Did We Fix Martin's New Inception Guitar?!

At the 2024 NAMM Show Martin Guitars unveiled a radical new design for them in the GPCE Inception Maple guitar. The skeletal bracing inside is visually striking and very different from the vintage heritage that Martin is known for. We were excited about this new guitar and the chances Martin was taking with it. However, when we reviewed the guitar something was missing and we had a suspicion that we could fix the problem! Did we?!
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0:00 Intro
0:37 What is the GPCE MapleInception
1:29 What's the problem?
6:55 Luxe Kovar Vs Phosphor Bronze Demo
10:08 Post Comparison Thoughts
14:54 Chris' String Theory
18:18 Different Strokes
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[@MaurysMusic]

Jury is still out on the Kovars if you ask me. Spoon and I were saying similar things; we've never heard the Inception before, and our first impression are Inception PLUS Kovar. Auditioning a new guitar and new strings at the same time is a little funky.

[@KillerBudda1418]

The difference is insane

[@ellesnyder942]

I tune in just to listen to Cooper play. Damn he's good.

[@roior]

After testing it out my-self on a different guitar tonewoods; I can say the LUXE KOVAR works great on a Mahagony guitar tonewood, it is also great with the low string tension(easy to play) and it also producing much less finger noise from the strings when playing if compared to the MA-540T&Retro

[@johnswoodenware]

only been playing guitar for a couple months but you guys really make some of the most watchable and informative videos on youtube about guitars. Thank you! I appreciate it

[@eclecticexplorer7828]

Getting the right strings for a given guitar, style, and preference can make all the difference. I bought a mahogany body guitar for the warm tones, but after spending some time with it, I felt it just needed a bit more in the treble range. My solution was to put some Martin Retro (monel) strings on it, and that fixed the problem. I now love everything about the tone that I am getting. (Noting that Chris mentions this combination later in the video, after I had typed the above.) "Dead je ne sais qua" -- LOVE it!

[@chrishushak3562]

I did the same thing with my 000-15 mahogany after hearing a Martin 1930's all mahogany hide glued custom (at $6000 back in 2018) at my local music store road show strung with monels. Didn't buy the $6K guitar, but did buy the Martin Retros. Made my 000-15 sound 95% as good as the custom shop guitar for a $13 investment.

[@KT-fn6me]

A tutorial for Cooper’s fingerpicking demo would be awesome, I would love to learn it! I love Martin guitars, I own 3, but I have never been a fan of their strings. The first thing I do when I buy a Martin is take the strings off.

[@opidonorman8833]

Your edits , reviews and videos generally are top notch

[@seanhallahan14]

Good for you guys! Thank you. Way to go.

[@mlwestphal1]

OK guys, here's my take, I've had the Inception for over a month now and I've REALLY liked it, even with the factory strings. One of the things that really impressed me was that unlike other smaller bodied guitars I've played (I generally play jumbos and dreads), hard playing does NOT overdrive the guitar. Initially, I thought the strings had something to do with that but, I just now put D-D Phosphor bronze 12's on it it it sounds even better. The finger picking sound even clearer as did my go-to hard strumming song (Pinball Wizard), win-win. My next experiment will be to jump up the 13's and tune down to D#.

[@ektalon1]

Great video. The comments about strings improving the sound of guitars are priceless. I wish I had 47 y.o. ears instead of 74 y.o. ears. I could barely hear the difference, but it was there. I recently put Martin PB strings on my Alvarez acoustic and like the sound.

[@Wade522]

I like the “Shipped-With” Luxe strings. Martin developed a new model and I think they wanted a slightly different sound. Smart idea. Why would you want each guitar you own to sound the same.

[@pepmasters-999]

6:24 My eyes go squiffy around here every time. I think the phosphor bronze definitely wins for the clarity. Just carries the melody better. I didn't mind the warmth of the Luxe Kovars, but it does sound a little bit muted in comparison. Good video, guys.

[@gair1944]

100% agree with your findings. Daddario XS for me were miles more detailed and revealing. They let the guitar breathe and resonate with greater harmonic distinction and clarity. Chris, your insight on Martin strings with the more pronounced windings makes perfect sense. I am not a fan of Martin strings for longevity reasons either. Daddario XS have become more number ones for tone and the longevity is off the freaking hook. They last and last!!!

[@CameraLaw]

Great episode! Cooper, I too am a big fan of well worn strings. Also believe in experimenting with string types, gauges, and different picks. Even different fingernail attack strategies. Keeps it all interesting. I like the Inception, sounded nice to me with both strings and your expertise, and hope others are willing to give it a chance.

