Are you looking for the Best Strings For Martin Guitar? If so, you’ve come to the right place.
Choosing the Best Strings For Martin Guitar can be difficult as there are so many considerations, such as Dunlop, Elixir Strings, Ernie Ball, D’Addario, GHS Strings, Martin, Fender, DR Strings. We have done a lot of research to find the top 20 Best Strings For Martin Guitar available.
The average cost is $9.01. Sold comparable range in price from a low of $4.99 to a high of $16.47.
Based on the research we did, we think Martin MA535 Authentic Acoustic Phosphor Bronze Custom-Light Guitar Strings is the best overall. Read on for the rest of the great options and our buying guide, where you can find all the information you need to know before making an informed purchase.
20 Best Strings For Martin Guitar (20 Sellers)
Product Image |
Product Name |
Features |
Check Price |
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Reviewers Noted:
Good sound quality . Durable . Well made
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- Acoustic guitar strings
- Hexagonal core
- Standard ball end
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Reviewers Noted:
Good sound quality . Well made . Durability
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- Make sure this fits by entering your model number.
- Engineered with the performer in mind.
- Steel.
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4.7
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Reviewers Noted:
Good sound quality . Lacks durability . Well made
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- Silverplated wound classical guitar strings. high tension strings with ball ends.
- Silverplated.
- High tension.
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Reviewers Noted:
Good sound quality . Well made . Durability
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- Core: steel
- Made in: mexico
- Ending: ball end
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Reviewers Noted:
Good sound quality
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- Acoustic nickel/copper alloy guitar strings
- Monel wrapped strings are naturally corrosion resistant
- Extra light gauge; .010/ .013/ .023/ .029/ .038/ .047
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Reviewers Noted:
Sound quality
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- Next generation lifespan treatment for long life
- Great playability and feel
- Superior reliability and authentic tone
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Reviewers Noted:
Good sound quality
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- Acoustic guitar strings
- Hexagonal core
- Standard ball end
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4.6
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Reviewers Noted:
Good sound quality
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- Make sure this fits by entering your model number.
- Martin crafted these fine monel strings to the exact specifications of legendary guitarist, tony rice.
- Made with a long lasting nickel-based alloy.
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4.6
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Reviewers Noted:
Good sound quality
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- Martin crafted these fine monel strings to the exact specifications of legendary guitarist, tony rice
- Made with a long lasting nickel-based alloy
- These strings quickly mellow to a warm vintage tone that brings out the unique, woody sounds in your acoustic guitar
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Reviewers Noted:
Good sound quality . Durable
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- Nickel/copper alloy blend acoustic guitar strings
- Monel wrap strings are naturally corrosion resistant
- Medium gauge; .011/ .014/ .023/ .031/ .041/ .052
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4.7
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Reviewers Noted:
Good sound quality . Lacks durability . Well made
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- Strings designed for daily use
- Silverplated winding resists corrosion has a longer life
- Easier on the fingers
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4.7
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Reviewers Noted:
Good sound quality . Durability . Craftsmanship
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- Acoustic guitar strings
- Hexagonal core
- Standard ball end
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4.8
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Reviewers Noted:
Good sound quality . Well made . Durable
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- Acoustic guitar strings
- Hexagonal core
- Standard ball end
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4.7
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Reviewers Noted:
Good sound quality
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- Medium gauge; .013/ .017/ .026/ .035/ .045/ .056
- Reduces finger fatigue
- Ideal for finger style and note bending
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Reviewers Noted:
Good sound quality . Craftsmanship
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- Retro acoustic replacement strings
- Medium light gauge- . 013 – . 056
- Laurence juber signature series
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Reviewers Noted:
Good sound quality . Durability
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- Reduce finger fatigue
- Ideal for fingerstyle and note bending
- Offer comfort withoutsacrificing tone
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Reviewers Noted:
Sound quality . Craftsmanship
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- Reduce finger fatigue
- Ideal for fingerstyle and note bending
- Offer comfort withoutsacrificing tone
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4.9
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Reviewers Noted:
Good sound quality
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- Gauge: extra light 10-13-23-29-38-47
- Tension: 131.9
- Package: 6 strings
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4.8
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Reviewers Noted:
Good sound quality . Craftsmanship
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- Core: steel
- Made in: mexico
- Ending: ball end
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4.7
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Reviewers Noted:
Good sound quality . Durability
|
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- Acoustic guitar strings
- Hexagonal core
- Standard ball end
|
|
Reviewers Noted:
Good sound quality . Durable . Well made
Features:
- Acoustic guitar strings
- Hexagonal core
- Standard ball end
Reviewers Noted:
Good sound quality . Well made . Durability
Features:
- Make sure this fits by entering your model number.
- Engineered with the performer in mind.
- Steel.
Reviewers Noted:
Good sound quality . Lacks durability . Well made
Features:
- Silverplated wound classical guitar strings. high tension strings with ball ends.
- Silverplated.
- High tension.
Reviewers Noted:
Good sound quality . Well made . Durability
Features:
- Core: steel
- Made in: mexico
- Ending: ball end
Reviewers Noted:
Good sound quality
Features:
- Acoustic nickel/copper alloy guitar strings
- Monel wrapped strings are naturally corrosion resistant
- Extra light gauge; .010/ .013/ .023/ .029/ .038/ .047
Reviewers Noted:
Sound quality
Features:
- Next generation lifespan treatment for long life
- Great playability and feel
- Superior reliability and authentic tone
Reviewers Noted:
Good sound quality
Features:
- Acoustic guitar strings
- Hexagonal core
- Standard ball end
Reviewers Noted:
Good sound quality
Features:
- Make sure this fits by entering your model number.
- Martin crafted these fine monel strings to the exact specifications of legendary guitarist, tony rice.
- Made with a long lasting nickel-based alloy.
