Ernie Ball James Hetfield “Papa Het” Hardwired Master Cores are signature strings designed in collaboration with James Hetfield, delivering the characteristic tight, aggressive, and fully controlled metal sound.

They belong to the Master Cores series, featuring a specially reinforced core wire that provides stable tuning, increased durability, and a more immediate picking response — ideal for heavy riffing and palm muting.

The “Hardwired” setup is inspired by the sound of Metallica’s album Hardwired… to Self‑Destruct, with an emphasis on a tight low end and clear articulation even at high gain.

• Type: Electric Guitar Strings
• Manufacturer: Ernie Ball
• Signature Artist: James Hetfield
• Series: Master Cores – Hardwired
• Material: Nickel plated steel
• Core: Reinforced “Master Core” design
• Gauge: 11-14-18P-28-38-50
• Tone: Tight, aggressive, with clear articulation
• Response: Immediate, ideal for fast picking & palm muting
• Stability: Very good tuning retention
• Ideal for: Metal, thrash metal, heavy rhythm playing