Martin Guitar Buyers Guide - Which Martin Strings do I choose for my acoustic guitar?

Martin makes a wide range of strings for acoustic guitars. Strings are something very personal and the feel and sound they provide for each person has a different individual experience. We've made this guide to help you choose the right Martin acoustic guitar strings for your specific style and instrument.

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Comparison Martin Acoustic Guitar Strings

Martin's acoustic guitar strings come in a number of different variations and gauges. Below we give you an overview of the different types of acoustic Martin strings.

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Authentic Acoustic SP

These strings are the most popular of all Martin acoustic strings. The core wire and the unwound strings are covered with a small layer of tin to repel dirt and moisture. The winding wire used is of the highest quality. These strings give you excellent tuning stability, great playability and are dirt and water resistant. These strings are available in 80/20 bronze and 92/8 phosphor bronze.

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Authentic Acoustic Marquis Silked

The Marquis Silked strings are based on the Authentic Acoustic SP strings, the core wire and winding wire are the same and they also get a small layer of tin over them to repel dirt and moisture. What makes these strings special is the silk winding that is wrapped around the end of each string. The silk winding ensures that the bridge and bridge plate of the guitar get extra protection during playing, ideal for vintage guitars or if you want to keep your guitar in the best possible condition. Just like the Authentic Acoustic SP strings, these are also available in 80/20 bronze and in 92/8 phosphor bronze.

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Authentic Acoustic Treated Lifespan 2.0

These strings have undergone a treatment patented by Martin to make the core wire and the wrap wire of the strings last longer. With this treatment, Martin ensures that you have strings that last as long as coated strings, but with the feel and sound of regular strings. These strings are therefore not coated, but are treated to last longer. In addition, the core wire and the unwound strings are covered with a small layer of tin to repel extra dirt and moisture. Thanks to the treatment that the strings receive, they become a little easier to play, they ensure a smooth playing experience and reduce finger fatigue. Like the Authentic Acoustic SP and the Marquis Silked strings, these are also available in 80/20 bronze and 92/8 phosphor bronze.

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Authentic Acoustic Flexible Core

The Flexible Core strings are based on the Authentic Acoustic SP strings, the core wire and winding wire are exactly the same and they also receive a small layer of tin to repel dirt and moisture. These Flexible Core strings are unique because they have a thinner core wire and a thicker winding making them a lot more flexible than any other acoustic guitar string. These strings reduce finger fatigue and are therefore ideal for both beginners and guitarists who play without pic or like to bend. In terms of sound you get the typical Martin Authentic Acoustic sound supplemented with easier playability. There are also a lot of professional guitarists who prefer these strings. One of them is Tommy Emmanuel, he exclusively uses these strings because they give him the sound and playability he is looking for. The Authentic Acoustic Flexible Core strings are only available in 92/8 phosphor bronze.

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Eric Clapton Signature Strings

The Eric Clapton Signature Strings are probably the most popular from the entire Martin range. Eric Clapton himself only uses these strings on his acoustic guitars. These Eric Clapton Signature strings are based on the Authentic Acoustic SP strings, the core wire and winding wire are the same and they also get a small layer of tin to repel dirt and moisture. The Clapton strings are available in the 2 different gauges that Eric himself uses. These Eric Clapton Signature Strings are only available in 92/8 phosphor bronze.

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Retro Monel

Monel strings are made from a mix of nickel and copper and provide a very warm and natural sound. Since nickel and copper are naturally dirt and water resistant, these strings also last a lot longer than other types of strings. Retro Monel strings accentuates the true sound of your acoustic guitar and also sound great when the guitar is amplified. A well-known user of these strings is Tony Rice who also has his own signature string set in these Monel strings.

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Titanium Core

The Titanium Core strings are something you will only find at Martin. Unlike a hexagonal core wire with other strings, these have a round titanium core wire. The winding is made of pure nickel and the unwound strings are made of stainless steel that has been cryogenically treated. These strings are more flexible than other types of strings and retain their tuning stability much better thanks to the titanium core wire. Due to the use of titanium and nickel, these strings are naturally dirt and water resistant.

 

Which Are The Perfect Strings For Me? 

It would be almost impossible to immediately indicate the perfect strings for you. Everything depends on the music you play, the guitar on which you want to use the strings, are you a beginner guitarist or have you been playing the guitar for a long time, etc. There are many variables that determine which type of strings are suitable for you. Strings are something very personal and thanks to this buyers guide we hope you can get a good idea of which strings are best for you. The best way to see which strings are best for you is to buy a number of different sets so that you can compare them. Put the different sets on your guitar for a period of 1 to 2 weeks so you can hear and experience the difference yourself.

There are a number of standard principles that do help:

  • Would you like a tone with softer mids and emphasized highs and lows?

Then 80/20 bronze strings are the best fit, possibly with a longer lifespan if you choose the Treated Lifespan 2.0 strings.

  • Do you like a slightly dark and warm sound with pronounced mids? 

Then the 92/8 phosphor bronze are the ideal strings for you, possibly with a longer life if you choose the Treated Lifespan 2.0 strings or with easier playability if you choose the Flexible Core strings.

  • Are you looking for a very warm, natural sound and do you want to hear the real sound of your guitar?

Then you are probably best off with Retro Monel strings.

  • Are you looking for a slightly brighter tone with a warm and rich mid and low range?

Then it is best to choose the Titanium Core strings, they stay in perfect tuning and last a long time.

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