Reviewers Noted:
Good sound quality
Features:
- Martin crafted these fine monel strings to the exact specifications of legendary guitarist, tony rice
- Made with a long lasting nickel-based alloy
- These strings quickly mellow to a warm vintage tone that brings out the unique, woody sounds in your acoustic guitar
Reviewers Noted:
Good sound quality . Durable
Features:
- Nickel/copper alloy blend acoustic guitar strings
- Monel wrap strings are naturally corrosion resistant
- Medium gauge; .011/ .014/ .023/ .031/ .041/ .052
Reviewers Noted:
Good sound quality . Lacks durability . Well made
Features:
- Strings designed for daily use
- Silverplated winding resists corrosion has a longer life
- Easier on the fingers
Reviewers Noted:
Good sound quality . Durability . Craftsmanship
Features:
- Acoustic guitar strings
- Hexagonal core
- Standard ball end
Reviewers Noted:
Good sound quality . Well made . Durable
Features:
- Acoustic guitar strings
- Hexagonal core
- Standard ball end
Reviewers Noted:
Good sound quality
Features:
- Medium gauge; .013/ .017/ .026/ .035/ .045/ .056
- Reduces finger fatigue
- Ideal for finger style and note bending
Reviewers Noted:
Good sound quality . Craftsmanship
Features:
- Retro acoustic replacement strings
- Medium light gauge- . 013 – . 056
- Laurence juber signature series
Reviewers Noted:
Good sound quality . Durability
Features:
- Reduce finger fatigue
- Ideal for fingerstyle and note bending
- Offer comfort withoutsacrificing tone
Reviewers Noted:
Sound quality . Craftsmanship
Features:
- Reduce finger fatigue
- Ideal for fingerstyle and note bending
- Offer comfort withoutsacrificing tone
Reviewers Noted:
Good sound quality
Features:
- Gauge: extra light 10-13-23-29-38-47
- Tension: 131.9
- Package: 6 strings
Reviewers Noted:
Good sound quality . Craftsmanship
Features:
- Core: steel
- Made in: mexico
- Ending: ball end
Reviewers Noted:
Good sound quality . Durability
Features:
- Acoustic guitar strings
- Hexagonal core
- Standard ball end
1. Martin Ma535 Authentic Acoustic Phosphor Bronze Custom-Light Guitar Strings
Product Details:
Martin sp 92/8 phosphor bronze custom light acoustic guitar strings are named superior performance for a very good reason. for a company who are no strangers to innovation, their sp phosphor bronze strings are endowed with some impressive specs. by employing the highest tensile-strength wire at the core of the string with tin-plate, the sp series boast excellent corrosion resistance. the high-quality phosphor bronze wrap wire produces a warmer, mellower tone than that of the traditional bronze string, offering a different tonal quality to suit individual tastes. the custom light gauge of the 11-52s offers a delightfully balanced playing feel. by combining thinner string gauges on both the 1st and 6th strings with the light gauge b, g, d and a strings, your hands are less likely to experience fatigue. whether you're fretting barre chords at the first fret or laying down deft arpeggios at the highest frets, you can do it all in style. the shimmering brilliance of the strings is assured, whilst the inclusion of phosphor bronze ensures a mellower and warmer character. whether you're just starting out or have years of experience, everyone can benefit from the effortless playability of the custom light set. established way back in 1833, martin have a wealth of experience when it comes to their craft. they are continually evolving to ensure that they are at the top of their game, and the sp 92/8 phosphor bronze custom light acoustic guitar strings set a fine example for others to follow.
Specifications:
Gauge |
Custom Light 11-52 |
Guitar Type |
Acoustic Guitar |
Number of Strings |
6 |
Coated |
No |
Gauges |
011,.015,.023,.032,.042,.052 |
Core Material |
Tin-plated Steel |
Winding Material |
92/8 Phosphor Bronze |
Winding Type |
Round |
Reviews:
The good news, the strings are OK. They sound good, are what they are and, for the price, could be considered for budget minded performers. The bad news, the strings are not made in USA. Fender, D'addario, Gibson, Pearse and so on make the effort to manufacture their stings here in the United States. Martin makes their strings, and now some of their instruments, outside the US. At a time when we need to pick up our economy and provide jobs for people in the United States, I cannot, nor will not, buy Martin strings ever again.The Harp Man
My favourite acoustic guitar strings. My acoustic sounds noticeably better when I have these strings on, compared to other major brands. More "stringy" and bluesy, less bright. They've been my go-to for years.Mr R. S.
Excellent product and an awesome Price!! Bright acoustic sound. There are my go to strings and I love the affordable price! I will definitely buy from here again!!topcop32
2. Martin Ma130s Marquis Silk & Steel Custom Authentic Acoustic Guitar Strings
Product Details:
Martin guitar knows a thing or two about pampering valuable instruments. if youre looking for some extra protection for your fine guitar, authentic acoustic silked strings are the right choice for you. weve adding a soft silk wrap to the ball ends of our authentic acoustic strings to prevent wear and tear on the bridge and bridge plate as you play. our silk wrap puts a comforting layer of protection in place every time you change your strings. available in 80/20 bronze and 92/8 phosphor bronze.
