It is currently Mon Mar 16, 2020 11:57 pm

All times are UTC - 7 hours



Post new topic Reply to topic  [ 3 posts ] 
Author Message
Post subject: Martin MSP4600 92/8 Phosphor Bronze strings review
Posted: Sun Aug 31, 2014 9:06 am
Offline
Hobbyist
Hobbyist
User avatar

Joined: Sun Dec 30, 2012 9:48 am
Posts: 9
I recently tried a set of Martin MSP4600 92/8 Phosphor Bronze (0.10-0.47) strings on my left handed Fender Tim Armstrong Hellcat.
Phosphor bronze wound strings, and even the non-wound strings are phosphor bronze coated.
The strings play very light, no sore fingers.
The sound with the Martin strings is really nice. It’s a full, warm and clear sound, a little softer and less bite than the Fender Dura-tone strings.
The Martins don’t have a protection coating so when the strings start to rust, the sound will go flat.
Rust (corrosion) forms a crust around the strings, and that’s the sound killer.
I always wipe my strings and fret board with a flannel rag after playing to help prevent rust or corrosion from developing.
Disadvantage of this MSP4600 string set: If one of your non-wound strings breaks (G ,B or E), you have to replace your whole string set,
because you can’t find single phosphor bronze coated replacement strings anywhere, even Martin doesn’t have them.
A metal replacement string doesn’t work at all, I tried it and the metal string screams out above the bronze guitar sound.
So, after some investigation, I ordered 2 new Martin string sets: The M500 (0.10-0.47); phosphor bronze wound strings, and silvered steel non-wound strings.
2nd set is Martin M1600 (0.10-0.47) string set: 80/20 bronze wound strings, and silvered steel non-wound strings.
Martin also has single silvered steel non-wound replacement strings, so I ordered some of these.
Neither Ernie Ball or GHS have 0.10 string sets in their collection for 12-string acoustic guitars (just 0.09 and 0.11), otherwise I would try their strings also.
I’ve been using GHS strings on my electric guitars and mandolins for years, and my wife has Ernie Ball strings on her guitars and we’re both very satisfied with these strings.
Both manufacturers also have single replacement strings in their collection.
Anyway, it’s the trick to find the best strings for your guitar; soundwise, playability, and of course the price since most of us are just hobby musicians, you know…………..

Take care, Robert
Image

_________________
Website: Robert Rocks The Mandolin
http://rdenronden.magix.net/public/


Top
Profile
Fender Play Winter Sale 2020
Post subject: Re: Martin MSP4600 92/8 Phosphor Bronze strings review
Posted: Sun Aug 31, 2014 1:08 pm
Offline
Hobbyist
Hobbyist

Joined: Fri Aug 30, 2013 10:14 am
Posts: 16
Robert, thanks for that review, it was timely for me as I just got my first 12-string acoustic yesterday. It's an Epiphone DR-212. I have ordered the Martin strings, do you have any experience with the D'addario sets? They have the EXP36 80/20 and the EXP38 Phosphor Bronze sets in the same gauges as the Martin strings. Thanks, Ken


Top
Profile
Post subject: Re: Martin MSP4600 92/8 Phosphor Bronze strings review
Posted: Wed Sep 03, 2014 2:54 am
Offline
Hobbyist
Hobbyist
User avatar

Joined: Sun Dec 30, 2012 9:48 am
Posts: 9
Hoi Ken,

I googled your 12-string Epiphone and it’s a beautiful and good guitar.
I noticed the guitar has closed and selflubricating tuners.
I have minimal experience with D’Addario strings on an acoustic 6-string guitar.
It was a long time ago, and I really don’t know which kind of D’Addario sets I used.
Sometimes I play on my neighbor’s acoustic 6-string, and he uses D’Addario strings.
After about 15 minutes of playing my fingers start hurting.
I don’t like D’Addario strings because they feel kind of stiff to me, and I always get sore fingers.
Finding the strings which are most comfortable for you is a personal choice; it’s a matter of trying different types.
What works for me may not feel right for you.
If you have friends who play guitar then ask what they use and try their guitars to see how the strings feel.
That may help to narrow your selection.

Take care, Robert

_________________
Website: Robert Rocks The Mandolin
http://rdenronden.magix.net/public/


Top
Profile
Display posts from previous:  Sort by  
Post new topic Reply to topic  [ 3 posts ] 

All times are UTC - 7 hours

Fender Play Winter Sale 2020

Who is online

Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 2 guests


You cannot post new topics in this forum
You cannot reply to topics in this forum
You cannot edit your posts in this forum
You cannot delete your posts in this forum

Search for:
Jump to: