The NEW Ultimate Acoustic String Comparison - Martin D-28 Edition!

[@craigstacey5811]

It would be great if you did a similar video comparing string GAUGE on the same guitar. Many of us have questions about the playing comfort/volume considerations when choosing a gauge. This should absolutely be done on the same guitar! Thanks.

[@uvp5000]

I agreed with several different comments that the comparison would yield the most difference if it were just one guitar used with all the different string sets. Still, I enjoyed the demonstration. Being partial to D'Addario strings, it was no surprise that I liked the XS set on that specific D-28. I would have loved to have heard all of them with D'Addario XS strings. For the record, I enjoyed three of the instruments. One of them was more subdued than the others - the guitar with the Monel strings. I did not like the sound of those strings as they are more "flat" and I prefer a more crispy punch that I get with D'Addario Phosphor Bronze strings.

[@ryanbloom1738]

Bought me a new D28 this year. So this demonstration helped me a bunch thanks fellows.

[@craigdiamond5518]

so tough to hear significant difference in tone, but this is a real useful comparison. I'm an old Marquis person - especially for older instruments that need the protection. Monels are great and easier to play

[@jw112mail]

string comparisons on acoustics only make sense if they are all on the same guitar.

[@uvp5000]

I wholeheartedly agree. Though it was still nice to hear in this video.

[@swillis3987]

Interesting comparison and one in which many of us have been waiting for, for some time? As a player a fresh set of strings always seems to bring special satisfaction. In this comparison the D’addario XS strings were a stand out. So where are the elixer’s?

[@beverlymichael5830]

I really like the Monel strings on my 69 D18 and also 37 Authentic D18. But I don’t care for them in my D28 Golden Era. Prefer phosphor Bronze on that one.

[@nycLPplayer]

I use fret polishing cloth to help extend the life of the string along with the Tone Gear string cleaner. My hand oil wreck strings pretty quicky if I don't make an effort.

[@quintonking9960]

Hi NYC - a great point regarding some post-playing maintenance - a little attention can yield a much longer life span - particularly for those of us who seem to exude an excess of digital epidermal effluence ;)

[@fredgibsonabe]

Love the sound of the XS. In my opinion had the most clarity and punch. I will give them a try!

[@auramac]

My new favorite strings. Made my Yamaha sound like an upgrade, now on my Martins too. Second favorite Lifespans, and also nor surprised to hear here- least favorite was the Retros.

[@mrod3526]

The bass response of the Marquis was the best and they had pretty good articulation in the final comparison. With that being said we are dealing with the same model but different guitars. Unfortunately, they also possess different variables within the same model.

[@sebastiannai4381]

Yes, I have the feeling we were hearing the different guitars more than the strings. The guitar with the XS and the one with Marquis were more lively.

[@FolkGuy100]

I have tried all three Martin strings on a variety of my guitars including D18, D35, OM18, 000-18, 000 28, OM-35, as well as Collings, and multiple Huss&Daltons. Never really liked any and they seemed to go dead quickly. Do not like any coated strings either. I have always had the best results over the past 35 years with John Pearce in lights or mediums, phosphor or 80/20. If I can’t find them then D’Addario are my choice. My 2 bits.

[@el34glo59]

I hate coated strings too. HATE THEM. The lifespan 2.0 aren't coated. They're treated. Dipped in a chemical treatment basically at the end of production that becomes part of the metal. Nothing life a costing. Honestly man, I'm very impressed. As i said I hate coated strings and on top of it am very picky about strings. I usually use Pearse, or newtone or GHS. I donr even consider the 2.0 coated. They don't sound it or feel it. And beat the regular Martins in tone. Idk how, but they do

[@JohnnyRebKy]

Lots of strings sound really good. The problem is sounding good 2 weeks later. If you don’t mind changing strings then no big deal. If your like me and hate fooling with string changes then Elixers are great. I can throw a set of them on and go for months. Martin strings sound good on a Martin but even the lifespans sound dull to me after 2 weeks. Sometimes sooner

[@trollstjerne]

Martin Lifespan sounds best imo

[@markola]

Yup! That’s all I use now for my HD28E retro. Experimented with a lot of strings. Lifespans just seem to come to life the most.

[@johngalt6838]

Mic drop game changer on my HD-28 and 000CJR

[@edfulginiti8798]

Missed Elixir comparison. That said...my gut told me changing diff strings on SAME guitar mighta been better. Still, thanx guys.

