9 Awesome Facts You (Probably) Didn't Know About Ernie Ball!

[@psychoof78]

This guy is one of the best KZbin personalities I have seen. He’s passionate and knowledgeable about what he presents. Watching from York, Pennsylvania, USA. Keep it up! 🤘

[@Job.Well.Done_01]

Agreed. Been watching since COVID started just because of his style.

[@andygn5155]

Very much agreed.

[@krissmith2396]

yup. very cool . seems so passionate and having fun at it.

[@sixstringmadness6426]

Any gear he talks about makes me wanna buy it lol, he'd make a polar bear buy ice lol

[@luvdev]

Hey! I’m in Lancaster! 🤘🏻🤘🏻🤘🏻

[@myriad860]

Love this!

[@mht525]

Awesome thanks for the info ✌️🤘🏴🇦🇺

[@viperITB]

10th fact: Ernie Balls are the most often breaking strings on the market (including Chinese strings). I broke a string 3 times in the last 15 years, using DRs, GHS, Olymoia, D'Addario, Rotosound, Harley Benton, Framus. All 3 breakages EBs. Also EBs lose freshness some 2 days after

[@hernandiaz2207]

I fell in love with the papa hey strings

[@DougHolmes]

I went from Ernie Ball to Rotosound. Might have to give a set of EBs another go

[@blessedheavyelements8544]

Greetings Dagan!! Best Regards and Best Wishes!

[@ReprobateMind]

The picture of him teaching the kids is so weird, well specifically, the one kid playing a lap steel. Such a cool sound, but It's so weird to me to think of him being like I wanna grow up and play he lap steel. Must have been such a different world

[@MrCretemaniam]

I am 64 years old , and was born and raised in the San Fernando Valley in Los Angeles County , where Ernie Ball's first store was there on Ventura Blvd by Woodland Hills I want to say I think! Because I was about five years old when my father who was a notable guitar player on the LA scene , used to go in there and shoot the breeze with Ernie Ball about guitars and accessories and everything. So one time I was playing around with with a bowl of guitar picks on the counter and Ernie said "why don't you pick one out " , so I did and then he said " maybe one day you will buy a guitar from me and you will use that to play it. " Well I never did buy a guitar from Ernie Ball but I did play some ! I probably lost that pic in the sandbox or something !

[@craigpimlott204]

I’ve used Ernie’s for years 9-42’s on strats and 10-52 on Gibson’s ..only tried rotosounds once ..once was enough to know they couldn’t touch Ernie’s strings for tone and longevity before having to change them through wear or breakage .saying that I’ve only broke two 9’s high E strings in thirty odd years .that is some accolade for a guitar string maker ..❤❤

[@joelcrook9849]

I bought a used Gibson J50 at the Canoga Park Ernie Ball guitar shop in 1973

[@sarfarajhussain9650]

Great to see my guitar hanging in the back ☺️

[@DouglasThompson]

You can still buy individual strings from some companies.

[@DrMurdercock]

I dream of having a string assortment like that.

[@Mr-Safology]

These best strings (classic rock n roll) are my favourite for blues. Mr Safology.

[@christopherstorrier5560]

Yeah,great bass strings ...i used to use their bass 'Power Slinkies' but now use their 'Regular' bass Slinkies...their Regular bass Slinkies 50,70,85,105 are just a tiny bit thicker on the D & G strings compaired to most brands idea of Regular at 45,65,85,105, what Ernie Ball call 'Slinky Hybrid'...i use 'Regular' nickel plated Slinkies when using bass's with roundwound strings as their 50-105's sounds a tiny bit better than their 45-105's to my ear's...everyone is different when it comes to strings for sure....

[@johnnymac6242]

I use slinky greens, and i have used slinky greens since i got my very first guitar. It was the strings it came with and ive never tried another string. I use them on all my electrics except my 12 string

[@angusorvid8840]

I've been using Ernie's since I started playing guitar in the 80s. They always worked for me. Yeah, there are other good brands like D'Addario, but I've always preferred Ernie's, either in 10-46 or 10-48. I always found that they broke in amazingly fast and held up well. They sound great and play great. Cobalts are awesome too.

