Ernie Ball announces Papa Het’s and Slash Signature Strings in Single Sets, Bass Tapes, Fast Pitch Tuner, Flex Capo, Guitar Neck Rest, Straps, And The 2026 Vans Warped Tour Battle of the Bands
ANAHEIM, CA (JANUARY 22, 2026) – Ernie Ball is proud to introduce exciting new additions to our product assortment of strings and accessories. All current Ernie Ball signature artist strings will now be offered in single sets including Papa Het’s Hardwired Master Cores and Slash Signature Slinky Strings, giving players more flexibility and easier access to their preferred artists tones.
Papa Het’s Hardwired Master Cores signature strings
Papa Het’s Hardwired Master Cores signature string sets have been co-developed with Metallica’s James Hetfield over the past decade to best meet his demanding performance requirements. This signature set consists of James’ preferred 11-50 gauge combination using thicker Paradigm core wire. They are ideal for James’ aggressive style and technique, offering a heavier sound with extra pitch stability. The plain strings consist of Paradigm core wire with brass RPS reinforcement at the ball end for added strength and tuning stability.
“With all the companies we’re with, we’re super proud to be with Ernie Ball! For them to take on the challenge of, hey I got an idea, can you do this… they have stepped up to the challenge! I’m super proud!” – James Hetfield
Key Features:
- Thicker sound
- Added pitch stability
- Heavier core to wrap ratio
- Never before offered gauge combination (11, 14, 18, 28, 38, 50)
- Wound strings wrapped with ultra-high-strength tin-plated steel hex cores.
Slash signature strings
Slash’s signature string sets are the culmination of over three decades of Slash and Ernie Ball’s ongoing pursuit to create strings that provide more durability and tuning stability without sacrificing tone or feel. These new sets feature Paradigm core wire wound with nickel-plated steel wrap wire and a proprietary Everlast nanotreatment, while the Paradigm plain strings use a heavier brass reinforcement at the ball ends to improve tuning stability and strength.
Key Features:
- Superior strength and durability
- Enhanced corrosion resistance and longevity
- Heavier brass reinforcement on plain strings
- Gauges (11, 14, 18, 28, 38, 48)
New Ernie Ball Papa Het’s hardwired Master Core Signature Strings and Slash Signature Strings will be available in single sets this spring.
Ernie Ball Tapewound Bass Strings
Ernie Ball Tapewound Bass Strings are ideal for players seeking a warm, mellow tone and a soft silky feel. These strings are constructed with tin-plated steel cores, wound in nickel plated steel, and wrapped with black nylon which has been polished to a smooth finish. The resulting sound is dark, smooth, and designed to emulate the subtle characteristics of a vintage upright bass. The Tapewound bass strings are available in a short scale gauge of 50-105 and two long scale gauges of 50-105 and 60-115.
Key Features:
- Black nylon tapewound construction
- Silky, smooth feel
- Warm, vintage tone
- Less finger noise
- Short and long scale lengths available
- Short Scale – 30-30.5” Scale Basses
- Long Scale – 34” Scale Basses
Ernie Ball Tapes will be available this summer.
Ernie Ball Fast Pitch Clip-on Tuner
The Ernie Ball Fast Pitch Clip-on Tuner delivers fast, accurate tuning in a compact and user-friendly design. Perfect for any guitarist, bassist, or stringed instrument player, the tuner’s bright LCD screen ensures easy readability in any lighting, while its precise chromatic tuning mode guarantees your instrument is always pitch-perfect. Its simple one-button operation and automatic shut-off make it incredibly convenient, and the reliable 360-degree rotating clip provides a secure fit on your headstock, so you can tune with confidence wherever you play.
Key Features:
- Precise chromatic tuning for any stringed instrument
- Bright, color-changing screen for quick tuning
- Simple to use, with auto shut-off to save battery
- Reliable 360-degree rotating clip
- Powered by a CR2032 battery (included)
The Ernie Ball Fast Pitch Clip-on Tuner will be available this spring.