[@softsouthernknight]

I always use the Martin light gauge phosphor bronze on my dreadnoughts. They just sound best.

[@johngalt6838]

My HD-20 loves them....errr I do!

[@pickin4you]

There is a huge fault in your testing. I know, being a guitar fan for 55 plus years, that each D-28 will sound different with the same strings on them. The only way to properly rest strings, is to test them all on the same D-28.

[@johngalt6838]

100%......I have found that every guitar needs to be matched to a string. I can't have a universal favorite.....trial and error.

[@saoirsepaddy]

I love my Stringjoy String Phosphor Bronze Guitar Strings

[@jw112mail]

please consider adding chapters to your videos

[@TheAcousticLetter]

thanks for the suggestion… adding now!

[@JonnyBoss83]

I use Paradigm medium on my Recording King RD318.

[@el34glo59]

Those Martin lifespans sound amazing imo. Surprised. Sounded best to me. But the string separation on the Monels was amazing. But you played that part differently with the monels when you strummed them. As you also did with the Dadarrio You made sure you slow strummed every string on those two on certain points. Go back and watch. Which made them sound like they had better separation. The XS are actually coated, so no thanks for me. Although all Dadarrio stings are very balanced. Which some might be looking for. The 2.0 are treated with chemical dip. So no coating. And also have that growl to them. And brighter maybe, which should settle in a hair, even with them being treated Although every guitar is different. Even within models. To get a real comparison you need the same guitar. That two with 2.0s and XS are nice Martins

[@BobK5]

The winner to me is the D28 model 😎

[@purlingbeck9805]

What? no John Pearse strings?

[@Bixll09]

Retros for me on all my acoustic guitars. My favourites by far.

[@paullanier8280]

Monell sounds best to my ears. Funny this post had to be a comparison, just one day earlier on my HD28 's , I've dropped a set of 80/20 D'Addarios EJ17-3D on my old one and Monel on new one and each has a different voice to begin with but I really enjoy them both. Thanks for your work ! ! !

[@paullanier8280]

Oooops. No 80/20 on D'Addario. I meant only phosphor bronze. I know I goofed on that. Old man crs ( ;

[@daciuk8]

The XS but is it the actual guitar? We’ll never know!🇬🇧

[@Haydencpalmer]

I’ve been using Monel 12s on my CEO-7 and have really enjoyed them.

[@joedzekevich2407]

Nice comparison. I use Martin Lifespan PBs on my D15M and Custom GP18E Koa; Lifespan 80/20s on my D35 and I go back and forth on my D18 with Lifespan PBs or RETROs. No wrong answers. Just what each person likes. I did try once the Elixir Nanowebs and liked the sound, but once in a very warm nursing home environment, my hands were sweaty and I had a lot of trouble holding the chords, which does not happen with the Martin Lifespans. So besides tone, if the strings are coated or treated, there are possible sweaty hand things to look out for. LOL.

[@auramac]

Never had that problem.

[@ericcross7863]

Just bought a ooo c jr. 10e. It had the monels on it and I didn't much care for them so I got marqise and I am much happier. Great video guys!

[@jamesabbiati5775]

No Elixirs??

[@MikeHolliman]

Strings make such a big difference especially on guitars like 000-15m. I'd love to see this comparison on small body guitars too! Great video.

[@Jdb63]

What strings do you like on the 000-15m?

[@MikeHolliman]

@@Jdb63 Don’t know the brand but I think they were nickel. Sounded like an old 0-15 to me.

[@DoU12Rock]

To me I think the difference I heard were they were different guitars. I don’t think you can properly compare unless you use the same guitar to sample the different strings, and he needs to sit in the exact same spot and the exact same distance from the mic.

[@valbastiancontraio2795]

I don't thonk so

[@uvp5000]

@@valbastiancontraio2795 I agree with Mark Hendrickson. No two acoustic guitars sound identical - alike, maybe. Identical? No. It's all wood. Even from the same tree, different slices of wood will sound different. This is not like metal where you can control the alloy or composition much more closely. Wood will vary in sound.

