Unofficial Taylor Guitar Forum - UTGF
Lessons, Recordings, How Tos, Repair, Accessories => Lessons, Recordings, How Tos, Repair, Accessories => Topic started by: Old Poseur on May 05, 2017, 04:49:07 PM
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I did a search on the forum regarding this question but only got a vague feel for the answer. My guitar teacher is using Martin Retro Strings (light) on her Martin all hog OM guitar and loves the sound. Has anyone tried them on their Taylors? I'm currently using the Taylor recommended Elixirs on my 2016 Taylors (both 12 fret GCs, one is a 12 string (cedar/hog)), but wondered what the tone would be like by changing to Martin Retro Lights (particularly on the 12 string). Also, I'm wondering on how long they last and how well they stay in tune vs the Elixirs. Your thoughts are appreciated. Chris.
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Anyone?
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sorry, have only tried elixirs on lights and deaddario pb
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I've never tried them. You may want to see and hear for yourself. If the Martin strings are uncoated they may not last as long. Let us know the results if you try them out.
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"You may want to see and hear for yourself." Easier said than done without stringing up one of my Taylors. Since I was most interested in potentially using these strings on my 12 string, that means double the stringing just to test it out. Ugh. :o
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Unfortunately, that's the "price" of admission. Many of us have gone through multiple string changes to settle on what we like best. You'll probably want try a set on your 6 string first.
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Obviously. Just tried to avoid the hassle if people here didn't think it was worth it.
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There is something for everyone out there in the world of string options, so chances are that there will be someone who will promote a certain set of strings - that's why they use them. Playability, durability and most important, sound will be very dependent on the individual player's style and guitar choice. I encourage you to try those Martin strings and see what YOU think. Trying strings over the years has been a great learning experience for me in discovering what I like.
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Obviously. Just tried to avoid the hassle if people here didn't think it was worth it.
I think it is worth it. I enjoy changing the strings, it gives me a chance to clean up the guitar around the tuners and under the strings.
Then there is the important part, the tone difference.
Then there is the chance to try different brands, gauges, materials.
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I'll give it a go and report back (I do hate changing strings though - it's up there with doing dishes).
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I have not tried these strings on my 814ce, but I love them on my all mahogany Guild D20. They are very warm (not bright in the slightest) and last a LONG time for uncoated strings. Where I may normally get around 25 hours of actual playing time from most uncoated strings, I've had the Martin Retro Monels on my Guild for over six months now and they're still going strong.
If you want a significantly less bright guitar tone from your 12-string, I think you'll be happy once you try these strings. If you want the typically bright Taylor sound, look into other strings.
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I just put them on my 314ce and REALLY love the sound -- was looking for a more mellow sound and less bright!!!
Jim
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Thanks tedtan and NavyChap - that's exactly the kind of info I was looking for. Sounds like the Retro strings may be a really good match for my 12 string. It's not that the Elixirs are excessively bright, I just think I'd like a warmer sound. I'd also point out that I've tried 5 or 6 different picks which resulted in a fairly dramatic change in sound. I ended up liking the V-PICKS Large Pointed Ultra Lite Pick the best on the 12 string.
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Changing picks will make a more significant change in your tone than changing strings will, but I think you ultimately have to match the pick to your playing and the strings, so you'll want to give your different picks a shot once you change strings and see how they work out for you.
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I have heard the Merle Travis put the same strings on his Gibson Super 400 and his Martin d28 so its just what you like and unfortunately you will have to try them to see if they work for you. I do understand wanting to hear what others think on the subject
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Well, I put the Martin Monel Retro Light strings on my 812ce 12 fret - there is obviously a clear difference between them and the Elixir HD Lights. They are less bright and more earthy, at least to my ear. The question is, do I like it better? I'll need to play them for a while before I pass that judgement.
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So, after a few days of letting the strings settle, I've got to say that I'm not enjoying the Retro light strings on my 812ce 12 fret. To me, the strings just sound dull compared to the standard Elixirs. My teacher, who uses Retros on her all hog Martin OM, likes them better than the Elixirs on my Taylor - so chalk this up to different tastes and ymmv. I will be switching back to Elixir HD lights in a few days.
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I put on a set of the Martin Sp's 12-54 on my 110-GB the other day and while they sound great and don't have as bright of a tone compared to Elixirs, the extra thickness on them makes playing a bit more difficult. I ended up ordering both, some Elixirs and a 3 pack of D'Addarios 12-53 the other day on E-Bay. As soon as they come in , I'm changing my strings.
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There is something for everyone out there in the world of string options, so chances are that there will be someone who will promote a certain set of strings - that's why they use them. Playability, durability and most important, sound will be very dependent on the individual player's style and guitar choice. I encourage you to try those Martin strings and see what YOU think. Trying strings over the years has been a great learning experience for me in discovering what I like.
Like I said above...it's a journey that's worth taking. In the end, you'll decide what works best for you. Half the fun is in the experimentation, and who knows - You might grow to enjoy the Zen of string changing. I know I do!
God bless...
..
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I'll give it a go and report back (I do hate changing strings though - it's up there with doing dishes).
Yes, changing strings can be quite a chore. That is why you need the services of a professional string changer. :D
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I need to train my son to change strings. Now, living with the retros a bit longer, they're starting to grow on me. This is too confusing, I shouldn't be allowed choices. 😜
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...You might grow to enjoy the Zen of string changing...
Darn, I like that phrase; wish I said that.
Ha, and now I will.
I have been known to rip off strings right after changing them, if I don't like the result. (Re-string Rage?) And I seriously procrastinate changing strings as a rule.
I currently use Elixirs as a baseline against which others are judged. Give 'em a fair trial and then string 'em up.
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The big plus for the Elixers is I left them on a guitar that I played regularly for over a year and took them off when they started to look really bad but when I put the new ones on there was a very minimal change in the tone so they are like the energizer bunny for me they keep going and going and going
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I use the MM10's on mine. I used John Pearse 10's for years, but their quality has suffered, so I switched to the Martin Retro's. The Retro's last longer and have a really nice sound. The MM10's can be difficult to find as they are new. They make MM11, and MM12 also if you like heavier strings.