Picking the Perfect Set of Acoustic Strings - Martin Guitars String Shootout

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Picking the Perfect Set of Acoustic Strings - Martin Guitars String Shootout
#martinguitars #martind18 #acousticguitar
DISCLAIMER
This is a sponsored video. I am being paid to create this content and the Martin D-18 guitar has been sent to me on loan to create this video and all the strings you see in the video have also been provided by the brand and distributor. The opinions in the video are my own and were not influenced by any third party. Please note that other pieces of gear may get used/appear in videos that were given to me as part of a previous sponsored video.
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If you've ever wondered what type of acoustic guitar strings are right for you, then look no further.
In this video I team up with Martin Guitars to shoot out 8 different sets of their strings. All the strings you hear are 13-56 sets, except for the Silk and Steel set which is an 11.5-46 (This is the only gauge this set comes in!)
I look at the tonal differences, construction methods, material and more to find out what the perfect string type is for each player.
In the video you are hearing the D-18 mic'd with a Lewitt Audio LCT440 condenser mic and a Rode NGT1 Shotgun Mic.
Intro Jam - 00:00
Chasing Tone and String Choices - 00:41
Martin Make Strings? - 01:51
The Strings We're Going to Check Out - 03:42
The Guitar - Martin D-18 - 05:02
The Mics - 05:27
Originals 80/20 - 06:35
Superior Performance 80/20 - 07:59
Superior Performance Phosphor Bronze - 09:11
Marquis Silked - 10:35
Lifespan 2.0 - 12:21
Flexible Core - 13:41
Silk and Steel - 15:34
Retro - 16:54
Comparing all 8 Sets - 18:15
Comparison Strummed - 18:50
Comparison Picked - 21:02
My Thoughts - 23:55
Hope you like it! Don't forget to subscribe and like the video!
HUGE Thanks to my Patreons:
Adam A, Dan H
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[@TWC6724]

I recently tried the retro’s for the first time. Wow. What a difference in sound. If you want that woody sound and let your guitar woods shine through, try those!

[@LeighFugeGuitar]

They’re my favourite! I haven’t used any other acoustic strings since making this video. They’re my go to acoustic strings now

[@clebozer]

Thanks for making an acoustic video Leigh! Really enjoyed it. My favourite strings there are definitely the silk & steel. Suits my playing and ear perfectly. Cheers!

[@LeighFugeGuitar]

Hey Clive, Thanks for checking it out, im glad you enjoyed it. The Silk and Steel were really interesting. I’ve never felt an acoustic string that soft before. That was a new experience!

[@AcousticHunter]

Thank you! Such a great video

[@GuideauxPelagos]

Thank you so much for this video...I have got a D-42 coming in as I enjoyed the clearness of the indvidual tone better than the D-45... However the warmth of the D-45 was more round and I think with the Superior Performance Phosphor Bronze the D-42 will just get that extra warmth to make it a perfect combo.

[@living9377]

Great video! Very helpful. Each string type makes the D18 sound like a different guitar with the different strings.

[@LeighFugeGuitar]

Thanks so much for checking it out, glad you enjoyed it. It's crazy how different strings can make such a big difference!

[@esd98]

19:29 20:03 20:54 21:43 22:28 23:32

[@WorshipGuitarist4life17]

18:50 too

[@zumbaRdie]

I love the way you did the review. It gave me an idea on what other strings to use on my newly purchased 000-15SM. I find the sound of the Marquis Silk and steel to be pleasing to my ear. Going to buy those to try. I hope you get the Martin of your dreams. I got my first Martin this Christmas and so happy for getting it. I came from a Taylor owner and moved to Martin with no regrets.

[@oyabunthelastsamurai2550]

Why What problem with taylor?

[@zumbaRdie]

@@oyabunthelastsamurai2550 No problem with Taylor. I still own one the mini GS mahogany. I always dreamed of owning a Martin but couldn't justify spending the $$$. Now that I can afford one, I am glad I bought the 000-15SM.

[@gonshocks]

I also have the 000-15SM. The only thing I dislike is changing strings on the slotted headstock.

[@miamiuke]

My favorite sound was lifespan 2.0 and retros. There is a hard to describe chime for both of these

[@LeighFugeGuitar]

The Retros are made the same was as strings were made in the 60s so there’s a certain familiarity to the sound too, because we’ve heard that sound on so many massive records from that era. that’s what I really loved about them. I made this video 2 years ago, and to this day the Retros are still my favourite string! It’s all I’ve used since

[@gerisyandrayusman241]

thank's dude!

[@LeighFugeGuitar]

No problem! Thanks for checking it out!

