My New Favorite Strings

[knockwood]

Martin SP Phosphor Bronze Custom Light (.011 - .052).

 

Must have tried everything else over the last couple years and had mostly settled into playing back & forth on D'Addario & DM Blue Steel in the same gauge... (I have top problems & am afraid to put anything heavier than lights on). Decided recently that although I like the sound of the Blue Steels (after a few days), there's this nagging brittle, harsh quality to the way they feel. Had never tried Martins so I slapped some of those bad boys on the old Guild tonight and HELLO, BABY!

 

A small thing, but nevertheless one of those nice little moments when you discover something that fits you perfectly. Perfect feel, great sound right out of the box and I suspect it'll be more pleasing in two or three days.

[Cldplytkmn]

i have martin sp lights on all three of my acoustics... maybe i'm just lazy and only wanna buy one kind of string, but they suit my playing perfectly... i'm a light strummer. they're too bright when i first put them on, but after about two hours playing time, they settle in and don't change for upwards of a week... glad you found the strings that make you happy...

[LDF]

That's funny because I just recently discovered Blue steel cryos and I love them. I used to use elixir nanos but no more. I don't know if the brittle harsh quality you're refering to is the tone or actual feel, but I don't notice it. In fact of all noncoated strings blue steels are the least harsh on my hands. They almost feel coated like elixirs. How a string physically feels is important to me. It needs to be smooth which is why I used elixirs for so long. Daddarios are like strings of sandpaper as far as I'm concerned.

But most importantly I like their sound. It's clear and plucky if that means anything. If the Martins work for you I'm glad. It really is great when you find your perfect string.

[knockwood]

Originally posted by LDF That's funny because I just recently discovered Blue steel cryos and I love them. I used to use elixir nanos but no more. I don't know if the brittle harsh quality you're refering to is the tone or actual feel, but I don't notice it. In fact of all noncoated strings blue steels are the least harsh on my hands. They almost feel coated like elixirs. How a string physically feels is important to me. It needs to be smooth which is why I used elixirs for so long. Daddarios are like strings of sandpaper as far as I'm concerned. But most importantly I like their sound. It's clear and plucky if that means anything. If the Martins work for you I'm glad. It really is great when you find your perfect string.

 

 

Just goes to show what an individual thing it is, I guess. I know a lot of folks out there love Blue Steel, which is what prompted me to try them. I liked the sound of Blue Steel too - just that the actual feel to my hands was harsh. Hard to describe precisely, but with the treble strings in particular, almost as if they were square rather than tubular... Felt like edges against my fingertips. The bass strings felt like freakin' bridge cables. I'll admit, I do notice a bit more string noise with the Martins, but I'd also have to admit that although I'm probably nuts, I actually like a little string noise. I always liked hearing a bit of string noise in recordings because it kind of brings the player back into the song in a subtle way, if that makes any sense. Helps me visualize the player moving around the board.

[labjr]

I tried a couple of sets of the Martin Marquis a few years ago and really liked them. Real nice sounding strings.

However, I had a problem getting the ball ends into the bridge on my Collings. I actually had to file the ball ends down to fit them in. I guess Colling has small holes for the bridge pins. Martin are the only strings I've had this problem with.

I would like to use Martin strings occasionally but don't want to have to get out a file every time I change strings.

[knockwood]

Originally posted by labjr I tried a couple of sets of the Martin Marquis a few years ago and really liked them. Real nice sounding strings. However, I had a problem getting the ball ends into the bridge on my Collings. I actually had to file the ball ends down to fit them in. I guess Colling has small holes for the bridge pins. Martin are the only strings I've had this problem with.

 

 

I actually had this same problem getting them into my Guild. Had to force them in, but only barely. Didn't ram them in or anything. I took out the ebony bridge pins and used the cheapo plastic ones that came with the guitar. The plastic pins have a channel that somehow made it a bit easier & helped to guide the ball ends the rest of the way through. Will have to figure something out for future use as I want to continue using these strings but don't want to use the crappy pins. Not sure why Martin has these goofy enlarged ball ends, unless Martin bridge holes are made slightly wider than most & their ball ends are tailored for their own bridges. Would make some sense. Or maybe Guild & Collings are goofy in their bridge hole dimensions...

[solitaire]

Originally posted by knockwood Martin SP Phosphor Bronze Custom Light (.011 - .052). Must have tried everything else over the last couple years and had mostly settled into playing back & forth on D'Addario & DM Blue Steel in the same gauge...

 

I think it's a bit unfair comparison between these three, espec that between the Martin SP and the BlueSteel. They are two very different species; the SP being Warm, Smooth and Fuzzy, where-as the BlueSteel is Bright, Clean, Smooth and Firm.

