Dean Markley Blackhawk Series Coated Electric Strings, Light (9-42) Dean Markley's cutting edge Blackhawk Coated strings deliver a gorgeous, rich sound that simply soars. Constructed with a high-carbon nickel-plated steel wire core, they are covered with a break-through micro-thin coating that keeps them in tune and singing for up to four times longer than uncoated strings. Built to keep you playing non-stop, they're break-resistant, too. Want the most driving, most powerful playing experience every time? Blackhawk Coated strings will take you there.