Ernie Ball Strums in 2008 with New Titanium-CoatedSlinky Acoustic

Finally, a coated set that offers plain strings the same deserving protection as wound strings!

SAN LUIS OBISPO, CA (January 17, 2008) - In a revolutionary movement sure to uplift plain strings from problematic weakness and breakage, Ernie Ball is proud to introduce its new Slinky Acoustic sets, featuring patented coated Titanium RPS Technology that resists rust and grime to produce a bright and powerful tone time after time.

A long-awaited development, Ernie Ball's coated titanium Slinky Acoustic sets are stronger and longer-lasting than traditional coated and uncoated strings thanks in part to an exclusive protective coating on both the wrap wire and the plain strings as well as a patented winding of titanium wire around the lock twist of the ball end. Staying true to Ernie Ball's heritage of superb craftsmanship and sound quality, the Slinky Acoustic sets are also made with the finest and freshest raw materials, resulting in a crisp ringing sound with pleasing overtones.

"As far as we're concerned, plain strings need the same protection as wound strings, and this is the long-awaited solution," said Brian Ball of the Ernie Ball Company. "These strings are resistant to corrosion and dirt and are stronger all around than any we've seen."

Enhancing the inherent string quality and freshness is Ernie Ball's new string packaging - the company's first new string packaging concept in more than 45 years. Produced and now hermetically sealed into their packages at Ernie Ball's desert headquarters in Coachella, CA, the Slinky Acoustic strings are exposed to minimal moisture and humidity from factory to retailer - ensuring that all strings are as fresh upon opening as they were the day they were made.

Looking to bolster your collection of fine Ernie Ball strings, equipment and accessories? These previously introduced products are now available and shipping in March 2008.

Ernie Ball Wah Pedal - Combining a classic Wah sound with Ernie Ball's unmatched engineering, precision and strength/

Ernie Ball Straplocks - Mechanically engineered with a quick-release, 360-degree connection for instrument protection

Ernie Ball Ultraflex Cables - Flexible, heavy duty instrument, speaker and microphone cables for purity all around

Be sure to check out these and other Ernie Ball products at booth #5440 of the 2008 Winter NAMM show, taking place January 17-20 in Anaheim, CA.

Ernie Ball is a leading innovator of guitar strings. The company was the first to offer rock strings with the introduction of Slinkys, and further revolutionized the market by offering guitarists Custom-Gauge® single strings. Ernie Ball also produces Music Man® guitars and basses, volume pedals and other accessories. Strings and accessories are available in more than 5,500 music stores throughout the U.S. and in 75 countries. For more information, contact the Ernie Ball Company at (805) 544-7726, or visit their website at .

These products are Ernie Ball trademarks registered in the USA and many foreign countries:

ERNIE BALL®     CUSTOM GAUGE®     SLINKY®     EARTHWOOD®
MUSICMAN®
STINGRAY®     SILHOUETTE®     AXIS®
STERLING®     4+2®     3+1®

Trademark ownership is indicated by the symbol ®, however, for the sake of brevity it is omitted during the story.

Contact:
Brian Ball
Ernie Ball, Inc.
(800) 543-2255

Media Contact:
Keith Negrin
MORSEKODE
(952) 853-9555