Specifications:
Instrument |
6-String Acoustic Guitar |
Gauges |
11.5, 14, 23w, 28w, 38w, 47w |
Wrap Material |
Silver-Plated Copper |
Construction |
Round Wound |
Core Shape |
Hex Core |
Anchor |
Ball-End |
Trebles |
Steel |
Tension |
122.2 lbs |
Reviews:
I have been doing a comparison of silk & steel strings from multiple brands, and these are by far the loosest feeling and easiest to play. They really do feel like having nylon strings on a steel guitar. This is great if you want to make playing easier, and it definitely does. The sound is pretty good too, not as loud as regular strings but a more sweet sound. If your guitar has low action you will probably get fret buzz since these are basically extra lights. Also, another plus to these strings is that they are wrapped with silk at the ball end, which is good for delicate or older instruments. I would recommend these for people who want the easiest to play strings. Otherwise the LaBella 710L strings sound similar and aren't quite so light.Chris
Looking at the description, I wasn't sure if it had "silk" threads underneath the wrap wire. On the Martin website, "silked" seemed to refer to the windings at the ball end. I took a string apart and, indeed, it is a true silk and steel. I'm using them on a very old Gibson flat top with many repaired cracks. Also, my hands seem to be degrading where normal strings are too high tension.Roy
Smoother, more comfortable to play than typical wound strings. OK, silky, if you will. Price is higher, though, and they have a shorter lifespan. Before they wear out, they sound good.Ned
3. Martin Ball End Classical Guitar Strings M160
Product Details:
Martin classical strings offer an easy playing feel, excellent tuning stability and a warm clear tone. these strings are made of crystal nylon and are offered in a silver plated hard tension and 80/20 bronze normal tension ball end for ease of stringing up your classical guitar. i have a total of five packs available. willing to work out a deal for all five packs or glad to sell them individually at the listed price. they have never been opened or used.
Specifications:
Instrument |
4/4 Size Classical Guitar |
Tension |
88.9 lbs – Hard Tension |
Trebles |
Clear Nylon |
Basses |
Silver Plated Copper |
Gauges |
28, 32, 40, 30, 35, 43 |
Tie-On / Ball End |
Ball End |
Length of String |
Approximately 104cm |
Construction |
Roundwound |
Coated / Non-Coated |
Non-Coated |
Reviews:
After 30 years I switched to these ball ends which make it super easy to change strings. You don't have to mess around with wrapping the string around itself to secure it. These strings sound great and very much in tune.spectral_paints
There are nylon string sets and other brands that may fit certain styles of playing or specific player preferences better, but for the price, these Martin hard tension nylon sets are tough to beat. They seem to have pretty good string life and nice tone. I am happier with the wound bass strings than I am the trebles. I do prefer harder tension and some of the more expensive sets that have black or titanium trebles; but again, I come back to the Martins time and time again for the balance of good quality, for a great price. I've started playing Martins on my steel string guitars as well for similar reasons.Marshall
These are a great replacement for classical or nylon string folk guitars. Perhaps not quite as bright and sweet as say Fender Bullet nylon strings, but a much better value for money, longer lasting and resilient guitar string, not prone to breaking. I do recommend these as a general purpose string for beginners or parlour guitar use. Very nice, quite happy with these. I also highly recommend Martin Custom Light strings for dreadnought or steel string acoustic guitars.purchasefinger65
4. Martin Ma140 Authentic Acoustic Sp 80/20 Bronze Light Guitar Strings 12-54 3 Pack
Product Details:
Designed to cope with demanding practices and schedules. martin authentic acoustic sp 80/20 strings feature their highest tensile-strength core wire, and are tin-plated for enhanced corrosion resistance. these acoustic sp strings provide players with good tuning stability as well as a true and consistent tone, throughout gigs. manufactured with 80% copper and 20% zinc, these acoustic guitar strings yield a bright and ringing tone. these acoustic sp strings include gauge 12-16-25-32-42-54.
Specifications:
Guitar Type |
Acoustic Guitar |
Number of Sets |
3 |
Number of Strings |
6 |
Coated |
No |
Gauges |
012,.016,.025,.032,.042,.054 |
Core Material |
Tin-plated Steel |
Winding Material |
80/20 Bronze |
Winding Type |
Round |
Reviews:
I have tried many different makes and models of strings for my Martin HD28 but I always come back to these. Although they are not coated, they last a long time for me. They retain their bright tone and stay in tune better than others I have tried, particularly coated strings. I usually change them because I think it must be time to do so, not because of any sound issues or corrosion. I do always keep the guitar in its case when it isn't in use.Pete
The only strings for this guitar. Makes it sound great.Reviewed by Andertons Music Co.
I go back and forth between the Retro series and the SP series on several of my Martins and Altmans so I was excited to try the new ones out since I needed new strings. Yes, it is noticeable that there was zero corrosion when I opened the first set. I have less finger noise and the playability is a bit easier. They don’t go as far as the flexible core series, but if you use a pick this set sounds more solid and big. If you always use SPs you will really enjoy the upgrade and if you haven’t used Martin strings for awhile give them a shot! I can see moving from Monel on my rosewood guitars to these and Retro series on my mahogany instruments. Ive only had them on for about 10 hours of playing time and they still sound fresh and hold tuning much better out of the box than the previous SPs. Now I hope they carry the 12.5-55 set which is prefect for two of my Martins.Gunbarrel
5. Martin Mm10 Retro Acoustic Guitar Strings – Extra Light
Product Details:
Martin retro strings are the real deal. not an imitation. with martin retro strings, you get one tough set that offers true, consistent tone and sounds like nothing else on the market. martin's solid nickel/copper alloy blend provides a reduced pick attack that allows the guitar's tonewoods to be heard, not overshadowed. martin's proprietary monel wrap wire is naturally corrosion resistant, so you can play them for a long time with nothing to get in the way of your music. discover your guitar's true voice. retro strings offer enhanced longevity with warm natural tone, and they sound great plugged in.
Specifications:
Instrument |
6-String Acoustic Guitar |
Gauge Range |
10 – 47 |
Gauges |
10, 13, 23w, 29, 38, 47 (wound 3rd) |
Wrap Material |
Monel – Nickel/Copper wrap wire |
Construction |
Round Wound |
Hex Core / Round Core |
Tin Plated Steel Core |
Ball End / Loop End |
Ball End |
Coated / Non-Coated |
Non Coated |
Reviews:
Martin strings work very well and have a great life. The tone is bright. Highly recommend..DP Guitars
The Martin Extra Light 10 to 47 strings work very well on my Martin D28. They sound like Martin and are great for live gigs. Affordable strings for live Musician…Vernon
Definitely easier to play, but a bit lacking in tone( especially base). Big difference to a set of custom lights. Depends on your priorities! Barre chords and string bends noticeably easier to bring off.alex m.
