Ernie Ball 2837 Custom Gauge Nickel Wound Slinky 6C 20W-90

An Ernie Ball standard, adapted with a custom gauge for 6-string basses

A staple among bassists, Ernie Ball has set standards that have become essential both on stage and in the studio. The 2837 Custom Gauge Nickel Wound Slinky 6C string set carries the brand's DNA with a specific gauge designed for 6-string basses like the "Silhouette," offering a solid balance between comfort, precision, and presence in the mix.

For which bassists and styles?

With its 20w-90 gauge, this set targets musicians seeking consistent tension across the entire neck and versatility that works equally well for groove playing and more technical styles. It has notably been chosen by Dave La Rue and fits within a lineage adopted by many artists, from modern rock/metal scenes to more alternative contexts.

Nickel wound: warmth, musicality, and definition

The construction of nickel-plated steel wound around a specially tempered hexagonal steel core delivers a warm sound while maintaining excellent note-to-note precision. The result: clear lows, present mids, and controlled attack, especially appreciated on a 6-string bass where balance between registers is essential.

Technical specifications

Type of cord attachment	Ball end	1st cord pull	20
Category	6-string bass	Nbr of strings	6
Classification	Beefy	Material	nickel-plated steel
Draw	20-30-42-54-74-90	Special feature	short scale

Reference	Ernie Ball 2837	Tone	warm, rich, and precise
Model	Custom Gauge Nickel Wound Slinky 6C 20W-90	Packaging	hermetic pouch
Type	Silhouette 6-string bass	Associated artist	Dave La Rue
Gauge	20w-30-42-54-74-90	Mentioned users	Shavo Odadjian (System of A Down), Chi Cheng (Deftones), Christopher Tony Wolstenholme (Muse), Justin Meldal-Johnsen (Nine Inch Nails), Rick Savage (Def Leppard)
Metal type	nickel-plated steel wound around a specially tempered hexagonal steel core