[@TheRedCliffsOfficial]

I started out with Earnie ball, it was ok, but now I use Rotosound and I never looked back you should too!

[@ItsCraikken]

I started with super slinkys when i was really young just cause i liked the packaging, then went on to try ddarios, drs, even optimas, and came back to ernie ball. I really like their cobalt line, cost just a little more than a regular pack and i love the sound. Now that i play show's fairly regularly its been great to rely on my beefy cobalts. I wanna try different strings but i havent found anything like my strings. Plus i like the beefys gauge for each string. (I wonder if stringjoy has coated/alloy strings) Also my bandmate had an ernie ball volume pedal and kinda made me get one and i've been in love ever since, never wanna replace it

[@kornfreak78]

I have always used DR strings, however I just ordered some Ernie Ball 2215 Skinny Top Heavy Bottom Slinky Nickel-wound Electric Guitar Strings (.010-.052) from Sweetwater about 20 minutes ago and they're on the way! So this will be a first for me.

[@bradleyberdahl6148]

Great One Sir!!!!! keep up the good work

[@PMTVUK]

Thanks Bradley! 🙏

[@jeffwickermusic134]

I enjoy your videos very much, please keep up the great work! 😎👍🎸

[@PMTVUK]

Cheers Jeff! 👊

[@greggriffiths9053]

All my electric guitars Ernie Ball hybrids and Martin on the acoustic guitar works good for me.

[@bobboitt3126]

I have used Ernie Ball strings since the late 60's. Love ❣ them.

[@batphink2655]

I'm a drummer with bad guitar technique and use Regular slinky stings I bend notes too much. So which strings of all these would be better for rhythm playing?' Ernie sounded like a 'standup guy with ethics he deserved success and makes a great product!

[@sjaakvandervrande9414]

Ernie Ball-strings and Picks are the best. I use them for years. Love the Sound,love the feel.🤘🤘🤘

[@castleanthrax1833]

I prefer Jim Dunlop plectrums. The brandname is good for grip, as it sits "proud" of the rest of the pick.

[@mrskint55]

Paradigm strings ? I’ve broken plenty of those but didn’t know about reporting the issue to Ernie Ball . Thanks for posting I’ve learnt something.

[@MashaT22]

You should try D’addario XT or XS. I’m heavy handed and dig in there, yet never once broke a set - my dog even takes some swipes sometimes, lol. I cringe when he hits the treble strings like I’m bracing for impact, but they’ve never once popped! Plus they last up to three months with daily playing in my dusty apartment (I live by a highway) on stands. The free D’addario rewards program is great, and I believe they also have a guarantee against defects. They’ll usually send sample packs for you to compare if requested. XS have a “just right” slick feel that isn’t thick thanks to the nano coating. The XT is a coated string that feels totally naked. They both have the same coating, but one gets applied before winding and the other gets it after winding, hence the difference in feel. They both sound amazing. The XT is very balanced (but you get nice bass or treble when you dig in) and the XS is slightly more treble leaning than the XT. They both sound great and are worth comparing. I’ve never tried paradigms but I’ve often heard of breakage or rust/oxidation on new packs. Never heard about that on D’addario strings. Btw, this reminds me that D’addario strings also come in a resealable anti-corrosion pack so every pair is fresh and shiny! Hope you try them!

[@mrskint55]

@@MashaT22 D’addario are my go to strings now .I think they are the best strings ever .

[@larsulrichnuts]

@@MashaT22 ill try that, i break my paradigms every 10-14 days and they become very rusty

[@mikescott5655]

Ernie Ball use to be by strings but the elixer came out & I haven’t looks back since

[@ab0m1nat10nXGamez3]

Slinkys are the only strings I use for electric guitar and bass

[@leonskum.5682]

In all my thirty odd years of playing electric guitar, I don't think I've ever used any other strings!!

[@GuitarLessonsBobbyCrispy]

Ernie Ball Super Slinky's have been my favorite electric guitar strings for the past 20 years! Interesting facts...

[@computergeeq]

do a video on d'addario strings!

[@kaskas55]

Tried Ernie Ball Slinky strings once. It tarnished within a week. lol. Been using D'Addarios eversince without any issues.