6. Martin Ma170t Lifespan 2.0 80/20 Bronze Extra-Light Authentic Acoustic Guitar Strings
Product Details:
Next generation martin authentic acoustic lifespan 2.0 strings are engineered using a new, patented anti-corrosion treatment only available from martin. it protects the core and wrap wire to prevent corrosion without compromising tone or feel. their impeccable standards for acoustic guitar tone are embedded in their string design and precision manufacturing process. that s why they make their own. extra-light – measuring from a 0.010" high e string to a 0.047" low e string, these are high-quality acoustic guitar strings that brighten the natural tuning of your guitar, including tenor, mid-tones, and bass. they feature a tension of 135.8.
Specifications:
Instrument |
6-String Acoustic Guitar |
Gauges |
10, 14, 23w, 30w, 39w, 47w |
Wrap Material |
80/20 Bronze |
Construction |
Round Wound |
Core Shape |
Hex Core |
Anchor |
Ball-End |
Coating |
LifeSpan |
Trebles |
Steel |
Tension |
138.2 lbs |
Reviews:
good quality. Good tone.bgen_g_zagc9mqr
Excellent ……………Reviewed by Andertons Music Co.
At the moment they sound great, only just put them on – time will tellKev J.
7. Martin Ma545 Sp Phosphor Bronze Light/medium Authentic Acoustic Guitar Strings
Product Details:
Martin authentic acoustic strings provide unrivaled quality, craftsmanship, and tone for your acoustic guitar. designed to produce true, consistent tone, these light/medium-gauge strings provide excellent tuning stability and playability so your guitar can stand up to rigorous practice and performance schedules. made from 92/8 phosphor bronze, these strings feature martins highest-quality wrap wire for enhanced longevity and durability. they are naturally corrosion resistant so they can hold up after hours and hours of playing. when coupled with our highest-quality wrap wire, you get a consistent tone that you can count on song after song. designed to bring out your guitars true tone, these 92/8 phosphor bronze guitar strings can be used for fingerstyle blues, americana, country, bluegrass, ragtime, and many more styles. with this pack, youll receive 6 light/medium-gauge guitar strings. the low e string measures 0.055", the a string measures 0.0435", the d string measures 0.0335", the g string measures 0.0255", the b string measures 0.0165", and the high e string measures 0.0125". this pack of light/medium-gauge strings features a tension of 179.3, and they make it easy to get a rich, bright tone out of your guitar.martin guitar has been producing high-quality, musician-choice guitars and guitar accessories since 1833. the martin authentic acoustic strings are the real dealnot an imitation. discover your guitars true voice with this professional-grade guitar string pack.
Specifications:
Gauge |
Light/Medium 12.5-55 |
Guitar Type |
Acoustic Guitar |
Number of Strings |
6 |
Coated |
No |
Gauges |
0125,.0165,.0255,.0335,.0435,.055 |
Core Material |
Tin-plated Steel |
Winding Material |
92/8 Phosphor Bronze |
Winding Type |
Round |
Reviews:
I am a huge Martin SP Phosphor Bronze string fan. These have a little more tension than the .012 lights and they really "Sing" on my all-solid-wood Epiphone Masterbilt AJ-45ME. I love the extra harmonics and loudness of the strings.vinnid2
Always use Martin strings on a Martin guitar. Guaranteed quality.RF
Great Strings. Gives you just the right tension & tone without going too heavy.tst20
8. Martin Mtr13 Tony Rice Signature Bluegrass Retro Acoustic Guitar Strings
Product Details:
Such a pure tone, and you really can hear some of those subtle nuances of tony’s playing when using these strings for yourself. gauges are standard medium 13-56, and the nickel alloy mellows quickly and lasts a long time without tarnishing. tony rice is an iconic bluegrass player who during the 1960's loyally played his 1935 clarence white d-28 armed with martin monel strings. his favorite aspect of the strings were how they did not change the timber of the guitar. in the 1970's, the martin monel strings became unavailable but tony still sought out the sound of the martin monels with other manufacturers. the martin guitar sound engineers worked closely with tony to perfect and bring back the sound he so dearly loved. after hard work and dedication from both parties, tony was finally able to welcome back the sound of his old friend. the martin monel strings now bear the name "tony rice signature strings" and are part of the martin artist choice line. the nickel based alloy allows for a vintage and warm sound to flow from the sound hole beginning at the very first strum.
Specifications:
Guitar Type |
Acoustic Guitar |
Number of Strings |
6 |
Coated |
No |
Core Material |
Steel |
Winding Material |
Monel (nickel/copper) |
Winding Type |
Round |
Reviews:
I put these strings on a older Alvarez guitar and all I can say is WOW what a voice change! The Martin Retro Monel Bluegrass string made my inexpensive student model guitar sound like a much higher end instrument. The clarity and sustain is so much better than the 80/20's I used to use and the life span is at least double if not triple of the 80/20's. Try a set you won't be sorry.Mark
I have been reading about pure nickel strings and I've wanted to give them a try. The Martin Retro reviews were good and if Tony Rice likes them and uses them, they must have something positive to offer. I've only had them on my dread (solid mahogany b/s and Adi top) for a couple of weeks…but I love them. I hear the tone of the guitars wood. Not too bright but also not too dark or muddy. Very mellow. Urban legend has it that they get better with age. We'll see. But they sounded good new and they guitar sounds great after two weeks. Too early to tell or comment on how long they stay this way. I will be buying more and use them again. Time to try them out on an OM.B
Replaced the dead right out of the box elixir string that SUCKED and these brought the guitar back to life and it now sounds and plays wonderfully. Highly suggested and as the string were in my box for a while and now the package has added Tony Rice's name to them even more highly suggestedDas Fuut
9. Martin Mtr13 Tony Rice Signature Bluegrass Acoustic Guitar Strings
Product Details:
Martin retro strings are the real deal. not an imitation. with martin retro strings, you get one tough set that offers true, consistent tone and sounds like nothing else on the market. martins solid nickel/copper alloy blend provides a reduced pick attack that allows the guitars tonewoods to be heard, not overshadowed. martins proprietary monel wrap wire is naturally corrosion resistant, so you can play them for a long time with nothing to get in the way of your music. discover your guitars true voice.retro strings offer enhanced longevity with warm natural tone, and they sound great plugged in.
