Martin D18 String Recommendation

[cheer tunes]

I've always used the classic go to D'addario EJ16 Phosphor Bronze with this instrument. It's a recent one.

I'd like to try some new strings that do NOT emphasize the low end, this instrument has plenty of natural low end (as a D18 should).

I have various brands of 80/20, Phosphor Bronze, Nanoweb, Santa Cruz Parabolic, etc on hand. I'll stick with lights for the tension.

Let me know what you like on this instrument.

Thanks

[DBW]

I just put D'Addario Phosphor Bronze 12's on my 18. I've also been told that the Elixirs are good. I might try them next.

[bkepler]

I like the Santa Cruz mid tension strings. They seem to have just the right amount of presence to balance that low end. I can’t speak to the light tension.

[llew]

I prefer D'Addario PB 13's on my D-18 but the PB 12's will work well too. I also like the PB XT's and will try the PB XS at some point. But a set of 80/20's might "lighten" it up a bit for you.

[6L6]

Ive tried many strings on my dreads (including D-18's) and always come back to D'Addario 12's in PB.

[rollypolly]

I’ve tried EXP Pb lights and they were just ok. GHS vintage bronze 85/15 lights were a bit better - brighter but more volume. Currently have elixir nanoweb Pb lights and they are good. I’m starting to think my d-18 needs mediums to bring out its potential.

[bufflehead]

Martin Retros. Lights are fine.

[Brucebubs]

Originally Posted by bufflehead

Martin Retros. Lights are fine.

I always thought they were made for each other.

[Tempotantrum]

I have a new 39' D18AA and have been rotating through strings to see what it likes best. It came with Martin MA550 (medium 95/5 PB) and it sounded great. I then tried Daddario EXP17s which my Collings D1ATS really likes, but not so great on the D18. It seemed to lose some of it's Martin tone. So back to the MA550's and things were great again. Yesterday I put on some Daddario XT 80/20's and I do like them. Next I'll try some XT PB and some Nickel Bronze just in the name of research. I did find a good deal on some MA550's and bought a bunch - I think that is the right string for this guitar - they just dont last very long for me. I have some Curt Mangan PB on my Collings OM42 and they are really impressive. I will probably try some for the D18 in the future.

[llew]

Originally Posted by rollypolly

I’ve tried EXP Pb lights and they were just ok. GHS vintage bronze 85/15 lights were a bit better - brighter but more volume. Currently have elixir nanoweb Pb lights and they are good. I’m starting to think my d-18 needs mediums to bring out its potential.

I used to use PB 12's on a previous D-18 but found I really prefer 13's better. The right setup and I really can't tell much difference. But I don't bend strings?

[kizz]

For me EJ17´s is the best match for my D18.

[vashondan2018]

I'm liking the Retros more and more and more...

[Bob from Brooklyn]

I go back and forth between the EJ17's and the Bluegrass hybrid EJ19's

[Shortfinger]

Retro 13-56 for my retro but I want to hear and feel it for what it is. If i'm gonna play "The Weight" I want the D to be heard.

[Silly Moustache]

Really, and with respect, the opinion of anybody else about strings has little relevance to your preference, but in case the following is of interest :

I do not possess a D-18 - had some in the past.

I have two hog dreads, one with sitka (LOUD!!)and one with Adi (sweeter) Both are by Collings.

I always use mediums on dreads , my Roy Smeck Jumbo and my archtops ..but ..

I have mostly used D'addario EJ17s for some time, but over the last year or two I've used Martin MA550 which I find a little brighter in the bass than D'adds. which sometimes seem to be a little "dull" when first put on.

I'm currently testing a set of D'add PB XTs on my Jumbo and am a little nonplussed, and also a set of light MA540Ts on my 000 (which are impressing me).

n.b I usually dislike coated strings.