What is the primary material used in the Ernie Ball 2814 strings?

The strings feature a Cobalt alloy wrap. This material is chosen for its superior magnetic properties, which help increase the output and clarify the attack of the string.

How do these differ from standard flatwound strings?

Standard flatwounds often sound dull or muted. The Ernie Ball 2814 uses Cobalt to provide a brighter, more aggressive sound that is closer to a roundwound while keeping the smooth flat surface.

What are the specific gauges in the 2814 Super Slinky set?

The set includes gauges .045, .065, .080, and .100. This is a light-medium tension set commonly referred to by Ernie Ball as the 'Super Slinky' gauge.

Are these strings suitable for fretless basses?

Yes, they are highly suitable for fretless basses. The flatwound construction prevents the string from 'chewing' or wearing down the fingerboard, a common issue with roundwound strings.

What is the benefit of the Cobalt alloy?

Cobalt provides a stronger magnetic pull than nickel or stainless steel. This leads to a higher signal output and a more pronounced harmonic response from the bass pickups.

How much do the Ernie Ball 2814 strings typically cost?

The typical price range for this specific set is approximately £67.00. This reflects their position as a premium, high-technology product in the Ernie Ball lineup.

Do these strings feel rough to the touch?

No, they have a smooth, polished surface characteristic of flatwound strings. They are designed to feel slick and reduce finger friction during slides.

Can I use these for rock music?

Absolutely. While many flatwounds are restricted to jazz, the added attack and output of the Cobalt wrap allow these strings to cut through in rock and pop mixes.

Are these strings long-scale or short-scale?

The 2814 set is designed for long-scale bass guitars. This is the standard scale length for most full-sized electric basses like the Precision or Jazz Bass.

How does the durability compare to nickel strings?

Flatwounds generally last much longer than roundwounds because dirt and oils cannot get trapped between the windings. The Cobalt alloy is also highly durable and maintains its magnetic properties over time.

Will these strings fit a 5-string bass?

The 2814 is a 4-string set. Users with a 5-string bass would need to purchase a specific 5-string set or an additional single string to accommodate the low B.

Do these strings require a new setup for my bass?

Because the tension of Cobalt Flatwounds may differ slightly from traditional nickel roundwounds, a minor adjustment to the neck relief (truss rod) or intonation might be required for optimal playability.

Gear article

Ernie Ball 2814 Super Slinky Flatwound Bass Strings

The Ernie Ball 2814 Super Slinky Flatwounds are high-performance bass guitar strings that combine a traditional flatwound construction with a modern cobalt alloy. Designed to offer the smooth tactile feel of a flat string with the high output and attack typical of roundwounds, they represent a significant departure from standard string manufacturing.

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Overview

The Ernie Ball 2814 Super Slinky Flatwound set is a premium bass string offering that utilises the company's proprietary Cobalt technology. Unlike traditional stainless steel or nickel-wound flat strings, these are engineered to bridge the gap between vintage feel and modern tonal requirements. The set features a gauge range of .045, .065, .080, and .100, adhering to the popular 'Super Slinky' tension profile.

Technology and Construction

The primary innovation of the 2814 set is the use of a Cobalt alloy ribbon wrap. Cobalt provides a stronger magnetic relationship between the pickup and the string compared to iron or nickel alone. This results in a higher output and a broader frequency response. The flatwrap construction ensures the surface of the string is polished smooth, eliminating finger noise and providing a slick playing surface that is gentle on both the player's fingers and the instrument's frets.

Sound Character

While traditional flatwounds are known for a 'thumpy', dark, and vintage-orientated tone with limited sustain, the 2814 Cobalt Flatwounds are designed for increased attack. The Cobalt material allows for a punchy low-end and crisp highs that are usually associated with roundwound strings, all while maintaining the fundamental-heavy 'thud' of a flatwound. This makes them versatile enough for genres ranging from jazz and Motown to modern rock.

Market Comparison

Within the Ernie Ball catalogue, the 2814 sits alongside modern innovations like the M-Steel and Tim Henson Signature guitar sets, representing the brand's push into high-output metallurgy. When compared to orchestral alternatives such as D'Addario Helicore or Thomastik Spirocore strings, the Ernie Ball Flatwounds are specifically voiced for the magnetic pickups of electric bass guitars rather than acoustic resonance.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the primary material used in the Ernie Ball 2814 strings?: The strings feature a Cobalt alloy wrap. This material is chosen for its superior magnetic properties, which help increase the output and clarify the attack of the string.
How do these differ from standard flatwound strings?: Standard flatwounds often sound dull or muted. The Ernie Ball 2814 uses Cobalt to provide a brighter, more aggressive sound that is closer to a roundwound while keeping the smooth flat surface.
What are the specific gauges in the 2814 Super Slinky set?: The set includes gauges .045, .065, .080, and .100. This is a light-medium tension set commonly referred to by Ernie Ball as the 'Super Slinky' gauge.
Are these strings suitable for fretless basses?: Yes, they are highly suitable for fretless basses. The flatwound construction prevents the string from 'chewing' or wearing down the fingerboard, a common issue with roundwound strings.
What is the benefit of the Cobalt alloy?: Cobalt provides a stronger magnetic pull than nickel or stainless steel. This leads to a higher signal output and a more pronounced harmonic response from the bass pickups.
How much do the Ernie Ball 2814 strings typically cost?: The typical price range for this specific set is approximately £67.00. This reflects their position as a premium, high-technology product in the Ernie Ball lineup.
Do these strings feel rough to the touch?: No, they have a smooth, polished surface characteristic of flatwound strings. They are designed to feel slick and reduce finger friction during slides.
Can I use these for rock music?: Absolutely. While many flatwounds are restricted to jazz, the added attack and output of the Cobalt wrap allow these strings to cut through in rock and pop mixes.
Are these strings long-scale or short-scale?: The 2814 set is designed for long-scale bass guitars. This is the standard scale length for most full-sized electric basses like the Precision or Jazz Bass.
How does the durability compare to nickel strings?: Flatwounds generally last much longer than roundwounds because dirt and oils cannot get trapped between the windings. The Cobalt alloy is also highly durable and maintains its magnetic properties over time.
Will these strings fit a 5-string bass?: The 2814 is a 4-string set. Users with a 5-string bass would need to purchase a specific 5-string set or an additional single string to accommodate the low B.
Do these strings require a new setup for my bass?: Because the tension of Cobalt Flatwounds may differ slightly from traditional nickel roundwounds, a minor adjustment to the neck relief (truss rod) or intonation might be required for optimal playability.