Specifications:
Instrument |
6-String Acoustic Guitar |
Gauge Range |
13 – 56 |
Gauges |
13, 16, 26w, 34, 44, 56 (wound 3rd) |
Wrap Material |
Monel – Nickel/Copper wrap wire |
Construction |
Round Wound |
Hex Core / Round Core |
Tin Plated Steel Core |
Ball End / Loop End |
Ball End |
Coated / Non-Coated |
Non Coated |
Reviews:
I put these strings on a older Alvarez guitar and all I can say is WOW what a voice change! The Martin Retro Monel Bluegrass string made my inexpensive student model guitar sound like a much higher end instrument. The clarity and sustain is so much better than the 80/20's I used to use and the life span is at least double if not triple of the 80/20's. Try a set you won't be sorry.Mark
I have been reading about pure nickel strings and I've wanted to give them a try. The Martin Retro reviews were good and if Tony Rice likes them and uses them, they must have something positive to offer. I've only had them on my dread (solid mahogany b/s and Adi top) for a couple of weeks…but I love them. I hear the tone of the guitars wood. Not too bright but also not too dark or muddy. Very mellow. Urban legend has it that they get better with age. We'll see. But they sounded good new and they guitar sounds great after two weeks. Too early to tell or comment on how long they stay this way. I will be buying more and use them again. Time to try them out on an OM.B
Replaced the dead right out of the box elixir string that SUCKED and these brought the guitar back to life and it now sounds and plays wonderfully. Highly suggested and as the string were in my box for a while and now the package has added Tony Rice's name to them even more highly suggestedDas Fuut
10. Martin Mm11 Retro Acoustic Guitar Strings – Custom Light
Product Details:
Martin retro strings are the real deal. not an imitation. with martin retro strings, you get one tough set that offers true, consistent tone and sounds like nothing else on the market. martin’s solid nickel/copper alloy blend provides a reduced pick attack that allows the guitar’s tone woods to be heard, not overshadowed. martin’s proprietary monel wrap wire is naturally corrosion resistant, so you can play them for a long time with nothing to get in the way of your music. discover your guitar’s true voice. retro strings offer enhanced longevity with warm natural tone, and they sound great plugged in.
Specifications:
Guitar Type |
Acoustic Guitar |
Number of Strings |
6 |
Coated |
No |
Gauges |
011,.014,.023,.031,.041,.052 |
Core Material |
Steel |
Winding Material |
Monel (nickel/copper) |
Winding Type |
Round |
Reviews:
First time of trying these strings and I love them. The sound, response and clarity are first rate. I put them on a parlour guitar and they have transformed the quality of sound no end. Try them and you will not be disappointed. And if you are, then go back to your regular strings. Nothing ventured, nothing gained.Peter O.
I love these Retros on my Taylor AD27 as they suit the mellow tone of an all mahogany guitar. Lovely smooth tone and light feel. I purchased 11s to try on my Fender American Acoustasonic Stratocaster for a more electric feelIain V.
These strings are probably the most debated sets on the market today, seems you either like them or you don't. In the early 1970's we use to put light gauge electric strings on our acoustics for ease of play and to capture the sounds of the acoustic rock of the times. The Martin Retro Custom Lights in many ways seems to recapture those times to me. Admittedly, after being acclimated to PB and some of the other newer alloy strings over the last twenty years or so, I didn't particularly like these when I first decided to try a set on my beater, an early 80's MIJ Fender Malibu. I was about to give up on them when I realized they were beginning to grow on me, so after about a week or two I tried a set on my Martin HD-35. Again I wasn't impressed initially, but after a little bit they settled in and I really liked what the guitar was giving back to me. My Martin is an absolute cannon with SP's anyway, but seems even more so now, the bass is really big and the highs ring clear. Really nice. A few weeks later I replaced the FX's on my Gibson J-45 with these, and once again, after they settled in, I liked what I was hearing. If you were to try these strings, I would suggest you give them some time to settle in and you just might find you actually like them. Certainly, not everyone will like them, but some of you will. So, are the Retro's really that much better than the SP's and FX's? No, not really. They are simply different, and in my opinion a very good alternative. Only you can decide. Have fun……….Stan
11. Martin M160 Silverplated Ball End Classical Guitar Strings, High Tension
Product Details:
Gauge: .028"-.043"martin m-160 silverplated ball end classical guitar strings feature crystal nylon trebles that deliver a brilliant tone. strict tolerances in the windings create a smooth feel with exacting response. routine maintenance and restringing is made easy thanks to the ball end on martin m-160 strings.
