Cobalts are for real

[73jbass]

I just tried ordering a couple more 4 and 5 string sets,but my 2 usual vendors are out of stock. Who actually has them in stock?

 

[KevinM]

GC shows the available on 4-9 online. You might check your local store to see if they have 4's but I don't know of anybody who has 5's in stock.

 

[73jbass]

Just got notice from both vendors that my cobalts are on the way. 2 each 4 and 5 string sets. Ye haw!

 

[Danemac]

Can't wait to string up one of my Strat's, recovering from foot surgery and my guitars are great visitors! Coupled with a new set of cobalts from EB, life is good!!!

 

[Freddels]

I've got another set of Cobalts sitting here. Now, which bass to put them on? Has anyone put them on a Stingray Classic yet? Or maybe on my Sterling 4H?

 

[drTStingray]

How did you find them with the Bongo in the gig, Freddels?

 

[Moe Owens]

A guy on talkbass did a soundclip comparison of Cobalts to DR Hi Beams, which are known to be pretty bright, using the same bass and preamp settings. The Cobalts are definitely louder, brighter, and flat out sound better - the DR set sounded muddy in comparison. I'll be buying some for sure.

I saw that! I wonder how they compare to DR Fat Beams. Because I think Fat Beams > Hi Beams! Someone do that test, because I'm afraid to buy Cobalts for fear they won't be as good as my Fatties.

 

[2ndBassGuitar]

OK, I may not gig as much as some of you, but this weekend I played in a reunion of my 70's rock band at my home town in Nanaimo BC Canada. 35 years later, we had 300 people at the local theatre, with a built-in sound system and lights. It was so nice to play at a nice venue, with a huge stage, with lots of friends who actually want to hear us play (as opposed to bars with no one there).

To my point! I restrung my 25th Anniversary 4HH and my 82 Natural Stringray with Cobalts prior to the gig. The cobalts sure are nice. I really think they are worth changing to. There were 3 bass players for the night (one at a time of course -one of the bass players also played my 82 Ray), the 3rd played a custom shop jazz, and the Music Man basses with cobalts cut through the mix better, and sounded more lively, compared to the low thud of the jazz.

I am sold on the Cobalts as my strings of choice and just received 3 more sets that I purchased with my E-Bay Bucks! But why has the love stopped on line for the Cobalts?

 

[drTStingray]

I am sold on the Cobalts as my strings of choice and just received 3 more sets that I purchased with my E-Bay Bucks! But why has the love stopped on line for the Cobalts?

Nice story, and very good question.

I have them on my Classic SR4 2 band and my Bongo - I'm also sold on them, they're great.

I can only think they are so good they have rendered people speechless!!

 

[b-unit]

I tried a set on my SR5 with ceramic pup and found them really bright but that is a bright bass. Before they could really settle in, I swapped them over to my other SR5 with an Alnico pup and I could not wipe the smile off my face. That bass has always been darker sounding and these strings were just what the doctor ordered! I use Slinkys for pretty much all my bases but I can see the Cobalts being serious contenders. I have a new set for my SR4 that I expect to sound glorious! Next, will be the Bongo!

 

[Darth_Infernus]

That's exactly what I hear, a midrange bite that cuts right through. I've been using Ernie Ball Stainless Slinky's for years and I love them but compared to the Cobalts, the Stainless Slinky's are bright but without that bump in the mids, less vibrant.

 

[lefenton]

I've got them on my SR4 Roasted, amazing with the Ebony. I also have put them on my Big Al recently, and I must say that I am continually impressed with their resonance and tone. A major improvement in the world of strings.

 

[drTStingray]

I saw that! I wonder how they compare to DR Fat Beams. Because I think Fat Beams > Hi Beams! Someone do that test, because I'm afraid to buy Cobalts for fear they won't be as good as my Fatties.

Yes, I have Fat Beams on my SR5 and SR4HH - the Cobalts are louder and have a big high mid bump - ideal on the SR4 2 band. I used my Bongo at a festival gig on Saturday (using the provided bass rig) - that was too toppy particularly on slap - you don't need to boost treble with these strings.

For anyone who didn't pick up on it, I posted a link to a video of a gig with me using my SR4 2 band straight after fitting Cobalts - the sound cuts through really well and is not trebly in any way.

http://forums.ernieball.com/music-man-basses/53752-classic-stingray-brand-new-cobalts-content.html

 

[MadMatt]

<snip> I restrung my 25th Anniversary 4HH and... <snip>

The 25th and Cobalts are made for eachother! Too be honest I was a little skeptical of the sound initially but after playing the Cobalt armed 25th in the mix, WOW am I convinced!!! I did have to "Learn" to be a bit more aggressive with the EQ. Now that I have overcome my inherent resistance to turning those dials a little more, I am amaized at all the sounds I now have. I have the "Swiss Army Knife" HSS configuration and the Cobalts make it even more versatile. This combination is a must have if you play in a Pop/Rock cover band!

 

[2ndBassGuitar]

The 25th and Cobalts are made for eachother! Too be honest I was a little skeptical of the sound initially but after playing the Cobalt armed 25th in the mix, WOW am I convinced!!! I did have to "Learn" to be a bit more aggressive with the EQ. Now that I have overcome my inherent resistance to turning those dials a little more, I am amaized at all the sounds I now have. I have the "Swiss Army Knife" HSS configuration and the Cobalts make it even more versatile. This combination is a must have if you play in a Pop/Rock cover band!

Now to figure out which other basses I have get the next 3 sets of Cobalts.... I am think a Bongo....

 

[OldManMusic]

Now to figure out which other basses I have get the next 3 sets of Cobalts.... I am think a Bongo....

A Bongo H with Cobalts is a powerful wicked tool. I have Cobalts on the Blue Dawn I got from you a couple of years ago and it really screams.

 

[ivbenaplayin]

I just put a set on my 20th SR5 the other night and they sound better on that axe than any other strings i've tried... I've had a set of them on my Bongo 5HHp for about 4 months now and they're still rockin' strong after a LOT of play time. I figure I'll wear out the factory slinkys on the new 5H bongo before putting cobalts on it.

 

[2ndBassGuitar]

A Bongo H with Cobalts is a powerful wicked tool. I have Cobalts on the Blue Dawn I got from you a couple of years ago and it really screams.

I am glad you are enjoying your Bongo!

 

[spencer]

I just wanted to
State I bought two packs and while they sound great/different new. They go dead really fast. I'm back to regular slinkies

 

[Moe Owens]

I'm still skeptical about putting these on my bass. I'm afraid to waste all that money if they die quick. Just bought a set of 10's though for my PRS semi hollow. Figured I'd give the much cheaper guitar string a run before fitting them on my SR5