Martin strings question

guitargeak99 · #1 02-19-2019, 10:19 PM

I’m getting ready to try out some Martin PB strings (I’ve already tried the Life Spans)
I see that there are more that one type:

*Studio Performance (SP) PB
*Authentic PB
*Authentic Treated PB

Can anyone tell me the difference sonically between these?
Thanks in advance

DenverSteve · #2 02-20-2019, 08:40 AM

SP’s have been discontinued and are now the Authentics. Likewise, I believe, the Lifespan’s are now the Treated.

Groberts · #3 02-20-2019, 09:04 AM

I loved the original Martin Lifespans, so when they were discontinued I ordered up 10 sets. They wont last forever, so I tried the new Authentic "Lifespan 2.0" Phosphor Bronze strings and I love them!

Rev Roy · #4 02-20-2019, 09:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Groberts

I loved the original Martin Lifespans, so when they were discontinued I ordered up 10 sets. They wont last forever, so I tried the new Authentic "Lifespan 2.0" Phosphor Bronze strings and I love them!

Yep...I’m with Gary. Except I wasn’t a fan of Martin’s previous strings. I’ve loved the new version since I beta tested them for Martin in 2017. Now that they are finally on the market the treated PB lights are the go-to strings on both my guitars (see sig). To my ears and hands they have great tone and playability...and last a long time. One thing a number of folks have mentioned is that they don’t seem to start out all jangly and take a day or two to calm down like most new strings. They’re pretty much good to go on the first strum. That’s been my experience...but tone is mucho subjective so YMMV.

guitargeak99 · #5 02-20-2019, 12:56 PM

Thanks guys. I was on line and I noticed the normal SP and Lifespan strings, along with the “Authentics”. Confusing as heck.
Obviously the former strings are older stock.

Groberts · #6 02-20-2019, 12:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by guitargeak99

Thanks guys. I was on line and I noticed the normal SP and Lifespan strings, along with the “Authentics”. Confusing as heck.
Obviously the former strings are older stock.

The former (recently discontinued) Martin Lifespan strings are very good strings. Like Roy said, I am really like the immediate warm sound of the new Authentic Lifespans and the longevity is good too.

big jilm · #7 02-20-2019, 09:02 PM

Another happy Martin treated Authentic string user here. They last a decent amount of time (not quite Elixir Nanoweb long) and they sound great. I liked the Lifespans, but I like the new ones even more.