Martin Electric Guitar Strings For Sale (2024 Update)

For many years the Martin M140 ruled the acoustic guitar world, then sadly one day they disappeared. Now the sound that you've heard on many (many) Woodstock era recordings is back. You MUST give these a try. You'll be a believer!Rocky G.

I was out on the road when I broke two strings on my acoustic guitar. As luck would have, I was visiting one of those lovely European countries, whose stores close on Sunday. Understandable. Store owners also want to go and visit the festival where things are happening. So, a fellow guitarist introduced these to me. I felt silly, because I had never up to that point associated the Martin brand with strings rather only their (quite popular) acoustic guitars. After trying these, I've been purchasing from the Martin line of strings ever since. Martin strings now adorn my mandolin as well.Boyan P.

These strings (specifically the 11s I ordered and have in use) are totally underrated. They produce a warm, mellow tone which has brought out the best in my Les Paul. If you are after a bright and twangy tone these may not be for you. If you like the smoothness and warm tone of jazz guitar you must try these.rjawoodworker

Best strings I've used for the price. I play mainly Jazz and these work great on my archtop. Really great tone and complements the hollowbody sound well.tony_marez

I bought these because my local store was out of Daddario EXP 26 strings that I am using. I was using Elixir Custom Lights before that, but I changed to EXP 26 since the G string of the Elixirs was constantly breaking. Comparing this set of Martin MSP4050s with the coated strings I used previously, I found that the Martin strings were the hardest to play with very high tension (hard to bend) and they were also very painful to slide your finger across. Sound-wise they are really good and warm sounding and they get brighter the harder you pick the strings which feels very responsive. Although I haven't used these for long, the Martins feel more durable than the Elixirs but I am expecting some degradation in sound over time since these are not coated. Due to the extremely low playability which I wouldn't expect from a .011 set I found these to be of little use to me. But if you don't use full note bends or slides a lot then you may benefit from the beautiful sound of the strings.ayf

Don't go by me, I change my mind on guitar strings about once a week. But for what it's worth, these are great strings. I've had a few injuries to my left index finger over the years. These days, I use them on my acoustic guitars for comfort. I've switched to D'addario, and nickel based strings for my electrics.George

For many years the Martin M140 ruled the acoustic guitar world, then sadly one day they disappeared. Now the sound that you've heard on many (many) Woodstock era recordings is back. You MUST give these a try. You'll be a believer!Rocky G.

I was out on the road when I broke two strings on my acoustic guitar. As luck would have, I was visiting one of those lovely European countries, whose stores close on Sunday. Understandable. Store owners also want to go and visit the festival where things are happening. So, a fellow guitarist introduced these to me. I felt silly, because I had never up to that point associated the Martin brand with strings rather only their (quite popular) acoustic guitars. After trying these, I've been purchasing from the Martin line of strings ever since. Martin strings now adorn my mandolin as well.Boyan P.

For many years the Martin M140 ruled the acoustic guitar world, then sadly one day they disappeared. Now the sound that you've heard on many (many) Woodstock era recordings is back. You MUST give these a try. You'll be a believer!Rocky G.

I was out on the road when I broke two strings on my acoustic guitar. As luck would have, I was visiting one of those lovely European countries, whose stores close on Sunday. Understandable. Store owners also want to go and visit the festival where things are happening. So, a fellow guitarist introduced these to me. I felt silly, because I had never up to that point associated the Martin brand with strings rather only their (quite popular) acoustic guitars. After trying these, I've been purchasing from the Martin line of strings ever since. Martin strings now adorn my mandolin as well.Boyan P.

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

I never get involved with commentary of products, but I feel obligated to say WOW, with Martins new Authentic Acoustic line of strings. Installed the PB variety on my 000-28ec, my Gibson sj200, and my Collings CJmh, in each case there was an immediate improvement in all areas of tone. Pardon the cliche', but in every way the guitars came to life. Great sustain, solid bass, and smooth bell like treble. I have tried many strings over the years, and yes there are differences, but never tothe degree I hear with these. A vast improvement in all areas, IMOP. Can't say how long they'll last, haven't had them on that long. Ther worth a try to any guitar out there. And I will always buy from Strings and Beyond. They have always been courteous, professional, ship quickly, and competitively priced. Thanks.Mark

