Ernie Ball PARADIGM vs. Regular Slinky - Tone Comparison

A side-by-side tone comparison of Ernie Ball's classic Regular Slinky 10-46 electric guitar strings and their new Paradigm 10-46 set.

For this video I used my two identical 2015 Gibson Les Paul Studios, both with ceramic 496R & 500T pickups. The guitar ran directly into a Bugera G5 tube head, into my mixer, and into my computer with the same exact settings. No outside effects or processing was used.

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[michaelogden]

Didn't notice a dime's worth of difference till you started using some dirt on the bridge pickup. Paradigm's sounded better ringing out with high gain. Agree with the reviewer. Terrific comparison.

[ehudzechariahschmidt]

The Paradigm strings have a more compressed sound while the Regular Slinky strings sound a little bit muddier to me. I LOVE the Paradigm tone!

[chainlink]

I've used nothing but Elixir for just over 17 years, until I received a set completely rusted in the package just a few weeks ago. I decided to give the Paradigm's a try on a few of my guitars, and so far I am very happy with the sound and feel. I guess time will tell if this is going to be my new brand...

[IshidaNikurasu]

I went from Regulare to Cobalt then Paradigm over the years not completely knowing why (my assumtion was always that the strings just last longer and overall sounds step-by-step better). Know i can see after using the same guitar after i first saw this video a week'ish ago making my Fiance changing the strings without me knowing which was what + seeing this video, the Paradigm seem to have clearer sound and better sustaine. Sem like i'll keep to PD from now (obviously until EB make some new inovating stuff). Yeah-yeah, they cost nearly twich the price (Norway, Regulare and Para), but worth it i see.
Great video, thanks for this.

[toonix]

I dont think they have a difference in tone but more so in the durability, like paradigms are more durable than the standard slinkies

[blop]

are the 6th, 5th & 4th regular slinkies made of pure nickel or just their outer wrapped layer is nickel whilst the inner core is steel? who knows? thanks

[stephaneaudet]

Hello, i would like to know if the Paradigm strings are a little bit more sof to stretcht than original slinky?

[sahalez_]

Clean
Regular slinky-neck pickup: 0:49
Paradigm-neck pickup: 1:15
Regular slinky-bridge pickup: 1:42
Paradigm-bridge pickup: 2:12

Dirty
Regular slinky-neck pickup: 2:38
Paradigm-neck pickup: 3:04
Regular slinky-bridge pickup: 3:30
Paradigm- bridge pickup: 3:57

Chords ringing out
Regular slinky: 4:25
Paradigm: 4:46

Single notes
Regular slinky: 5:08
Paradigm: 5:27

[adhamhamed]

Jake Pool Music Your tone is awesome! It is the Les Paul tone I have been looking for my entire life! Can you please share your gain, bass, mid, treble, and effects?

[Matan]

Slinky have fuller sound overall! Amazing strings for the price

[antmax]

I have tried them. They work great on my single cuts. A Les Paul and a SE Zach Myers. I can't really tell the difference between the two types of strings in person so your AB was pretty cool.

The biggest difference in person is that the Paradigms need a lot more stretching to settle and stay in tune. The other thing is that they last for ages. Regular slinkys seem to be fine for a while and then die suddenly and sound rubbish. My paradigms seem to sound good MUCH longer. I was thinking of trying some 9.5's on the Zach myers almost 2 months ago but these Paradigm 10's are lasting forever and it seemed a shame to throw perfectly good strings away.

[maltesers]

Think I may have to try paradigms next

[christophergregory]

Paradigm seems to have more top end. It's very subtle, tho. No one would ever know they were different strings by listening.

I just bought my first pack of paradigms and am about to put them on.

Based on this video, I expect a greater quality feel and life from them instead of better tone.

[opivskiadski]

the paradigm is like having more treble

[tylerpratt]

Sounds like the paradigm's have a little more pickup on initial strum. Slinky's are better overall if you ask me

[misaurigt]

Paradigm have the sound heavy and slinky win in the clean tones

[MoneyBooBoo]

to me its all about having to change the strings less. but regulars sound better. tough decision.

[MoneyBooBoo]

it also helps to cut above my rhythm player.

[glcee]

10-46 slinky's is my choice, have them on my LP...and my epi Sheraton ii pro

[flyonwall]

The Paradigm sound nice but but they are not as Slinky as the Slinky. When I slide into a note, my fingers would stick to the strings, and I would miss the note. Regular Slinkys have a slicker surface. I went back to Slinkys.