Suggestions about strings on Martin

rickw12 · #1 05-28-2021, 08:17 AM

I bought a 2018 Martin DRS2 (sitka and sapele) this week from a Guitar Center in another state. When it arrived, I saw that it had new strings on it (whether put on by GC or the previous owner, I don't know). They are 12s, and they look like PB. They sound too bright to me, which is a surprise since that's what I've used on my other guitars (usually D'Addario 11s or 12s). It sure doesn't have what I think is a typical woody Martin sound.

So I could use suggestions about what to try next. I know there is a subjective element here; people have different preferences. I'm just wondering what I might expect from different strings on this Martin dread. The contenders now are PB 13s (probably Martin's Authentic), nickel-bronze 12s, or Martin Retro monel 12s. I'm an old guy who's new to playing, so I really hate going higher than 12s, but if I need to use Martin's recommended PB 13s I'll give them a shot.

I'm asking because I haven't used nickel bronze or monel, nor have I tried 13s of any kind, and I don't want to spend a lot trying out several kinds if I can avoid it. I also hate changing strings.

So opinions from people with wide enough experience on what would give this Martin a more typical Martin sound would be appreciated.

warfrat73 · #2 05-28-2021, 08:51 AM

If you think they're PBs, and they're too bright for you, then nickel/monel would be the most logical choice.

Or else play them in for a few days until they mellow out.

Going from 12s to 13s isn't likely to tame the brightness.

El Cheapo · #3 05-28-2021, 08:54 AM

Monels would probably give you what you want in light guage, or your favorite PB strings in medium.

rickw12 · #4 05-28-2021, 08:58 AM

I may have found an answer myself (isn't that how it too often works)! Here's a video with a guitarist using the three strings I named, although he doesn't say what diameter they are: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ewpRRpZDHbE

The Retro's sounded too tinny to me. The nickel bronze sounded brighter than the PBs, which isn't what I'm looking for.

I'd still like to hear what people here think.

Caddy · #5 05-28-2021, 09:12 AM

GHS Vintage Bronze are warmer. I recently used them on a couple of guitars that seemed too bright for my taste and they did warm them up and toned down the brightness and don’t sound ‘tinny’. They are warmer than PB.

warfrat73 · #6 05-28-2021, 09:30 AM

I agree that the nickels sound brighter in that video... but that sure hasn't been my experience in real life. And, of course, any string is going to sound brighter when it first goes on.

The sound on that video isn't great... I wouldn't put too much stock in it.

Besides, strings are still fairly cheap. Buy a set of each try them out and you'll be out <$20 and have the answer from your own experience.

rickw12 · #7 05-28-2021, 09:51 AM

This is a kind of aside, but it's part of my education about strings.

I just came across Martin Light/Medium PB. Here's the difference in gauges:

Light .012 .016 .025 .032 .042 .054
Light/Medium .0125 .0165 .0255 .0335 .0435 .055
Medium .013 .017 .026 .035 .045 .056

I know that .001" make a difference but .0005"? What difference does a half thousandth make in tone and/or playability?

Thanks, all, for your comments.