For the last couple years, I’ve been comparing these Lifespan 12-54 against other coated phosphor-bronze sets: D’Addario EXP 12-53 & D’Addario XT 12-53 & D’Addario XS 12-53 & Elixir’s Light nano set. These Martin Lifespan strings have given me no issues, except that my low E string bridge pin doesn’t quite want to press all the way in (due to being cut for a 53 vs 54 gauge string). I didn’t think that small variation would matter, but it seems to! Even with the bridge pin slightly protruding higher than the others, these strings sound great and have lasted quite a long time without degrading in tone or feel. My pick eventually does cut up the coating, which visibly frays and starts to dull the string sound. But, this is after much time and use. I like the sound and feel of the strings, and will now be comparing them to the new D’Addario XS strings, which claim to survive picking better than any other string, while using a thinner coating. We shall see! At this time I can report that I like the Martin Lifespans fairly equally to D’Addario EXPs, which sound and respond better (in my experience) than Elixir’s comparable strings. I have not yet concluded my XT and XS testing to compare, but I expect them to perform as (or more) durably as these Lifespans. I anticipate the XS strings to sound and respond more like uncoated strings than the others listed above (including these Lifespans) while potentially surviving more punishment from my pointy Dunlop Primetone Flow plectrums! I’ll review the XS performance on that listing after finding the results. I have been pretty satisfied with these Lifespans, but not blown away in comparison to D’Addario’s coated offerings. They’re competitive and if you’re a Martin lover, these are an easy set-it-and-forget-it option that give a longer replacement cycle than Martin’s uncoated strings without sounding completely dull. You can get a still good low-end brassy growl on these until their coating starts to fray. However, you’ll definitely also want to try a set of D’Addario’s coated strings to pick a favorite based on their response with your own guitar, picking technique, and sound preferences. I found Lifespans to be pretty stable for intonation and gradually become less strident/bright in tone through use (wear at the picking location). D’Addario lights may have a touch less power (fundamental frequency) on the lowest string. They both respond well and sustain well on my guitar, with the D’Addarios remaining extremely stable with intonation. [For reference, the strings mentioned here were all installed on a very fine Larrivee LV-10 (sitka & EIT) built around year 2000. The guitar has a TON of rich mid-to-high overtone presence and excellent string-to-string balance with good dynamic range and sustain. Most strings sound pretty good on it, but the timbre does noticeably change with different strings. These changes in overtone prominence are difficult to express in a written review…. Larrivee calls for D’Addario 12-53 gauge phosphor bronze strings. Bridge pins are ebony (like the bridge).]Daniel

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

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

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

The quality of the strings at the affordable price is what makes this a great purchase. I haven't changed my guitar strings for over 7 years until recently when I bought these, I forgot how great new strings can sound! Will be buying more when it comes time.zamyers411

I should give these strings a terrible review so people might not buy them. I however will be honest and say I love the way these strings work on my D 35. The thing is they have been discontinued. That is why I would hope not many people buy them… so I can keep buying them after my 20 sets are gone.dpurdyphoto

I was hoping to remove some of the ringing I hear from D'Addario strings. Didn't work. I down tune one whole step so that I can use arrangements for tenors and still sing them. Went to heavy strings but they are too hard on my fingers and they still ring. When I tune up to concert pitch, the problem goes away. Clearly, this is really not a product judgement, but a misapplication.Rex

I wanted to experiment & give these Retro strings a try. I installed these on my '87 Martin HD2832 Shenandoah with V neck (super comfy) which has a warm tone, getting better with age. I was not aware that these Retro strings were all nickel so I love how they bring out the nickel hardware on the head stock (see attached pic). Comparing these Retro strings to the med gauge 80/20 bronze Martin Marquis that I usually play, these Retro strings are just as warm and comfy, especially when finger picking. If bass is at 'noon', so is the brightness, even throughout. (When comparing to another brand, these Retros sound and feel just as great as the med gauge bronze Ernie Ball Earthwoods that I occasionally play.) I've been playing bronze strings for so long that I'd have to hear the nickle and bronze played back to back in order to hear a difference, if any. These Retros have a nice punch when strumming and leads are rich & full. I have no doubt they'll last just as long as the Martin Marquis. Looks like I've found another set of Martin strings that I'll play for awhile…I believe Martin strings play better as they get older.John564Holloway

These strings are a great find. Read reviews and ordered from Strings Direct. I put them on my 5 year old Ibanez art wood acoustic and the improvement was amazing. I had stopped playing it as I didn’t much like it but now I love it!!!Alyson J.

Strings are excellent for day to day playing, the coating does provide some protection from humidity and sweat. However, some of the strings in the bulk boxing can be difficult at times to dispense.Brian

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

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

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

I only want to use Martin Strings on my Martin. This is the first time I have used Extra Light gauge on this guitar – (.010 to .047) and they are SO easy to play. Excellent. As for length of life – I can't comment but if the mediums I have taken off are anything to go by, I would imagine they will be above average for durability?colnago_boy

Ordered these strings as wanted to try lighter gauge. Order was delivered very promptly and fitted them to my GCPA4 straight away. Wow! what an immediate difference, a lighter, brighter sound and definite easier action I am already practicing more than I did with the old strings. Will definitely replace with same on my other acoustics.Craig B.

These strings are pretty good, very comfortable on the fingers and should last a long time. Tone is nice but not on any guitar. I put these on my Tanglewood acoustic and they sounded okay but a somewhat "dull". Fitted to my Gretsch resonator they sound great, so I'll be using these strings in the future for the reso. My preference for the Tanglewood are D'adarrio .010 phosphor bronze. The Martin's are certainly worth a try though as they might sound great on your guitar. Different guitars like different strings.castleken1

I put these on my 2019 j45 and they sound absolutely magnificent! The guitar already sounded great but these are indescribably beautifulDanny