[@valbastiancontraio2795]

@@uvp5000 anal guitarists are a laugh

[@el34glo59]

Agreed

[@el34glo59]

@@valbastiancontraio2795 anal? Bro every single Martin sounds different. Trust me

[@rzh3443]

I like the XS after a few days of playing them in. They last and last. The Martins are pretty good well. I just ordered some new coated strings from String Joy in Nashville. A little pricey but saw a video recommending them. Like the Elixirs on my 12 string. They seem best for that application. Best to experiment, but there are a lot of great choices out there- much superior to the golden old days when I started playing.

[@Muhlenburger]

I use the XS on my Yamaha Dreadnought, and they sound great. But on my custom built Caton Sullivan and my electric guitars I’ve been using Stringjoy for a couple of years and I love them!

[@Randorita]

I used to use Marquis all the time and really liked them. Lately I have been using Earnie Ball Paradigm medium light PB on my OM-18 and HD-28V. They last a long time and sound great! I went through 15 or so different strings searching for what I thought sounded best and for long term, the Paradigms sound and feel the best…for me. They are a bit pricey, though. D’Addario NYXL is the only string I use on my electrics. I love going to a guitar store and playing acoustics, also smelling them. Then I go home and feel like I have been cheating!

[@quintonking9960]

" . . . also smelling them. Then I go home and feel like I have been cheating!" - Amen . . . amen :)

[@vzeller]

I play paradigm medium light pb as well. I get a 3 pack for 30 bucks on eBay from a store in Utah. I use the aluminum bronze as well and get a 3 pack for 20.

[@randyfhorvath]

I love the XS strings. They sounded the best in the video imo and they only get better after they are broken in.

[@auramac]

I loved Lifespans on my Martin, got the XS to try and used a Yamaha as my guinea pig. Good grief. Now my favorite strings. On everything.

[@el34glo59]

@@auramac Yeah honestly the new lifespan 2.0 are dam impressive. And I'm very hard to please. I usually use ghs, Pearse or newtone.

[@westcoastrey3679]

Someone may have already said this, but if it has not been said then here it goes. Next time let's use the same guitar and just have it restrung for each set of strings👍

[@lhvent]

This was the nicest D'Adderio strings I have heard

[@russfischer4381]

Hmm....no elixrs?...the D'Addario XS are stunning, ive tried Elixr, Martin, etc . I'm very pleased with them on my Guild D40T and McNally J22. Great sustain too and sweet spot with Mahogany. Try em...

[@papawrichard3553]

DiAddaro sounded great to my ear through headphones. Plus I think guitars sound different from in front of it than playing it. BTW not a bad guitar in the bunch.

[@bvs5164]

Nice, now do D-18 lights please.

[@martinkleinman2522]

My 2 cents: I use D'Addario 13s on my Hummingbird and Yamaha 830 dread, and I'm in thumpy heaven.

[@anthonyb2334]

Thanks for the video. I generally use the Martin Strings and have used all three in this video, and gave one set on each of three guitars. I agree with Paul in that I like the Retro on my 0015 and 00015 Martins. I also like the Retro strings on a cedar top guitar. l did like the sound of the new D’ADDARIO strings and will definitely try them out. Thanks again.

[@martinsundland7614]

I had a set of XS's on my J-45 and thought they were very good to my ear - plus, they were good for 6 months where I usually go ~ 2 months on uncoated strings.They are expensive (especially here in Canada)but I'll buy them again.

[@kilgoretrout321]

the Monels definitely sound unique. I don't like them on my 000-17 and they seem to wear very quickly, but they sound great on these guitars!

[@gregorycarpenter]

My Gibson J-45 sounds much better (more depth and body) with Gibson Premium phosphor bronze, as compared to D'Addario.

[@cowboybob0452]

Don’t care for life span Daddario,s Xt,s and XX strings are the longest lasting and best sounding of any string I’ve used in the last 50 years

[@davematney1918]

Awesome video! A second video done with 4 d18s would be awesome also.

[@cablebrain9691]

Unless you use the same guitar, the comparisons have little value. That was a bit of a lazy test. Better than nothing though.

[@user-wr9pk4lu8s]

Well I couldn't tell great deal of difference, then I am listening on my tablet, did the strings feel any different?

[@AchillesWrath1]

I like the lifespans on my d-18 but i haven't played any of the others yet. They are pretty squeaky when changing chords when they're new though but that wears off after a day or so. I've got a set of the monels haven't tried them yet. I used to be an ernie ball earhwood fan but im trying something different lately. The lifespans are what come on most high end martins from the factory to my knowledge.