Specifications:
Product Dimensions |
4.5 x 4.2 x 0.5 inches |
Country of Origin |
Mexico |
Is Discontinued By Manufacturer |
No |
String Gauge |
.028 |
String Material |
Silver |
Number of Strings |
6 |
Instrument Key |
C |
Reviews:
After 30 years I switched to these ball ends which make it super easy to change strings. You don't have to mess around with wrapping the string around itself to secure it. These strings sound great and very much in tune.spectral_paints
There are nylon string sets and other brands that may fit certain styles of playing or specific player preferences better, but for the price, these Martin hard tension nylon sets are tough to beat. They seem to have pretty good string life and nice tone. I am happier with the wound bass strings than I am the trebles. I do prefer harder tension and some of the more expensive sets that have black or titanium trebles; but again, I come back to the Martins time and time again for the balance of good quality, for a great price. I've started playing Martins on my steel string guitars as well for similar reasons.Marshall
These are a great replacement for classical or nylon string folk guitars. Perhaps not quite as bright and sweet as say Fender Bullet nylon strings, but a much better value for money, longer lasting and resilient guitar string, not prone to breaking. I do recommend these as a general purpose string for beginners or parlour guitar use. Very nice, quite happy with these. I also highly recommend Martin Custom Light strings for dreadnought or steel string acoustic guitars.purchasefinger65
12. Martin Msp4200 Sp Phosphor Bronze Acoustic Guitar Strings (Medium)
Product Details:
Martin sp strings are designed with high tensile strength core wire and finished with the highest quality wrap wire. the sp line of strings stands up to tough practice and intense performance schedules to deliver consistent true tone that you can count on song after song. available in 80/20 bronze and 92/8 phosphor bronze.
Specifications:
Assembled Product Weight |
1 lbs |
Assembled Product Dimensions (L x W x H) |
1.00 x 4.20 x 4.20 Inches |
Reviews:
These are excellent strings. I usually buy them by the dozens as I am a luthier, building and repairing guitars. Every new build leaves the shop with a set of Martin SP strings, whether it be medium or light guage strings, And many repair jobs leave the shop with Martin SP's as well unless the customer request a different string. I have used Martin strings for over 35 years. I've tried everything on the market but always go back to Martin strings, now being the Martin SP, whether Bronze which has a warmer, less boomy sound or the Phosphor Bronze which is a Brighter, punchier, wanta be heard string. Also very few string breaks!! And 2 sets are cheaper than 1 set of Eli**ers and sound and last as long . Pickin' a lot of Bluegrass,Country and Southern Gospel,,, you'll soon find out what works.Gtrwoodrat
Strings are well made .Sound great. A bit heavy being medium and phosphor bronze on your fingers but all I can say is that is where you get the great volume and sustain.The more you play this gauge string the easier it gets with time. I don't know whether I should give all the credit to the strings or part of it to my Martin custom classic mahogany acoustic guitar. Together they ring and sing. The name says it all, and all that I can honestly say is to at least to give them a try. For the price and quality you can't go wrong. yes definitely. Are you kidding me. It's like a two for one bargain.
It started almost 7 years back when I was experiencing someone perform with an identical model Taylor acoustic/electric that I owned – yet HIS guitar just sounded significantly brighter and more tone appeasing to me. I was dying to ask what kind of strings he was using – turned out to be the Martin SP Phosphor Bronze series. He even had an extra pack that he generously gave me, and I couldn't wait to get them on mine. I was previously using primarily Elixir coated strings, who's sound I had gone completely bored and disappointed with, very plastic-like. My guitar was reborn, I have not gone back to anything but the Martin SP Phosphor Bronze since. I've played acoustic for almost 20 years, and have performed as a solo acoustic musician for 10 years now – so I've played a variety of acoustics and strings over time. These have become my ultimate go-to. They are bright, yet have a full tone – beautiful and natural. They stay in tune very well, which is always an issue because I strum so heavily. They also remain in tune pretty much immediately after changing, which has been great when I've had the occasions where I needed to get them changed shortly before a show. Can't go wrong with these. They are Martins. Taylor guitars come with and recommend Elixir coated strings for their guitars. I will never ever do that again.RoxieBeane
13. Martin Guitar Strings, Acoustic, 80/20 Bronze, Light
Product Details:
Martin m-140 80/20 bronze light acoustic strings 3-packgauges 12-16-25-32-42-54martin m140 light acoustic guitar strings have an 80/20 composition for brilliance, clarity, and longevity of sound. the bronze winding alloy is ideally suited for making strings have deep, rich basses and clear, bright trebles. the martin m-140 acoustic pack has high-quality strings for daily use. core and wrap wires meet strict requirements to make the grade. martin guitar strings are wound to precise specifications.
Reviews:
Whenever I buy or replace guitar strings on all my acoustic guitars-I always go with martins. They are by far the best strings out there with a better Sound-I put them on every new or used acoustic guitar I have ever owns! Why? Because they are simply the best acoustic strings out there. Only 1 thing about the Martin strings that kind of upsets me. Is they used to always make sure you got 2 first e, strings in every set. Don"t no why they ever stopped doing it. But wish all guitar strings would place 2 first E, Strings on all guitar strings. Maybe they all just decided to let them break it & they will have to buy another whole new pack.I guess these guitar companies -all of them even though they are All already filthy rich -Just have to make another dollar.theemann54
I have purchased several different Martin strings lately (SP's, Marquis, Flex Core, Retro) and found these to be the most well behaved, if you do a lot of strumming. They also sound very good when you punch in a couple of melody notes along the way. For being their least expensive strings, it just adds to the list of good and different possibilities. I was pretty happy with the results. The guitar that I put these on is a Dreadnought known for the wide range in tone from string to string, but these are surprisingly well balanced. I don't know how long they are going to last, but very good first impression.PopStar
As a professional singer-songwriter in the San Francisco Bay Area, I like to keep my guitar strings fresh-sounding. I just installed a set of Aegean extra-light bronze wound strings on my guitar and am very happy with the sound, which is full at the low end and bright at the high end. Compared with the more-expensive Martin extra-lights I've been using, the Aegeans seem a bit louder and more raucous sounding in the mids and highs, making them a great choice for folk-rock, Americana and delta blues. The Aegeans are also a little shorter than the Martins, so there's less extra string left dangling from the tuners. It's hard to go wrong with these strings.stevtaylo_291
14. Martin Guitar Authentic Acoustic Flexible Core Ma550fx, 92/8 Phosphor Bronze, Medium Strings
Product Details:
String bending on an acoustic has never been easier! the martin flexible core strings feel soft to the touch, making them ideal for beginners. but don’t be fooled by comfort! they are for professional players too. just ask tommy emmanuel who performs with our flexible core strings night after night. martin starts with their highest tensile-strength core wire, then tin-plate it on all six strings for added corrosion resistance; because what you don’t see matters! when coupled with our highest quality wrap wire you get consistent true tone that you can count on song after song. with flexible core strings, you get total flexibility and total control. martin authentic acoustic flexible core strings reduce finger fatigue, they are ideal for fingerstyle and note bending, and offer comfort without sacrificing tone.
