Which Martin string set to test two guitars

[Ralph124C41]

One of my guitars is strung with Martin Authentic Acoustic Lifespan 2.0 MA550T and I need to test it with another one of my guitars. I don't have another set of MA550T although I do have some of the light-gauge MA540T.

I also do have a set of Martin MA550s, the ones with the silk-wrapped ends. Both sets are medium-gauge phosphor bronze strings with a 92/8 ratio. The MA550s is not coated AFAIK.

And I also have a set of medium-gauge Lifespan SP which is, I understand, "treated" for longer life and improved sound ... but not coated like the Lifespan 2.0?

It's so confusing. I grew up when locally I could buy Black Diamond strings ... or have no strings at all.

So which string set of mine do you think would be the most comparable for me to test the sound quality of the two guitars that would match the MA550T set I have on one of the guitars now?

[Osage]

None of those will be the same. Probably not the answer you're looking for but I'd recommend buying 2 sets of identical strings and stringing them both up with a brand new set at the same time.

[sinistral]

^ This is pretty much it, unfortunately. While the Lifespans might sound the closest, they don’t sound the same. If you want to do a comparison without having differences in strings as another variable, just buy a set of the same strings. If the strings on the first guitar aren’t new, I agree that you should buy two sets and string the guitars up at the same time. Broken-in strings sound different from new strings of the same string type.

[JayBee1404]

Strings are cheap. It’s a no-brainer, buy a couple of identical sets.

[madhat]

EJ16.

madhat.

[lowrider]

I think you've got to try it with XS. EJ16's have been my go-to strings for along time, but XS are taking over.

[Ralph124C41]

Originally Posted by lowrider

I think you've got to try it with XS. EJ16's have been my go-to strings for along time, but XS are taking over.

That would mean I would have to take off and discard at least perfectly good set of strings and then put on another brand.

Strings are not cheap to me. I didn't want an exact match between the two guitars as I just wanted an approximation with using what stock I have on hand. I do agree, however, that putting two exact brands and types of strings ... regardless of how good or bad they are as long as they are new ... would be the best way to evaluate two somewhat similar guitars of the same type, such as a dreadnought.

Any way I've decided not to do the "experiment" but thanks for the comments.

[syclonegs2003]

I have tested all these strings back to back on my Martin 18's and 28's. The closet medium P.B. string in sound/tone/volume/resonance/balance to the MA550T is the old original Martin M550 (hard to find and buy). The next closest would be the MA550 (slightly brighter overall), closely followed by the MA550s (sounds ever so slightly brighter than the MA550). The Lifespan SP7200 will sound similar to the MA550 but slightly darker with more bottom end/bass with more volume /resonance and less string to string clarity but are very still feeling resulting from the stiff/strong core wire. Going to the MA540T will result in less volume, less bottom end/bass, less resonance but more clarity string to string. They will be noticeably easier to play as they have 22.4 lb less tension (190.9lb vs 168.5lb). I would definitely use the MA550 as a comparison , just remember they are slightly brighter overall on the wounds than the MA550T but feel exactly the same to your fingers to play as the MA550T.

[Ralph124C41]

Originally Posted by syclonegs2003

I have tested all these strings back to back on my Martin 18's and 28's. The closet medium P.B. string in sound/tone/volume/resonance/balance to the MA550T is the old original Martin M550 (hard to find and buy). The next closest would be the MA550 (slightly brighter overall), closely followed by the MA550s (sounds ever so slightly brighter than the MA550). The Lifespan SP7200 will sound similar to the MA550 but slightly darker with more bottom end/bass with more volume /resonance and less string to string clarity but are very still feeling resulting from the stiff/strong core wire. Going to the MA540T will result in less volume, less bottom end/bass, less resonance but more clarity string to string. They will be noticeably easier to play as they have 22.4 lb less tension (190.9lb vs 168.5lb). I would definitely use the MA550 as a comparison , just remember they are slightly brighter overall on the wounds than the MA550T but feel exactly the same to your fingers to play as the MA550T.

Thaks for all the info. As I said I won't be doing what I planned to do but it is still good to know these things. I expected that from the MA540T because they are a lighter gauge.

[3guitars]

Hi Ralph,

I have 3 guitars and each guitar sounds the best (to me) with different strings. My Larrivee L-09 is very picky and it sounds the best with light John Pearse PB's. My Martin M-36 is not as picky, so I can use several different sets of strings and I still like how it sounds. My Goodall RCJ can produce a range of sounds, from very rich to very fundamental, and I use different strings on this guitar depending on what I like at a given time. It is not likely that one set of strings randomly chosen is going to be the best for both of your guitars. I am not trying to discourage you; I am just trying to help.

Regards

3guitars

[Ralph124C41]

Originally Posted by 3guitars

Hi Ralph,

I have 3 guitars and each guitar sounds the best (to me) with different strings. My Larrivee L-09 is very picky and it sounds the best with light John Pearse PB's. My Martin M-36 is not as picky, so I can use several different sets of strings and I still like how it sounds. My Goodall RCJ can produce a range of sounds, from very rich to very fundamental, and I use different strings on this guitar depending on what I like at a given time. It is not likely that one set of strings randomly chosen is going to be the best for both of your guitars. I am not trying to discourage you; I am just trying to help.

Regards

3guitars

You won't be discouraging me because as I said I'm not doing that test after all. I do realize that different strings and different gauges sound better on different guitars.