 

Mustn't forget the BlueSteel is a really hard and potent string that doesn't rythm flatpick too well, but excells in fingerpicking and soloing. Its hyper dynamics could easily get the "cheesegrader" effect. Putting a capo on them is a real pain, as long as no buzzing is required. Go well with Cedar and Mahogany tops though.

 

Since we're talking DMS, the Phs Brz Regular or Alchemy would compare better to the SP in terms of EQ and field of use. For one, I used to be a die-hard fan of the Martin SP prior to trying on the Alchemy - no looking back.

[solitaire]

Originally posted by knockwood Martin SP Phosphor Bronze Custom Light (.011 - .052). Must have tried everything else over the last couple years and had mostly settled into playing back & forth on D'Addario & DM Blue Steel in the same gauge...

 

I think it's a bit unfair comparison between these three, espec that between the Martin SP and the BlueSteel. They are two very different species; the SP being Warm, Smooth and Fuzzy, where-as the BlueSteel is Bright, Clean, Smooth and Firm.

 

Mustn't forget the BlueSteel is a really hard and potent string that doesn't rythm flatpick too well, but excells in fingerpicking and soloing. Its hyper dynamics could easily get the "cheesegrader" effect. Putting a capo on them is a real pain, as long as no buzzing is required. Go well with Cedar and Mahogany tops though.

 

Since we're talking DMS, the Phs Brz Regular or Alchemy would compare better to the SP in terms of EQ and field of use. For one, I used to be a die-hard fan of the Martin SP prior to trying on the Alchemy - no looking back.

[Cldplytkmn]

Originally posted by knockwood I'll admit, I do notice a bit more string noise with the Martins, but I'd also have to admit that although I'm probably nuts, I actually like a little string noise. I always liked hearing a bit of string noise in recordings because it kind of brings the player back into the song in a subtle way, if that makes any sense. Helps me visualize the player moving around the board.

 

 

glad somebody else thinks this... i hear everybody complain about string noise this and string noise that... last time i recorded i had a mic placed six inches from the nut to pick up some string noise... of course it was mixed very low, but you get the point... its an acoustic guitar, it shouldn't sound slick or processed... i wanna hear wood... and fingers moving... i dunno... it might just be me.

[LDF]

Originally posted by Cldplytkmn glad somebody else thinks this... i hear everybody complain about string noise this and string noise that... last time i recorded i had a mic placed six inches from the nut to pick up some string noise... of course it was mixed very low, but you get the point... its an acoustic guitar, it shouldn't sound slick or processed... i wanna hear wood... and fingers moving... i dunno... it might just be me.

 

 

I dunno...if the string squeak is too loud and screechy it irritates me like fingernails on a chalk board. What I don't like is the feel on my fingers of harsh strings, can't slide as easily.

[Cldplytkmn]

Originally posted by LDF I dunno...if the string squeak is too loud and screechy it irritates me like fingernails on a chalk board. What I don't like is the feel on my fingers of harsh strings, can't slide as easily.

 

 

its hard to describe... i don't dig the squeak so much, although i don't hate it so much either... but the subtle mid-low frequency string noise is what i like

[knockwood]

Originally posted by solitaire I think it's a bit unfair comparison between these three, espec that between the Martin SP and the BlueSteel. They are two very different species; the SP being Warm, Smooth and Fuzzy, where-as the BlueSteel is Bright, Clean, Smooth and Firm. Mustn't forget the BlueSteel is a really hard and potent string that doesn't rythm flatpick too well, but excells in fingerpicking and soloing. Its hyper dynamics could easily get the "cheesegrader" effect. Putting a capo on them is a real pain, as long as no buzzing is required. Go well with Cedar and Mahogany tops though.

 

 

I wouldn't say it's an unfair comparison, although I'd agree it's not exactly apples-to-apples. Blue Steel sounds quite different and does have a particularly nice sharp, clear quality. The Martys to me are somewhat similar in sound to the D'addarios I'd become accustomed to, only with an edge in the comfort department. I'd agree there's some element of "fuzzy," as you've put it, and I like the character of it while it lasts (with the D'addarios, at lease, this quality tends to fade after the first few days). I'm not suggesting that the Martin SPs are "better" strings than Blue Steel. That's a personal determination I can't make for anyone else. Just that for me, the Martin SPs are the best combination of sound and comfort I've encountered since I've been playing.

[knockwood]

Originally posted by Cldplytkmn its hard to describe... i don't dig the squeak so much, although i don't hate it so much either... but the subtle mid-low frequency string noise is what i like

 

 

YEAH! Go String Noise!

[worthyjoe]

I constantly go back and forth between the SP's and Elixers. Every few months I change brands and am convinced I like one over the other.

