Are they serious?

[TBman]

I have a set of $18 strings (SC low tension) on my Gibson for over 3 months now and they are fine. I play finger style though and softly. I also have other guitars that get played also so the SC strings aren't getting a lot of playing time as compared to someone with one or two guitars. It's my opinion that how long a string lasts is directly related to how long they get beaten on. Flat pickers and strummers will go through strings faster than I do.

I also know, sort of, that most guitar strings (Martin, Elixer, D'Addario , John Pearse, etc) hold tension well. (I'm a hobbyist, not an engineer). Changes in humidity seem to effect the tuning, not the strings themselves. I suspect older tuning gears may also effect whether a string stays in tune or not.

So, its a bit of marketing to say that a certain string "stays in tune better" than another brand or type. This particular type of marketing, causes me to "put the boots on." As a result, I will probably lean to not trying them as I try not to step in it if I can.

Marketing strategies aimed at older players who most likely have played for decades should avoid certain catch phrases as "stays in tune better" and "as seen on TV"

I reserve the right to try them though, just out of curiosity.

[KFP55]

Jeez, this post really ruffled some feathers...that wasn't the intention, was just shocked at the price at first glance.

I just placed an order as, in fact, it sounds like Martin was quite serious after all...

[Brucebubs]

Originally Posted by KFP55

Jeez, this post really ruffled some feathers...that wasn't the intention, was just shocked at the price at first glance.

No it's been an interesting thread.
Some closed minds.
Some closed wallets.
You get that on the big jobs.

[billyfamilyvide]

Originally Posted by MrHooligan73

I tried some titanium strings on a few electrics and the frets weeent so fond of them. I am not sure how that may transfer to acoustic strings but I’m not fond of using a string material harder than fret material on any guitar I own. It will be interesting to hear how they may or may not wear frets faster.

Titanium core. Nickel wound Titanium isn't touching your frets.

[jt7602]

A good question...how does titanium and our precious frets get along? I think of titanium as this super hard, high tensile strength material. Feedback, anyone?

[jt7602]

Originally Posted by Jabberwocky

They are not Titanium strings, fellas. They are Pure Nickel Wound strings. The only part that is titanium alloy is the string core around which the wraps are wound.

Ever wonder why Martin does not make these with phosphor-bronze or 80/20 bronze wraps?

Martin did a sleight of hand with these. And very well, too.

Well, let's get these titanium cores wrapped in PB - 92/8, thank you:-)

[AndrewG]

Originally Posted by leew3

As an incentive Martin includes a set with the 'Platinum package' that goes with any Custom Shop guitar over $15K. That surely puts the $40 price tag in a different light! Also, these new strings were offered through the 1833 shop to Martin Owner's Club members yesterday. They sold out in one day so it seems there might be a market for these strings after all.

Forgive my cynicism, but anyone in that sort of fan club is likely to have bought pretty much anything Martin sells; from hats, shirts, mugs, key rings, those sound hole coasters. 'If it says 'Martin' on it, I'm buying it to match my guitar!'

They mention it took 8 years of research and development. That's what you're paying for (along with the Martin name). Drug companies do this as well. It's why they charge a ton for a decade before generics come out for cheap -- to recoup R&D costs. In 8 years maybe they'll be worth trying out once they're $10 per pack.

[Kip Carter]

Nickel is surrounding the core.

[jhmulkey]

Originally Posted by KFP55

Jeez, this post really ruffled some feathers...

I need to make a "triggered" AGF meme with pictures of these strings, an expensive pick, an expensive guitar, and an expensive capo, as things like that really seem to trigger some folks around here.

btw, the linked page in your OP now says "The item you are looking for is not available at the moment." Guess they've already sold out?

[LarryVe]

Originally Posted by jhmulkey

I need to make a "triggered" AGF meme with pictures of these strings, an expensive pick, an expensive guitar, and an expensive capo, as things like that really seem to trigger some folks around here.

btw, the linked page in your OP now says "The item you are looking for is not available at the moment." Guess they've already sold out?

Don't forget the Asian guitar.

[Silly Moustache]

Hi, it's me - the pick nerd !

I was dead against Blue Chip picks - spent money to prove to myself they were a con. Then lot's more because I discovered they really were a superior product.

I've used basic Shubb capos since the '70S because they doexactly what I want them to do and never break or wear.

I've used D'addarios for many years after trying a load of others.
I don't have acid sweat (I know three people who do).

I usually change my sytrings every two months,but two of my guitars and my mando have year old pbs which still sound and play well. I've been ill most of this year and so my main guitars kept the same strings on from Jan/Feb - until this month. They were OK when I took them of but I like shiny bright strings.

I like changing strings so that doesn't attract me.

I'll not knock these new strings but they don't appeal tome, and some of Martin's marketing, .... "disappoints" me.

BTW - PBs change colour over the first week or two. I currently keep one guitar out in my lounge to encourage me to play whilst ill. One dozy night I ordered some elixirs for it. I put them on a couple of days ago - sounded OK.

The boys came over today so I used that guitar - sounded dull.

Carry on.

[jhmulkey]

Originally Posted by LarryVe

Don't forget the Asian guitar.

.......

[Goodallboy]

Originally Posted by AndrewG

Forgive my cynicism, but anyone in that sort of fan club is likely to have bought pretty much anything Martin sells; from hats, shirts, mugs, key rings, those sound hole coasters. 'If it says 'Martin' on it, I'm buying it to match my guitar!'

Forgive my retort, but if I had posted this I would have expected someone tell me I was being incredibly condescending.

I think Martin fans are far more discerning and not sheep following the shepherd. They own great guitars and know why they like them and don't have to make excuses for what they own. They're more into guitars than coasters, I'll wager.

I've concluded that most of the bashing, whether it's the guitar or the Martin company or Martin customers, it probably comes from the anti-Martin crowd. It happens when the subject is Taylor, I'm sure. Certainly some Martin owners don't like this guitar I'm sure, but for the most part it's an ingrained bias against the brand. IMO, (funny smiley face) YMMV.

[rokdog49]

Originally Posted by Brucebubs

No it's been an interesting thread.
Some closed minds.
Some closed wallets.
You get that on the big jobs.

That and apparently some folks don't read, they just post.
There have been multiple posts asking questions, expressing concerns and doubts. There have been multiple posts answering all of them in detail by the Beta-testers to the best of their abilities.
Once again, the summary from those who tested them.
Martin Titanium/ Nickel Strings:
Stay in Tune
Don't Corrode
Are wrapped in 100% Nickel Wire
Have round cores made of Titanium
Smooth to the touch, less squeak
Lower tension, easy to play.
Sound great
Last for months and months
Cost a lot.
Created a firestorm on the AGF