#1
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MARTIN 000-15M BEST STRING GAUGE
I used to play 13 (msp7100) on my old guitar, but I'm afraid the neck will bend if I use it on my Martin 000-15m. I'm always on e-flat tuning that's why I think it won't hurt the neck.
Do you think 13 will be okay for e-flat tuning for Martin 000-15m? What do you use? |
#2
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I use 12-54's. Using e-flat tuning would probably be about the same tension with 13's. The guitar is so light, I'd be wary of 13's at standard tuning but it may take it just fine.
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#3
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The guitar will be fine strung with medium gauge strings at standard pitch. Tuning a half step flat will cause you no problems at all.
I prefer medium gauge strings, and that's all I've ever used on any Martin guitar I've owned, whether dreadnought, Triple O, Double O or OM. Straight-braced or scalloped, from a structural standpoint Martins can handle medium gauge strings. You may or may not prefer the sound with mediums, but any mechanically sound, undamaged modern Martin guitar intended for steel strings can handle medium gauge strings. Hope this helps. Wade Hampton Miller |
#4
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Martin recommends light strings for that guitar. I use 12s on mine, and it sounds great - no complaints here.
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#5
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If 13's damaged Martin 000's I would have blown up a few guitars.
I used 13's tuned down 1/2 step fro over a decade with OMs/000s and even an 00, zero problems. A few months ago I went back to concert tuning and using Martin MSP 4150s, .0125s, right between 12' and 13's. Have then on all my guitars and really like them, possibly an option for you. Enjoy your 000-15M, they are great little guitars.........
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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) |
#6
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As already stated Martin recommend no higher than Med strings on their steel string guitars . I use 12-54 Martin Claptons on my OODB but that's my preferred gauge
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Martin OODB JT Gibson J45 Yamaha LLTA Yamaha SLG200S Yamaha NTX1200R Taylor GSMiniE Rosewood Joe Brown Uke AER Compact 60 Marshall AS50D Now 100% Acoustic and loving it ! No more GAS |
#7
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The current 000-15M was designed to be used with 12's, but 13's tuned down a half step should be fine as well. We've sold a boat load of our Custom OM-15's, which differ from the stock 000-15M only in that they have a 1-3/4" nut, 2-1/4" saddle spacing combo, along with tortoise binding, and the feedback we get is that most folks prefer to stick with lights.
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#8
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I'm using 12.5s on my Martin OO-15m, MSP4150 SP Phosphor Bronze Light/Medium. Perfect for me.
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#9
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It seems that if anyone recommends anything under 12 here, it seems like weakness or heresy. But 11-52, especially on 000/OM sized guitars or smaller works well for me. I like the slightly easier feel and flexibility. Any reduction in "Tone" is not significant for me.
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#10
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It's not a question of "heresy," I was merely pointing out that the guitar can handle mediums without any problems. It can also handle extra lights. It's a matter of personal preference and playing style.
whm |
#11
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I don't think that Martin recommendation necessarily implies a physical limit for the particular guitar. A fingerstyle guitar usually mounts light strings because they tend to me more comfortable to the player rather than medium strings.
Ll.
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Martin OM-28 1931 Authentic | Martin CEO-7 Taylor GS Mini Mahogany | Logan Custom Telecaster |
#12
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I have had a few 000-15s in my life and just got my latest... and just asked a similar question somewhere (I believe over at the unofficial Martin user group site). Several folks suggested Martin retro Monels, which come in a few gauge sets. I got the .011 Custom lights and am really enjoying them. The Tony Rice flavor comes in .013s... Maybe try 'em?
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#13
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Thank you so much for your opinions. With little adjustment with the neck, I installed the 13 medium and it became thick sounding. But it still sound good though. But I think I will go with 12.5 next time as talkgtr said. I really like the OEM string of the guitar but I don't think I will like it when stepped half down.
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#14
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Based on actually owning a 000-15S for four years and passing it on to my stepson who needed a neck re-set for the guitar under warrantee after another two years, (He switched to medium at standard pitch from my lights at E flat) I would recommend using lights. It is a lightly braced guitar and I believe the light string recommendation is about right. After eight more years, the guitar is still doing fine.
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#15
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Quote:
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