[@IndyRockStar]

I exclusively use Elixir Nanoweb guitar and bass strings.

[@chadwcmichael]

I’m super into the Ernie Ball Cobalt strings I have on my Epiphone Les Paul Custom Pro, they instantly became my favorite.

[@jcnlaw]

Ernie Ball Super Slinky for my electric guitars, Martin strings for my acoustic guitars. I’ve tried many other brands but strongly prefer these two brands. Much of string selection is trial and error and finding what works best for you!

[@athathoththegreat3901]

I used to use Dean Markley Blue Steels a long time ago and they were used on alot of my early recordings. One day I just switched to Earney Ball strings and I never looked back. They are amazing strings and make all my guitars sound and feel amazing. Side note, I started off with them in the mid '80's but Dean Markley had these magazine ads and I took the bait. I'm glad I switched back. Great video as always.

[@castleanthrax1833]

I tried to say your screen name, but I just sounded like I had a lisp. ✌️🇦🇺

[@APK-pn4qh]

Super Slinky 9's. Been using them since the 80s on almost every one of my guitars. Also use the regular slinky 10s on my short scale Ibanez Paul Gilbert Mikro PGMM21 for tuning stability.

[@kennydunk]

Since 92 for me bro

[@rchavez2112]

My parents got me my first electric guitar and amp at Ernie Ball's Guitars in Tarzana (my home town) in 1968. It was a red Gibson Melody Maker and a Gibson Skylark amplifier. A few doors down was Chuck Norris Karate School. Chuck wasn't famous yet. But he must have made an impression on one of the parents because eventually they put him in the movies.

[@jasong546]

I have never tried an axis, but it's basically the last hope I can't seem to play a floyd equipped guitar that works well so maybe I could try that and it would function and stay in tune for more than 5 minutes, and it definitely looks cool in Ed's hands.

[@leonskum.5682]

My dream guitar which I can never own as I'm leftie and they've never made them with the floyd.

[@zzkeokizz]

I have 10’s on my favorite guitar but I string my other guitars with 9’s. I’m toying with stringing some non-Floyd Rose guitars in my collection with 8’s or 7’s. Good enough for Billy Gibbons, good enough for me.

[@Patrickjohnphotography]

A Degan History moment. I look forward to many more of these! It is a win-win for PMTVUK and musicians.

[@joandrumz3176]

I think what's great about em, is just that today Ernieball has soo many gauge options. I love having easily bendable high strings, but heavier low strings and with Ernieball that is possible! I use Hybrid Slinkys and they're just as affordable. You got me hyped to try some Paradigms tho. And oc the colorful packagings are rad looking and I've always loved reading that list of artists on the back

[@jacksonrich6398]

Love the history lesson! It’s even cooler now that he’s a veteran!! Thx for sharing!

[@TribalGuitars]

I started on Super Slinkys and after trying others I'm staying with them. When friends have grabbed my guitars they ask what I use and it's funny how many become Ernie Ball 9s converts. I might have to try the Paradigms. Leo was working off the books with Music Man, even though it was his own company, to ride out the non-compete agreement.

[@mikeg.9238]

I like the Cobalt EB's , for higher output. They seem to last longer and stay clearer to me , although as with everything else the price is going up...

[@bigblackdrummachine8250]

What is tuning like with super slinky’s ? I’m thinking of getting some but I tend to tune up to open e and stuff like that so would super slinky’s snap in that case?

[@TribalGuitars]

@@bigblackdrummachine8250 I haven't had any problem whatsoever but I'm also not playing super-aggressive on them. "Rock You Like a Hurricane" is about as hard as it gets. They're definitely great for more expressive songs. But open-E doesn't sound like a problem, but forget 'drop-anything and detuning, especially on a LP-scale. In the end it's only $7-$8 bucks and they're a hoot to play. Give them a try! You might find a place for them on another guitar?

[@scramblesthedeathdealer]

I've used Slinkies for over 2 decades, love em.

