Need string suggestions for new Martin

[guitarded_1]

So I was given a Martin J-15 (mahogany) as a Christmas gift, and despite the fact that it's at the bottom end of the Martin line, it plays and sounds fantastic. In any event, I have been playing the guitar with the factory strings and noticed that they were starting to get a little dull. Not really having much experience with 80/20 vs Phospher, I went with the 80/20 Martin strings. I put them on the guitar, and man oh man, these are WAY too bright, metallic and downright unmusical. I realize that they'll probably mellow a bit, but I feel like my guitar just lost all of its mojo.

Obviously, the other alternative is to try a phospher bronze set. Neverthelss, can anyone suggest a set of strings that have a more earthy, mellow, musical sort of tone? Before, I was digging the fact that my guitar had a really woody and organic vibe...now it makes my teeth hurt when I play it. Gracias.

[Da5Id]

I'm a big fan of John Pearse phosphor bronze strings. I agree that Martin strings are too bright.

[Old Tele man]

...what style music you play most often, lead or rhythm?

...if "lead" consider a set of LAYs "Silencers" 80/20 golden bronze, they're "rolled" so have quasi-flatwound qualities of "smoothness & quietness" but with (very) good tone...color is whitish-gold.

...if "rhythm" consider a set of D'ADDARIOs EFT15 phosphor-bronze "Flat-Tops," they're "ground" so also have excellent "smoothness & quietness" but are darker tonewise...color is almost "copper-penny."

[Big White Tele]

I Think the Martin strings are great for Flatpicking or players that play hard. I love them for Bluegrass, but for smoother, Sweeter sounds, Id go with Di Addario EJ16 Phosphor Bronze. Or any other Phosphor strings for that matter! Just my opinion..

[johneeeveee]

I love the Snake Oil 101's... they sound broken in from the get go, and hold that tone longer than any others I have come across. Warm and round.

By the way, don't knock your J15 as a low end guitar. Those all mahogany Martins have a great sound that is all their own :)

Good luck - jv

[GuitarsFromMars]

I have a 1959 Martin 0-15,and I use,and have used for a couple decades: D'Addario EJ16 Phosphor Bronze Light. I know the gauge is from .012-.063 .They sound beautiful solo or in an ensemble on my guitar.

[guitarded_1]

Hey...thanks for all of the input. I'll probably try some of the D'Addarios. Basically, I want the sound and feel of fresh strings without the ear piercing, metallic high end. I still want to hear the wood of the guitar. Phospher bronze it is.

[daddyo]

I'm a big fan of John Pearse phosphor bronze strings. I agree that Martin strings are too bright.
+1:dude

[nik]

I've used D'Addario EJ17's on my archtops and flattops for years with great results. Good, consistant strings at a a good price. I've tried several other brands and even tried some nanocoated strings (can't stand them for acoustic guitars) and I always come back to the EJ17's...

[gtr777]

80/20 will sound brighter then phosphor bronze. Also, the 80/20 will tarnished faster then PB as well. What I found I really like is the D'Addario coated EXP 80/20 strings. Good ammount of brightness but not harsh. I guess the coating rolls off just the right ammount of highs to make them really musical.

[mrMix]

Different for everyone...finger oils, playing, etc. I put on some Elixirs - they began to shred. Put on some Martin 12s - too bright. Settled on a $2.99 pack of D'Addario Phosphor Bronze - perfect for me!

[jcground]

I've gone with Elixirs on both my mandolin and my acoustic - they're easier on my hands and they last noticably longer for me. I've been very happy with their tone, both initially and as they wear.

They're not for everybody, but for people like me who hate to change strings and hate the feel of tarnished, gunky uncoated strings, Elixirs are a great way to go.