Should I stay with the Martin strings or should I do something else?

[Jack D]

Strings come in many different flavors and they are relatively cheap. Thus, try a few to see what flips your switch. The more you change strings the easier it gets. Check out YouTube for how to videos. I prefer the Taylor method, even on my Martins! Lol

[Bill_Brown]

Thank you for your thoughts Jack ( @jackderby22 )

[Marty73]

Try different ones. I have but always go back to my Santa Cruz Med or Low tension strings for my Martins. They seem to like them more. Every guitar is different. Some my guitars like some strings and other like others brands of strings. It depends on the sound you are looking for. 🧙‍♂️😎

[Bill_Brown]

Thanks @Marty69 , the current strings I have are the original ones and they sound OK, but they aren’t very flexible. They don’t bend well at all, and harmonics sometimes can be lackluster. I was contemplating the new XS D’Addario’s, but I’m not sure if a coated string is the answer for my current situation😱

[Maydog]

I tried Martins (12-53 phosphor bronze) for the first time about 4-5 months ago and I love them. I have them on my Yamaha dread and my Gibson parlor. Before that I was using D’Addario phosphor bronze, which are pretty good and the price is great for 3-packs.

[Bill_Brown]

Thanks @Maydog , Do you notice any difference in string flexibility or harmonics between the brands?😎

[Maydog]

Not really, I just like the sound of the Martins. They seem warmer and fuller than the D’Addarios.

[Bill_Brown]

Thanks @Maydog , for me, thats good to know!👍

[Mike56]

I also have an all mahogany Martin (00-17) and really like Monel strings on it. Martin Retro MM12 lights work well but my favorite strings (so far) for the 00-17 are Newtone Monel round core 12-54 strings. Round core strings feel more flexible to me. To my hands, round core lights (12) play like hex core custom lights (11).

[Bill_Brown]

Thanks @Mike56 , that’s the type of feedback I’m looking for!🤩👍🤩

[jmat]

I have owned a 00015 for 2 years and I use it for finger style picking. For that I have found the Martin MA130FX Custom 11s to be ideal (good tone and playability). But it depends on what you play and how you play it.

[Bill_Brown]

Thanks @jmat , My finger picking skills are poor at this juncture – something I have to work on. Currently, I’m much better and more comfortable at flat picking🤔

[N-lightMike]

For me, the most important thing about the strings is the tension. I go with extra lights on all my guitars. That makes them flexible. After that, it’s a matter of what strings give the tone you like. I like Martin strings. I have never tried Santa Cruz because I won’t pay that much, especially when I can find strings I like for way less money.

The most flexible I have ever found that also have good tone are the Martin Silk & Steel. Those are my favorite strings.

MG 😀

[Bill_Brown]

Thanks @Mike-Gaurnier , I appreciate your input and the suggestion👍😎

[Michelle-PSL]

I like Martin strings. I like the phosphor bronze 11’s. But it doesn’t cost too much to try something else.

[Bill_Brown]

Hi @Michelle-PSL , are those the strings you use on your 00015?🤔

[Michelle-PSL]

Yes @Bill_Brown – and they are sounding a little dead so I guess I need to change them again…🙂

[David_Leo]

For flexibility Stringjoy has a custom light set that may fit your needs. They are great strings from a cool company, available online.

[N-lightMike]

Thanks for the suggestion, David. I’ll have to check them out as I am into “flexible” strings.

MG 😀