The most popular Slinkys. Made from nickel-plated steel wire wrapped around tin-plated, hex-shaped steel core wire. Produces well-balanced tone. Gauges 9-11-16-24w-32-42. Nickels are the most popular of the Ernie Ball Slinky guitar strings. They're made from nickel-plated steel wire wrapped around tin-plated hex-shaped steel core wire. They produce a well-balanced all-around good sound. Ernie Ball replacement strings are precision manufactured to the highest standards and most exacting specs to assure consistency, optimum performance, and long life. Jimmy Page, Eric Clapton, Steve Vai, and Slash are among the long list of Ernie Ball Slinky players.