What is the specific scale length for the Ernie Ball 2850 set?

The 2850 set is designed as a Super Long Scale set, specifically intended to fit 35-inch scale basses. This ensures that the strings are long enough to reach the tuning pegs on larger headstocks or through-body bridge configurations.

What are the individual string gauges in this 5-string set?

The set includes five strings with the following gauges: .045, .065, .080, .100, and .130. This progression provides a balanced tension across the fretboard for 5-string players.

What materials are used in the construction of these strings?

These strings are made from nickel-plated steel wire wrapped around a high-carbon steel hex core. This combination is chosen for its balance of brightness, sustain, and durability.

How does the low B string feel on a 35-inch scale bass?

Due to the Super Long Scale design and the .130 gauge, the low B string is engineered to feel tight and responsive. This prevents the 'muddy' or loose feel often associated with lower-pitched strings on shorter scales.

What kind of tone can I expect from the Ernie Ball 2850 set?

The tone is described as bright but beautifully balanced with significant sustain. It is designed to handle deeper, darker tones while maintaining clarity across all five strings.

Are these strings suitable for 34-inch scale basses?

While they can technically be installed on 34-inch basses, they are specifically 'Super Long Scale' for 35-inch instruments. Using them on shorter scales may result in too much excess string at the tuning post.

How do these compare to standard Ernie Ball Slinky bass strings?

The primary difference is the physical length of the string. The 2850 set is longer than the standard 'Long Scale' Slinky sets to accommodate the increased distance between the bridge and the tuners on larger basses.

Is the winding on these strings roundwound or flatwound?

These are roundwound strings, as indicated by the nickel-plated steel wrap construction. This gives them a brighter sound and more textured feel compared to flatwound alternatives.

What is the typical price for this string set?

The typical price range for the Ernie Ball 2850 Slinky Super Long Scale set is approximately GBP 35. Prices may vary slightly depending on the retailer.

Does Ernie Ball use special engineering for these strings?

Yes, Ernie Ball employs world-class engineering to ensure these strings are strong and durable. The design focuses on providing a spectacular feel and consistent performance for professional bassists.

Will the 2850 set fit a 5-string bass with a through-body bridge?

Yes, the Super Long Scale length is ideal for through-body bridges, which require extra string length to travel through the bass body before reaching the nut and tuners.

Can these strings be used for genres other than metal or rock?

Absolutely. While they provide the brightness needed for rock, their balanced tone and sustain make them versatile enough for jazz, funk, and pop where a clear 5-string response is required.

Gear article

Ernie Ball 2850 Slinky Super Long Scale 5-String Bass Set (45-130)

The Ernie Ball 2850 Slinky Super Long Scale is a nickel-plated steel string set designed specifically for 5-string electric basses with extended scale lengths. Featuring a gauge range of .045 to .130, these strings are engineered to fit 35-inch scale instruments, ensuring the low B string maintains proper tension and clarity.

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Overview

The Ernie Ball 2850 Slinky set is a professional-grade string package designed for modern bassists who utilise extended-scale instruments. While standard long-scale strings are often insufficient for 35-inch necks or string-through-body designs, the 2850 set is manufactured with extra length to ensure they comfortably reach the tuning pegs without the taper starting too early. The set is constructed using nickel-plated steel wire wrapped around a tin-plated, high-carbon steel hex core, a hallmark of Ernie Ball's Slinky series.

Material and Construction

These strings utilise Ernie Ball's world-class engineering to provide a balance between durability and playability. The nickel-plated steel wrap provides a smooth feel under the fingers compared to pure stainless steel, while the hex core ensures the wrap wire stays securely in place. This construction is intended to produce a set that is strong, durable, and capable of maintaining intonation over a long lifespan.

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Tonal Character

The Ernie Ball 2850 set is known for providing a bright and beautifully balanced tone. The nickel plating offers a crisp high-end response that is not overly harsh, coupled with a solid low-end foundation. This tonal profile provides plenty of sustain, making it suitable for genres requiring a 'deeper and darker' sound while retaining enough clarity for the notes to cut through a mix. The .130 gauge low B string is specifically designed to feel tight and responsive rather than 'floppy', which is a common issue on shorter scale lengths.

Compatibility and Comparison

This set is specifically intended for 35-inch scale basses. Players using standard 34-inch scale instruments may find the extra length unnecessary, while those with 35-inch instruments—often used for 5-string configurations to improve B-string tension—will find these a 'snug fit'. Within the Ernie Ball range, these compare to the Regular Slinky 5-string sets but with the added physical length required for larger instruments. They sit alongside other high-performance products like the Ernie Ball 2921 M-Steel or the 3826 Tim Henson Signature sets, though those are tailored for electric guitars rather than the specific low-frequency needs of the bass guitar.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the specific scale length for the Ernie Ball 2850 set?: The 2850 set is designed as a Super Long Scale set, specifically intended to fit 35-inch scale basses. This ensures that the strings are long enough to reach the tuning pegs on larger headstocks or through-body bridge configurations.
What are the individual string gauges in this 5-string set?: The set includes five strings with the following gauges: .045, .065, .080, .100, and .130. This progression provides a balanced tension across the fretboard for 5-string players.
What materials are used in the construction of these strings?: These strings are made from nickel-plated steel wire wrapped around a high-carbon steel hex core. This combination is chosen for its balance of brightness, sustain, and durability.
How does the low B string feel on a 35-inch scale bass?: Due to the Super Long Scale design and the .130 gauge, the low B string is engineered to feel tight and responsive. This prevents the 'muddy' or loose feel often associated with lower-pitched strings on shorter scales.
What kind of tone can I expect from the Ernie Ball 2850 set?: The tone is described as bright but beautifully balanced with significant sustain. It is designed to handle deeper, darker tones while maintaining clarity across all five strings.
Are these strings suitable for 34-inch scale basses?: While they can technically be installed on 34-inch basses, they are specifically 'Super Long Scale' for 35-inch instruments. Using them on shorter scales may result in too much excess string at the tuning post.
How do these compare to standard Ernie Ball Slinky bass strings?: The primary difference is the physical length of the string. The 2850 set is longer than the standard 'Long Scale' Slinky sets to accommodate the increased distance between the bridge and the tuners on larger basses.
Is the winding on these strings roundwound or flatwound?: These are roundwound strings, as indicated by the nickel-plated steel wrap construction. This gives them a brighter sound and more textured feel compared to flatwound alternatives.
What is the typical price for this string set?: The typical price range for the Ernie Ball 2850 Slinky Super Long Scale set is approximately GBP 35. Prices may vary slightly depending on the retailer.
Does Ernie Ball use special engineering for these strings?: Yes, Ernie Ball employs world-class engineering to ensure these strings are strong and durable. The design focuses on providing a spectacular feel and consistent performance for professional bassists.
Will the 2850 set fit a 5-string bass with a through-body bridge?: Yes, the Super Long Scale length is ideal for through-body bridges, which require extra string length to travel through the bass body before reaching the nut and tuners.
Can these strings be used for genres other than metal or rock?: Absolutely. While they provide the brightness needed for rock, their balanced tone and sustain make them versatile enough for jazz, funk, and pop where a clear 5-string response is required.