Best Strings for 00016 Martin Fingerpicking?

[weedman]

I was wondering what others recommended for my Martin 00016C RGTE Martin? I like lighter strings that are easy to fingerpick...I use my fingers exclusively......no picks. Mainly Gospel, Bluegrass, and Contemporary Christain.

 

If you have a similar guitar or style, please let me know what you find works well for you.

 

Thanks for your replys.

 

Weedman

[Jack R]

I have been using d'add ej or exp16's on my 000-16SGT and they were a little too mellow or dull to my ears. I play the same way (fingerstyle, no nails or picks). A couple of weeks ago I put on a set of the new Martin Fingerstyle SP 80/20 bronze and really like the sound. The sound is brighter (more zing in middle and highs) and the bass seems fuller. In addition, the strings feel softer (less tension) and bend, etc. easier. The strings did feel a little more abrasive initially than the d'arr's. I still like the sound and feel quite a bit.

[JasmineTea]

I keep the action very low on my 000-1 and use 12-54. Usualy GHS or Martin. As for the different types of metal, I switch around.

[jt93]

i have a 000-1, a 000-15ce and a d35. i use the same thing on all of em. the regular martin light strings (m140).

 

i tried the s&p (suck & poop) and the marquis and hated them both. nothing else has ever had the same clarity and presence as the 140's.

 

the bad thing is, they are tough to find in austin. lot's of places have marquis or s&p, but there are only a couple of places i can count on finding the reg martin strings.

[solitaire]

If you're looking for a rather divine sound, try a set of DMS BlueSteels. Very percussive and they posses very clean chime/ harp like tones. They're bright but with a fat bottom end. These strings will rock the place, but they also provide a sweet intricate touch where the moment counts.

 

Haven't actually used them on a 000, but I'm seriously thinking of buying an OM (the difference being the width of neck) and the BS will be my choice for it. Have a set on my Martin Dread though, and I think they're just fabulous with the warm Martin sound. Probably they'll be too sweet and full for Bluegrass and the sound most would associate with that genre.

 

PS. As these are cryo hardened strings, you could choose a heavier set than usual and the playing effort will be the same.

[JasmineTea]

As much as solitaire talks about these Blue Steele's, I'm gonna have to try 'em.. Another I hav'nt tried is any "cryogenic" strings.

[JasmineTea]

"Divine" ?

[valleyguy]

I have a D16R and after trying a variety of strings have gravitated to the D Addarios lights (mellow, consistent sound over a long period) and Martin SPs. The SPs are a very bright (to my ears on my guitar!) and perfect for fingerpicking, but lose their brightness over time. For a short period of time before they need replacement, they sound very simialr to the D Addarios. The D Addarios I prefer for flat picking, where the SPs are just too noisy for fast picking.

 

Strings are obviously a very personal thing, like finding a mate, we all have different tastes. Thank God we have a lot of choices.

 

I'll give the m140s a try, especially since they're a little cheaper.

 

By the way, I prefer the phosphor bronze to the bronze SPs.

 

Try 'em all!