Martin Retros

[steelvibe]

Retros also sound fantastic on RainSongs. I have tried everything I can get my hands on for my Shorty and, while many strings work well, I keep coming back to the Retros. Great feel, tone, intonation, economy and longevity- what is not to love if you find a guitar that likes them?

[L20A]

I am using Retro strings on my Martin D-35, my Guild D-55 and my Resonator guitar. They are great on the Martin and the Reso. I like Martin Lifespan strings more on my Guild though.
The Martin and the Guild are both Rosewood sides and back.

I have had the Retro strings on the Guild and the Martin for 4 months and they are just now showing signs that they are ready to be changed out.

[jricc]

I'm in the like em camp. They feel great and sound good to my ear.

[Calcifer]

I'll be checking them out pretty soon.
I recently got a D-15 and more than one person has told me they're great with all that mahogany....
Michael

[rokdog49]

I can understand your frustration but on the other hand a lot of people would consider it presumptuous for Martin to do that. They might be treading on thin ice reputation-wise with folks who tried them on a guitar Martin recommended them for and totally didn't like them.
I think you can safely draw the conclusion that based on a lot of opinions here they work well with all-Mahogany guitars and ones with Mahogany backs and sides.
Most reviews I read indicate more punch and less coloration. I find that to be true as well.
If that's something that you think you might like, buy a set and see for yourself.
They do seem to last and have less tension.
Lastly, I have read many posts whereas Taylor's sound their best with Elixirs.
My 310 sounded its best with Doyle Dykes GHS Signature Bronze to me.

[PiousDevil]

They would have worked better on his J15 than his Yamaha, imo.

[StephenHD35]

I use retros on all of my mahogany guitars. I don’t use them on any of my rosewood guitars.

[Twinpeaksbirds]

I currently have them on my Gibson LG-2 AE. I expected to love them, but couldn't stand the sound of them when I first put them on. They were harsh and "clangy" to my ears.

I resisted the urge to pull them off immediately, and I found that they mellowed out sufficiently for me after a month of play. They are still too bright and strident for my taste, so I don't plan on using them with this guitar again.

[Rev Roy]

Originally Posted by Twinpeaksbirds

I currently have them on my Gibson LG-2 AE. I expected to love them, but couldn't stand the sound of them when I first put them on. They were harsh and "clangy" to my ears.

I resisted the urge to pull them off immediately, and I found that they mellowed out sufficiently for me after a month of play. They are still too bright and strident for my taste, so I don't plan on using them with this guitar again.

Adrian, you are a much more patient person than I.

[rokdog49]

Originally Posted by Twinpeaksbirds

I currently have them on my Gibson LG-2 AE. I expected to love them, but couldn't stand the sound of them when I first put them on. They were harsh and "clangy" to my ears.

I resisted the urge to pull them off immediately, and I found that they mellowed out sufficiently for me after a month of play. They are still too bright and strident for my taste, so I don't plan on using them with this guitar again.

Isn't that something how we all hear differently.
I put them on my Eastman E6 OM to tame its brightness. Now it's the only string I like on that guitar. Everything else sounds too bright.
I really think a lot has to do with a persons playing style as well.

[musicman1951]

Originally Posted by rokdog49

Isn't that something how we all hear differently.
I put them on my Eastman E6 OM to tame its brightness. Now it's the only string I like on that guitar. Everything else sounds too bright.
I really think a lot has to do with a persons playing style as well.

I agree. I often play with bare fingers, which makes a considerable difference. I think the guitar can really make a big difference as well. I have a set of EJ16's on my 000 and they are driving me crazy - way too bright. If I played in a group and used a flat pick I might be in love with the way they could cut through. Shoreline just sent me a couple sets of Retro's and those EJ16's (a very popular string from what I read) are coming off after two weeks of playing.

[Twinpeaksbirds]

Originally Posted by rokdog49

Isn't that something how we all hear differently.
I put them on my Eastman E6 OM to tame its brightness. Now it's the only string I like on that guitar. Everything else sounds too bright.
I really think a lot has to do with a persons playing style as well.

Yeah, string choice has always been guitar-dependent for me. To my ears, the Gibson LG-2 AE lost much of that warm, sweet tone with the Retros. After persisting with them for about 6 weeks now, it sounds ok. But I still prefer phosphor bronze on it. And I usually don't favor phosphor bronze strings at all!

[Rev Roy]

Put a fresh set on my J-45 today. Sweet! I love new string day.

[Calcifer]

I guess I'm the odd guy out on this call: I think they're very good strings, but I'll be going back to the Martin phosphor/bronze after I'm done with these - probably not for the usual reasons though.
I don't play for anyone but myself....the strings sound just fine; maybe an audience would say they're superior. I just miss the way the D-15 vibrates and resonates like it did with the M550's. Playing, it is an entirely different experience, and since I'm looking for "guitar therapy", it's a better way for me to go.
Michael

[kiva238]

The Retro Lights work great on both my Mahogany Authentics (000-18 and OM-18).

They do last a long time after settling down, but when they die they just die. I could pinpoint the hour and minute for the death certificate.