Which Martin strings should I choose?

Martin makes strings for their own guitars, and they work just as well on all other western guitars. Martin now has several string series, each with its own purpose. Here is the difference, so you can choose the set that is right for your guitar and your playing style.

In short

Series Features Choose it if you …
Martin Era Lifespan-treated, Flexible Core, silk at the bridge want Martin's best string
Authentic Acoustic SP Martin's standard string want the classic Martin sound
Authentic Acoustic Lifespan 2.0 Treated, lasts longer want the classic Martin sound and feel for longer
Acoustic Marquis Silked Silk around the end at the bridge have a vintage or Authentic guitar
Authentic Acoustic FX Softer core, thicker winding want easier playability and bigger bends
Retro Acoustic Monel winding want a warm, classic tone
Luxe by Martin Kovar Nickel-cobalt winding want a long lifespan and a clear tone
Clapton's Choice Eric Clapton's own strings play like Clapton

Martin Era

Martin's new top series combines the best of the other series: Lifespan treatment, which makes the strings last longer, Flexible Core, which makes them easy to play, and silk around the string end, where the string comes up through the bridge and rests against the wood. It protects the bridge and guitar from wear. The strings are 92/8 phosphor bronze.

Authentic Acoustic SP (blue package)

Martin's standard string since 1997. The SP core holds the tuning well and is pre-tinned against corrosion. The model name has no suffix, for example MA540.

Authentic Acoustic Lifespan 2.0 (red package)

The same string as SP, but treated on both the core and the winding, so it lasts longer. The treatment is not a coating, so the string feels and sounds like a regular string. The model name ends with T, for example MA540T.

Acoustic Marquis Silked (green package)

The same string as SP, but with silk wrapped around the string end, where the string comes up through the bridge and rests against the wood. It protects against wear and is a good choice for vintage guitars and Authentic models. The model name ends with S, for example MA540S.

Authentic Acoustic FX

FX has a thinner core and a thicker winding than SP. This gives a string that is softer under the fingers and easier to bend, without the tone becoming thin. A good choice if you get sore fingers or play a lot of lead. Available as MA535FX Custom Light, MA540FX Light, MA550FX Medium and MA130FX Silk & Steel.

Retro Acoustic (Monel)

The Retro strings are wound with Monel, an alloy of nickel and copper. The tone is warm and classic with less sharpness than bronze, and the strings last a long time. For example MM12 Light, MM1012 for 12-string and MTR13 Tony Rice Bluegrass.

Luxe by Martin Kovar

The Luxe strings have a Kovar winding, an alloy of nickel and cobalt, on a high-strength steel core. They resist corrosion and hold the tone for a long time. For example MK12 Light.

Titanium Core

Strings with a titanium core and nickel winding. For example MTCN160 Light.

Clapton's Choice and other special strings

  • Clapton's Choice: phosphor bronze strings developed with Eric Clapton – Martin's first signature string from 2005. For example MEC12 Light.
  • Silk & Steel: soft strings with low tension, that are easy on the fingers and suit older and lighter-built guitars well. For example MA130.
  • Bluegrass: lighter treble strings and fuller bass strings for flatpicking. For example MA545 in 92/8 and MA240 in 80/20.

80/20 bronze or 92/8 phosphor bronze?

Alloy Tone Example
80/20 bronze Bright and clear, with a lot of treble MA140
92/8 phosphor bronze Warmer and rounder, holds the tone longer MA540

Which gauge?

Gauge Tension Suitable for
Extra Light .010–.047 beginners and light playing
Custom Light .011–.052 fingerstyle and smaller bodies
Light .012–.054 most western guitars
Medium .013–.056 dreadnoughts and heavy strumming

If you switch to another gauge, the guitar may need an adjustment. Our workshop can handle that.

Martin strings for other instruments

See all western guitar strings, or read about Martin guitar series.