Martin OM-28, OM-21, 00-28, OO-21 Players: What strings do you use and why?

[leepish14]

I recently (4 days ago) purchased a 2018 Model Martin OM-28. I would like to hear from players about their experiences with different strings. My guitar came with Lifespan 2.0 92/8 Phosphor Bronze, .012-.054 strings. I love the sound, but have nothing to compare them with.

Martin OM-28, OM-21, 00-28, OO-21 Players: What strings do you use and why?

[Jimi2]

I have an omc-28e, and thus far have settled on elixir phosphor bronze lights. I have tried the Martin lifespans, but those sound a little dull to me - the brightness of the elixirs matches my Martin better. I DO like the lifespans on my Taylor, which tends to be brighter than the Martin on its own.

My only complaint with the om is that it’s got slightly more string tension than I might like, so I’m looking for options other than the elixir 12s. I have a set of Santa Cruz low tension strings on the way right now and am hoping they might work out.

[Jeremy]

When I had an OM-21 I put Elixir PB nanoweb lights on it. They didn't significantly alter the tone and they last longer than Lifespans in my experience.

[MHC]

I have a Custom 00-21 (14 fret). I've tried the new Martin Lifespan PB light strings and I don't care for them much. Instead, I've found that my guitar sounds great with John Pearse PB lights (600L). Warm, rich, yet articulate.

My other Sitka/EIR guitar (an Eastman E8OM) also loves these strings.

[Kh1967]

One of the things I love about the OM-28 is that most any string sounds great on it! However, my favorites were always 80/20s with Pearse and Elixir heading up the pack.

[pegleghowell]

Newtone heritage on everything.

[Wade Hampton]

Leepish, I use John Pearse 80/20 mediums on my 000-42, which has a Sitka spruce top over Indian rosewood back and sides, and John Pearse phosphor bronze bluegrass gauge strings (medium basses and light gauge trebles) on my 12 fret Martin Custom Shop 00-21. That guitar has a Swiss spruce top over Indian rosewood back and sides.

Both instruments have Martin’s 24.9” short scale length.

Hope this helps.


Wade Hampton Miller

[Cameleye]

D'A bp lights on my '51 00-21, Martin's Clapton strings on my EC.

[4-string]

I like to change things up a bit, but have a few favourites for my OM-28V:

Straight Up Strings (Mediums)
Martin Flexible Cores (Lights)
DR Sunbeams (Lights)

Santa Cruz (Lights) were good also and lasted very long. A bit too much of those artificial highs to my ear though that I always find in coated strings. Shouldn't be a problem if you are coming from Elixirs.

[PappyVanWinkle]

Pearse PB lights on my OM-28 right now.

[jpd]

My 00-28 sounds good with any set! But I really was grabbed by the 92/8 Lifespans it came with.

[Greenstar]

I use Martin Lifespan lights on my OM-35 and they sound really good after a week or two. I find them a bit lifeless at first but then I think they start to sound really good with a bit of playing time on them. EJ16s also sound great on this guitar.

[leew3]

Like Jimi2 I started with Martin Lifespans and have landed on Elixirs of late. I have 80/20s on my OM28 right now and will likely go to PB when those get dull. I like the sound and feel of the Elixir nanowebs and in all honesty, with 8 acoustics it's just easier to use the same strings on all of them!

[VJP5]

I have a 2018 OM-21.

In the beginning, I was solely using Elixir PB HD Lights. They added a touch of shimmer to complement the bass of this guitar. I also like that there is a significant reduction in string squeak when playing finger style.

However, when I went to reorder some strings, I noticed that John Pearse made a set of Medium Lights (#720ML). I liked the JP 80/20's on my 000-EC so I gave the ML's a try. I LOVE THEM! Slightly more mellow than the Elixirs, but with slightly more string squeak. I doubt I will ever put a different set on. The squeaking dies down after about 2 weeks of play. However, when strumming and flat picking, the tone is just fantastic. I get maybe 4-6 weeks less of playing time, but who cares at that point. They still last a long time.

I would definitely spend the $8 and give them a try.

[blindboyjimi]

I like mixing it up. I use Elixir nano PB or 80/20 and D’Addario EXP PB and 80/20. Each lasts about 3 months so throughout the year I feel like I have 4 slightly different ones. But generally, I prefer PB on Rosewood guitars and 80/20 on Mahogany guitars.