[@alancraig7272]

Thank you for your demonstrated insights or, 'ear-sights'

[@BaktaBak3]

If you want a Martin guitar with a "Taylor" ...or some other sound you like...... go with the strings it came with. If you want a Martin guitar with a "Martin" sound go with the Martin Phosphor Bronze strings. 🎸🎸🎸 (guitar is still not a 4k guitar....IMO)

[@smandez2023]

I have the Kovars on my carbon fiber guitar and like them pretty well! On the Martin the D'addario XS sound marvelous, but then again, those are some of my favorite all-time strings, and definitely my favorite coated string. They knocked it out of the park with those!

[@BaktaBak3]

BTW....LOVE what you guys do ! 🎸🎸🎸🎸🎸🎸🎸🎸🎸🎸🎸🎸🎸🎸🎸🎸🎸

[@gregallen2960]

Great comparison. You guys are great. I would go with PB. I just started using D'Addario XTs and love them.

[@jomiran1000]

I really liked the Luxe Kovars strings in the demo for that really warm tone.

[@mattt3302]

I use Daddario XS 12-53 on my Taylor 324ce Builders - such great strings and make such a difference from other strings. Strings certainly make a difference and you can hear it so clearly in your review!!

[@vntgmike]

14:24 ok the podcast gets geeky?! I’m tuning in.

[@jshu1625]

Cooper with reciprocating saw saw.... what a mad man...lol....In my opinion they both sound like they are supposed to sound.... just like Chris says about a Gibson having a low FI sound.... so it goes with the LUX KOVAR vs PHOSPHOR BRONZE debate.... low FI vs clear and bright!!

[@aficionadolurecompany700]

I finally tried some StringJoy strings on my 2004 Martin OM-21. I normally exclusively use Elixir strings. But the StringJoy phosphor bronze strings actually sound pretty... pretty pretty good.

[@scottf2199]

I preferred the sound of the Kovars but I agree with you in general when you have a new design put some standard strings on. Nice comparison!

[@donaldlaury7193]

Was the bad focus when you started talking about bad setups intentional? :D

[@KASKASM]

What mics/pre amps are they using? Sounds phenomenal.

[@anthonyb2334]

There is a very distinct difference in the sound. You are absolutely correct, strings make a difference. In my opinion, phosphor bronze gives you the best “ test” for most guitars, although I do install monel or nickel bronze on some of my guitars when I’m looking for something sound specific. This Martin guitar sounds so much better with the phosphor bronze. Martin phosphor bronze are my first choice in strings. D’Addario are my second And yes! The big box stores do a poor job presenting instruments. Thank you for your videos

[@cph630]

I think the difference is night & day between the Kovar and the Phosphor Bronze. They bring the guitar to life comparatively.

[@sbolfing]

I really like the analogy of quality speakers vs a phone! I have been playing Retros on my Model America 1 (Adi/Sycamore), and they (like Cooper said) sound best after a month or two. But, the PBs were too bright. Now that the top has started to open up, I would like to try something brighter than Retros, so the Luxe Kovar sound really interesting

[@LifeBeginsat50]

I put Kovar's on my D28 and they were removed in an hour, they make a great guitar sound like a good guitar in my experience. Sounds like you guys had the same experience

[@ramjayanthravichandran]

I had a set of Martin extended life strings that were phosphor bronze and custom light cage and then I put on a set of elixir 8020s of the same gauge put on my guitar and the difference was completely dramatic. The 8020s appeared to be a lot brighter than the phosphor bronze

[@PeteA54]

Very interesting comparison. For the record, I recently put a set of Kovars on my 000-15m instead of the usual Retros. I love them on an all Hog guitar. With the spruce top, maybe they are a bit dark, but I'm just not a fan of the zinginess of Phosphor Bronze strings. The good news is that you can always tweak your guitar's sound to your personal taste by changing strings.

[@adamlegion13]

My very first thought - I think those strings are pretty awesome. They might not be perfect for this guitar but I can’t wait to put them on my D15.

[@dannylaurence8089]

I put a set of Kovar strings on a cedar top dread that I’ve had for decades and I actually like how they sound compared to the phosphor bronzes I typically play. I’m not sure they’d work on every guitar though.

[@coleyakimchuk9714]

I dunno about anyone else, but I lost focus around 13:37 ;) In all seriousness, I remember hearing the demo and thinking.. wow bad sounding Martin, I'll take my bright Taylor anyday! Incredible how the sound changes to be better!

