Heavy Core 10-48 pairs standard 10-gauge plains with a thicker 48 low-E — a hybrid approach for metal players who want easy bending on leads but fat rhythm foundation. Tonally similar to Regular Slinky on top, with noticeably more weight and sustain on rhythm chords. Dunlop's Nickel Wound construction matches Ernie Ball quality.

Best for

Modern metal players bouncing between lead and rhythm. Drop-D and Drop-C enthusiasts wanting tighter low end than 10-46 without going full 11-54. Progressive metal and djent-adjacent players. Dunlop fans loyal to the Jim Dunlop ecosystem.

Durability

Standard uncoated Nickel Wound at 3-4 weeks of peak tone. The extra-heavy 48 low-E lasts slightly longer than 46 due to more mass. Dunlop QC is solid.

Climate notes

Standard uncoated humidity response. 48 low-E handles sweat and humidity marginally better than 46. Typical 2-3 week change cycle for heavy gigging.

Rate this string

Be the first to rate this string.

Pros

Hybrid 10-plain + 48-low-E for lead + rhythm versatility
Tighter Drop-D response than 10-46
Dunlop quality at competitive pricing
Easier leads than full 11-54

Cons

Less globally distributed than Ernie Ball or D'Addario
Extra-gauge on low strings is subtle — not dramatic
Uncoated — standard humidity life

Best for these guitars

Picked by community consensus

ESP

LTD EC-1000

Heavy Core 10-48 — easier leads than full 11-gauge with fatter low end than 10-46 for Drop-D metal.

Gibson

Les Paul

Modern metal LP player — 10-48 hybrid for leads with rhythm thickness.

Gibson

SG Standard

SG drop-tuners get 10-plain bending ease with 48 low-E tension for Drop-D rhythm.

Ibanez

RG550

Heavy Core on RG550 — hybrid 10-48 for modern metal RG players wanting tighter low-E.

Cort

KX507 Multi-Scale

Heavy Core on 7-string players needing tight low tuning — hybrid 10-48 foundation matches multi-scale construction.

ESP

Horizon NT-II

Heavy Core 10-48 on Horizon — hybrid heavy-bottom for drop tunings while preserving lead playability.

Price history

Across retailers · last 6 months

—

Buy from

Updated daily · Affiliate links support StringTune

Comments

Be the first to share your experience with these strings.