Ernie Ball Slinkys are played by legends around the world including Slash, Jimmy Page, Metallica, Eric Clapton, and more. 8-String Slinkys are made from nickel-plated steel wire wrapped around tin-plated hex shaped steel core wire. The plain strings are made of specially tempered tin plated high carbon steel producing a well balanced tone. Gauges .009, .011, .016, .024, .034, .046, .064, .080.