[@Metro_Gnome]

i just changed my 000 17 from monels they came with to marquis.... LOVE silk n steel. been so long i forgot

[@arieltherealify]

I play Taylor’s guitars. I have a AD17 and a 717e builders Edition and a GS mini koa plus. And I used Martin phosphor bronze .12 treaded. My guitars sounds amazing. No jokes.🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥 good video.

[@BryanClark-gk6ie]

Try a set of EB aluminum bronze strings' better string to string balance and increased volume' helps brighten up dark sounding guitars.

[@bighes100]

I'm trying them on next string change, i have all mahogany guitar so they'll sharpen up the highs ?

[@BryanClark-gk6ie]

@@bighes100 Yes and they bend easier and last longer.

[@WoodworkerDan]

I prefer the Luxe Kovar strings. This surprised me, so I listened to the demo several times on speakers and with headphones just to be sure.

[@patrickharvey6310]

When I saw your 1st review of the Inception, I thought it had a very dull voice. It sounds so much better with the phosphor bronze strings and it even looks better. About a year ago I bought a set of liquid metal bridge pins for my CEO-7. The gold ones with the Abalone dots. They improved the tone a lot. As an added bonus they looked great on the CEO. I'm 5'6" with a bad right shoulder. I play without pain on my CEO and my 000-28. How does the Inception compare in size to a Martin 000?

[@finchwilliams9859]

Neither of them sucked to me, it would depend on the sound I felt, for the occasion. More so with recording. I think live I’d put the XS on it. But looking for a different something something, slap on the Kovar. The cool part about owning guitars is that we can play around with different sounds.

[@bighes100]

I've watched & listened to this video many times and i have a question: What hair products do you both use?

[@texhaines9957]

Have you tried Americana GHS strings on it?

[@kinlerj]

I really like the character of the Kovar's actually, but I can see why most folks would gravitate towards the PBs. I'd like to have both tones in my arsenal TBH.

[@edgarmcbee2474]

I've tried the regular Kovar strings . Their ok , I still like the lifespan medium better and I'm going to try Stringjoy natural

[@chrishushak3562]

I did the same thing with my Taylor guitars long before Taylor switched from Elixir to D'Addario. My personal preference is the EJ16s, not the coated ones. The Elixir G-string in particular would fuzz out as the coating broke down within a month or two of fingerstyle picking... body chemistry - who knows? (C'mon, please keep your thoughts clean!). Once switched, the Taylors sounded MUCH better to my ears.

[@BigBirdFliesAgain]

I like the Kovar and Titanium strings they are softer and easer to play, not TWANGIE, I play in 432 and this for me is GREAT!!! Not much twang and dissonance.

[@donaldlaury7193]

I think they were trying to fight the perception of maple being too bright, and so wanted to warm it up some with the Luxe strings. Perhaps it's a tad too far. They both sounded great, though I admit I got lost just listening to Cooper's playing and forgot I was supposed to be listening to the string differences.

[@yannamengual2777]

Maybe put these kovar strings on 00 or parlor sized guitar for vintage blues picking. But the Classic Phosphore Bronze sounds fuller, more lively, in my opinion. Kovar on this inception feels like deception

[@texhaines9957]

Thanks for telling me you used D'Addario XS. I am not impressed with the Luxe strings sound. Didn't think this Inception was worth anything, but the strings make a difference. Thanks Chris and Cooper. Have you tried the Tommy Emmanuel Martin strings?

[@PhillProbst]

I have a completely different take. Over time I have come to prefer nickel over phosphor bronze in general. To my ear PB's have a faint 'buzziness" to them, like a fuzz tone set on "just barely". They make me think "do I have a loose brace or something somewhere?" So, I prefer nickel, whether Retros, Kovars, or Titaniums. So ... my milage certainly varies.

[@wikolib6821]

I thought both sets of strings sounded fine. I use D'Addario Phosphor Bronze EJ16 Lights .012-.053 on all my Martins, Taylors, Gibson and Guild. I buy 'em in the 10 or 12 pack. The exception is my Martin 000XE (USA). I use D'Addario Phosphor Bronze EJ26 Custom Lights .011-.052 on that because the bridge on that thing has popped off twice, hence the lighter strings. Martin strings are great too, but you can't beat the D'As for the price/quality/sound. I've tried the Elixirs and they're great but super expensive and not worth it. When you're changing strings regularly you can't beat the D'As. One of the important criterions for me when selecting acoustic guitars is they've got to have at least a minimum of 3/16" to 1/4" saddle visible on the bridge with the action close to where you want it with proper neck relief. String break angle on the bridge of up to 45 degrees is acceptable. I've seen so many brand new Gibson and Martin guitars (not as much Taylors, and Taylors can be shimmed) with almost nothing left on the saddle adjustment, like even an eighth or even a sixteenth showing. This indicates a very expensive brand new guitar that needs a neck reset from the factory. Pretty crazy. AFA Cooper saying he likes 2 month old "dead" strings on his Fender, hey as long as you can keep them in tune, you go guy.

