Martin string comparison

[Groberts]

I love the new Martin Authentic Lifespan 2.0 strings. I typically get 4-6 weeks at most from any strings. I like the balance, warmth, and detail of these strings a lot. I never found many strings that give the sonic magic beyond 4-6 weeks that leave me as happy as newer strings.

[3notes]

Originally Posted by NotveryGood

Recently gave these a go and I think they are excellent
Authentic Acoustic LifeSpan 80/20 Bronze 12-54 .
Only thing I am not sure of yet is longevity,but the sound is sparkling.

How would we know the sound is sparkling.?? Post up a video.

[Grantgreen42]

Just restrung my Martin...using Martin Authentic Lifespan 12s...here is what the guitar sounded before the restring with Martin Marquis:
https://youtu.be/SbOoGWyX1Jg

Here it is after the restring with the Martin Authentic new Phosphor Bronze
https://youtu.be/BG3Tt4tfL0g

Definitely brighter because the strings are less than 1hr old and havent settled in yet...but it has a good balance to it and is louder and crisper

[Tadpole]

Count me as another who is disappointed in the new Authentic MA540 strings. I always used Martin string but now I prefer D'Addario, at least on my 000-18.

[Eriehunter]

Originally Posted by Grantgreen42

Just restrung my Martin...using Martin Authentic Lifespan 12s...here is what the guitar sounded before the restring with Martin Marquis:
https://youtu.be/SbOoGWyX1Jg

Here it is after the restring with the Martin Authentic new Phosphor Bronze
https://youtu.be/BG3Tt4tfL0g

Definitely brighter because the strings are less than 1hr old and havent settled in yet...but it has a good balance to it and is louder and crisper

Thanks, well played.

Still don't like the new strings, thanks for the help. I played them, my instructor played them.

I restrung my guitar with the MSP4100 and my wife was like what's going on? You sound better than you did a few hours ago. I said I changed back to my original strings....... so it's not just me.

Even my instructor noticed an improvement from the prior week with the MA540 vs the MSP4100.... I gave him the set of MA540 I took off and he is going to put them on something just to see.

[lowrider]

In post number 11 or 12 of this thread, I wrote that the new Authentic 80/20 strings were dead in one week. Well, I couldn't take them right off since I was going upstate for a week. I came back today and................................

This guitar has never sounded better!

I don't get it, but I like it. Let's see how long last, but this is great!

[Eriehunter]

Originally Posted by lowrider

In post number 11 or 12 of this thread, I wrote that the new Authentic 80/20 strings were dead in one week. Well, I couldn't take them right off since I was going upstate for a week. I came back today and................................

This guitar has never sounded better!

I don't get it, but I like it. Let's see how long last, but this is great!

Thanks for the update. Let me know how it goes.

[Wrighty]

Originally Posted by Wrighty

I was never a Martin string fan - just found them to be lacking something. Recently bought a set of MA540 and put them on my Furch OM SR and love them - really sweet, well balanced and warm to my ears (also have a set of the new 80/20 to try) Not sure how long they will last but I like them..

I have now tried both the Authentic 80/20 and the Lifespan PB's.

The 80/20's were not for me (maybe just because they were 80/20) but the Lifespan are still on and I am enjoying the tone. Currently I prefer the MA540 standard PB to the others.

[rokdog49]

I too was a beta-tester. Meh.
I like Martin Retros and the Titaniums, that's about it.

[lowrider]

Originally Posted by Eriehunter

Thanks for the update. Let me know how it goes.

They're dead as a doornail, coming off this afternoon. Played it this morning and the bass notes sounded like I had a blanket over the guitar.

[51 Relic]

I’ve had a set of 80/20 Authentics on my Tweedy for two months . Love them so much I’ve bought ten sets . They sound great on my J45 as well

[stormin1155]

Apologies for resurrecting an old thread, but I wanted to report on my extended time experience with Martins new Authentic strings.

Martin SP phosphor bronze (MSP4100) were my go-to strings for years. I put a set of the Authentic phosphor bronze lights (MA540) to try out on my Martin OMCPA4 on 2/13/19... so that's been 3-1/2 months. Initially I was unimpressed... hard to put my finger on what was missing or present that I didn't like... they seemed not as warm... edgier sounding?

I haven't played this guitar as much lately; there's probably 10 hours or so play on it the strings. Strings last me a long time, but usually I change them out at about 3-4 months. Last night I picked up this guitar and was really amazed at how sweet and rich it sounded.... great note definition... the guitar has never sounded better! It really surprised me, since normally I'd be ready to change strings. But I'm going to leave these on for longer and see how they go.

[phcorrigan]

I have the new Lifespan PB mediums on my HD-28Vr right now, and I like them. In fact, I got a comment last night about how amazing the guitar sounds.

Having said that, I find comparing strings difficult at best. Usually, you're comparing the sound of old strings to new strings, and for most of us, trying to remember what strings sounded like weeks or months ago when they were new (or just broken in) is a nearly impossible task.

However, based on some recommendations on this forum I'm going to try a set of GHS LJ40TM Signature Bronze Medium next.

[Shortfinger]

SPs on the D-18, mediums.

[/SOUNDCLOUD]

[TJNies]

Nothing to add, other than a big Hello to someone from my hometown!