[JasmineTea]

I've been useing GHS phosphor bronze as a genaric Martin replacement. They're cheaper, made in Michigan, but the guages don't match exactly. Give them a shot and save a couple-a-bucks. Let me know what you think.

[knockwood]

Originally posted by JasmineTea
I've been useing GHS phosphor bronze as a genaric Martin replacement. They're cheaper, made in Michigan, but the guages don't match exactly. Give them a shot and save a couple-a-bucks. Let me know what you think.

recently about John Lennon as a guitar player. As much as I love the Beatles, I'd never really thought much of John & George as guitarists. The article totally changed my perspective. The interesting thing was that from the vantage of people who knew John & were more familiar -w- his attitudes & abilities, it appears that he was technically a much better player than most of his recordings would indicate. The thing was, and he says this, he was never interested in being a good technical player. He was embarrassed to an extent because he thought he played somewhat poorly, but what was more important to him was connecting viscerally, emotionally, with what he was playing, and making the guitar speak. He tricked himself into a more naive style of playing for that purpose. Dylan would probably be another good example of this. I just have immense respect for that kind of approach.

The opposite end of the spectrum would be Steve Vai or Joe Satriani. I respect the abilities of guys like this hugely, but when I listen to them I tend to feel like I'm sitting through a math lesson...

[Cldplytkmn]

JT, that last paragraph was right on man...

and yes, knockwood, i love that about lennon and the boys... and i pose a question to all of you who disagree with this.

would you rather be immensely technical and keep your creativity at bay, or be immensely creative at the sacrifice of technical prowess. Everybody's going to say "oh i'd rather have both" and sure i'd say that too... but i'm not saying 'possessing' skill or creativity, i'm just talking about your playing style and display. I'd much rather hold back technically and be in touch with an audience.

i don't like math lesson guitarists... thanks knockwood... you've coined the phrase that i will forever use to describe "shredders" and "wankers"

[rgordonrn]

Count me a string noise fan!

[JasmineTea]

So I found a stash set of Martin Marquis phosphor bronze, put them on my 000-1...I think the only reason I try other strings is out of curiosity. I recind my suggestion to try GHS.

[onetubetone]

Hey knockwood, I like Martin SP's too, great sounding strings. However, I have 2 brands that, if you haven't tried, you might want to. To me, they do everything the SP's do but better. First is my favorite, Newtone Masterclass PB. They sound very much like the SP's, but to me richer and deeper, and they definately last longer. Second is Pyramid Premium Bronze. These are awesome, but alittle pricey. They do sound incredible though. If you're on the quest for the perfect string, you don't want to miss trying these two.

[kazoou]

Actually I've found the Blue Steel's to be superior to SP's in many ways. They seem fine for flatpicking to me, sound much more defined, have much better feel and they last longer than SP's. They are definitely brighter I would say but that goes away about a week after they're on.

Originally posted by solitaire I think it's a bit unfair comparison between these three, espec that between the Martin SP and the BlueSteel. They are two very different species; the SP being Warm, Smooth and Fuzzy, where-as the BlueSteel is Bright, Clean, Smooth and Firm. Mustn't forget the BlueSteel is a really hard and potent string that doesn't rythm flatpick too well, but excells in fingerpicking and soloing. Its hyper dynamics could easily get the "cheesegrader" effect. Putting a capo on them is a real pain, as long as no buzzing is required. Go well with Cedar and Mahogany tops though. Since we're talking DMS, the Phs Brz Regular or Alchemy would compare better to the SP in terms of EQ and field of use. For one, I used to be a die-hard fan of the Martin SP prior to trying on the Alchemy - no looking back.

 

[dadgad7]

I didn't see anyone mention Elixirs

I know it's not cool to like them, it's like guys who drive
stick shifts hate the guys who drive automatics, think they're not real drivers or something!

Anyway, i love 'em, nano webs please...11-52

so, for strings that no one likes or uses, they sell out the fastest at the two music stores I frequent.

doesn't make sense - oh well

[apostrophe]

I too have recently discovered the absolute beauty that is the Martin SP Phos Bronze CL!!

I ve been experimenting and so far these are the best! In fact, I told my wife that they are my dream strings! The ones ive been searching for lo' these many years!

I still have Martin SP 80/20 and John Pearse PB to try since I bought them at the same time(along with Dean Markley Vintage Bronze which gets my award for worst string ever!) but I dont even want to try them....these Martins are the end of my long search!!!!

NOTE: Im playing a Spruce/Maple Jumbo.....

[leeg]

My favorite strings are John Pearse Phosphor Bronze, New Mediums. The higher gauged E and B strings add more substance where needed. They are noticeably richer sounding to me than others I have tried. If you get a chance to try them, you may become one among many John Pearse converts! Definitely worth considering in your search for the best tone. Maybe they won't bring out the most in your guitar, but for mine they do.