Martin Strings vs D'Addario strings

[ChalkLitIScream]

Just a short and simple question.
If we can compare the lifespans to the EXP coated strings, then between the Martin Acoustic SP and the original Martin Acoustic strings, which is a fair comparison to the regular D'addarios (uncoated strings)?

Still trying to find the brand for strings I will stick to for my guitar. So far, It will be 80/20 custom lights, but will have to decide between Martin and Daddario.

Additionally, between the 2 aforementioned Martin strings, how do those compare to eachother? Is it a huge difference and is the SP worth the extra dollar or so in price?

Ive tried digging up old threads, but none had answers I was looking for.
Thanks all

[Looburst]

All I can say is that I have tried many different string companies over the last several years and the ones I always come back to are D'Addarios. Even when they are dead, they still stay in tune better than any other string out there.

[Kittoon]

I come back to Martin PB SP (lights) -But they do seem die fairly quickly. I'd say about 25 hours or so. Small price for such pretty strings.

[sdelsolray]

Originally Posted by ChalkLitIScream

...
Ive tried digging up old threads, but none had answers I was looking for.
Thanks all

The answer you are looking for will only come from your personal experience with those different strings on your guitar(s) with your playing and your listening.

[AZLiberty]

I find Martin SP and EJ-16 to be pretty equivalent. The D'Adario product is slightly rougher in surface finish and thus more prone to string noise.

I stopped buying the Martins because of their horrible packaging and quality control. I got tired of opening brand new strings only to find them tarnished and dead.

About 6 months ago Martin changed to a new sealed packaging. I haven't tried those yet but I am cautiously hopeful that this has taken care of the dead new string issue.

[jdinco]

The Daddario's sound OK, but they are really hard on my fingers. I don't find that with the martin strings, plus I think the Martins sound better.

[Brucebubs]

Originally Posted by AZLiberty

I stopped buying the Martins because of their horrible packaging and quality control. I got tired of opening brand new strings only to find them tarnished and dead.

Interesting you should say that, the last pack of Martin strings I opened were quite badly tarnished/rusted on the unwound strings and I clearly remember thinking to myself 'I've never had this with D'Addario strings'.
I've also never had a single dud string from D'Addario.
NB's, PB's, 80/20's, EXP's in 6 and 12-string and baritone sets, Flat Tops, High Strung/Nashville, and Silk & Steels.
Quality and packaging are excellent.

[PiousDevil]

Give John Pearse strings a try before you make a commitment.

[noledog]

Martin M540's on all my gits...warmer than D'Ad's and have .54/E & .25/G vs D'Ads .53 & .24.

[handers]

Originally Posted by PiousDevil

Give John Pearse strings a try before you make a commitment.

+1 for Pearse phos bronze or 80/20. Hans

[5th Element]

I buy online and am happy not to have to stick to a single brand. If I had to choose between Martin and D'Addario, Martin makes alloy and gauge combos I like, D'Addario does not. If I had to choose one brand only, it probably would be Pearse. [Presently I'm using Pearse 80/20 New Mediums on my 000 and Pearse Silk PB 12s on my dread.]

[GaryH]

D'Addario has worked better for me than Martin.

[Looburst]

Obviously people want different sounds for different reasons. If one plays bluegrass only then you're gonna want something different than what I would want in a string sound. I'm strictly speaking from an in tune ability and the feel for me. Martin SPs are very good but a bit brassy sounding for my personal taste, although I do use them on my Terz guitar for high string tunes and they seem to last a long enough time and keep their tone all the way to the end.

[TBman]

I use Martin SPs, D'Addario Nickel Bronze, Martin Monels, Santa Cruz low tension, Martin Flexible Cores, Ernie Ball Alumimum Bronze and John Pearse Nickels.

The new string sound on some of them is nice, but is gone within a day or two, after that they are just strings.

The best way to make your strings sound better is to practice more.

If you want to talk about tension, that's a whole 'nother story.

[Oldguy64]

Imho I have found Martin strings to be higher tension.
I feel that 11-52 Martins feel like 12-53 D'addarios.

I think that pretty much it will come down to your personal preference.
I know what I like. You have to choose what appeals to you.
Get to one of the websites and order both.
Play them and decide.
Also try other brands. I'd recommend Dean Markeley as an alternative.
They happen to be on sale for $2.99 a set at Strings and Beyond.