Replacing D’AD EJ 16s with Martin Retro Monel Custom Loghts?

[Myopic Squirrel]

Really like everything about the custom lights (11's) on the OM-05, so thinking about replacing the EJ 16s (12's) on the 00-40. Since the EJs have 11 pounds greater tension (160.5) vs the Retros (149.5) should the change require any major setup adjustments? And any significant change in tone with the lighter strings on the smaller body? Thank you in advance.

[Myopic Squirrel]

Make that lIghts....

[StringPicker6]

I can't imagine that it would have any massive change in the action. Try the switch, you can always switch back.

[Silence Dogood]

I recently put some Martin monel Laurence Juber med-lights on my Larrivee dread.  Wow! This is probably the best set of strings I've ever had on my guitar.  They FEEL great but also SOUND great. Gone is the brash zing! of PB strings, and in came the more mellow, rounded sound of the monels.  I like everything about them better than traditional PB strings.  I can't tell you the first thing about Laurence Juber but his sig strings are wonderful. 
 

[StringPicker6]

Monel strings are a really fun change up! Glad you tried them out.

[Myopic Squirrel]

SP6,

Yes they are, especially on the OM.

However,

All set to put them on the new 00-40M when saw on AGF string recs for 00s. The one most frequently mentioned were Thomastik/Infeld ac111s - much lower tension (130 lbs) & flat wound silk/steels. Had played the EJ16s for a week prior, and was pleasantly surprised. Didn't notice a major drop off in volume and really enjoying the contrast in feel vs. the round wounds. Supposedly long lasting so may be awhile before the monels go on.

[StringPicker6]

I'll have to check out those strings, they sound interesting.

[Queequeg]

I recently put some Martin monel Laurence Juber med-lights on my Larrivee dread.  Wow! This is probably the best set of strings I've ever had on my guitar.  They FEEL great but also SOUND great. Gone is the brash zing! of PB strings, and in came the more mellow, rounded sound of the monels.  I like everything about them better than traditional PB strings.  I can'ti tell you the first thing about Laurence Juber but his sig strings are wonderful. 
 

I have never used these guitar strings, but I can tell you a bit about Laurence  Juber.
He was Paul McCartney's guitar player for several years after the breakup of the Beatles.
He tours as a solo fingerstyle guitarist, performing lots of old standards and of course some Beatles tunes as well as other music.
He has released a number of his recordings, all very nice arrangements of his own compositions, as well as many traditional and well known songs.
I had a chance to meet with him about 10 years ago after a performance in Southeast Michigan. We tried to bring him to a venue where I was working at the time, however, ultimately it never worked out for us.
Scrub to 3:45

[William2]

I have been playing my new guitar with Martin Monel's on it. I have to say I really like them and the much different sound they have. I never gave these strings a chance since my only experience with them was with medium gauge Monel's. I'll have to get a set for one of my Larrivee's and see how I like on a Larrivee.

[StringPicker6]

 If fan of Martin Monels. They last a long time, as well.

[Myopic Squirrel]

My journey for hand friendly low tension strings has currently brought me to Curt Mangan round wound monels (lights) which IMO sound very nice on the 000. Any drop off in volume is more than made up for with the reduced tension. The win - win for me is in additional to longer lasting, now able to play longer as well. 

[William2]

My journey for hand friendly low tension strings has currently brought me to Curt Mangan round wound monels (lights) which IMO sound very nice on the 000. Any drop off in volume is more than made up for with the reduced tension. The win - win for me is in additional to longer lasting, now able to play longer as well. 

Well, I've always used lights as I think they are easier on the instrument. Martin used to put mediums on their DSS-17 but now use Monel 12-54. I like the different feel and the sound in particular. And yes, they are more hand friendly.

[teh]

For the last string change, I put a set of light gauge Martin Retro Monel stings on my all mahogany 00-24 and they really enhanced the tone.

Back in early 1977, my new D-35 came with medium gauge strings. On my first string change, I switched to light gauge and that's all I've used for the past 48+ years. If I were a hard core flatpicker playing a D-18 or D-28 and 30 years younger, I'd probably use medium gauge strings but the D-35 is ideally suited for light gauge strings.

[William2]

I have to stand corrected. The Martin DSS-17 comes with medium strings. I measured mine and they are mediums. My hand didn't even notice. I like the note separation of these strings. I just ordered some Martin Retros in light gauge to compare them.  I'm following a post on AGF about Monel's, and some say these strings sound good on mahogany guitars but not rosewood instruments.

[teh]

I checked the specs that Martin strings the DSS-17 with mediums and the 000 with lights.

I also checked out the new Martin Jeff Tweedy signature models, all mahogany 00 and 000 Jr. Those are both nice guitars and there is a video but after playing my all mahogany Larrivee 00-24 with light gauge monels for an hour this morning, I'm confident that she can hold her own.

[Koamon]

How do the Martin Monel compare to the D'Addario Nickel Bronze? I just put a set of Nickel Bronze on my 000-40MT based on a suggestion from my local music store. I like the change up from my Elixer Bronze but never considered the Monels as an alternative.

[William2]

I checked the specs that Martin strings the DSS-17 with mediums and the 000 with lights.

I also checked out the new Martin Jeff Tweedy signature models, all mahogany 00 and 000 Jr. Those are both nice guitars and there is a video but after playing my all mahogany Larrivee 00-24 with light gauge monels for an hour this morning, I'm confident that she can hold her own.

I switched out the Monel mediums on DSS-17 to Monel lights. What I found was that the notes on the first and second strings seem to sing more using your fingers. Or I got what I wanted with less effort. I'm sure using a plectrum you could get the same effect. I'm still considering a dreadnought hog but also considering a 000. I almost bought the Martin 000-17 but I just prefer a deeper body on my guitars, and I knew what I was getting with the DSS-17. If I can get past this maybe a 000 is in my future. I do like the trebles on an 000 instrument. I don't think I'd like the Monel's on my Larrivee instruments. And I think maybe Monel strings work better with certain types of music.