strings, allowing for easier bends and solos. The 10-46 'Regular Slinky' gauge provides a balanced tension that is suitable for a wide variety of playing styles and scale lengths.

Sound Character

While flatwound strings are typically described as 'thumpy' or 'dark,' the cobalt construction of the 2591 set provides a more responsive and punchy tone. It mimics the frequency response of a traditional roundwound Slinky while offering the physical advantages of a flatwound. Players can expect clear highs and a present mid-range, making the strings suitable for both rhythm and lead applications across clean and overdriven signal paths.

Target Audience

The Ernie Ball 2591 set is aimed at several types of guitarists:

Recording Musicians: Those looking to eliminate handling noise for cleaner tracks.
Live Performers: Guitarists who prefer a smoother feel under the fingers during long sets.
Modern Players: Guitarists who want the aesthetic and tactile feel of flatwounds but require the brightness and output of modern alloys for rock or pop music.
Traditionalists Transitioning: Players moving from roundwounds who want to avoid the high tension and difficult bending of standard jazz strings.

Comparison to Alternatives

Compared to Ernie Ball's own M-Steel (2921) or signature nickel sets like the Tim Henson 3826, the 2591 is significantly smoother to the touch. While the M-Steel focuses on maximum output and durability via a specialized steel alloy, the 2591 focuses on the interface between the player and the string.

In comparison to orchestral or specialty strings such as Larsen cello strings or Thomastik viola strings, the 2591 is a dedicated electric guitar product. It provides a more versatile alternative to traditional chrome or stainless steel flatwounds by offering a more 'rock-ready' tonal profile through its cobalt ribbon wrapping.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the primary material used in the Ernie Ball 2591 strings?: The strings use a patented cobalt alloy ribbon that is wrapped around a hex core and polished to a flat finish.
Are these strings suitable for jazz only?: No, while they are flatwound, the cobalt construction provides the brightness and punch of a roundwound, making them suitable for rock, pop, and blues.
Do these strings reduce finger noise?: Yes, the polished flat surface minimizes the 'squeak' and friction noise produced when sliding fingers across the fretboard.
What are the specific gauges in the 2591 set?: The set follows the Regular Slinky tension with gauges 10, 13, 17, 26, 36, and 46.
Is the G string wound or plain?: The G string in this set is plain, which allows for easier bending compared to traditional flatwound sets that often use a wound G.
How does cobalt affect the guitar's tone?: Cobalt provides a stronger magnetic relationship with the pickups, resulting in higher output, increased clarity, and a more responsive feel.
Are these strings more expensive than standard Slinkys?: Yes, they typically retail around GBP 20, which is higher than standard nickel-wound strings due to the cobalt material and flatwound polishing process.
Can I use these for recording?: They are ideal for recording because the reduced finger noise results in cleaner takes, especially during quiet or highly compressed passages.
How do they feel compared to regular strings?: They feel sleek and smooth under the fingertips, reducing friction and making transitions across the fretboard feel faster.
Will I need to adjust my guitar's setup for these?: Since they follow the standard 10-46 'Regular Slinky' gauges, they should fit most guitars set up for 10s without major adjustments to the nut or intonation.
Are these the same as Ernie Ball Cobalt Roundwounds?: No, while they use the same cobalt material, the 2591 set is polished flat, whereas the standard Cobalt Slinkys have a textured roundwound surface.
Do these strings last longer than nickel strings?: Cobalt is highly durable and resistant to corrosion, often providing a longer tonal life than traditional nickel-plated steel strings.