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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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Anthony Guitars: Too many, but current favorite: 2006 Santa Cruz D-12 "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 Blog: soundr |
#2
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#3
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Quote:
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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Anthony Guitars: Too many, but current favorite: 2006 Santa Cruz D-12 "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 Blog: soundr |
#4
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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 |
#5
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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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https://youtube.com/user/birkenweg42 Charis SJ, Goodall RCJC, and Petros Apple Creek GC ___________________________________________ Christian |
#6
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Rich - rmyAddison Rich Macklin Soundclick Website http://www.youtube.com/rmyaddison Martin OM-18 Authentic '33 Adirondack/Mahogany Martin CS OM-28 Alpine/Madagascar Martin CS 00-42 Adirondack/Madagascar Martin OM-45TB (2005) Engelmann/Tasmanian Blackwood (#23 of 29) |
#7
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Stick with Martin's recommendations.
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#8
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I appreciate everyone's feedback. Thanks,
__________________
Anthony Guitars: Too many, but current favorite: 2006 Santa Cruz D-12 "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 Blog: soundr |
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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 |
#10
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Quote:
- Glenn |
#11
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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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Bill Vencil http://www.billvencil.com http://billvencil.bandcamp.com http://cdbaby.com/cd/bvencil http://www.facebook.com/billvencilmusic |
#12
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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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#13
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Quote:
Crikey "I'd rather not find out for myself" Crikebaum |
#14
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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
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So....... I guess the consensus is that mediums are ok??
__________________
Anthony Guitars: Too many, but current favorite: 2006 Santa Cruz D-12 "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 Blog: soundr |