Martin MA540 PB (Lights) vs. D'Addario EJ16 PB (Lights)

[dwalton]

I recently got a couple of Martin MA540 sets that were included with a new guitar purchase.

I see they use a bit heavier E 6th (.054 compared to .053) and G (.025 vs. .024), but otherwise, the gauges are the same as EJ16s. Total tension (~168) is a tad higher for the MA540, but more than I'd expect compared to the EJ16 (160). The MA540s mention using tin-plated core wire on all of the strings - I don't think the EJ16s cores are coated with any metal or anything.

Wondering if anyone's compared these two sets, and if so, what were your conclusions?

Thanks!

[ShannonA]

Not much difference between them, tone wise. I prefer the Martins, but it's just because that's what I've been using for a long time and I'm used to the slightly different feel.

[Silly Moustache]

Hi, whilst my go to strings tend to be D'addario, when I complained about something, their often facetious "Customer Service" guy suggested that I bought another brand .... so I did. I bought quite a few Martin MA540s and 550s and really couldn't tell any difference.

[lowrider]

I use EJ16 and XS all the time now. If I remember, I don't think Martin strings lasted as long for me.