Ernie Ball Hybrid Slinkies. The Ernie Ball Hybrid Slinky are a mix of 9 guage and 10 gauge strings, for guitarists that want thinner plain strings and heavier wound strings. Made with precision for ultimate balance, long life and performance. The wound Ernie Ball Slinky strings are made with nickel-plated steel, wound around a hex-shaped steel core, while the plain strings are a tempered tin-plated high carbon steel. Ernie Ball Hybrid Slinky gauge: 9, 11, 16, 26, 36, 46.