[@kylebaker8619]

The luxe strings almost sound like when you role the tone off slightly on an electric guitar but not in a hood warm way. They also seem to close off the sound frequencies and definitely don't give a good full open sound.

[@ronmoore1219]

Clear difference between the two. And the Kovar are darker and softer sounding to me. I’m not at the skill level to make them both sound great, but Cooper is, and I gravitated to the PB’s in his demo.

[@ronmcc4]

Big difference. The phosphor bronze sounded much better to me. The Kovars were too muted IMHO.

[@tjstevens001]

The Phosphor Bronze strings sounded better to my ears.😊

[@sidoughty428]

I think that Martin guitars should have Martin strings! They are great.

[@wesleyhudson2028]

I have Kovars on a Martin SWOMGT. Not retros, not bronze, something in between. And considering Cherry is somewhere between Mahogany and Rosewood…. Sounds fine, but not like my others.

[@happytrails1963]

Phosphor bronze sound so good

[@mariodriessen9740]

I would love to hear the Coop playing flatwounds on a 00-style guitar (or any guitar really) and compare it to regular strings. The reason I ask is that I want to know how much it reduces the squeaky noises when playing finger style. I wanted to experiment with flatwounds, but then I read a lot of people who said I couldn’t just replace them because flatwounds, according to them, have a much higher tension, even though you use the same gauge strings. While others claim it doesn’t matter at all. I’ve searched the whole ff’ing internet, but I couldn’t find any form of consensus. It seems like guitarists all over the planet are divided over this topic into 50/50%. 🤷🏻

[@cmartin1959-qq2mi]

I guess it comes down to preference.

[@johnwilkes681]

The Emperors new clothes , this Martin sounds best with no strings at all

[@tokairic3925]

I had a high end maple guitar which was way too bright. I fitted some Martin Monel strings and it sounded much better, less bright.

[@skateborg]

Have you guys tried Stringjoy strings on your Martin Guitars? To my ears, their Foxwoods and Naturals both sound better than the "Big Three" other brands (D, E, and M).

[@kaushalsuvarna5156]

Hearing a lot about them recently, will try next, tho will take a couple years to get thru my backlog of strings 😂

[@charlesbolton8471]

I’ve haven’t used their acoustic strings yet, but I love their Broadway electric strings.

[@melaniemyer8281]

now I want this guitar! 😂

[@charlesbranch4120]

Thanks, I liked the sound of the de-Luxe version better. Did we find out if the new strings were named after an Eastern European wrestler/film actor?

[@throwarockatme9290]

Yeah, PB sounds much better on that guitar. It’s a mystery as to why Martin decided to go with Kovar by default. I still wouldn’t drop 4k on this, but at least it’s a step in the right direction.

[@user-iw1ng2jk9x]

Phosphor Bronze for me

[@robertdievendorf3312]

I’m currently experimenting with the Kovar strings on my CEO-7. They’ve been on for nearly a couple months. I’ve already decided to go back to the MA540T’s or D’Addario EJ16’s. The Kovar strings sound ok to me but not worth the price.

[@SamVecchio]

Can you do a comparison video with Ernie Ball Slinky 8’s on this Inception too? 😂

[@markcafebrown2883]

Phosphor bronze sound much warmer and brighter

[@kazzz2765]

these are mutually exclusive btw

[@billstralo7907]

Sure makes a difference, i use different string and gauges on different guitars they aren't one size fit all.

[@BaktaBak3]

LOL !!! I like worn kinda dead guitar strings too ! ! 🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@charlottesimonin2551]

For my ear the Kovar strings ring brighter.

[@JeffSimpson-yy2si]

Definitely a different experience with both strings

[@imdaroger]

also treated strings will give the guitar more in the shop life and they would probably sell faster than a guitar with non coated strings

[@anthonylane9547]

That guitar said, thank christ you changed the strings, i was sick of being in my coffin. 😂😂

[@ThePonDePon]

Try flat wound strings on a 000-15m

[@mariodriessen9740]

I own a 00-15m and I wanted to use flatwounds to get rid of the squeaky noises when playing finger style stuff. However, I read these flatwounds have a lot more tension, which would force me to use lighter gauge strings. But an equal amount of guitarists who experimented with this didn’t notice any difference in tension at all. So I would like to ask you about your experiences when you started to use flatwounds. 😊

[@CameraLaw]

I just used flatwounds from Thomastik-Infeld on a Taylor 12 string. Very satisfied!