[@babayaga1767]

i have 5 stingrays. been playing them for 40 years. i just the same sterling he's holding a couple weeks ago. plays beautifully

[@recklesstoboggan]

10. Ernie Ball's granddaughter is Hannah Marks.

[@bosshogg8273]

Its a little known fact that "Ernie Ball was actually a front for "Ernie" Wise and Bobby "Ball", who were, when not being in top flight comedy double acts, were massive shredders. True story....

[@oliverjohn2633]

Erine ball basses with erine ball strings cant go wrong.

[@samtoshner8002]

Nylon strings for electrics. Don't know why or who would use them but it could be cool 😆

[@imforfun1]

In the book excuse me while I kiss the sky Jimi Hendrix used a Hawaiian g-string

[@goldsocks9999]

Okay hear me out: a set of wound strings but the winding is spaced out so it's a spiral for every string

[@ThinPicks]

The only innovation I'm still longing to see from Ernie Ball is a 015 G string on the 009 set. They'll never do it so they'll never feel quite right.☹️

[@tibi1687]

15:18 that is exactly what happened to me! 2 years ago i switched from guitar to bass for a melodic death/black metal band. For the majority of those 2 years i have tried numerous brands (stainless steel all) and then i bought a bass that came with Ernie Ball strings (40-125 in stead of my 45-135) and fell in love right at that moment! I actually knew that those were Ernie Ball strings but i didn't know the gauge and pack. I asked the shop about the strings, and when they said that those are the pink super slinky i didn't believe it for like a couple of days. Now i hunt only for 2 packs from them.

[@jamesnewton485]

When buying strings and asked what I needed I'd say "Need a green pack" or "pink pack" depending on the guitar I was buying strings for and the guy behind the counter always knew what I was talking about.

[@Desirsar]

What do I want to see? Paradigm Cobalts.

[@perrysar5954]

6 weeks on my bass and still sound fresh!...Daddario 3 weeks and dead!

[@davengeance4811]

Regular Slinky as regular as breathing

[@keesketsers5866]

This was highly entertaining and I learned something, well done! And yes, been playing Slinky strings for 20+ years. I like em.

[@jasong546]

That one photo of him with a class of 10 year olds, one kid had a jazzmaster or something, one a telecaster, jeez, when I was a kid that age I would have been laughed at for asking for a 300 dollar guitar, but it would have been 500 at the time. That is so cool they got to play those instruments at that age!

[@t3hPoundcake]

The cobalt slinkies are the best strings in the world I'll fight anyone who says otherwise. Nothing sounds as crispy and bright, and I've never broken one in my life.

[@39love31]

I Truly Believe Dagan Has the Best "Vibe" and is always Knowledgeable of each Product he is Talking about!!! His Energy is Infectious and Makes Me want to be a better Guitarist ....Just so i can USE each Product He has suggested....lol ... Never Change Dagan!!! I love the Content....And I Especially LOVE How "SPOT ON!" You are About the 80's Metal Hairbands!!! Your "Emulation" of that "Era" is just TOP NOTCH and MIND Blowing! Rock on Bro! 🤘

[@tryxis5570]

Did not expect to hear “radgie” in this video - up the Toon. Great video 🤘🏻

[@topfloorstudio2684]

I remember when I started playing guitar in 1989, Guitar Magazine had a Mick Mars full page ad in it with the pink pack Super Slinky 9's. That was what I used from then on. Lol well, at least until I went up to 10's.

[@TheRichie213]

Ernie Ball Super Slinky 9 gauge with a Fender medium pick all day for soloing!

[@tntisbased]

i'd love to see a .6 gauge set from ernie ball, call it "floppy slinky" or something

[@manupbritain5232]

I left the Ernie gang for a good decade for DR's. Recently fitted EB Cobalts to my metal machine and I'm very happy. I wanted to try the paradigm next but next thing I'm doing is pricing up the Hetfields!

[@KENNA25]

When I was 20 I moved to Maui, I was putting my guitar in the case over my head but I was scared my Ibanez would get damaged and the guy next to me says it will ok. I'm thinking what's this guy know, well after awhile he gives me his card and it says Ernie ball Jr. I was seating right next and talking to him he told me to call him if I become famous, lol

[@misorodzinak8829]

I want to see them make strings that change themselves :D

[@creationinspired200]

Well there was the gibson robo tuning guitar lmao may not change themselves but they tried to make it do everything else for you

[@anyflippingthing]

I'd prefer strings that tune themselves, or at least don't go out of tune.