[@markreams3192]

Are they all medium gauge strings? The D’addario XS are my new favorite strings. I use them on my Taylor’s.

[@TheAcousticLetter]

Yes, they are all the same medium gauge.

[@tuberoast]

I have an HD-28 with the Adi top, I prefer Monels on it but also like Authentics.

[@OBonkers_Stockpickles]

Just picked up some Monels. They're slinkier and you have to work a bit harder. The reward is incredible.

[@startreker8591]

My drs2 first model looks like this…I skipped 00015 y saved $300 plus

[@SingSurfStrum]

Marquis for me from what I hear

[@1970sman]

PB standard strings, all you need.

[@AbbieHoffmansGhost]

I tried, once, and loved the Santa Cruz low tension strings but at the $24 price tag that they are now I won't buy anymore of them.

[@localguy8]

I love the 2 guitar , then you said it was silk . No wonder I use it on my D35 cos it sounds warm n bassy . Now it’s 11.5. But I like it lighter if Martin is listening than 11’s that’s what it use to be 🎸🎸🎸 you should feature strings that’s like fuel to a car ☮️

[@michaelkarpen]

the monels are the "truest"... nothing overemphasized. let your guitar sound "old" and dry. a bad guitar will sound bad but a good and even sounding guitar will sound really good. in my opinion they're the best choice for recording. they're not suited to make a bad or average guitar sounding better using frequeny-boosts as other strings do... but don't let them fool you!

[@el34glo59]

Reid

[@jarredwebster1077]

Last song sounds a lot like The Bottle Rockets, $1,00 Car!

[@chrismccannIRL]

People forget how big a difference strings make. Having had martins always I went for a Taylor K14ce V braced recently. Right out of the box it was too bright or sharp on the treble or clear even - this is the koa wood most likely vs the rosewood on martins as standard. The deeper woodier tones of the Martin was gone and I was disappointed. Thankfully found a set of Ernie Ball Earthwarm phosphor bronze which darkened the tones down a bit to make it more Martin esque. Overall it’s personal preference but I love that strings can change the tone

[@michaelmcinnis911]

Taylor guitars are just - overall - brighter guitars than Martins. That's just the nature of their design and build. It's all down to personal taste.

[@chrismccannIRL]

@@michaelmcinnis911 yeah it just takes some getting used to but I love it now. Both it and my 000 I love to play

[@joshuahendrickson4854]

The only strings I'll ever use are Elixir medium gauge phospher bronze. strings. They last forever, and they sound awesome. I've tried other strings before, but always go back to those. I've got a martin d18 and my Elixir strings sound awesome on it. The Elixir strings are coded strings. I don't know why some people won't use coded strings. They will last longer then uncoded strings. Also, I won't use any kind of light strings. My martin is designed for heavier gauge strings and mediums are perfect. Although, I knew someone who had a martin d28 and used light gauge strings on it. Light strings sound way to tinny for my taste.

[@kg6497]

You mean coated strings, not "coded".

[@auramac]

Coated XS is my new favorite, though I do like Elixirs and the Lifespans.

[@WS-bk7uu]

What is that? Fans Only? I think Quintin would be all the rage on Only Fans!

[@johnmicciche8724]

Are the monels used the strings that are a blend? Because I see monels that say nickel on the package.Thanks! Keep up the good work.

[@titaniopotenza5163]

03:58 05:14 06:38 07:17

[@Nono1234x]

Get yourself the Santa Cruz strings and forget about the rest! Believe me, I tried them all....😘

[@texhaines9957]

I hear the most/ best difference in the Monel/Retro strings followed by XS. What about Martin Titanium strings compared to the Retro or D'Addario NB (great on the PRS SE P20E for theGranddaughter)? Inquiring minds want to know (and hear what Quinton would play on such a comparison). I've also tried Santa Cruz, Stringjoy and Erie Ball. And Silk and Satin which I put on the GS Mini Koa for the Grandkids. Thanks Quinton and Paul. Do those "test" strings stay on those guitars when they sell? Thanks

[@dunmer26]

I’d say the XS and the retros are my favorite.

[@jimmy5634]

Monels…wow!

[@Snakefinger1000]

I've seen a couple of Martin string reviews but they seem to avoid the Titanium core nickel wrapped type from my experience they're as good as any and better than most,. What's the deal?