[@mariodriessen9740]

@@CameraLaw : yeah, I recently played a Martin 0-18 with flatwounds and it sounded amazing. I was expecting a mellow sound, but it was very bright actually. Not too bright, just perfect. But to me it’s about the squeaking noises I want to get rid of. Someone suggested Elixir Polywebs. They’re not flatwounds of course, but he said those would reduce these noises just as well. He was wrong. 😊

[@TVsBen]

Those Luxe Kovar strings sound so dark and lifeless compared to the phosphor bronze you put on it. Hopefully you're testing new vs. new, where both strings were fresh out of the pack, but if your purpose is selling guitars I guess just testing the strings it comes with makes more sense. Either way I greatly preferred the phosphor bronze.

[@jonnyhammerstix1535]

Luxe is lower with more bass. Bronze is brighter. All personal preference. I prefer bronze.

[@GreenBlueWalkthrough]

Honestly I liked them both but the PB really brought out the guitar's persoanly like it's more dynamic, open and warm.

[@lotus-e-clan]

I prefer the deader OE strings cuz the PBs are too zingy to my ear. Thomastik Infield Plectrum mediums on a 00028 tuned down a step corrects the boxy mids and weak bass that inherent with PB medium light Martins on a 00028. The TI Plectrums have a 60 thou bottom E which balances the bass better against naturally strong 00028 plain trebles.

[@rinkydinky-ob9pe]

Great sound but get closer to the guitar or an alternative angle so you can’t see that microphone please 😚

[@crouch0746]

I much prefer the sound of the phosphor bronze strings on the Martin Inception, as well as my Alvarez Yairi Folk OM all-mahogany, which is the only guitar of mine that I tried the Martin Kovar nickel-cobalt (medium) on a few months ago. The Kovars sounded mostly good, but the 1st & 2nd strings were excessively bright and sparkly, especially when plugged in and finger picking vs. strumming. I won't be buying any more Kovars. Didn't like the Martin Retros or titaniums either--same jangly sound on first 2 strings. Prefer Martin and StringJoy phosphor bronze mediums on most of my guitars.

[@reggiehucks1010]

The Luxe Covar strings sound like a muted record.

[@petertiffany8096]

Martin string die super quick for me. They always have. I don't know why. Because of that I haven't liked Martin strings for 30+ years. I haven't tried their treated strings to know if those are the same.

[@richq8530]

For what it's worth, I am not a fan of Martin's uncoated phosphor bronze but I do like the treated ones. They sound better to me.

[@MrCeeAre]

Here's the problem in trying to tell the difference...with Cooper playing it could be strung with #6 bailing wire and still sound like God's breath. String it with Nike shoelaces, hand it to Cooper and you've got a hit!

[@ektalon1]

Agreed.

[@artrogers3985]

Focus guys. Focus 🎸

[@steveoneal5257]

the bronze strings stand out as much better

[@adamyoho7853]

It sounds so much better with those strings. It still sounds nowhere near where it should for the price.

[@Charlie-hp2oh]

ship's rope, the kovar sounds like a ships rope

[@kaushalsuvarna5156]

Still muddy tho I think the voice profile of the guitar is quite different, more like electrics

[@artrogers3985]

Comparable state? You mean stoned, straight or a little tipsy right? 😂🎸

[@SteveEdinger]

definitely requires a sawz all! Sounds like a gibson!

[@triples4good]

Phosphor bronze all day long. They sounded much more clear and articulate.

[@dalecoffing8655]

Neither has that classic "Martin" sound. There is a real difference in the two. I tried a set of Elixer on my D-10E. Did not care for the Elixers. Went to the Martin Retros 12's. I play the D-10 about 4-5 hours a week. I too don't like the string squeak of the Martin strings. But I do like the sound. With a new set of Martin stings the sound guy complains about the squeak. It just makes me approach how I fret it different. I run Elixer's on my electrics

[@johnhicks7057]

To my ear, the Kovar strings sound richer

[@beamannydanny]

phosphor bronze muchhhh better - fuller low end and broader overall frequency response

[@jimdoner3443]

My next Guitar will be a Taylor