[@creationinspired200]

@@anyflippingthing you mean like gibsons terrible robo tuners? 😂

[@computergeeq]

i wonder what would happen if they made highly magnetic strings

[@andrewbecker3700]

I've tried soo many different strings over the years, and when I buy a guitar that has some other brand on it from the factory, I try to enjoy them but inevitably return to my Slinkys. Even on the "25.5 scale guitars I have the standard 10s just feel like home for me. I can't imagine 9s on a LP or 10s of any other brand a on a Fender. The Slinkys allow me to buy 10pks at a pop, and know I'm set for awhile. Recently experienced the dullness of coated strings, and kept thinking the guitar had some underlying issue I couldn't find? Nope, just didn't realize the strings were coated, and when I put on a set of my Slinkys all was good in my world again.

[@Arian_re15]

Ernie ball paradigms are my favourite! They are great for my kramer 84

[@PlatinumBlack90038]

In 1957, Ernie Ball opened the world’s first all guitar store in Tarzana, in the San Fernando Valley of Los Angeles, California. And I prefer the Super Slinky .009-.042 gauge (Pink).

[@jefffogertymusic2023]

String winding machine was made by Mr. Vinci

[@ThatBaritoneGuitarGuy]

As for the flashy colours, I think that must have been related how MOPAR used flashy colours. * Blue Fire * White Knuckle * Octane Red * Plum Crazy Purple * Panther Pink * Sassy Grass * Go Mango * Top Banana * Butterscotch If a colour was used on a muscle car, Ernie Ball probably uses that colour on their string packs.

[@travisjohnson6358]

I'm a mopar guy too

[@patmurphy7266]

for me I bought like 120 picks 😂 I come from concert pro level winds and brass, just never guitar so I wanted to try them all dunlops fenders gibsons tortex gators grippies big 3mm stubbies I always go back between my pink/magenta/purpleish, yellow, and green ernie balls. 😂 its like Ernie knows Im an old Mopar fan lmao 😂

[@creationinspired200]

My local shop sells individual strings i love it especially when that high e snaps 😭 ernie ball for the win for sure!

[@santin4reel]

I was a GHS boomers back in the 80's, and now totally a slinker!

[@holysmoke8439]

Slinky sounds the best I did the sound test 20 yrs ago..this others like diddarrio will get noisy quicker when u pile on effects.not slinkys

[@CathodeRayNipplez]

What a cool story. Thanks! 👍

[@PMTVUK]

Thanks for tuning in! 🤘

[@rogelioybarra4068]

Im a beginner what guitar string gages should I use

[@RByrne]

Best salesman on KZbin.

[@richieismyhero]

Yep I have only ever used Ernie Ball strings, great video

[@PMTVUK]

Thanks for watching! 👊

[@lawrencedevere2242]

I haven't snapped a set of strings for a long time since I switched to permanently to ernie ball in 2016 I really don't trust any other string brand and that's just standard regular slinky not even paradigm I change them as soon as I can see they are going dead and rusty and they play great as soon as you put them on.

[@TravisHollandMoto]

As a person who just picked up guitar a little over two months ago, the fact that I’ve put slinky strings on both acoustics and my electric DESPITE how many videos I’ve seen sponsored by Elixir is… telling

[@castleanthrax1833]

Yeah, with strings (like everything) you get what you pay for, but you don't have to spend a fortune to get good strings. Don't fall for marketing hype. Btw, remember to wipe your strings after you've finished playing (both over and under) to ensure they last longer. I just use clean, cheap dishwashing cloths. I hope you stick with it. ✌️🇦🇺

[@RByrne]

There's a reason they're so popular. They just make them right for a good price.

[@TravisHollandMoto]

@@castleanthrax1833 been playing every day for at least an hour. Sometimes a lot more (it’s too hot in Texas to do much else). Hadn’t been wiping them down but I like the idea. At $5 a set I just figured I’d replace them every month. Cheaper than an iced coffee.

