Ernie Ball Cobalt Flatwound for my 5 - 2 sets break the D string this week!

[HarveyRobertson]

beware of these Ernie Ball Cobalt Flatwound strings.

Tuesday May 29, 2018, reveived a set of these. Put them on my bass, followed the included instruction on how to properly wind these strings.

When I plugged into my amp, I was like really excited because these really did have that crisp and punchy roundwound sound but the smoothness to the touch of a Flatwound.

Barely 3 minutes later and ping!... need another hairbone!

I have a show to play Saturday nite (tonight).. grrr

So I threw them away and put on a set of rounds.. but new rounds sound clanky as all h**l.

So thursday morning I ordered another set of cobalts, figured it was a fluke. I get em in this morning, in time to tune up and play them a little bit before having to run and do the show tonight...

This time around, I didn’t even get to play them as the D string snapped at the tuning key!!??

Are you kidding me Ernie Ball!?!? F@#k!!

So, I’m going to contact EB and ask for a set of their regular Flatwounds to replace this 2nd set of cobalts that have snapped within a weeks time... grr

My bass strings thru the body or top, these are not super longs so I hat to string it through the top both times.

I’ve never used this line of EB’s before, I usually use D’addario Chromes... I had to string my bass up with and old set of Chromes just to make tonights show.

 

[michael_t]

The D string breakage on the Cobalt Flats is nothing new. There are plenty of posts regarding that. One of the reasons why I've stayed away from them.

 

[armybass]

Wow I thought they had this resolved last year.

 

[HarveyRobertson]

Apparently not. 2 sets.. broken D strings.

 

[michael_t]

Wow I thought they had this resolved last year.

Apparently not. 2 sets.. broken D strings.

Considering they're from Amazon, would it be possible these were an old stock from last year, maybe...?

 

[armybass]

Oh yeah. So true

 

[barrybass33]

I just bought a set from guitar center the other day but haven't put them on yet,
(4 string pack)

 

[HarveyRobertson]

Considering they're from Amazon, would it be possible these were an old stock from last year, maybe...?

I suppose, only bought thru Amazon for the free 2 day delivery

 

[HarveyRobertson]

I just bought a set from guitar center the other day but haven't put them on yet,
(4 string pack)

Good luck, could you chime back in either way?

 

[Briton]

I put a set on my 5 string Bongo recently with no problems, I even wound them the standard way.

 

[HarveyRobertson]

I’m guessing I reveived a fluke. Amazon is sending me a new set

 

[michael_t]

I put a set on my 5 string Bongo recently with no problems, I even wound them the standard way.

As far as I can see, the wacky instructions that come with these strings are more problematic than helpful.

 

[Briton]

As far as I can see, the wacky instructions that come with these strings are more problematic than helpful.

Yeah........I remember when they first came out there was problems with strings breaking,even A strings. A guy from EB stated that you should wind them a cetain way coming back down the slot before a full wrap and he also stated never to cut the strings as this causes weakness which can cause the strings to break. I strung my Bongo about 3 months ago and cut the strings and wound them the standard way without any problems whatsoever.
They sound great on my Bongo!.......And come to think of it they also sound great on my Stingray and my G&L 2000.
My P Bass has TI's, I think you know where I am coming from chaps!

 

[redwingxix]

Not cut them? my bass would be neckdiving badly if I left all that metal on there.

 

[el_Bajo_Verde]

As far as I can see, the wacky instructions that come with these strings are more problematic than helpful.

I always wind them as the package says, and I have never had a problem.

 

[michael_t]

I always wind them as the package says, and I have never had a problem.

Do you also follow their recommendation for not cutting them down to length?

Can you show us the side view of the tuning posts so we can see how they're wrapped?

 

[el_Bajo_Verde]

Do you also follow their recommendation for not cutting them down to length?

Can you show us the side view of the tuning posts so we can see how they're wrapped?

I always bend and then cut my string. But I cut the string slightly longer than usual

 

[Mammoth_Bass]

These are my favorite strings and I have never had a problem! I’m thinking they’re old stock as well. Good thing amazon is great about this sort of thing. PS were both sets from amazon?

 

[HarveyRobertson]

Yes Amazon will exchange them. I did receive an email from EB today and they’re going to send me a new package of their regular Flatwound string for my troubles. In the meantime, I plan to keep my Chromes on a little longer till I get a break in gigging. That way I can put on the new strings and break em in. I’m just worried about using then since 2 sets had issues but I will give em another chance eventually.

 

[HarveyRobertson]

Even though Amazon exchanged them. Ernie Ball sent me a set of these after I informed them of the problem.

Way to go Ernie Ball! That’s what I call customer service!