Ernie Ball Super Long Scale Slinky Bass Strings Review: The Definitive Guide for Extended Range Players

There’s a unique frustration that every owner of a 35-inch or longer scale bass knows intimately. You walk into a music shop, or browse online, filled with the excitement of a fresh restring, only to be met with a wall of “standard” or “long scale” strings. You buy a set, hopeful, get home, and begin the ritual. You thread the new E or B string through the bridge, pull it taut towards the headstock, and your heart sinks. The silky, playable part of the string—the main winding—doesn’t even clear the nut. Instead, the thick, unforgiving silk wrap or the tapering section of the string is sitting right where your first fret should be. It’s an impossible situation that results in terrible intonation, a dead tone, and the risk of the string snapping at the nut. This isn’t just an inconvenience; it’s a barrier to your instrument performing as it was designed. For years, I navigated this minefield, searching for a reliable, great-sounding string that was genuinely built for the extended range of my instruments. This journey led me to test the very product we’re looking at today: the Ernie Ball Super Long Scale Slinky Bass Strings.

Before You Restring: A Bassist’s Guide to Choosing the Right Strings

A set of bass strings is more than just an item; it’s a key solution for translating your physical playing into audible music. They are the very first point of contact in your signal chain, fundamentally shaping your instrument’s voice, feel, and responsiveness. The right set can make an average bass sound great and a great bass sound phenomenal. They influence everything from the brightness of your attack when slapping to the sustained warmth of a walking bassline. Neglecting to choose the correct strings for your specific instrument and playing style can lead to a host of problems, including poor tuning stability, uncomfortable playing tension, a lifeless tone, and in the case of extended scale instruments, a complete inability to even install them correctly.

The ideal customer for the Ernie Ball Super Long Scale Slinky Bass Strings is someone facing the exact problem I described: the owner of a 4-string bass with a scale length of 35 inches or more. This includes players of popular models from brands like Ibanez (BTB series), Lakland, Spector, and many others who have embraced longer scales for improved string tension and clearer low notes. This set is for the versatile bassist who needs a balanced, bright tone that can cut through a mix without being overly harsh. However, it might not be suitable for those who play standard 34-inch scale basses (for which Ernie Ball’s regular Slinkys are perfect), as the extra length would result in excessive wraps on the tuning post. Furthermore, as we’ll explore in detail, players with multi-scale instruments that reach 37 inches on the lowest string may find the taper point on these strings is still too short, a critical consideration before purchasing. Players who primarily use heavy drop tunings might also consider a heavier gauge set, like Ernie Ball’s Power Slinkys.

Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:

• Scale Length & Winding: This is paramount. Don’t just look at your bass’s scale length (e.g., 35 inches). You need to measure the distance from the ball-end anchor point at the bridge to the nut, and then to the tuning post for your lowest string. The Ernie Ball Super Long Scale Slinky Bass Strings have a taper that begins at 38.25 inches from the ball-end. Ensure this provides enough fully-wound string to clear your nut comfortably.
• Gauge & Performance: This set is a 45-105 gauge (.045, .065, .085, .105), often considered the industry standard for 4-string basses. It offers a fantastic balance between comfortable tension for intricate playing and enough mass to deliver a solid, punchy low-end. It’s a versatile choice suitable for rock, pop, funk, and jazz, providing both warmth and clarity.
• Materials & Durability: The construction features a nickel-plated steel wrap wire over a tin-plated high carbon steel hex core. The hex core provides strength and a brighter tonal foundation, while the nickel-plated steel wrap is the classic choice for a warm, full-bodied tone with a smooth feel that is kinder to your frets than stainless steel. This combination is renowned for its tonal longevity and durability.
• Ease of Use & Maintenance: Beyond the critical fit, these strings are as straightforward as any to install. The real “ease of use” benefit comes from the packaging. Ernie Ball’s Element Shield packaging uses a hermetically sealed pouch to protect the strings from humidity and environmental damage, ensuring they arrive as fresh as the day they were made. This eliminates the risk of installing a “dead” string straight out of the pack.

Choosing the right strings transforms your bass from a piece of wood and wire into a truly expressive musical tool. Getting it right is the first step to achieving your perfect tone.

While the Ernie Ball Super Long Scale Slinky Bass Strings is an excellent choice, it’s always wise to see how it stacks up against the competition. For a broader look at all the top models, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:

Unboxing the Slinky Legend: First Impressions and Core Features

There’s something iconic and reassuring about the Ernie Ball packaging. The bold, graphic design is instantly recognisable to any guitarist or bassist. Upon opening the outer pack of the Ernie Ball Super Long Scale Slinky Bass Strings, we were greeted by the Element Shield pouch. Tearing this open released a satisfying rush of air and revealed four individually coiled and colour-coded strings. There was no hint of oxidation or dullness; each string shone with a uniform, bright finish, a testament to the effectiveness of the protective packaging. Handling the strings, they felt smooth and consistent. The windings are incredibly precise, with no rough spots or inconsistencies along their considerable length. Compared to some budget strings, the Slinkys feel substantial and well-engineered. The coloured ball-ends are a classic Ernie Ball touch, making string identification during installation a simple, foolproof process. The immediate impression is one of quality and reliability—you know you’re holding a product from a company that has been a leader in the industry for decades. You can immediately tell this product is built with the serious player in mind, ready to bring that legendary Slinky sound to basses that require that crucial extra length.

