What Are The Best Acoustic Guitar Strings? Elixir versus Martin String Sound Test
I compare Elixir and Martin guitar strings to see which sound better on my Martin D-28 acoustic guitar.
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00:00 Intro
01:40 How I’m Comparing Them
03:24 Playing Comparison
07:06 Conclusion
#Acoustic #Guitar #Strings #Elixir #Martin #String #Sound #Test
Originally posted by UC2Q3PlEgMS8BDJqRxIWsMKw at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DTcZ5xCssVo
Elixirs sound muddy and they're messy, shedding tiny particulate plastic. Martin's just sound better. Changing strings is easy.
Now that's some time has passed what is your preferred string on your 28?
Taylor says Elixir all the way on their Guitars. Hard to argue.
I really like the Elixirs on my D28 but ended up selling the D28 and bought a D18. I'm a fan of Elixirs but find them too bright on my Martin but love them on my Taylor. I think I will be trying out Martins next time because I want to tone the D18 down and not be too bright.
The D18 does sound great.
I don't like phosphor bronze for like the first 12 hours.. And they need to be played in a little bit too. They're kind of brittle and in your face for a while…. Never know if I'm going to like a phosphor bronze string until it's a little bit played in.
I love both sets of strings to be honest. Each set has its own unique characteristics. I always thought I was an Elixir guy myself, and then I bought my first D18 and it came with the Martin strings. After playing with them for some time, I’ve really come to appreciate the Martin strings. But in truth, I’d be happy with either set.
I know next to nothing about strings, but I can hear. The Martins are warmer…more mellow.
I have a guitar where the highs can be a little powerful with brand new phosphor bronze strings, but after a few hours of playing once the highs begin to die, that was about ideal. For years, I used Elixir's which tamed the high end and also lasted a while. I have since found strings I like better on that guitar, but I our experiences are generally similar.
Martin strings sound the best I use them on my alverez yairi and I love them alot
I have recently tried the Martin Treated Strings . I usually change strings once a month. These Martin treated stings have been on for two months and still don't sound like they need to be changed.
I couldn’t tell any difference ????
Since Covid happened, I swear there has been a dip in quality of Elixir strings. They sound more dead than they used to. I think they’ve cut corners somehow w how they’re making them to cut cost. They aren’t the same string as they were 10 years ago.
The Martin strings win in my opinion.
Cant agree more.. I was using the D'Addario XS PB strings on my dreads and j-45s for a year till recently a came across the Martin Authentic acoustic 2.0. strings and fell in love with it. Yes, the XS strings last forever like the elixirs but the tone does not settled in. its like having a new set of strings for 6-8 months.. not that i dont like the sound of new strings is just that for my old ears i find it too bright after few hours of playing, the feel is also different too. but then again, we all have different preferences. now i use different types of strings on both of my guitars.
Dreads – Martin Authentic Acoustic 2.0
J-45s – Martin Retro strings
I think with the Martin strings it sounds like someone turned the volume down. Elixir is too bright it louder. I think the Daddario xp songs sound better than both and it’s fairly noticeable to me. What do you think about string joy? I hear they’re really good??? I have 2 Martins I use most far more than my Taylor. Thanks
Personally, I think you would get a fuller sound between bass, mid and treble if you put 12’s on the guitar and either set would sound better and your playing would be better and easier to play.
Martin
I found this video searching for strings for my HD-28. Before I got the HD-28 about 5 years ago I had a Martin D16 RGT Dreadnought and always used Elixer Nanoweb 80/20 bronze strings. I think I fell out of love with the price, but I can attest to the piano like brightness, long break-in period and longevity of those strings. I always preferred the Elixers after the broke in after months and lost the brightness.
For the past 5 years, I’ve been using Diadarrio 80/20 bronze on the HD28 and changing them more frequently. I couldn’t get enough brightness/punch out of Diadarrio phosphor bronze. I recently changed to Diadarrio 80/20 XP and I’m still not getting the sound I want.
Now to tie this all into the video…..I also picked up a D18 standard about a year ago and they come with Martins Lifespan 2.0 Phosphor Bronze. I cannot believe how good that guitar and string combo is! The sound is perfect to my ear. I will try the Lifespans on the HD soon.
Only difference to me is.. The tone of the low E when picked..
I've always used Ernie Ball Earthwood Medium Lights
I would have to agree with your thoughts on this sound test. Yes, the Elixirs maybe last longer but no one talks about, is the fact the Elixirs are twice the price of Martins. They should last long for that price. In the long run, it's all subjective and like comparing Chevys to Fords.