Attributes

Brand	-
Category	Musical Instruments/Guitars/Pianos/Accessories / Electric Guitar Strings
Origin	-
Brand	Ernie Ball
Model Number	2221 / 2223
Material	Nickel Plated Steel with Reinforced Brass Ball Ends
Country of Origin	USA
String Gauge Type	Regular Slinky (RPS)
Individual Gauges	.010, .013, .017, .026, .036, .046
Core Type	Hex Core
Winding Style	Precision Machine Wound
Pack Quantity	1 Set (6 Strings)
Compatible Instruments	Electric Guitar

6 reviews

Anonymous

Mar 29, 2026

Rating: 5/5

Consistent quality every time

I've been playing for 20 years and these are my go-to strings. They hold their tune incredibly well after the initial stretch and the nickel steel gives a great balance between warmth and clarity.

Anonymous

Mar 27, 2026

Rating: 4/5

Great durability, slightly stiffer feel

These strings last much longer than standard sets. The only reason for 4 stars instead of 5 is that they feel a tiny bit stiffer under the fingers compared to the non-reinforced version, but you get used to it quickly.

Anonymous

Mar 23, 2026

Rating: 5/5

Perfect for live performances

As a touring musician, reliability is key. Knowing I won't snap a string mid-solo gives me peace of mind. The sound cuts through the mix perfectly without being too harsh.

Anonymous

Mar 19, 2026

Rating: 5/5

Best value for American made strings

You can really feel the difference in quality with USA-made products. The winding is tight, no dead spots on the fretboard, and they stay fresh sounding for weeks.

Anonymous

Mar 05, 2026

Rating: 5/5

The reinforced ends make a huge difference

I used to break strings at the bridge all the time during aggressive strumming. Since switching to these RPS strings with the brass ball ends, I haven't had a single break. The tone is classic Ernie Ball—bright and punchy.

Anonymous

Mar 02, 2026

Rating: 5/5

Solved my bridge breaking issue

My Telecaster has sharp saddle edges that chewed through regular strings. The reinforced brass end on these Ernie Balls is tough enough to handle it. Highly recommend for guitars with aggressive bridge setups.

5 FAQ

Q: How long is the shelf life if I buy multiple packs?

A: If stored in a cool, dry place away from humidity, these strings can last indefinitely in their sealed packaging. Once opened, we recommend using them within a few months for optimal tone.

Q: Will these fit a guitar with a Floyd Rose tremolo system?

A: Yes, these strings are compatible with Floyd Rose systems. However, because of the reinforced brass ball ends, you must ensure your tremolo block accepts standard ball-ended strings, which most do. Do not cut the ball end off.

Q: What is the tension level of this gauge set?

A: This is a Regular Slinky set (.010-.046), which offers a medium tension. It provides a good balance between playability for bending and enough resistance for rhythm playing.

Q: Are these strings coated or uncoated?

A: These Ernie Ball 2221/2223 strings are uncoated. They feature a traditional nickel-plated steel wrap wire which provides a bright, natural tone.

Q: What exactly does RPS stand for in the product name?

A: RPS stands for Reinforced Plain Steel, but in this specific context regarding the ball ends, it refers to the Reinforced Brass Ball End technology designed to prevent string breakage at the bridge.

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