Performance Under Pressure: A Deep Dive into the Ernie Ball Super Long Scale Slinky Bass Strings

A string’s true character is only revealed under the fingers, through an amp, and in the context of a band. It’s about more than just specifications on a packet; it’s about the interplay of fit, feel, tone, and durability. We put the Ernie Ball Super Long Scale Slinky Bass Strings through their paces on a 35-inch scale Ibanez bass, evaluating them across several weeks of rehearsals, recording sessions, and live playing to form a complete picture of their performance.

The Heart of the Matter: Scale Length, Fit, and Winding Precision

This is, without a doubt, the most critical aspect of this product. For a super long scale string, if it doesn’t fit, nothing else matters. The first test was installation. We threaded the .105 E-string through the bridge of our 35″ scale bass. Pulling it up to the headstock, we felt a wave of relief. The main winding cleared the nut with ample room to spare, allowing for a clean break angle and a secure fit in the nut slot. The taper began well before the tuning post, allowing us to get three clean, neat wraps without the thickest part of the string stressing the post’s breaking point. This is precisely what these strings are designed to do, and on a standard 35″ or 36″ scale bass, they perform this function flawlessly. This successful fit was echoed by one user’s experience with their 36-inch Carl Thompson bass, where they found the fit and feel to be perfect.

However, the world of extended-range basses is not monolithic. The rise of multi-scale (or fanned-fret) instruments introduces a new layer of complexity. We took note of a crucial piece of feedback from a user with a Spector NS Dimension 5, which features a 37-inch scale length for its B-string. They reported that the string’s taper, which begins at 38.25 inches from the ball end, started too early. This meant the thinner, tapered section of the string was sitting over the nut, which is unusable. This is not a flaw in the string’s design per se, but rather a critical compatibility limitation. The Ernie Ball Super Long Scale Slinky Bass Strings are designed for basses in the 35″-36″ range. For instruments stretching to 37 inches, players must meticulously measure their specific required winding length (from ball-end to nut) before purchasing. This highlights the importance of knowing your instrument’s specific needs beyond just the advertised scale length. For the vast majority of non-multi-scale 35″+ basses, these strings are a perfect solution to a long-standing problem.

The Slinky Sonic Signature: Tone, Feel, and Versatility

Once properly installed, the true Ernie Ball character came roaring to life. Plugging in, the first thing we noticed was that signature Slinky sound: a bright, piano-like clarity on the attack, followed by a warm, rich fundamental note with powerful low-mids. These are not scooped-sounding strings; they have a pronounced midrange that helps the bass sit perfectly in a dense band mix without turning into undefined mud. The nickel-plated steel wrap provides a perfect middle ground—it has more warmth and less finger noise than stainless steel, but more bite and harmonic content than pure nickel or flatwound strings. We found this tonal profile to be incredibly versatile. In a rock context, playing with a pick delivered an aggressive, clanky attack that drove the rhythm section forward. When switching to fingerstyle for a funk or R&B line, the strings responded with a round, articulate punch that was both fat and clear. Slap and pop techniques were a joy; the G and D strings have a snappy, crisp response, while the A and E strings provide a deep, resonant thumb-slap “thump”.

The feel under the fingers is classic Slinky. The 45-105 gauge provides a comfortable, familiar tension that doesn’t fight back too hard, making long gigs and practice sessions less fatiguing. The nickel-plated winding is smooth to the touch, facilitating easy slides and shifts up and down the neck without excessive friction or string noise. This balance of a bright, punchy tone and a comfortable, fast feel is the reason so many players, myself included, return to Slinkys time and time again. As multiple users stated, they are simply the “best strings ever” and their “favorites,” a sentiment we wholeheartedly share after experiencing their performance. Their renowned tonal balance is immediately apparent from the first note played.

Built to Last: Durability, Tuning Stability, and Longevity

A great tone is wonderful, but it’s worthless if the strings go dead after one show or refuse to stay in tune. The foundation of the Ernie Ball Super Long Scale Slinky Bass Strings is their tin-plated high carbon steel hex core. The hexagonal shape of the core wire allows the outer wrap wire to grip it more securely during the winding process. In our experience, this translates directly to superior tuning stability. After the initial stretching-in period (which was surprisingly short), the strings held their pitch remarkably well, even with aggressive playing and significant temperature changes between a rehearsal room and a live venue. This reliability is crucial for any serious musician.