[@bl6850]

Thanks for the research. My conclusion was they all sounded great. Not a bad one in the bunch. Wish I could feel them.

[@LeighFugeGuitar]

Hey., thanks for checking it out! Yeah they all sounded great in their own way, the feel definitely came into it for me. I loved the retro set!

[@scouser2230]

My Martin came with Retro strings, and having watched your helpful video I didn’t hear another set that I preferred to them. I will stick with my Retros.

[@LeighFugeGuitar]

As soon as I heard the Retros I was hooked! I instantly switched to when on all my acoustics!

[@JesseDylanMusic]

I bet you never want to change strings ever again! Heroic! Again, great vid. I always want so badly to like the Retros. I really don’t like PB. I’m surprised how much I like 80/20. I feel as though I’ve learned something. I always try to experiment, but I should stick to 80/20.

[@LeighFugeGuitar]

I honestly don't think I'll ever change the strings on my acoustic ever again hahah!!! The Retros feel good to me, but that's the cool thing with Martin strings, there are so many options. The 80/20s are great too. I loved the PBs til I tried Retros. To my ears, the softer top end is more what I like. 80/20s are a great middle ground between everything I think.

[@shred5]

One thing I will note is that different strings work differently with different guitars. For example, DR Veritas are absolutely magical with maple guitars, they have rich overtones in the mids that you will hear with most maple guitars but you will not hear on most mahogany or rosewood guitars so much.

[@davidaylsworth8964]

Got my D35 about a year ago and it had a very dead set of unknown strings on it. I replaced those with the Lifespan 2.0 Phosphor Bronze 12-54 strings. After watching this video I’m going with the Retro Nickel Monels (12-54). I really like the bright sound that the Retros produce. The mahogany D18 likely has a different character than the Rosewood D35 but I feel that the nickel strings will produce a bright tone. I change strings about every 6 months because playing the Martin a couple hours a day for 6 months tends to leave them flat. Let’s see how these Retro strings hold up.

[@LeighFugeGuitar]

Since I made this video 2 years ago I'm still a Retro user, this video converted me to Retros and it's all I have used since, and I love them BUT I do find they do go slightly duller a little faster than the coated strings. They still last a good while, the set I've got on my acoustic right now have been on at least a year I think and they aren't rusted or dead. I don't play it for hours a day, but since I last swapped the strings, I have gigged it a few times and it's been played a decent amount at home.

[@lukethedrifter4622]

I own a D28 but just bought a 00016 SM. I had Retros put on it. I think that my D 28 sounds soooo much better that I am having a time trying to LOVE the 00016 :( What strings would you suggest to give my 16 a warmer tone? I really don't care for the tinny sound of the Retro

[@JesseDylanMusic]

Hmm they’re not made in house tho. Martins strings are made in Mexico! Puts me off a little since d’addario is made in USA and doesn’t cost more. Would love a brand vs brand comparison! This video was great. Love the variety. Also love that d-18. Perfect choice.

[@jameshill2015]

The projection, sheer volume and balance goes to the Lifespan 2.0!! WOW!

[@LeighFugeGuitar]

The Lifespans are also good for their lifespan, as the name suggests 😃 the coating makes them last a little longer

[@The..Butterfly..Effect]

This video is perfect - thank you very much - Retro and flexible cores no eric clapton signature strings?

[@LeighFugeGuitar]

Thank you so much! Glad you enjoyed the video! The Retros are my favourite but I love the feel of the Flexcores too. When we were planning the video we chose not to include any signature strings, but I believe the Clapton set is very very similar to the Superior Performance Phosphor Bronze set, except he uses a 12 gauge set.

[@babubroiler]

Great video! What's your recommendation for a finger picker looking for something easy on the hands?

[@LeighFugeGuitar]

Hey, I would say some of the lighter ones in this video would be good if you’re looking for something easy on the hands. Perhaps the silk and steel or the Marquis silked. If you wanted to go down the road of more regular strings then Martin also do lighter gauges of everything. I shot this video with all 12s but they also do 11s and even some 10s which will be lighter overall

[@johnsugden1073]

Thinking of changing From Retro to 80/20 for my Martin ooo jr but will restring with Retro again. 80/20 was what I used for OOO13 e and that’s my 2nd pick.

[@LeighFugeGuitar]

There’s something about the slightly warmer sound of the Retros that I think pairs well with a smaller body acoustic. The 80/20 are also a great set

[@MervGinsberg-sc8kp]

Why did you not try the LUXE KOVAR strings? I think they are the best Martin has to offer!