Specifications:
Guitar Type |
Acoustic Guitar |
Number of Strings |
6 |
Coated |
No |
Core Material |
Steel |
Winding Material |
92/8 Phosphor Bronze |
Winding Type |
Round |
Reviews:
I put these on my 2019 j45 and they sound absolutely magnificent! The guitar already sounded great but these are indescribably beautifulDanny
Just as the legend him self Tommy says; tone is from the finger and guitar but the stings help too! Man what a beautiful sound better then other brands and types i have used! Definitely a recommended article.
Tried these Flex Core Strings on my L-00. No huge difference with the regular M540 strings I usually use on my acoustics. These FX strings are slightly more flexible which is most noticeable when pushing and pulling but I experience no profit while fretting (bar) chords. At this point the new FX set has not been played in, but they tend to sound slightly less bright than a regular new M540 set. Cannot say yet how this will develop once played in thoroughly but I hope they will keep this brightness all the way.
15. Martin Mlj13 Retro Acoustic Guitar Strings Medium Light – Lj's Choice 13-56
Product Details:
Martin mlj13 retro monel laurence juber signature stringsmartin retro strings are the real deal. not an imitation. with martin retro strings, you get one tough set that offers true, consistent tone and sounds like nothing else on the market. martin s solid nickel/copper alloy blend provides a reduced pick attack that allows the guitar s tonewoods to be heard, not overshadowed. martin s proprietary monel wrap wire is naturally corrosion resistant, so you can play them for a long time with nothing to get in the way of your music. discover your guitar s true voice. retro strings offer enhanced longevity with warm natural tone, and they sound great plugged in.
Specifications:
Guitar Type |
Acoustic Guitar |
Number of Strings |
6 |
Coated |
No |
Gauges |
013,.017,.024,.032,.042,.056 |
Core Material |
Steel |
Winding Material |
Monel (nickel/copper) |
Winding Type |
Round |
Reviews:
These strings add quite a bit of nostalgia to a acoustic stage performance. The kind where only microphones are used to enhance the performance.. And they also sound good when running the music through the guitar's pickup… good performance string all around… But they still don't make you play things right, they just make yer mistakes sound good… LOLedonharley
Very pleasing sound, accurate, not too bright.bjgroup
These really sound great on my Martin D-18. They're pretty much perfect for that guitar. They sound great when you put them on and still sound great months later. I also tried them on my Martin HD-28, but to me they sounded dull and thumpy on it. Either way, give them a try. They might just be perfect for you.Chris
16. Martin Ma130fx Authentic Acoustic – Flexible Core Silk And Phosphor Custom Guitar Strings
Product Details:
It isn't just about flexibility; it's about bending the note till it rings true. the martin ma130fx authentic flexcore acoustic guitar strings feel soft to the touch, making them ideal for beginners. but don't be fooled by comfort! they are for professional players too. just ask tommy emmanuel who performs with flexible core strings night after night. martin starts with the highest tensile-strength core wire, then tin-plate it on all six strings for added corrosion resistance; because what you don't see matters! when coupled with high-quality wrap wire you get consistent true tone that you can count on song after song. with flexible core strings, you get total flexibility and total control. available in 80/20 bronze and 92/8 phosphor bronze. martin authentic acoustic flexible core strings reduce finger fatigue, they are ideal for fingerstyle and note bending, and offer comfort without sacrificing tone.
Specifications:
Instrument |
6-String Acoustic Guitar |
Gauge Range |
11 – 47 |
Gauges |
11, 13, 23w, 28, 38, 47 (wound 3rd) |
Wrap Material |
Phosphor Bronze |
Construction |
Round Wound |
Hex Core / Round Core |
Bronzed Steel Round Core |
Ball End / Loop End |
Ball End |
Coated / Non-Coated |
Non Coated |
Reviews:
Smooth to play, definitely less tension but tone? Not sure! The tone has certainly changed and maybe not for the better. May go back to my normal Martin strings.John A.
Great strings that produce a mellow yet clear sound, and are easy on the fingers. Since finding them, I’ve been using them on all of my acoustics as well as acoustic / electrics. Also, great price and fast shipping from American Musical Supply. Thanks.
At 79 I'm looking for maximum comfort – the MA130FX silk&phosphor strings allow me to continue playing large steel strung accoustics when conventional strings no longer worked for me..C. T.
17. Martin Ma500fx Authentic Acoustic Flexible Core 12-String Phosphor Bronze Light Guitar Strings
Product Details:
Martin ma500fx flexible core phosphor bronze 12-string acoustic guitar strings feel soft to the touch, making them ideal for beginners. but dont be fooled by comfort! they are for professional players too. just ask tommy emmanuel who performs with flexible core strings night after night. martin starts with high tensile-strength core wire, tin-plating it on all six strings for added corrosion resistance; because what you dont see matters! when coupled with high quality wrap wire you get consistent true tone that you can count on song after song. with flexible core strings, you get total flexibility and total control. available in 80/20 bronze and 92/8 phosphor bronze. martin authentic acoustic flexible core strings reduce finger fatigue, they are ideal for fingerstyle and note bending, and offer comfort without sacrificing tone.
