Best Strings for Martin 000-15S?

[dukebrot]

I purchased a Martin 000-15S earlier this year (actually a custom version from My Favorite Guitar) and am curious what strings people like for this guitar. I have been using D'Addario Phosphor Bronze lights (EJ-16's) and they sound good but I have a feeling that there is something that will better bring out the unique tonal qualities of this all mahogany beauty.

Any suggestions?

P.S. This is one incredibly wonderful guitar.

[Cannon]

I always used Elixir nano's in .012 on mine, but the string question all depends on your own preference. Keep trying other brands until you find the one you really like. To me, that's one of the most enjoyable parts of guitar ownership. Experimenting.

[rmyAddison]

While I really like DR Sunbeams the last 6 months or so I've been using Martin Bluegrass light-mediums (12-56) M240's on all my Martins, dreads and small bodies.

They sound great on the dreads and, to me, amazing on the small bodies with the heavier low end strings really bringing out the bass on smaller body guitars.

I have them on some pretty exotic 1/4" scalloped braced OM's with no problems, so heavier braced non scalloped 000's should be fine, and boy what a rich warm tone.

Definitely not a common choice but a winner in my book and I've had a lot of different strings on a lot of different Martins. Highly recommended!

[HHP]

I tried PB's on mine and found them a little dull. Switched to 80/20's and got the top end brilliance I was looking for without losing any bass response. Same on my other mahogany guitar, the 80/20's work better for me tonally.

[fatt-dad]

I got those alchemy strings on mine. Light gauge. I like them, but usually use the EXPs in light. Phos. bronze.

f-d

[Misty44]

As you work your way through the various choices of PB's and 80/20's, don't forget to try a set of nickel strings...the D'Addario J21's (lights) are a nice choice for my 2001 000-15S.



Nickels don't exhibit the metallic jingle-jangle inherent with new strings and produce a warm basic clear tone from the start.

My second choice would be the John Pearse PB lights. In general, I find 80/20's too bright/harsh.

As usual, only your ears will eventually decide on the string-tone you like.

[cpmusic]

I have a 000-15 (14-fret model) on which I use D'Addario PBs. I once tried a set of Elixir 80/20 and hated the sound. But that's my ear. YMMV, as always.

[samm57]

I have tried several different strings on my 000-15S and always come back to the D'Addario Phosphor Bronze lights. They match up well with my guitar and my ears.

[ErikH]

I really like Elixers on all of my guitars including my Martin. Besides sounding good I think it's a comfort thing, Elixers are so easy on the fingers.

[SeamusORiley]

On the same model I found the softness of the Martin FX sounded "in synch" with the warmth of the mahogany.

The 000-15SM was a well-thought out custom. FX740 phos bronz seems like a perfect fit for it. It's a warm, soft bluesy guitar.

[Battleman]

"Elixers nanos" med for me, spent a a lot of time and money on so many strings. The elixers polyweb i found not be to as good as the Nanos. But in the end, it will be up to you to decide 1) on comfort 2)sound 3)how long they last and 4)what makes you, want to keep playing more.

There is a lot of great information here, but it will come down to what strings make you, say " wow these are great"....Play on....Cheers, Michael

P.S.. when stringing your guitar, make sure you keep the strings tight on the tunners. Taylor has an excellent video on this....later on

[catdaddy]

I like John Pearse Phosphor Bronze lights (12's) on my J-15. Recently tried it with a set of mediums (13's) of the same type and found that it seemed to inhibit the top from vibrating as freely as with the lights.

[Glennwillow]

I would try some Martin SP 80/20 lights on it. For such a dark sounding guitar, I would want to try to bring out a little high end and 80/20's will do that. But that's just my preference...

- Glenn

[kirkham13]

Lots of replys..
80/20's are supposedly brighter, so they would be worth a try on a warm guitar.
Nickel strings are worth trying, not very warm but a nice string.
I think Pearse strings are worth a try if you are new to them-
Sunbeams are very bright and lively, I would go with the medium which are actually sized as lights-

[cu4life7]

I have tried a bunch on my 000-15 and the best I have found to date are John Pearse phosphor bronze lights as well. d'addario PB lights a close second though.