Gauges 11-15-22-30-42-52. Ernie Ball 2208 electric guitar strings are made from nickel-plated steel wire wrapped around tin-plated, hex-shaped, steel core wire. Nickel wounds are by far the most popular Slinky electric guitar strings. Produces well-balanced all around good sound. All Ernie Ball strings are precision manufactured to the highest standards and most exacting specs to assure consistency, optimum performance, and long life. Ernie Ball is the pioneer of rock and roll guitar strings. Jimmy Page, Eric Clapton, Steve Vai, and Slash are among the long list of Slinky players.