What are the exact gauges in the Ernie Ball 2835 set?

The set includes four strings with the gauges .040, .060, .070, and .095. This is considered a 'Light' or 'Extra Slinky' tension for a four-string bass.

What materials are used in the construction of these strings?

They are made from nickel-plated steel wire wrapped around a tin-plated, hex-shaped steel core. This construction is designed for durability and a balanced tone.

What is the typical price for a set of Extra Slinky 2835 strings?

The typical price for this set in the UK market is approximately £24.00. Prices may vary slightly depending on the retailer and regional taxes.

How does the 'hex core' benefit the player?

The hexagonal shape allows the wrap wire to bite into the core during the winding process. This ensures the wrap remains tight and the string stays in tune more effectively.

Are these strings suitable for all genres of music?

Yes, Ernie Ball describes these as providing a 'well balanced all around good sound.' Their versatility makes them suitable for rock, pop, funk, and jazz.

How do Extra Slinky strings compare to Regular Slinky bass strings?

Extra Slinkys (.040-.095) have a lighter gauge than Regular Slinkys (.045-.105). This results in lower tension, making them easier to press down and bend.

Who is the primary manufacturer of these strings?

These strings are manufactured by Ernie Ball, a company renowned for its significant presence in the electric guitar and bass string market.

Is the sound of these strings bright or warm?

They offer a balanced sound that sits between bright and warm. The nickel plating provides a smooth high-end, while the steel core ensures a punchy low-end.

Do these strings work well for slap bass techniques?

Yes, the lighter gauge of the .040 G-string provides a 'snappy' response that many slap bassists prefer for its percussive quality. The nickel plating also makes them comfortable for fast thumb movements.

Can these strings be used on a five-string bass?

This specific 2835 set is a four-string set. To use them on a five-string bass, you would need to purchase an additional single low B string separately.

How does the nickel plating affect the lifespan of the string?

The nickel plating acts as a protective layer for the steel wire, helping to resist oxidation and sweat. This generally provides a longer peak tonal life compared to plain steel strings.

Are these strings appropriate for beginners?

They are excellent for beginners because the lighter tension requires less finger strength to fret notes clearly. This can help reduce the initial discomfort associated with learning the bass.

Gear article

Ernie Ball Extra Slinky 2835 Nickel Bass Guitar Strings (40-95)

The Ernie Ball Extra Slinky 2835 is a set of round-wound electric bass guitar strings featuring gauges ranging from .040 to .095. Constructed with a nickel-plated steel wrap over a tin-plated hex-shaped steel core, these strings are designed to provide a balanced, versatile tone suitable for a wide variety of musical genres.

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Overview

The Ernie Ball 2835 Extra Slinky set is a lighter-gauge alternative to traditional bass sets, intended for players who prefer less tension and greater ease of playability. As part of the globally recognised Slinky line, these strings are manufactured to high standards to ensure consistency and longevity. The combination of nickel-plated steel and a carbon steel core serves as the industry standard for a 'modern' bass sound, offering a middle ground between the brightness of pure stainless steel and the warmth of pure nickel.

Materials and Construction

The foundation of the Extra Slinky set is a tin-plated, high-carbon steel core wire that is hexagonal in cross-section. This 'hex core' design is critical as it allows the outer wrap wire to grip the core securely, preventing slippage and ensuring the string remains stable under tension. The outer wrap consists of nickel-plated steel wire, which is chosen for its magnetic properties and its ability to resist corrosion more effectively than plain steel.

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Tonal Character

Ernie Ball describes this specific formulation as their most popular, primarily because it produces a well-balanced, all-around sound. The nickel plating provides a smooth feel to the fingers and softens the harsh high-end frequencies often associated with new strings, while the steel core maintains a punchy low-end and clear mid-range presence. This balance makes the 2835 set applicable for everything from fingerstyle jazz to picked rock.

User Profile and Playability

With a top string gauge of .040 and a bottom of .095, the Extra Slinky set is notably lighter than the standard 'Regular Slinky' (.045–.105) or 'Power Slinky' sets. This lower tension makes it an ideal choice for:

Players who perform fast, technical passages or frequent string bends.
Beginners who are still developing hand strength.
Bassists who prefer a 'snappier' response with less physical resistance.
Long recording sessions where hand fatigue might become an issue.

Market Comparison

While Ernie Ball produces specialised variants like the 2921 M-Steel or the Tim Henson Signature series for guitar, the 2835 remains a staple of their bass catalogue. Compared to heavier sets, these strings provide less low-end 'thump' but offer superior clarity in the upper register. In the broader market of orchestral and fretted strings, they stand as a high-volume, reliable alternative to boutique options like those from Larsen or Thomastik-Infeld, focusing on versatility rather than a niche classical or jazz application.

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Frequently asked questions

What are the exact gauges in the Ernie Ball 2835 set?: The set includes four strings with the gauges .040, .060, .070, and .095. This is considered a 'Light' or 'Extra Slinky' tension for a four-string bass.
What materials are used in the construction of these strings?: They are made from nickel-plated steel wire wrapped around a tin-plated, hex-shaped steel core. This construction is designed for durability and a balanced tone.
What is the typical price for a set of Extra Slinky 2835 strings?: The typical price for this set in the UK market is approximately £24.00. Prices may vary slightly depending on the retailer and regional taxes.
How does the 'hex core' benefit the player?: The hexagonal shape allows the wrap wire to bite into the core during the winding process. This ensures the wrap remains tight and the string stays in tune more effectively.
Are these strings suitable for all genres of music?: Yes, Ernie Ball describes these as providing a 'well balanced all around good sound.' Their versatility makes them suitable for rock, pop, funk, and jazz.
How do Extra Slinky strings compare to Regular Slinky bass strings?: Extra Slinkys (.040-.095) have a lighter gauge than Regular Slinkys (.045-.105). This results in lower tension, making them easier to press down and bend.
Who is the primary manufacturer of these strings?: These strings are manufactured by Ernie Ball, a company renowned for its significant presence in the electric guitar and bass string market.
Is the sound of these strings bright or warm?: They offer a balanced sound that sits between bright and warm. The nickel plating provides a smooth high-end, while the steel core ensures a punchy low-end.
Do these strings work well for slap bass techniques?: Yes, the lighter gauge of the .040 G-string provides a 'snappy' response that many slap bassists prefer for its percussive quality. The nickel plating also makes them comfortable for fast thumb movements.
Can these strings be used on a five-string bass?: This specific 2835 set is a four-string set. To use them on a five-string bass, you would need to purchase an additional single low B string separately.
How does the nickel plating affect the lifespan of the string?: The nickel plating acts as a protective layer for the steel wire, helping to resist oxidation and sweat. This generally provides a longer peak tonal life compared to plain steel strings.
Are these strings appropriate for beginners?: They are excellent for beginners because the lighter tension requires less finger strength to fret notes clearly. This can help reduce the initial discomfort associated with learning the bass.