[@LeighFugeGuitar]

Hey! Great question. I shot this video in May 2022 and published it in June 2022. Martin introduced the Luxe Kovar strings into their product catalogue in August 2023. Had the strings been available at the time of making this video I suspect Martin would have got me to include them too :)

[@kevinlucken8558]

I recently purchased a OOO-15SM. What strings do you recommend? I’m searching for that warm, sad, melancholy, singer songwriter type tone. Please respond with recommendations. Thank you

[@LeighFugeGuitar]

I like the Martin Retro set. I find they’re a little warmer than the other strings in the lineup

[@S.A.D.i.S.T.I.C]

80/20 SP lights is all i have ever played. amazing sound when they are new they just get old pretty quick, but so do most uncoated strings

[@ramspencer5492]

Try the Martin Lifespan 2.0 80/20's. Way more corrosive resistant

[@ramspencer5492]

Like many mahogany guitars, i think the 80/20's sound really good.... Especially if you intend on singing, Because it's already a mid-heavy guitar....The lifespan's really help 80/20s last... The reason the switch to Foster bonds happened was because of lack of longevity in 80/20s. I tend to prefer phosphor bronze on rosewood backed guitars... As rosewood already has that little bit of mid scoop... They're already plenty chimey And benefits from the extra bit of warm, mid focus

[@jamesgreally2195]

Hi, Great video thanks. I'm looking for your opinion on the best choice of strings for my Martin Eric Clapton Signature Model 000-28EC? Most people seem to say the maximum gauge for it are 12s. I guess, given the shorter scale length. I'm using it for fingerstyle blues. What do you think? Thanks, James

[@LeighFugeGuitar]

Hey James, thanks for checking out the video. I actually tried out one of the 000-28EC models recently and loved it, I really want one! I noticed that it felt like it had slightly lighter strings on. The Martin EC Signature set is a 12-54 set so I suppose that's what Eric feels is the optimal set for that guitar. I personally prefer an 11 or 12 gauge set on an acoustic, just because I prefer the feel... but also, I like smaller body style acoustics. I think lighter strings fit better with the smaller body sizes. I've always found that heavier strings (13 and up) add way too much low end resonance to the guitar for my taste. I'd definitely start with a set of 12s on that style guitar as a good place to begin!

[@jamesgreally2195]

Hi Leigh, Thanks a million for getting back to me. Advice noted! Cheers, James😊

[@202versa]

Hi I recently changed to using Retro strings instead of phosphor bronze (11s) on my Martin Dreadnaught Jr and what a difference. I always liked the sound but with the Retro strings it just sounds more alive

[@LeighFugeGuitar]

I had a similar thing... when I first went to the Retros it just blew my mind how different they sounded. I love the way they sound

[@DonaldGliniecki]

​@@LeighFugeGuitar😅o

[@iyorit1089]

I always use MA545 (Phospher Bronze Light Medium) on my Martin Dreadnoughts. I also use DR VERITAS, which goes well with Martins. For Gibsons, I use Ernie Ball Aluminum Bronze. These Ernie strings are the best strings in recent years. from🇯🇵🙇‍♂️

[@ramspencer5492]

Aluminum bronze is really cool on guitars that have a good amount of chime... Great for articulation on the lower strings.. It's a finger pickers favorite. I hated them on my mahogany backed guitar though... They just didn't work

[@billdedrick1914]

What flat pick, model and thickness was used in the demo?

[@LeighFugeGuitar]

The picks I'm using are my custom Dunlop Tortex 1.14 picks.

[@adamstewart247]

Retros sound the best to my ear...I may try them....but hard to transition from the coated strings....Lifespans and Elixirs just last much longer

[@LeighFugeGuitar]

Yeah, the Retro's are my favourite, and since shooting this video 2 years ago, I now only use Retros. I don't gig with my acoustic very often, but I will say that a set of Retro strings will last me a few months of regular playing wear. I imagine if you were gigging a lot or playing it everyday you'd get a little less out of them but I prefer the tone so the trade off is worth it for me. In person, they're not as bright as coated strings, they have a much warmer tone.

[@tiduschapman1774]

Amazing video. I currently use Elixir Polyweb lights for my acoustic but the strings that really stuck out to me was the Martin 2.0 strings. Love 80/20s. Maybe I'll give these a shot.

[@LeighFugeGuitar]

Nice! The 2.0s are great. I like the Retros personally but it’s nice to see the whole range and hear how they all react and feel

[@Veritas84Aequitas]

Those Polys are getting harder to find. Far superior to the Nano web series.

