Martin Fan Boy

[Greg Ballantyne]

Just play the mediums until your fingers get harder. It only takes a couple of weeks. Then decide. When I first got a guitar strung with mediums, the 418 below, I had the same question. Lights are OK, but the sound that made me choose that guitar in the first place is made with medium gauge strings. There are other good things about having fingers that are used to heavier string gauge - I wouldn't just pass it up too quickly......

[AndrewG]

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

There really isn't much difference between mediums and lights; and most of that difference is in feel. Some guitars work better with mediums, some work better with lights, and there's no law demanding you use mediums, regardless of what forum members tell you. And, no, you won't be sacrificing much, if anything, in terms of 'power and projection'. Why make things harder than they need be for a negligible 'improvement' in sound?
I read similar stuff on the Telecaster forum, with members battling to see who can handle the heaviest 'manly' strings

[TBman]

Same strings from the factory means you didn't take it to a tech to have a setup done.

[Long Jon]

MUCH Better to be a Martin Fan Boy than a Fartin Man Boy

[rokdog49]

Originally Posted by 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.

Ask for a set for Christmas. You'll be glad you did.

[ChrisE]

Originally Posted by Long Jon

MUCH Better to be a Martin Fan Boy than a Fartin Man Boy

Finally, some useful information on this forum!

[DanleyJ]

I've tried several different sets of strings on my new D-18 since January. I think I've got the best of both worlds using D'Addario EJ19s. Medium wound strings on top with a 56 low E string and lights on the bottom 3 strings with a 12 on the high E string. I don't go for this manly, man up baloney. That D-18 is going to project no matter what strings you put on it. I even like the Elixir lights 53-12. That deep chunky bass still comes through like a rocket and the light strings are easier on the fingers. But most of all I suggest a good setup will ligthen your finger load the best. Work with your setup guy to get it playing the way you want it to play. My D-18 plays easier than my 12 fret parlor since my setup. I'm not kidding!

[Mrbirdog]

Update : had a set of Med/Light Retro's put on and love them, they have a silver color which looks good on my cherry burst D-18.
And had it all done on ECLIPSE DAY !!!!

[Long Jon]

Originally Posted by Mrbirdog

Update : had a set of Med/Light Retro's put on and love them, they have a silver color which looks good on my cherry burst D-18.
And had it all done on ECLIPSE DAY !!!!

You "had them put on" ? Sounds a bit lazy ....

Care to elaborate ?

I'll be back soon , I've got to have my hands and face washed before I'm fed.

[Tico]

Originally Posted by Long Jon

MUCH Better to be a Martin Fan Boy than a Fartin Man Boy

.............

[Mrbirdog]

Originally Posted by TBman

Same strings from the factory means you didn't take it to a tech to have a setup done.

Wrong.......Been to Joseph Guitar ( Martin Authorized Luthier ) Fortville In.(twice ) at the time did not feel a need to change strings

[Mrbirdog]

Originally Posted by Long Jon

You "had them put on" ? Sounds a bit lazy ....

Care to elaborate ?

I'll be back soon , I've got to have my hands and face washed before I'm fed.

"Before I'm fed " ? I feed myself......... but don't always change my own strings. I can and have many times before...Sometimes I like to give my local shop some biz and I llke the Luthier there. Anymore comments.....????

Don't be a hater...the board has quickly turned and tarnished LOL

[dadio917]

GHS phosphor bronze

[Long Jon]

Originally Posted by Mrbirdog

"Before I'm fed " ? I feed myself......... but don't always change my own strings. I can and have many times before...Sometimes I like to give my local shop some biz and I llke the Luthier there. Anymore comments.....????

Don't be a hater...the board has quickly turned and tarnished LOL

Hating's a bit harsh , just mucking about, I sometimes forget to put the " " ... sorry.

[Hoyt]

Martin makes a set with gauges between light and medium. For example, high E is 12.5. I like those.