Martin Fan Boy

[Mrbirdog]

I guess that would be me......Not that there is anything wrong with that...
I am lucky enough to have 2 nice Martins, the most recent a D-18 that still has the strings put on from Martin Factory.
I have noticed that what I assume are Med gauge strings eat into my fingers much more than the lighter gauge strings that are on my OM.
Being a fan boy I only use Martin Strings but am willing to venture out and take a look at other strings options from other suppliers..
Would welcome ideas that have worked well on other D-18's
Mrbirdog

[Brucebubs]

Martin Retro Monels.

[fnesnor]

D'addario EJ16's sound real nice on Martins

[Rev Roy]

Elixir PB Light Nanos sound good on mine.

[Shades of Blue]

John Pearse strings only for me from here on out!

[dcmey]

Martin SP's, or SP Lifespans. try a light gauge if the mediums are bothering you.

[Tico]

Originally Posted by Shades of Blue

John Pearse strings only for me from here on out!

They're only for you?

So I don't get to try them?

[Brick is Red]

Man up! Your D-18 needs mediums.

All joking aside, it depends on how you use it, but to my ears, tone is being sacrificed on that guitar with light strings. Maybe try a few sets of coated strings before moving on to EJ16's. Enjoy the D-18! Perhaps my favorite model.

[Ted @ LA Guitar Sales]

Originally Posted by Mrbirdog

I guess that would be me......Not that there is anything wrong with that...

Nothing wrong with that at all, Mrbidog, and nothin wrong with being a "fan boy" of any brand. Enjoy my friend.

As for strings, I'm a firm believer in trying as many as you can get your hands one, and deciding for yourself.

[akhan]

I use Martin Retro Monels on my D-18, the medium/light set. I've tried a few of the usual suspects and these seem to be the sound I'm looking for. I recommend giving them a try. If you prefer the sound of PB strings you might give some John Pearce a shot, also very nice strings.

[Mrbirdog]

Thanks for the replies I'm going to try a couple of the sets that are recommended, I think I will stick with the medium and get some calluses on my calluses . Didn't realize there was that much difference between playing light gauge to medium but for me I guess there is , Going to light on a dreadnought got to be sacrificing some power and projection sound wise ?
I am kinda pumped to try out a new set will do so this week

🎸 Mrbirdog

[Mrbirdog]

Originally Posted by akhan

I use Martin Retro Monels on my D-18, the medium/light set. I've tried a few of the usual suspects and these seem to be the sound I'm looking for. I recommend giving them a try. If you prefer the sound of PB strings you might give some John Pearce a shot, also very nice strings.

Are the Martin Monels coated? I'm intrigued by the middle of the road medium light size
I think Martin ships their guitars for a D 18 phosphor-bronze medium, I think they're coated ? I am by no means a string expert
Mrbirdog
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[PiousDevil]

Monels are not coated, but the nickel outer wrap makes them very long lived.

The Titanium Core Martin strings are advertised as having lower tension, so mediums are easier to fret. They might be what you are looking for, but at $40 a pack it's kind of costly to find out, though reports are that they are very long lasting.

[jrb715]

After years of various Martin strings on my HD28, I switched to D'Addario EJ 16s just over a year ago and feel like I have a new, better, guitar.

[dcmey]

Originally Posted by Mrbirdog

Thanks for the replies I'm going to try a couple of the sets that are recommended, I think I will stick with the medium and get some calluses on my calluses . Didn't realize there was that much difference between playing light gauge to medium but for me I guess there is , Going to light on a dreadnought got to be sacrificing some power and projection sound wise ?
I am kinda pumped to try out a new set will do so this week

🎸 Mrbirdog

I honestly don't think that your sacrificing that much power and projection with lights.