In terms of longevity, the nickel-plated steel offers a good lifespan. We found they retained their characteristic brightness and punch for several weeks of regular playing before gradually mellowing into a warmer, more broken-in tone. They never became completely “dead” or thuddy during our testing period. The Element Shield packaging is a significant factor here, ensuring that the clock on their lifespan doesn’t start ticking until you actually open the pack. This guarantees you’re getting 100% of the string’s potential life. We did note one user report of the thickest string breaking during installation. While this was not our experience, and it’s likely an isolated manufacturing defect, it’s worth mentioning. Any mass-produced item can have a rare lemon, but the overwhelming reputation for durability that Ernie Ball has built over decades suggests this is not a common issue. For players seeking a reliable, long-lasting string that holds its tuning, these strings represent a sound investment.

What Other Users Are Saying

Our positive experience is strongly mirrored in the broader user feedback. Many players express immense satisfaction, with comments like “Best strings ever” and “siguen siendo mis favoritas” (they continue to be my favorites) highlighting a deep loyalty to the Slinky sound and feel. One user specifically confirmed our findings, stating the strings “sound and feel great on my 36in Carl Thompson,” reinforcing their suitability for their intended purpose on super long scale instruments.

However, the negative feedback provides crucial context and serves as an important buyer’s guide. The most salient criticism comes from the player with the 37-inch multi-scale Spector bass, who found the 38.25-inch taper to be too short. This is an invaluable piece of information for the growing number of multi-scale players out there, emphasizing the need to measure before buying. We also saw an isolated report of a string breaking prematurely, which, while concerning for that individual, appears to be an anomaly rather than a widespread problem. Finally, one user found them unsuitable for Drop B tuning on a standard 34″ bass, which is an expected outcome; this set is neither the right scale length nor a heavy enough gauge for such a low tuning on a standard instrument, highlighting the importance of matching the right string to the right application.

Alternative Choices: How Does It Compare?

The Ernie Ball Super Long Scale Slinky Bass Strings are a specialized product, but it’s always useful to see how they stack up against other options in the market, even those designed for different applications.

1. Bray 4 String Bass Guitar Strings (45-105)

The Bray 4 String Bass Guitar Strings are positioned as a versatile, budget-friendly option for standard long-scale basses (typically 34 inches). They share the same popular 45-105 gauge as the Ernie Balls, making them a direct competitor in terms of tension and general feel for standard instruments. However, they lack the extra winding length necessary for 35″+ scale basses, making them unsuitable for the specific problem the Ernie Ball Super Long Scale set solves. A bassist with a standard Fender P-Bass or Ibanez SR looking for a cost-effective restring might prefer the Bray set, but for anyone with an extended scale instrument, the Ernie Balls are the only viable choice between the two.

2. Fender Super 7250 Electric Bass String Set

The Fender Super 7250 set is another high-quality option from an iconic brand, also designed for standard long-scale basses. Like the Slinkys, they feature a nickel-plated steel wrap for a warm, dynamic tone. The main difference lies in the tonal “flavour.” Fender strings are often described as having a slightly more vintage, rounder tone compared to the brighter, more modern punch of Ernie Ball Slinkys. A player who owns a Fender bass and wants to maintain that classic, authentic Fender sound might gravitate towards the Super 7250s. However, just like the Bray strings, they do not have the required length for super long scale instruments, making the Ernie Ball Super Long Scale Slinky Bass Strings the necessary choice for players with 35″+ basses.

3. Ernie Ball Power Slinky Cobalt Bass Strings 55-110

This alternative from Ernie Ball themselves highlights a different design philosophy. The Power Slinky Cobalt strings are all about increased output, clarity, and power, rather than scale length. The cobalt wrap material is more magnetically active, which results in a stronger signal from your pickups, with more dynamic range and a crispier high-end. The heavier 55-110 gauge provides higher tension, making them ideal for players who use a heavy pick, play aggressive rock or metal, or tune down to Drop D or lower. A bassist who values maximum output and plays in low tunings on a standard scale bass would prefer the Power Slinky Cobalts. The choice here isn’t about length, but about tone and tension.

Our Final Verdict: The Go-To String for Extended Range

After extensive testing and careful consideration of user experiences, our verdict is clear. The Ernie Ball Super Long Scale Slinky Bass Strings are an outstanding and, for many, an essential product. They successfully solve the fundamental problem that plagues owners of 35-inch and 36-inch scale basses, delivering a perfect fit where standard strings fail. Beyond the fit, you get the legendary Slinky package: a vibrant, balanced, and versatile tone that shines in any musical genre, coupled with a comfortable feel and reliable durability. The build quality is excellent, and the freshness guarantee from the Element Shield packaging provides genuine peace of mind.

The only significant caveat is for players with multi-scale instruments stretching to 37 inches, who must measure their winding length requirement carefully. For the intended user, however—the player with a 4-string, 35″+ scale bass—these strings are not just a good choice; they are the benchmark. If you’ve been struggling with ill-fitting strings and a compromised tone on your extended-range bass, your search is over. We can wholeheartedly recommend them as the go-to solution. To give your long scale bass the tone and feel it deserves, you can check the latest price and availability right here.