The Steel Guitar Forum

What's everyone's feelings on Ernie Ball pedal steel strings? They are my favorite strings out there, the only problem is the string gauges on their E9 set are a little funny. The 10 for the 3rd string being a little outdated. They have always felt the best to me on 6 string and pedal (I just swap the 10 for an 11).
My question is if they made a more modern sized set would more people be willing to try them? They are the best priced and most available string company out there. I've talked to someone at the company about doing it and I was hoping for some feedback that might sway them.

I used Ernie Ball Nickel Wounds for years. No complaints.

Hey James. I used Ernie Ball strings for a long time and always had great luck and consistent sound with them. However, since the band is currently getting strings from one source I’ve switched brands as a result.

Perhaps you could get them to change up their sets to go to the 11’s by finding out if an actual majority of players/manufacturers are going with the 11 on the 4th string. I always used the 10 because that’s how it came in the set but did have some breakage issues.

Now I’m using the 11 (and it’s a newer guitar) so no issues. I also prefer the sound of the heavier gauge. Good luck in changing their minds!

I’m sure there is someone in the Forum that knows the answer to actual player use and what other manufacturers are putting out there. EO

PS - nice Show Pro btw

The vast majority of players use an 11 - this is just my observation from 7 years of reading this forum. I like Ernie Balls and they are easily available over here too.

The only drawback is that on my 25½" scale guitar the 11 doesn't hold up, so I use GHS as originally supplied.

Also, if they would do a more "modern" set, what gauges would you guys like to see?

I'll add, the reason I like EB so much is I feel like every other string I try have too much give to them and end up feeling mushy to me. And I've used them for years of hard touring without breaking a string on steel or 6 string (knock knock). And I'm not great about changing them sometimes.

The wound 6th is more contentious.

My first guitar was pull-release with single coil pickups and the 22W sounded great. When I moved up to all-pull and humbuckers I switched to plain. The wound didn't seem to fit any more.

An .012" for the third string is now far more common than it once was. I recall it being a daring leap of faith, seemingly not too long ago but perhaps it was.

I couldn't go back to an .011" and an .010" defies belief. In my earliest playing days (early-1970s) I recall the ZB sets had .011"s.

I use a .012 for the 3rd also, you get a fuller, richer tone.
Erv

Easy question for me.
Years ago(my whole touring days with Dale Watson 1996-2002) I was Endorsed by Ernie Ball......Free strings...yay...sure I loved them...I did find I could only play 3 gigs then I would break .011 or.010 or .012...what ever.....bla bla...middle of 2000's Danny asked If I would like to try Jagwire strings I said sure. He sent me my gauges I used constantly with Ernie Ball....and I put them on and IMMEDIATELY ; I had to re-tune all my pedals and knee levers a little; as it took Less distance to pull the same freakin gauges than the Ernie Ball string....well what did that tell me?? Yes; I'm smart; I'm not dumb....ha...It told me; the same gauge Jagwire took less tension to pull than the Ernie Ball...and so that means the Jagwire string will last LONGER and hold its TONE longer.....and It DID!!!! and after being Endorsed by Ernie ball...and trying GHS...Daddario...SIT...etc....I knew I only wanted the Jagwire Strings on my Steel and I haven't looked for another string for 15 years and still thrilled with the quality of Jagwire Strings...and you click this link> https://www.jagwirestrings.com/shop.html
You will see that Paul Franklin and Lloyd Green and Ricky Davis and Buck Reid are the most popular string sets.
Ricky

Sorry to hear that Ricky. I've played 120+ shows a year the last few years in every size and situation imaginable with Ernie Balls and my LDG has never broken a string. My Tele or Strat either. And I play pretty aggressively. I used a few jaguar sets when I started playing steel and they definitely seemed like good strings.

Sometimes my mouth runnith over....ha...but I do love my Jagwire Strings...but my real input is my gauge suggestions below.
No worries.
Ricky

After rereading your post, I will delete my comment as it didn't apply to you question directly.

Condescend much Rick? You've reminded me why so many players aren't on here anymore. I was looking for some feedback on string gauges for a company I stand by. Congratulations on all your shows. I'll go back to not engaging with people on the internet as it proves volatile almost every time.

James Barker wrote:My question is if they made a more modern sized set would more people be willing to try them?

I think yes.

No you're right James; I did take it as looking for a better string Brand; No worries.
I do suggest gauges designed for the scale of your instrument. Mine is a 24" scale and is why I use these E9 gauges...through trial and tribulation...ha.
.013p
.015p
.012p
.015p
.018p
.022w
.026w
.030w
.034w
.038w
Good luck bro...
Ricky