cobalt strings suck

[Snickersnee]

Wondering if anyone else has had this experience, I recently got a set of Ernie Ball Cobalt tens because I was interested in trying out some different strings that I don't usually use. I set them up on my ES 339 and almost instantly I didn't like them. They almost felt gritty to the touch, and the sound wasn't to my liking. Whatever. I kept playing them because I wasn't about to throw away a new set of strings, and about a week and a half later there was already a significant amount of rust on the strings. For context, I play and keep my guitars in a super dry basement, and never have this problem. Anyone else have bad experiences with these strings?

 

[beej]

The wraps on the wound strings do feel different, 'grittier' as you say. I use them on a few guitars and don't seem to have any issues adjusting though. (After a minute I don't really notice anymore.)

Note that it's just the wound strings that are different - the unwound ones are the same as in the other string sets.

The rust issue is weird (esp. if you're getting it on all of the strings). I would contact EB and let them know. If you still have the packaging, maybe send them some pics. (There are counterfeits out there and it's worth checking to see.)

 

[Vito Porkleone]

Saying they suck is going a bit overboard. I've used cobalts exclusively since they came out - I currently have them on 4 guitars (9's and 10's). They're awesome, sound great, and last a long time. Take Beej's advice, and contact EB. You have an issue with packaging or a counterfeit set.

 

[Norrin Radd]

I also have been using Cobalts since they came out - they are outstanding! In fact, I couldn't play without them. I have a nickel sensitivity and it nearly destroyed my hands until my Doc diagnosed it. Literally - skin peeling off my fingers from the nickel. Cobalt = no issues! And I LOVE the way they sound - and they last FOREVER. My absolute favorite strings ever.

OP - thanks for checking back in and letting us know how the contact with EBMM went.