Ernie Ball Flex Capo
Introducing an innovation in capo design that ensures exceptional tuning stability and crystal-clear tone, thanks to its adjustable, durable silicon rubber construction. The compact, lightweight design gently conforms to the neck, minimizing any risk of marring. The Flex Capo offers the ultimate convenience for musicians on the move, ensuring seamless transitions and consistent performance.
Key Features:
- Protective soft touch (upper left)
- Adjustable fit (lower right)
- Fits most 6 & 7 String guitars
- Compact stowable design
- Durable, soft-touch finish
The Ernie Ball Flex Capo will be available this spring.
Ernie Ball Guitar Neck Rest
The Ernie Ball Guitar Neck Rest offers 3-in-1 functionality, featuring a contoured neck cradle, a table-top neck rest, and a convenient tray for your accessories. The neck cradle’s secure, cushioning material is engineered to safeguard most instrument finishes. Its universal design provides support for guitars, basses, and a variety of other stringed instruments.
Key Features:
- Secure universal cradle design
- Contoured cradle securely holds most instruments
- Compact, collapsible, stowable design
- Stable support for basic maintenance or breaks between playing
- Worry-free finish protection
The Ernie Ball Guitar Neck Rest will be available this spring.
Ernie Ball Jacquard Straps
All new Ernie Ball Jacquard Straps are coming this summer. The world’s number one polypro guitar strap is now available in five new Jacquard weave patterns, featuring machine-stitched leather ends with durable yet comfortable polypropylene webbing. The adjustable, extra-long design is suitable for any application. Strap length ranges from 41 to 72 inches.
Battle of the Bands 2026
Ernie Ball has partnered once again with the Vans Warped Tour to bring the Battle of the Bands Powered by Guitar Center to 3 US festival destinations in 2026: Washington D.C, Long Beach, CA, and Orlando, FL! 6 bands will be selected to perform on the main stage and will receive over $5,000 in gear and prizes. 1 band will be selected as the Grand Prize Winner and will win over $50,000 in gear and prizes, including a $5,000 gift card to Guitar Center, will be featured on an episode of Ernie Ball Big Sound, and more! Partners include: Guitar Center, Vans, Electro-Voice, Universal Audio, Marshall, Mackie, Sennheiser, 64 Audio, Gallien Krueger, Korg, Roland, Boss, SJC Drums, Zildjian, Vic Firth, Gibraltar, Humes & Berg, Sterling By Music Man, Ernie Ball, Ernie Ball Music Man, and more!
Bands can sign up at www.battleofthebands.com starting on Monday, February 16th.
About Ernie Ball
In 1962, veteran player and guitar teacher Ernie Ball created Slinkys®, the innovative light gauge electric guitar strings widely revered by thousands of iconic players including Eric Clapton, Keith Richards, Jimmy Page, Paul McCartney, Metallica, Brad Paisley, Slash, John Petrucci, Angus Young, and John Mayer. The strings are all crafted in Coachella, CA. Ernie Ball also offers state-of-the-art instrument accessories that are carried in more than 6,000 stores in the U.S. and 120 countries worldwide. Officially purchasing the Music Man® company in 1984, Sterling, joined later by his sons Scott and Brian, has built a team of dedicated professionals based in San Luis Obispo, CA who collectively share a common goal: crafting the highest level of hand-crafted instruments available. Originally founded by Tom Walker, Forrest White, and Leo Fender in 1974, Music Man built its name leading an industry revolution, introducing active electronics on its production instruments. As part of the team during the ’70s, Sterling Ball played an important role in the design and development of the iconic StingRay basses. The family-run company maintains its founder’s dedication to preserving the musician’s playing experience and delivering superior sound quality through the development of new products, such as Cobalt Slinkys, M-Steel, Earthwood, and the revolutionary Element Shield Packaging, keeping each set as fresh as the day they were made. The company also fosters artist development through musician-focused programs such as the world’s largest and longest-running unsigned artist programs, where bands compete each year to play live on national tours, festivals, and events.
Visit them online at www.ernieball.com and www.music-man.com.
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