Specifications:
Guitar Type |
Acoustic Guitar |
Number of Strings |
12 |
Coated |
No |
Core Material |
Steel |
Winding Material |
Phosphor Bronze |
Winding Type |
Round |
Reviews:
These flex core strings are the best, I use them on all my guitars. The tone quality and response is awesome for fingerpicking and they're super easy on the fingers. The only issue I have with the twelve string set is that it only comes in the extra light gauge so you can't detune them very far. I use some medium gauge strings for the low e, a and d stringHayden
I like these better the regular strings. Worth the extra costs. This is my first 12 String so I am comparing these to the Six strings that I have used in the past. These sound and feel really good. Great quality!!! For the money you can't go wrong.INGRID HEAD
These were described as custom light; however, they are extra light. The thinner strings break too easily, and dont stay in tune.brmilubech
18. Martin Retro Acoustic Guitar Strings Extra Light Gauge
Product Details:
Martin retro acoustic strings provide unrivaled quality, craftsmanship, and tone for your acoustic guitar. designed to produce a true, consistent tone, these extra-light-gauge strings provide incredible note separation and balance, allowing your guitar's natural wood tones to shine. made from a solid nickel-copper alloy blend, these strings feature martin's proprietary monel wrap wire for enhanced longevity and durability. naturally corrosion resistant, they provide tuning stability so they can hold up after hours and hours of playing. this total set of professional-grade guitar strings will last through long jam sessions, late-night campfire songs, and plenty of picking. designed to bring out a sweet, mellow tone from your guitar, these nickel-copper guitar strings can be used for finger-style blues, americana, country, bluegrass, ragtime, and many more styles. they sound great plugged into an acoustic-electric guitar or played with a guitar slide.with this pack, you'll receive 6 extra-light-gauge guitar strings. the low e string measures 0.047", the a string measures 0.038", the d string measures 0.029", the g string measures 0.023", the b string measures 0.013", and the high e string measures 0.010". this total set of extra-light-gauge strings features a tension of 131.63 and makes it easy to get a mellow, bright tone out of your guitar.martin guitar has been producing high-quality, musician-choice guitars and guitar accessories since 1833. the martin retro acoustic extra-light-gauge guitar strings are the real deal—not an imitation. discover your guitar's true voice with this professional-grade guitar string pack.
Specifications:
Finish |
Standard |
Year |
2020s |
Reviews:
Martin strings work very well and have a great life. The tone is bright. Highly recommend..DP Guitars
The Martin Extra Light 10 to 47 strings work very well on my Martin D28. They sound like Martin and are great for live gigs. Affordable strings for live Musician…Vernon
Definitely easier to play, but a bit lacking in tone( especially base). Big difference to a set of custom lights. Depends on your priorities! Barre chords and string bends noticeably easier to bring off.alex m.
19. Martin Ma190 Sp 12-String 80/20 Bronze Light Authentic Acoustic Guitar Strings
Product Details:
These strings are engineered with the performer in mind and they will always stand up to rigorous practice and performance schedules. martin starts with the highest tensile-strength core wire, then tin-plate it on all six strings for added corrosion resistance; because what you don't see matters! when coupled with their highest quality wrap wire you get consistent true tone that you can count on song after song. martin authentic sp 80/20 bronze 12-string acoustic guitar strings offer excellent tuning stability, corrosion resistance and great playability.
Specifications:
Instrument |
6-String Acoustic Guitar |
Gauges |
12, 16, 25w, 32w, 42w, 54w |
Wrap Material |
80/20 Bronze |
Construction |
Round Wound |
Core Shape |
Hex Core |
Anchor |
Ball-End |
Trebles |
Steel |
Tension |
306.7 lbs |
Reviews:
Good quality and good tonevernarts
They sound great and great quality, but string tension seems a bit high, have to be heavier handed when fretting strings.Kenneth
not used to playing a 12 string, but my daughter gave me a martin D12, so I had to buy strings, they seem to be strong, as none of them have broken yet, although I did not tune the G an octave above. It took me all day to get in tune, but I was being careful and I guess it's the nature of 12 strings.toolman
20. Martin Marquis 80/20 Bronze Acoustic Strings, Light M1100
Product Details:
It's not just an instrument; it's a work of art. pamper it. if there's one thing martin knows, it's finely crafted and vintage instruments. they created their marquis line to pamper your guitar by adding a soft silk wrap to the ball ends which prevent wear and tear on the bridge and end plate as you play. the silk wrap puts a comforting layer of protection in place every time you change your strings. martin marquis 80/20 bronze acoustic guitar strings are made with bronzed steel core wire and bronze wrap wire.
Specifications:
Tacoma |
12 |
Seattle |
0 |
Silverdale |
0 |
Puyallup |
3 |
Richland |
6 |
Yakima |
10 |
Reviews:
I have been experimenting with Elixir strings lately but find they take several days to start sounding their best. They also sound better on some guitars than on others. The Martin Marquis 80/20 bronze has been my go to strings for years. I like them for their clarity of sound, even though they may not last as long as Elixir strings. So, I may have to change them more often to keep that brilliant new string sound, which the Elixir, even with their nano web technology, still cannot quite match. Musician's Friend helps, by having the best prices !Art
I haven't tried every brand of strings out there, but of those I have tried, these Martin Marquis are my absolute favorite. I don't do a lot of alternate tunings, so breakage is not an issue for me, but my daughter broke the high E descending to double drop D, which seemed weird. Probably an isolated case. I thrash pretty hard on mine at acoustic sing-alongs, and so far none have broken for me. This isn't a coated or long-life string, you'll probably want to change them every few months if you play frequently, more often if you play daily, of course.Manki
A fine quality string with a nice warm, even tone. The silk winding at the ball end is a nice touch. I would have prefered that the strings were packaged in a sealed plastic pouch (like D'addario's), but the paper envelopes are said to be "corrosion-resisant" (we shall see). Two stings per envelope is a bit cheesy for a class company like Martin. Martin Marquis Sttrings are certainly one of the better quality 80/20 bronzes that your likely to find. I caught these on sale – it was indeed a spectacular deal. I bought ten sets!