Ernie Ball Primo Slinky Paradigm Electric Guitar Strings 9.5-44 (P02018)

TL;DR - These strings are awesome for heavy playing: Amazing Tone with Stable Longevity, Staying in Tune, and just Not Breaking for many shows. I've waited years to write this, because on my first two sets, I had almost immediate breakage on at least one string - however, I was able to get a couple sets before they were available to all the public, and my later experience as not the same, but I wanted to be sure before posting a review. Some background... I'm a heavy handed Gibson (endorsed) player, playing rock music akin to The Who or QOTSA - I usually wear down a 60mm pick to unusable in a couple sets. I've played hundreds of shows in the past five years, and D'addario EXL110 was what I used forever, because that's what my Luthier always put on after a setup, so I figured they were the best choice. But with the D'addario's I was almost always out of tune on multiple strings by the end of a song - so tuning between songs was always a mood killer, banter and jokes required to fill the gap in music. Worse, I was breaking 2-3 strings a set - in random fashion, not always the high E or B string - the D string maybe the highest break rate. I always had to have a backup guitar, and someone to change the broken string so it would be ready when I broke the next string. At times, I had to borrow a guitar while multiple strings were being worked on. I constantly wiped down the strings after each time playing and always stored the guitars out of the air asap. I tried many different string treatments, but nothing really mattered. I tried the new NYXL, but for me they still had short and unpredictable lives, and the tone would change rapidly, I never knew what to expect. As stated earlier, I was able to get in on the early batch of Paradigm strings (I use the 10-46) and though I did have some almost immediate breakage (within a few hours of playing) on those pre release sets, the replacements and others lasted what was, for me, amazingly long times. Weeks-long, and when I switch over completely to the Paradigms, I ended up actually changing strings (all of them at once) before they broke, something I hadn't done in years, unless popping on new strings for studio work. The Paradigms were a life changer for me. Not have strings break mid-set anymore is a pure godsend. I almost never use the backup guitar anymore because of a broken string. And there is a super bonus for me - THEY STAY IN TUNE for the entire set. And there there is the TONE. My experience is that the "brand new" tone takes a few hours to calm down and then the (very excellent) tone stays stable for weeks. For me, tone-wise, these blow away the former D'addario strings. In the studio, I had some extra D'addario sets left over, so I strung up a guitar and it sounded like a toy compared to another with the Paradigms. To be sure, I restrung with Paradigms, and it was full rich tone immediately. For years, I thought I had bad guitar tuner hardware causing the strings to go out of tune. But apparently it was the strings themselves. If I had anything bad to say, it would be that I don't love the "brand new" sound, so I don't like to play live until I've had a chance to work the strings for a few hours. But that new sound is still far better than what I was used to, just not the great sound that happens after broken in. Also in the maybe bad department is that I am still worried about the strings breaking when new even though it hasn't been the case in years. Usually when I put on a brand new set of strings, it's because I have studio or a big show that is being recorded or something, when I least want a string to break. That said, since I have to play until the "brand new" string sound goes away - when I have done that, I am confident that I have gone past that point where a bad string would have broken. I've seen reviews in which the tone was unsatisfactory for the player, and I suspect that it is a matter of how heavy handed a guitarist you are. If you never wear out picks, I think it might not be the right type of string tone for you. For me, I haven't found other strings that come close to the richness and pureness of these strings. I realize that everyone is different. I know some lighter touch (usually Fender style) players that are jaw-droppingly good, that have real emotional power to their playing who swear by D'addario's and won't break a string in years of playing. But that was clearly not my case. Do they still break on stage for me? Yes, but it's very rare and probably I should have changed the strings by then. To sum up, for my style, Paradigms changed my music life. I just feel super fortunate that these exist. I recommend them constantly to other players - especially when I see them break a string on stage. The Tone and Tuning stability alone would have justified switching over for me, but what I really needed - and didn't really expect to find - were strings that could taking a regular beating and not break. These do that. Just awesome. (Note: These were bought as a gift by me - the review is from the person I buy them for)

These sound as bright as my beloved EB Cobalts and appear to stay bright longer and resist breakage. They're probably the best strings I've used and I've been playing since the late 1970's.

I really like these strings. Great feel and the two pack is quite a good deal.

Paradigms Baybee! This to me is Ernie Ball’s biggest win. I was always a fan of the tone of the slinky. But the breakage of strings got old. I switched for a long time. After trying paradigm strings. I changed every guitar I owned. The tones were exactly what I wanted. The bends sound amazing. The sustain was great. And I don’t break strings. Matters of fact. I end up changing strings due to time before any breaks. I like keeping my tone fresh. Thanks Ernie Ball 🤘🏻

I've used Slinkys of various types for over a decade, but this is my first ever set of Paradigms (and my first set of coated strings in years). A set of Regular Slinkys changed out every few weeks has been my go-to string regimen, so being able to get more life with the same killer tone is what led me to Paradigms in the first place. A quick TLDR summary: These strings have great life and incredible stability but ultimately, they're coated slinkys and they feel and sound like it. That is, don't expect the brightness or feel of uncoated strings. TONE That classic Slinky tone, for me, is the perfect balance of brightness, and punch, that sounds especially great on a fresh set of strings. These strings just don't quite hit that same sound to me. Overall, they sound slightly more muted (not muted. Just more so than a fresh set of Regular Slinkys) and less bright. The tone is more akin to a well-used set of strings, rather than a fresh set. It's not bad, by any means, but if you're looking for a fresh, bright tone. Look elsewhere. If you're looking for a warm, worn-in tone. These fit that bill. FEEL After a weekend gig, one thing I noticed was that these strings definitely feel coated. It's not immediately noticeable, but after a short time of playing them it's extremely evident, especially on the G string. Rather than the silky smooth feel of standard Slinkys, the feel has a distinct "plastic" feel. It's not unplayable, but for quick slides with sweaty hands after a long gig, it's not a comfy experience. If you're used to coated strings, it's better than most sets, but it's still noticable STABILITY Stability is one of the most impressive factors of these strings that I've noticed. After a weekend long gig, it only needed very VERY minor tuning, after extensive tremolo use and bending. If you need a set that won't drift when playing, this set is incredible.

Trusted and lasts a long time!

Been thru about every string and gauge there is. These seem to of stopped my search for the perfect strings. 11-48 gauge PARADIGMS. WILL ORDER AGAIN.

Sturdy strings. Sound great on my Les Paul. About to order another pair for my Schecter

ok

Excelente. Produto de qualidade. Recomendo.

Got my hands a cheap neck-trough guitar where I discovered that the truss rod was broken. Not worth fixing. Used these to straighten the neck instead. The result is actually amazing.

全然サビないですね。これで錆びるのは相当ギターの環境管理が悪い人でしょうね。6ヶ月使ってみましたが切れないしサビてません。張りたての時のシルキーな手触りは さすがにパラダイムでも6ヶ月経てば何段かヘタってきますが サウンド的にはまだまだブライトで おぉぉってなります。(パラダイム張りたての別ギターと比べて) エリクサーよりも安く音も良いので僕はリピートしてます。もう3回目です。

Love these strings. Last well great sound