String recommendation for Martin CEO 7

Garyinboston · #1 02-03-2019, 02:42 PM

Hey there,

Second post.

What have other folks found to be a great match for this little gem of a guitar ?

I'm not sure what came on it as I bought it used.

I play what could be loosely called acoustic Americana music originals etc.

Let me know and thanks!

Gary

hairpuller · #2 02-03-2019, 02:47 PM

I believe when I had mine I went with the Martin Retros, and it sounded marvelous!
scott

zoopeda · #3 02-03-2019, 03:31 PM

Second Martin Retros!
They take a few days to break in, but they last FOREVER. And sound really great on mahogany spruce Martins.

StephenHD35 · #4 02-03-2019, 03:40 PM

Mine has Martin Retros. They are my favorite strings for mahogany guitars.

penname · #5 02-03-2019, 04:06 PM

I used Martin Retro’s, both light and custom light, for years until AGF got me hooked on the hard stuff, Martin Titanium’s. But last two string changes have been Newtone Masterclass round core nickel plated customs (same string sizes as the Titanium strings).

I would recommend trying the Retro’s and if you like the sound try other nickel/Monel plated strings to see which you like best.

SongwriterFan · #6 02-03-2019, 04:08 PM

Gonna sound like a broken record here, but I love the Martin Retros (lights) on this guitar (and many others).

Garyinboston · #7 02-03-2019, 06:18 PM

Once again folks a big thanks!

Gary

Brushwood · #8 02-03-2019, 06:27 PM

Though they aren't CEO 7's, I've found I like the D'Addario Nickel Bronze lights on my Martin signature Norman Blake 000-18 & Geoff Muldaur 00-18h guitars.

hat · #9 02-04-2019, 07:50 AM

Martin Retros. the Nickle Bronze D'Adarrio's are initially a little brighter, but settle in to sound very similar, and cost more. I've used both, and don't see a need to spend the extra $$

DownUpDave · #10 02-04-2019, 08:04 AM

Everybody seems to love Martin Retro except me. Because they are so loved here I put them on my Martin 000-15M, kept them on a full month. Had this guitar into my tech for pick up work and after playing it he diplomatically said "try some PB on this". He was right, guess this guitar or both the tech and myself like the sound of PB better.

Just adding this to emphasize there is no one perfect string that everyone will love

MHC · #11 02-04-2019, 09:54 AM

I'm also going to go against the grain here. I myself never could get into Martin Retros on my CEO-7 or any other guitar.

I tried many different string sets on my CEO-7 and found that I liked John Pearse PB lights the best. Brought out the guitar's remarkable richness.

I also didn't mind the factory strings whch were Martin Lifespan PB lights. But those strings were recently discontinued and replaced by Martin coated Authentic strings (which I have not tried yet).

Anyway, give the John Pearse set a try.

Blueser100 · #12 02-04-2019, 10:15 AM

I have a 2015 CEO7. The factory strings are the Martin Lifespan phosphor bronze strings, which I like a lot. I've tried the Retro but haven't liked them as much as the Martin Titaniums, which have been on there for months and are still going strong.

Garyinboston · #13 02-04-2019, 08:35 PM

Hmmmmm I happen to have a set John Pearse PB Slightly Lights that I may give a whirl.

Hey I also switched out the plastic bridge for bone ones.

Only had time to play a bit but the bone pins have brought up the high end and sustain......... so far.

TBC

Gary

Brushwood · #14 02-04-2019, 09:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hat

Martin Retros. the Nickle Bronze D'Adarrio's are initially a little brighter, but settle in to sound very similar, and cost more. I've used both, and don't see a need to spend the extra $$

I tried both the retros and nickel bronze and to my ear, even after settling in, the D'Addario NB's are definitely worth the extra dough. To each his own I guess.

Jaden · #15 02-04-2019, 09:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DownUpDave

Everybody seems to love Martin Retro except me. Because they are so loved here I put them on my Martin 000-15M, kept them on a full month. Had this guitar into my tech for pick up work and after playing it he diplomatically said "try some PB on this". He was right, guess this guitar or both the tech and myself like the sound of PB better.

Just adding this to emphasize there is no one perfect string that everyone will love

I agree with you. I’ve been very critical about phosphor bronze strings but the factory installed Martin Lifespan PB brought out a richness in my 000-15 that by comparison leaves the Retros which are on it now too spartan in tone in my view.