Ernie Ball 2026 Not Even Slinky Paradigm Electric Guitar Strings - .012-.056

.012-.056 Not Even Slinky Gauge Electric Guitar Strings, Nickel-plated Steel

Write your review

Item ID: P02026

Ernie Ball 2026 Not Even Slinky Paradigm Electric Guitar Strings - .012-.056

In Stock!

2026 Not Even Slinky Paradigm Electric Guitar Strings - .012-.056 (3-pack)

$44 and 97 cents

2026 Not Even Slinky Paradigm Electric Guitar Strings - .012-.056 (5-pack)

$74 and 95 cents

Ask An Expert

Our expertly trained Sales Engineers are ready to help!

(800) 222-4700

What is a Sales Engineer?

Ernie Ball 2026 Not Even Slinky Paradigm Electric Guitar Strings - .012-.056

In Stock!

Add to list

Most Popular Accessories & Related Items

Q: What makes Ernie Ball Paradigm strings different from other electric guitar strings?

Ernie Ball Paradigm strings are engineered for extreme strength and durability, resisting breakage and maintaining tuning stability even under aggressive playing. They feature a high-strength steel core and Everlast nanotreatment, which repels moisture and oils, extending string life and preserving their vibrant tone. This combination ensures a consistent, long-lasting performance for your electric guitar.

Need additional help?

Q: Who are the .012-.056 "Not Even Slinky" Paradigm strings best suited for?

These "Not Even Slinky" Paradigm strings, with their heavy .012-.056 gauges, are ideal for guitarists who prefer lower tunings, aggressive playing styles, or a thicker, more powerful tone. They provide excellent tension and sustain, making them perfect for drop tunings, metal, hard rock, or anyone seeking maximum output and durability from their electric guitar.

Need additional help?

Q: What kind of tone can I expect from these Nickel Plated Steel Round Wound strings?

These Ernie Ball Paradigm strings feature a classic Nickel Plated Steel round wound construction, delivering a balanced, bright, and articulate tone with a satisfying punch. The round wound design provides a traditional feel and allows for clear note separation, while the nickel plating offers a smooth playing surface and a versatile sound suitable for many musical genres.

Need additional help?

Back to navigation

This article was Written By

Our Product Research Team

Get to know them!

Go on, Try to Break Them

Ernie Ball Paradigm electric guitar strings are amazingly resistant to rust and breakage — and whether you earn a living with your guitar or not, that's a big deal. These plasma-treated strings deliver classic Slinky tone along with advanced engineering that can withstand aggressive players. And even if you travel with your guitar often, or live in a salty-aired coastal region, Paradigm strings will stay rust-free for a very long time. Kenny Wayne Shepherd couldn't break 'em. John Petrucci couldn't break 'em. Guitarists at Sweetwater haven't been able to break Ernie Ball Paradigm guitar strings either, and we expect you'll eventually get bored trying.

Perfect for trem-arm users and abusers

Whether you rock a Bigsby, Floyd Rose, or any other trem system, you needn't fear pulling up when you've got Ernie Ball Paradigm strings. They're built to withstand every dive-bomb return and pinch-harmonic squeal you put them through. This is a Not Even Slinky set with .012–.056-gauge strings. Put them on your favorite guitar, then enjoy the fact that you won't need to replace them for a very long time.

Pro Tip: use an eco-friendly string cleaner to keep grime off these long-lasting strings!

Ernie Ball Paradigm Not Even Slinky Guitar Strings Features:

Rust- and break-resistant strings for electric guitar
Allows for extreme trem-arm abuse without breaking
Not Even Slinky set, .012–.056 gauges
Perfect for aggressive players and frequent travelers
Ideal for coastal areas with salty air that can cause premature rusting
90-day no-break/no-rust guarantee

Back to navigation

Tech Specs

Guitar Type: Electric Guitar
Number of Strings: 6
Coated: Everlast nanotreatment
Gauges: .012, .016, .024p, .032w, .044, .056
Core Material: Steel
Winding Material: Nickel Plated Steel
Winding Type: Round Wound
Manufacturer Part Number: P02026

What Makes Our Sales Engineers Great?

Sweetwater Sales Engineers are a world-class team of experts dedicated to you. Hand selected from across the globe, each brings a wealth of experience and expertise in the world of music gear to provide you with unparalleled service completely free of charge. Friendly relationships, real trust, and the right gear are only a call or a click away!

(800) 222-4700

Contact Your Sales Engineer

Back to navigation

Reviews

5.0

Customer Photos & Videos

This product doesn't have any review media yet!

I just put a set of these new Ernie Ball Paradigm 12-56s on a Telecaster, as I was opening the string packages, I thought for sure the strings were going to be hard to play because of the size, I normally play 12-52, but the 2nd through 6th string on the Paradigms are a tad bigger. However, to my surprise, the tone was rich and warm, very comfortable to play, and string bending was no problem. Advice, if you are planning on buying a set of these string to replace a set of 10-46s you will find at standard tuning that the action will be high. These strings require a truss rod adjustment, as with any heavy string, to handle the higher tension. Even though, I had been using 12-52s, I still had to tighten the truss rod a little more than a ¼ turn to handle the higher tension. After setup, the action set below the Fender recommended setting of 4/64 with little or no buzzing and seems to require less effort to depress the strings. The only negative is, these strings are almost three time the cost of other strings; however, for what it is worth, so far I am very impressed and give the Paradigm 12-56s a 5 Star recommendation and worth the additional cost.

Bought 2 pairs just in case. Hasnt been 90 days yet but one thing i notice is this, i play everyday for hours on end and anyone knows strings can lose tone within hours. its been days and it sounds like they did when first installed. Will follow up soon... Wow but awesome!!!

See also: Electric Strings, Ernie Ball, Ernie Ball Electric Guitar Strings