Martin Retro Strings on Taylor?

[Old Poseur]

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.

[Old Poseur]

Anyone?

[zeebow]

sorry, have only tried elixirs on lights and deaddario pb

[Strumming Fool]

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.

[Old Poseur]

"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.   

[Strumming Fool]

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.

[Old Poseur]

Obviously. Just tried to avoid the hassle if people here didn't think it was worth it. 

[Strumming Fool]

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.

[mgap]

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.

[Old Poseur]

I'll give it a go and report back (I do hate changing strings though - it's up there with doing dishes).

[tedtan]

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.

[NavyChap]

I just put them on my 314ce and REALLY love the sound -- was looking for a more mellow sound and less bright!!!
Jim

[Old Poseur]

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. 

[tedtan]

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.

[tenbender]

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