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Question for little Martin owners...
I have a Martin LX1 that I play pretty frequently at work. It's small size makes it nice to transport, and the spruce top gives decent sound. Better than I expected for such a small guitar. I've tried PB lights and bluegrass guage strings on it, and so far the bluegrass strings seem better for strumming while the lights give better balance for fingerpicking. I know it'll never sound like a dreadnought, but since I play it frequently I'd like to get it sounding as good as possible. So, what strings would you recommend? Thanks!
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Martin Dreadnought Junior Martin HD28E Martin OM1 Martin 0015M Martin Backpacker |
#2
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All you can do is try different strings and judge for yourself. I've tried all kinds and none of them caused me to take them off since they were so bad. None made me loyal for life either.
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2007 Martin D 35 Custom 1970 Guild D 35 1965 Epiphone Texan 2011 Santa Cruz D P/W Pono OP 30 D parlor Pono OP12-30 Pono MT uke Goldtone Paul Beard squareneck resophonic Fluke tenor ukulele Boatload of home rolled telecasters "Shut up and play ur guitar" Frank Zappa |
#3
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I own a 2009 Martin LX1, bought used in 2017, which has Morado (EIR) on its fretboard and bridge. I still keep it but only play it occasionally in the night when I want a soft guitar. It has PB Lights, 12-53 strings on it.
I also used to own (not anymore) a Martin Dreadnought Junior 2, all-Sapele, which would be much louder than the LX1, but also much bulkier to transport. Maybe just leave your Dreadnought Junior in the office. I also own a Martin 00-15M, bought new, in 2019. When I see your signature, I thought “Wow, we have 3 guitars in common”. I noticed that all your guitars are Martin. And the HD28 is not an “El cheapo” guitar. Mind sharing how you came up with that Profile name El Cheapo?
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Martin 00-15M (2019) Yamaha FS5 Red Label (2019) Faith Venus Blood Moon Burst (2018) Taylor GS Mini Koa (2017) Martin LX1 (2009) |
#4
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I'm currently using some PB lights. They're ok. I was thinking the guitar has been out there long enough by now that someone may have found strings that really bring it to life and make it sound great. It's still waaaay better than the Backpacker!
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Martin Dreadnought Junior Martin HD28E Martin OM1 Martin 0015M Martin Backpacker |
#5
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Yes, I definitely like Martin guitars. I live in Pennsylvania not far from the factory. I've taken the tour several times and also took delivery of a couple of my guitars there. El cheapo? I tend to think of it as being a good steward. I have many hobbies and interests, and since I'm not independently wealthy I can't have the best of everything so I prioritize what's important to me. For example, instead of riding a 10,000 dollar mountain bike when I go on a bike hike with my Boy Scout troop I ride an old Schwinn my Dad gave me. But having endured the frustration of a few crappy guitars I'll gladly spend the money for a quality instrument. So a lot of times you can get by with El cheapo, but sometimes you do need the best. A Scout is thrifty you know!
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Martin Dreadnought Junior Martin HD28E Martin OM1 Martin 0015M Martin Backpacker |
#6
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#7
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I'm curious how you determined the year of manufacture on your little Martin. I tried running the serial number on mine and got nowhere fast.
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Martin Dreadnought Junior Martin HD28E Martin OM1 Martin 0015M Martin Backpacker |
#8
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I remember someone here posting a link which can tell the year your Martin was made in by its serial number. |
#9
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None of the links I've tried work for the little Martin. The serial number is different than everything else.
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Martin Dreadnought Junior Martin HD28E Martin OM1 Martin 0015M Martin Backpacker |
#10
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Hopefully someone who can help you will read this thread and be able to help you.
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Martin 00-15M (2019) Yamaha FS5 Red Label (2019) Faith Venus Blood Moon Burst (2018) Taylor GS Mini Koa (2017) Martin LX1 (2009) |
#11
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That would be very helpful!
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Martin Dreadnought Junior Martin HD28E Martin OM1 Martin 0015M Martin Backpacker |
#12
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I did, and found out what year mine was made Just provide the s/n |
#13
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Susie Taylors: 914 • K24ce • 414 • GSMeK+ Pono Guileles: Mango Baritone Deluxe • Mahogany Baritone Have been finger-pickin' guitar since 1973! Love my mountain dulcimers too! (7 Mountain Dulcimers) |
#14
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The short scale requires heavier strings. If I remember correctly, Martin ships them with Lifespan 2.0 mediums.
I use medium lights on my LXK2. I bought it for kayak camping, and the best thing about it is that I can fit it into a large drybag and strap it to the back of my yak without worry. A fun campfire guitar, and since it's made of HPL, you never have to worry about someone breaking it up for firewood.
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1 dreadnought, 1 auditorium, 1 concert, and 2 travel guitars. |
#15
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Mediums would be great, but with the thin 1 11/16ths nut width they just don't work for me. I have short fat fingers and have to stick with lights on this guitar, and that's after I recut the nut to give me as much space between strings as possible!
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Martin Dreadnought Junior Martin HD28E Martin OM1 Martin 0015M Martin Backpacker |