Recommended strings for Martin HD-28

seannx · #1 08-04-2011, 12:35 PM

I'm in the process of acquiring a 1994 Martin HD-28. The circumstances are very serendipitous, and I'll share them along with photos once the deal is complete.

When I tried the guitar last week, it had a brand new set of D'Addario EXP26 Custom Lights (11-52.) I liked the basic quality of the guitar's tone, and the wood is beautiful, but the sound seemed kind of anemic. My other guitars have lights (D'Addario EJ16's, 12-53), and I'm very satisfied with the volume and action. I'm not a fan of D'Addario EXP's in general. I tried them on my Taylor, and they were nothing to rave about. They were OK for a few weeks, but then the highs (on a Taylor!) lost brightness and volume.

Inside the guitar, it says to use light or medium strings, and I would like string recommendations. I'm primarily a strummer - and don't play finger style. Thanks in advance...

jmjohnson · #2 08-04-2011, 12:42 PM

Those strings are way too light for most dreads, including a Martin HD-28.

Go with mediums.
Go with DR Rare PB 'mediums' or GHS LJ signatures (check DR gauge...the 13s or BG (12-56)), Martin SP med or BG, or for a more vintage tone some 80/20...I like Markely 82R or Helix mediums (13-56) on my HD-28.

Misty44 · #3 08-04-2011, 12:44 PM

Start with the Martin SP4200 Phosphor Bronze in Medium (13-56).

You can experiment with other kinds later on, but those will make a good solid benchmark for comparing, and they are widely available at most guitar stores.

Those HD-28's are great guitars - congratulations!

rmyAddison · #4 08-04-2011, 12:47 PM

Martin SPs are great, but they don't last long, especially for us daily players with oily skin. The new SP Lifespans last about twice as long, I use 13's on the dreads and 12's on OMs. Also good DR Sunbeams.

Enjoy your HD-28, welcome to the Martin family!!!!

guitararmy · #5 08-04-2011, 12:49 PM

If you're looking for more zing with a piano-like tone to the bass strings, you might try medium 80/20's or a bluegrass set in 80/20....

L20A · #6 08-04-2011, 01:05 PM

I have a Band Mate that has been using Martin Bluegrass Gauge strings on his HD-28.
To me, they sound great.
Give a set of them a try.

Wade Hampton · #7 08-04-2011, 02:45 PM

I tend to prefer 80/20 strings on rosewood guitars. I'd suggest you try a set of the medium gauge John Pearse 80/20 strings on that instrument.

whm

Landru · #8 08-04-2011, 03:33 PM

You're used to medium-light gauge and they work very well on a dread. I'd advise you, but my Martin dread has an adirondack top and reacts differently than your top does - you do have a sitka top, yes?

The Old Gaffer · #9 08-04-2011, 03:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Misty44

Start with the Martin SP4200 Phosphor Bronze in Medium (13-56).
Those HD-28's are great guitars - congratulations!

IMO, you need look no further. I have found them to be the best sounding string for my HD-28V.

Huckleberry · #10 08-04-2011, 03:43 PM

D'Addario PB mediums worked great on mine.

383roller · #11 08-04-2011, 11:27 PM

Elixir nanoweb 13-56!
I should elaborate a bit, the daddarios are junk IMO, I bought them just to have something new to replace really old strings because of the price, but, like in most cases in life: you get whatnyou pay for. This happened more than so it was more than coincidence.
I pulled the factory strings off my 81 hd last month when I got it and put on the elixirs... Now I'm torn on which guitar I would sell if I had to between the hd and my 52 d18!

Bltprf502 · #12 08-05-2011, 05:47 AM

If you go 80/20 and you go with uncoated strings, you will be changing them very regularly! Coated strings have come a LONG way. The new Martin Longlife are great. As well as the D'Addario EXP medium in 80/20. I also like Elixers. I like 80/20 on a rosewood. Keeps it from being too dark.

bluesfreek · #13 08-05-2011, 06:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Misty44

Start with the Martin SP4200 Phosphor Bronze in Medium (13-56).

You can experiment with other kinds later on, but those will make a good solid benchmark for comparing, and they are widely available at most guitar stores.

Those HD-28's are great guitars - congratulations!

This

I use those Martins in 80/20 bronze but when they are sold out (which is often) I use Ernie Ball Earthwood strings in meduim gauge 80/20 bronze.

Tony Burns · #14 08-05-2011, 06:51 AM

If your a flatpicker -id go with Mediums , if your a fingerpicker id say Lights -either the Martin SP's or Elixars ( im a polyweb fan 80/20 over PB's- but give them both a try )

jmjohnson · #15 08-05-2011, 07:15 AM

Quote:

Coated strings have come a LONG way.

As have uncoated strings. While I too like the SP Lifespans, unless they are $5 a pack, I'll pass for some Markleys that last a long time too. Unlike say the Martin 80/20, these just have proven to stay fresher ALOT longer. Unlike the Elxirs, they don't sound thin.