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  #1  
Old 01-16-2009, 08:49 AM
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anthonyc007 anthonyc007 is offline
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Question Martin 000-28: String Gauge?

I have a friend with a relatively new Martin 000-28. He has traditionally played with light guage strings (12-16-24-32-42-52).

But after playing my guitar with mediums (13-17-26-35-45-56), he really liked the feel and tone. He asked if his 000-28 was capable of utilizing that gauge. I am no Martin expert, so I thought I would ask here on AGF.

Anyone have expericence/knowledge of the 000-28? Is it ok w/ mediums?

Also, if not mediums, would "bluegrass" (12-16-25-35-45-56) be a good compromise for that guitar?

Thanks in advance.
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Old 01-16-2009, 08:53 AM
eolmack eolmack is offline
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http://www.martinguitar.com/strings/stringselect.html

This should be your/his guide.
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  #3  
Old 01-16-2009, 01:17 PM
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anthonyc007 anthonyc007 is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by eolmack View Post
They advise:

Light/Medium gauge

MFX745: .0125 .0165 .0255 .0335 .0435 .0550

or

MSP4150:.0125-.0165-.0255-.0335-.0435-.0550

a little lighter on the upper strings compared to bluegrass.

So, no one has experience with mediums on 000? Is it a big "no-no"? or is Martin just being conservative?
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Old 01-16-2009, 02:26 PM
Glennwillow Glennwillow is offline
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I have a 000-28VS with light strings on it and I like it that way. However, I remember Rich (rmyAddison from this forum) has stated that he uses DR Sunbeam medium-heavy (equal to medium gauge strings) on all his guitars, including his OM size guitars, same body shape as the 000. I have used DR Sunbeam medium-heavies myself on several of my larger guitars and they sound superb.

Since the Martin site says you can use mediums on a 000/OM guitar, you should be OK trying a set out. I'd recommend the DR Sunbeams http://www.juststrings.com/drs-rca-13.html as an excellent choice because they are easier to play than regular mediums since they are wound around a round (rather than hex) core.

Hope this helps.
- Glenn
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Old 01-16-2009, 02:40 PM
birkenweg42 birkenweg42 is offline
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I have a '75 000-28 strung with lights (D'Addario EJ16). These strings work best for me; on my 000-28 and my OM-21. I tried mediums on my OM but they were too much to handle. The 000s have straight (the OM has scalloped) and slightly thicker braces than OMs so I don't think I would have problems. But, please don't call me if your guitar implodes.
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Old 01-16-2009, 02:54 PM
rmyAddison rmyAddison is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by anthonyc007 View Post
I have a friend with a relatively new Martin 000-28. He has traditionally played with light guage strings (12-16-24-32-42-52).

But after playing my guitar with mediums (13-17-26-35-45-56), he really liked the feel and tone. He asked if his 000-28 was capable of utilizing that gauge. I am no Martin expert, so I thought I would ask here on AGF.

Anyone have expericence/knowledge of the 000-28? Is it ok w/ mediums?

Also, if not mediums, would "bluegrass" (12-16-25-35-45-56) be a good compromise for that guitar?

Thanks in advance.
I've used DR Sunbeams 13's on all my small bodies with no problem including the 000-28EC and 00042-MEC, and an 000C-Steve Miller and OMC-Aura. I do not like other brands of 13's on 000/OM's so I can't say but no problems with the Sunbeams.
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Old 01-16-2009, 02:55 PM
Hambone Hambone is offline
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Stick with Martin's recommendations.
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  #8  
Old 01-16-2009, 07:24 PM
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anthonyc007 anthonyc007 is offline
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I appreciate everyone's feedback. Thanks,
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Old 01-16-2009, 08:15 PM
Wade Hampton Wade Hampton is offline
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Anthony, any Martin 000-28 that's mechanically sound and doesn't have a damaged top will be FINE with medium gauge strings.

I've always used mediums on this style of guitar, and have never had the slightest problem.

It's amazing to me how downright timorous the very thought of medium gauge strings makes so many of you folks on this forum. You'd think the question was:

"Is it okay to smoke handrolled cigarettes while handling black powder and nitroglycerin and fueling my car with high test Texaco Super Chief gasoline at the same time?"


Wade Hampton Miller
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  #10  
Old 01-16-2009, 08:53 PM
Glennwillow Glennwillow is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Wade Hampton View Post
...It's amazing to me how downright timorous the very thought of medium gauge strings makes so many of you folks on this forum. You'd think the question was:

"Is it okay to smoke handrolled cigarettes while handling black powder and nitroglycerin and fueling my car with high test Texaco Super Chief gasoline at the same time?"

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VERY GOOD! WHAT A LAUGH I HAD!

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  #11  
Old 01-17-2009, 05:49 AM
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billv billv is offline
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I owned a 000-16 for a number of years and always strung it with mediums. It sounded soooo much better, and the strings never affected the guitar in a negative way.
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Old 01-17-2009, 12:42 PM
MattM MattM is offline
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Martin actually recommends mediums for the 000 Authentics (but not the GE's), as they were built for mediums back then. I would assume the standard series 000s have different bracing and are designed around light strings, but whether it is actually "dangerous" to put mediums on one or merely Martin covering their backside is debateable. I have a prewar 000, and I much prefer mediums on it...I just tune it to Eb so that the tension on the top is within a few lbs of lights at concert pitch. You might try giving Elderly instruments a call as they have probably done more Martin repair work than anybody on the earth. One thing I would NOT bother doing is calling Martin customer service as this will be a huge waste of your time (been there, done that).
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Old 01-17-2009, 02:51 PM
crikey crikey is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Wade Hampton View Post
"Is it okay to smoke handrolled cigarettes while handling black powder and nitroglycerin and fueling my car with high test Texaco Super Chief gasoline at the same time?"
Well? Is it??

Crikey "I'd rather not find out for myself" Crikebaum
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Old 01-17-2009, 03:55 PM
IainDearg IainDearg is offline
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It's a matter of taste and particularly style, IMHO. I had a 000-28 and was happiest with lights (D'addario phosphor bronze). But I just do fingerstyle. If you strum / flatpick a lot you may be happier with mediums which would also get some more oomph from a relatively quiet guitar (it's them 5/16" straight braces, I tells ya.)
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  #15  
Old 01-17-2009, 04:01 PM
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anthonyc007 anthonyc007 is offline
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So....... I guess the consensus is that mediums are ok??
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"Believe nothing, no matter where you read it, or who said it, no matter if I have said it, unless it agrees with your own reason and your own common sense." - Buddha

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