[@lilycat1694]

XS sounds best to my ears.

[@524coconut]

Did Quentin just suggest a dreadnought based only fans page?

[@rhitrix]

Guys, there's nothing "ultimate" about this comparison. The positive intent is there, but there's just too much missing. There's variation between D-28s. There aren't enough strings at the same gauge. There aren't enough gauge varieties. You talk too much; have a section for talking and a section for strumming/playing. There should be an extra mic or a more sensitive mic to pick up the nuances of strings considering they aren't as pronounced as guitar builds. You guys are great, but this video is a total let down. Alamo Music Center has a significantly better video if you want to see proper formatting for something like this.

[@daveeastcott9323]

Yeah bro it's a paid ad for Martin...there's a French guy with about 1000 subs who bought 15 sets with his own money, changed all the strings and plays the same riffs back to back on the same guitar... Not talking smack for 90% of the video like these jokers...

[@johngalt6838]

My HD-28 likes Phosphor and lifespan 2.0

[@jimmyfranklin3862]

Titanium core are the best. Expensive? Yeah. Worth it? Absolutely. Last set I had them on my Johnny Cash D-35 they lasted 18 months. Sound great right out of the pack...and hold up for MONTHS

[@Jam-m7m]

I’ve got a set of Elixir med 13-56 nanoweb that is 10 years old. And wow they still sound excellent

[@BryanClark-gk6ie]

I've got a set of black diamond 14/62 flat wounds on my silver tone Arc top that's been on since 1964 that sounds like the day I put them on. Tuned them down 1/2 a step and use a pick made out of a RC cola bottle' they'll last forever.

[@jdstan9650]

D'Addario's sound best to me...

[@michaelmcinnis911]

It would be nice to hear a follow up video of all four of these string types after 2-4 weeks of regular play - just to see how they last/change. (Yeah - I know - all four of those dreads probably won't hang around for a month!)

[@KommammoK]

The XS strings are the best PB strings I ever tried (and I tried a lot of brands). But I like the Monels too

[@RockinB23]

Marquis sound best to my ears.

[@el34glo59]

5:19 7:18

[@guestguide2544]

The Marquis give a fatter tone, if your using lights on a dreadnought but it sounds thin fairly rapidly, the Marquis give a fatter tone and they last quite a long time although mediums will last much much longer.

[@cowboybob0452]

I like the sound and feel of the Martin strings but three go dead real quick the xs daddario last they don’t fail. My two favorite guitars are my takamine solid mahogany and my second favorite guitar is my master work Alvarez famosa wood my 12string Alvarez is mahogany back and sides w.spruce top I use Xserve on all and I get 6 to 8 weeks before the start going flat or lose there ring. Just saying

[@el34glo59]

Lifespans last

[@championhairpuller]

You guys need a pit crew that can change strings in under a minute.

[@ariesbajenting9822]

Xs is the best.

[@Danlikescheesteaks]

Nothing against the sound of Martin strings, but I would never buy them. Too many great strings made right here in the US, why would I want to buy strings made in Mexico or anywhere else for that matter? Just about every other US brand makes their strings here and a lot of times they’re cheaper, so screw Martin’s strings. You think with the $2 per hour they’re probably paying those workers over there we’d at least see cheap strings, but no those assholes charge the same or more as brands like D’Addario, Ernie Ball, and GHS

[@el34glo59]

Bro relax. Ffs. Hate Mexico much? I buy Newtones. And yes they're superior than most American strings. They're made in the UK. Is that ok because it's not Mexico or am I a commie now? Or is only Mexico the issue? Because no other round core can touch newtone. DR are trash. And Curt Manigans have too many issues and the ball wraps are embarrassing looking. Messy Idgaf where they're made. I play the best strings. And honestly the Martin 2.0s are impressive af

[@Danlikescheesteaks]

@@el34glo59 It has nothing to do with anything about Mexico other than it’s a cheap ass country for labor and Martin sells their strings for the same or more than a lot of companies using labor from the USA. Look up average pay in Mexico and tell me Martin isn’t laughing all the way to the bank selling those strings. But they’re free to do so, and I’m sure the quality is fine. I would personally rather support other brands

[@bkt6025]

Too much talking

[@seamusbrowne4909]

These Guys have got too much time on their hands.😂🤣😂

[@el34glo59]

Testing strings bro. All are different

[@tuneyouup]

Dorks