[@tiduschapman1774]

@@Veritas84Aequitas they are for sure. Some music places I've bought strings from don't sell the Polyweb version of acoustic strings unfortunately. I usually order mine off of Sweetwater or Amazon.

[@jameshill2015]

I have always used Elixers on my Taylor GA8e. But l recently discovered the D'addario X and LOVE THEM...BUT!! I just had a 97 HD-28 delivered yesterday, l ordered 3 packs of 2.0s.. several videos lve watch and listen to have shown me that they are very well rounded and are by far the loudest best projecting string Martin makes..lm sold and looking forward to getting these 1997 strings off this guitar!!

[@alann5003]

Monel retros all day both in sound and playability.

[@LeighFugeGuitar]

They are my favourites too! I love those strings!

[@barberclown7446]

Still waiting for your reply regarding the other video with Malcolm Young. ;)

[@domiso9969]

what song is that in the very beginning??? please tell me

[@MD-jz7xx]

"Your mom gay" by the loafpinchers

[@pseawell]

SP Phosphor Bronze

[@LeighFugeGuitar]

Great choice! I'm still a firm Retro user 2 years on!

[@Felix-dx2ci]

Why have you omitted their titanium core nickel wound strings?

[@LeighFugeGuitar]

The strings in the video were the one that Martin specifically wanted me to talk about in the video, they do a huge range of strings but they felt that these 8 packs gave the best overview of what they offer.

[@lukethedrifter4622]

Actually it sounds like silk and steel would be good for me.

[@markgraski2490]

I liked the monel, silk and steel, and the 80/20 sp and standard strings. Normally I like phosphor bronze strings. I think you have to consider the type of guitar you are playing. A dreadnought may need bronze strings whereas a

[@markgraski2490]

To continue a smaller body guitar like a 00 might need a mellower phosphor bronze string.

[@LeighFugeGuitar]

The silk and steel were interesting for me, I’d never tried anything like that before so that was cool. I like Phosphor Bronze too, but after making this video I am 100% converted to the Retro set!

[@LeighFugeGuitar]

I use the Retros on an OO style guitar which I think adds a nice mellow flavour to the guitar

[@Snakefinger1000]

Currently I use 12-53 Martin titanium core nickel wound strings on my Epiphone Hummingbird they're amazing so why have you omitted them. However on my Sigma GJA-SG200 Grand Jumbo they're not quite as good but that's probably because the Jumbo is a different scale length which is an important factor and should be mentioned when advising musicians on choosing their strings. Guitars need to be set up to accommodate string gauges, scale length etc which I'll leave to my tech Leo. A great tech makes all the difference if more of us knew that our lives would be much sweeter.

[@LeighFugeGuitar]

The strings in the video were the one that Martin specifically wanted me to talk about in the video, they do a huge range of strings but they felt that these 8 packs gave the best overview of what they offer.

[@Louis_Cypher]

Originals the Best!

[@LeighFugeGuitar]

I love the Retros

[@Louis_Cypher]

@@LeighFugeGuitar I miss overtones in Retro, they just sound and unpretentious. In general, your review is excellent, you can hear the difference in the strings perfectly. In most reviews on the Internet, all the sound of all strings is the same. And this is not so.

[@bobaldo2339]

To my ears the original 80/20's sounded the best (on that D-18). They were all fine though. Of all these types strings made by Martin, which sets come in "light/medium" (12.5's) beside the Authentic phosphor bronze set (MA545)? I have 2 guitars that just love that weight of strings , the MSP4150's especially (which is unfortunately no longer made). I just have to add that IMO the use of the word "authentic" to describe the MA545 set of "treated" strings is ironic. And, the tin coated plain strings in the set (high e, and the b) I found to be so tinny sounding - even on an all-hog guitar - as to be unusable..

[@el34glo59]

Almost all plain strings are tin coated

[@Richard_Biggs]

Your A string is out of tune in the first recording 😂

[@LeighFugeGuitar]

My brain was out of tune after restringing the same guitar that many times that day hahah!

[@PhillProbst]

Its "mar-kee" not "mar-kwis"

[@LeighFugeGuitar]

Yup, but that’s how Martin asked me to pronounce it because that’s apparently what they call them. I appreciate your correction

[@PhillProbst]

@@LeighFugeGuitar Martin asked you to pronounce it that way?!? Unbelievable! I've never heard it pronounced "mar-kwis" by anyone, even at Martin. 🤔

[@LeighFugeGuitar]

Yup, that's how my Martin contact in the UK explained it to me. I would've said it the other way too

[@ConceptNull]

Now id like to hear the same playing with fingernails... 😅