Martin String Comparison: Kovar Luxe vs Lifespan Guitar Strings

Guitar Strings can very much affect the tone of your guitar, but what about 2 string sets from the same manufacturer? Today we put the new Martin Kovar Luxe Strings against the classic Martin Lifespan strings. They're played on identical guitars, so which set do you think sounds the best??
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[@dalesearcy5734]

I liked the Lifespans the best.

[@roytube10]

this is great guys, appreciate the review and good idea using the HPL martins!

[@christopherneil1271]

I just ordered a set of the Luxe for my X series Martin. Glad I saw this video!! I will be posting my review video this weekend to compete with you haha!!

[@CameraLaw]

Glad you made this comparison as I was intrigued by a new Martin string option. Strings and picks have a huge impact and I’ve tried my share. My 000-15SM came with Lifespans which were great and then I tried the Tommy Emmanuel FlexCores which were quite different, but I really bonded with them after about a week.

[@texhaines9957]

These are a great guitar for string comparisons. I will have to try the Kovar, but up against either Stringjoy or Santa Cruz. Or D'Addario NB. Thanks Quinton and Paul.

[@johnwashburn3793]

I agree. This is a great choice for a string comparison.

[@joedzekevich2407]

One of my Martins is a 1969 D18 (original owner). On that, I have been switching between Lifespan PBs and RETROS. If I want more umph, I use the Lifespan PBs. If I want more mellow, like for folk finger picking, I use the RETROS. I just put on a set of LUXE Kovar strings to try. To me, they finger much like the RETROS and are brighter than the RETROS. I need to play them for a few more weeks to see if I stay with the KOVAR instead of RETROS. I will still be switching between Lifespan PBs and one of the others.

[@smandez2023]

Luxe for a guitar that could use a bit of definition or is darker sounding, Lifespan for a just about anything. Cool string review/ comparison Paul & Quinton- I dig it!

[@joeldowdy404]

I like Daddario XS strings the best, have had Martin Life Spans but preferred the Daddario's. I just got three sets of Kovar Luxe to test out so on next string change of my OM28 will put those on and give them a go. To mention the gauge and material of pick you use with the strings makes difference in tone as well.

[@ddesa123]

Kovar’s are effing amazing. I will never go back to elixir after playing these

[@anthonyb2334]

I’ve tried so many different strings in 50 years. I keep going back to the lifespan strings EXCEPT on my Martin 0015. I prefer the Monel on the 00 bodies. I saw Martin’s email letter on the Kovar. Too pricey for me to try. After listening to the video.. staying with the lifespan. Thanks again.

[@toddcwalker4208]

Your videos look sharper. Did you upgrade your cameras ? All looks/sounds good. Give Quinten a big hello from Frederick, MD.

[@maxwellfan55]

Lifespan. And thanks, we can't get enough of string knowledge. Personally, for most guitars I own, I keep returning to D'addario XS PB 12's. But the Lifespan's have made me curious.

[@stevewatkins5659]

Interesting string review (those Martin guitars sound good too) I recently tried a set of D'addario NB s on my Gibson J185 and have to say didn't like them at all so quickly changed back to phosphor bronze . By the way have you guys ever reviewed and Lowden guitars over the years?

[@markmacalik9693]

i'd be curious to hear a comparison of these sets on identical spruce topped guitars. since softwood spruce will have more dynamic output than a hardwood soundboard like koa, i think the diffference may be greater. plus most players have either spruce or cedar on the soundboard of their guitars.

[@MaurysMusic]

Good demo. Kovars seem to have an upper midrange bite & sound pushed forward a bit. Hmm.

[@Randorita]

3 or 4 years ago I tested some strings for Martin that appeared to be all nickel, or all silver color. Day, I didn’t like them, but day two I loved them. I kept them on until Martin sent me some different strings. Of course they wouldn’t tell us anything about the strings so it wouldn’t color our opinion. I have been waiting on them to come out. I am wondering if these are those strings. I bought some, but haven’t had time to play them long enough to decide, but the feel great. The test strings are in the plastic envelope they came in and still look good. Maybe the Kovar strings will be something special.

[@jjmuni]

I can hear when strings are covered not to speak about the feel. Monel for mahogany guitars are my choice.

[@thomaschamberlin2485]

Taylor switched from Elixir to D'Addario strings on their new guitars so it would be great to compare both on a Taylor guitar. D'Addario actually sent me a free pack of those new strings in the mail so either I am special or they somehow know every Taylor guitar owner.

[@fenderlead1]

I liked the kovars. Very similar to the nickel bronze. Excellent life. But sooo much more expensive. Some people have told me the Kovar are supposed to be a lower tension but I could not feel it

[@RByrne]

They're only $20 a pack, dude.

[@FinalConsensus]

@@RByrneCompared to less than $10 for most Martin sets. Price is relative.

[@RByrne]

@FinalConsensus what I mean is it's not a huge expense. If it were $100 vs $200, then sure. But for $10 more if you like them play them.

[@lhvent]

I like the Lifespan Strings

[@sbolfing]

I read the Kovar strings are supposed to be "softer" - easier to play. Did you notice that? Wonder if they might be similar to Martin's Flex-Core strings

[@AhrnNilsson]

Kovlar sound much more twangy or country It's a very nice tone more high mid I feel like, Id like to see a Martind Dx2 vs fg800 I can't decide on what solid top but laminate back and side to buy, I guess that's the 2 good dread options.

[@pana19561]

Sound very similar on KZbin...which will last longer?

[@martinkleinman2522]

I prefer how the Kovar sounds. Not as "overt". Are they both 11's?

[@Mrhatmandu]

The Kovar sound a little too bright for my taste. Definitely sound a bit boomier but I prefer a mellower sound. on my 000-28. Might try them on my D-28

[@randallstevenson1973]

I can hear the difference when you are strumming, kovar has more bass?

[@flyingash]

Lifespan sound more traditional. I use them on every acoustic

[@UncleTonyGuitar]

It should be noted (pun intended) that the Kovar cost more than twice as much. But at any price, I’ll take the Lifespans...

[@marknolan5644]

Kovars sound muddy im the mids and too bright at the treble. Prefer the lifespan.

[@philkinzer6486]

Lifespan pb sound “boomier” to me. Kovar sounds brighter and more balanced.

[@jackbandel]

not much difference at all. not enough to care about anyway.