Ernie Ball is the pioneer of Rock and Roll guitar strings. Since setting the industry standard for electric strings, the list of Slinky users has grown to include the likes of Jimmy Page, Eric Clapton, Steve Vai and Slash. If you like tone, you like Slinkys! Wound strings are made from nickel plated steel wire wrapped around tin plated hex shaped steel core wire. By far the most popular, produces well balanced all around good sound. Plain strings are made of specially tempered tin plated high carbon steel. Gauges 9-11-16-24w-32-42.