[@castleanthrax1833]

@@TravisHollandMoto Yes you are right that they're not expensive, but as it only takes a few seconds to do, I do it because they last much longer, and I'd rather spend my money on things I like, not things I need. Individually the packs aren't expensive, but I've spent hundreds (likely thousands) over the years, but it's less than half of what I would have spent, had I not looked after them. It's a fun hobby. Try not to develop GAS (gear/guitar acquisition syndrome). ✌️

[@TravisHollandMoto]

@@castleanthrax1833 - too late. Les Paul arrived today. Now I’m up to 3 😬

[@Flopster2632]

I swore by Ernie Ball strings until I was buying paradigms at like £18 a set from well known guitar stores (won’t name names) and then I found the d’addario XT at £12 but hadn’t used them before so wasn’t sure about them but they actually were immense, they also feel amazing and last for a long time. When you can pick up regular slinky’s for a fiver the paradigms are crazy expensive but the d’addario’s sit kinda in the middle for price and long lasting

[@DamianS1893]

Most Excellent video

[@allan-shephard]

Another great vid Dagan. I used to be a staunch Ernie Ball 9-42 (+52 for the 7 string) loyalist back in the 90's when we were gigging. But, having gotten back into music in the last few years, I've drifted away from Ernie Balls. They seem to go dead really quickly now, and I've opened a few packets with rusted strings. I've started using Elixirs, but might have to try the Paradigms.

[@MashaT22]

May I suggest something? Give the D’addario XS a try if you like slightly slick feeling strings that have a nano coating (definitely not like the thick elixir coating), and try the XT if you like coated strings that feel totally naked. They’re incredible and worth every penny, plus the rewards program on purchases really is a cherry on top! D’addario is usually happy to send sample packs if you request them - I asked for both XS and XT, and they very happily sent both for me to compare. They’re the only strings I use. I play daily with guitars on stands in a very dusty apartment (I live by a major highway), and I get up to three months of use.

[@allan-shephard]

@@MashaT22 Hey. Thanks for that. I'll have to give them a try. The reason I switched to the Elixirs goes back to when I bought a little 2nd hand LP Junior with a P90. Nearly a year later and the strings sounded great. I messaged the seller and he said he'd had it set up with Elixirs. Appreciate the tip. And I didn't know about the rewards program. Have a great day. Or night, depending on where you are. 😁👍

[@adiohead]

Hybrid Slinky are my string of choice.

[@MrLegion501st]

While I know D'addarios last longer, I'm still attached to Ernie's because they feel easier to bend and play in general compared to other brands. They tend to get rusty faster unfortunately, but still, I love the feel of slinkys.

[@BazonBlades]

I have used Slinky 10's almost exclusively since 1987. I have tried all the fancy smancy new tech strings over the years but always immediately went back to Slinkys. Now after decades of playing I don't even care about other strings.

[@brianelkins8604]

You can totally still buy individual strings.

[@napwneoenejeod3740]

i use power slinkeys on my gretsch, the bigsby stays in perfect tune. i saw so many people talk down on bigsbys, i use it all the time and the power slinkeys haven’t let me down after they got worked in

[@BigHairyFenian]

It's kind of funny how the trend went from thick strings to thin strings and then back to thick strings again when people started downtuning.

[@mindseyemelodies]

eRNIE BALL AIR GUITAR STRINGS PLZ!

[@williambelford9661]

The Les Paul Gold Top came out in 1952, with single coil pick ups (later P90s) you're thinking of PAF Humbuckers being introduced in 1959.

[@emdeel5709]

The 1957 gold top had the PAF humbuckers

[@9hk38f]

Facts you need to know, about Ernie Ball! Despite being an industry staple, they aren’t anything special. But they get the job done. BOOM! Literally ALL you will ever need to know!

[@fatboysgarage7984]

I tested a set of Paradigm strings on my main guitar. Same 10-52 gauge I used for years. They were dead and losing tuning within a month. I switched back to the regular orange pack and got 9 months out of them. Plus, I hated the way they sounded and felt. It was like they had too much of a coating on them. But I will admit that I do bounce between Dunlop strings and Ernie Ball strings. To me, both are great, hold tune (for the most part), and feel great.