Strumming with Martin FX strings

[dmw]

Hi folks, I have just put Martin FX strings on my L03R.  While they sound nice while fingerpicking, They have "Tin" sound when I try using a pick.  Does anyone use these for strumming?  May need to back to the D'Addarios.

[mas music]

I have talked to several guitarist who tried these strings. They were unanimous in there opinion. No one liked them. In fairness these strings are designed for finger picking not strumming. As for D'addario's  I just ordered a set of bluegrass EXP's. Bluegrass indicates that the low strings are mediums and the high strings are lites. Perhaps these will prove to be the perfect string. We shall see.

[dmw]

Thanks.  I am fairly inexperienced myself and so was a bit distrustful of my own ear.  I liked the strings that came on the Guitar, but am not sure what they were.  It came with a set-up that was not factory.  I have used various strings from D'Addario and generally like the them.  But still searching for the "perfect strings"

[Michael T]

Thanks.  I am fairly inexperienced myself and so was a bit distrustful of my own ear.  I liked the strings that came on the Guitar, but am not sure what they were.  It came with a set-up that was not factory.  I have used various strings from D'Addario and generally like the them.  But still searching for the "perfect strings"

   The perfect string       

I think the best you can hope for is    "a favorite string"   and the only way I found to find Your favorite string is to buy a bunch of the most often recommended strings from several sources or forums and record them a couple hours after you put them on (Note: couple hours playing time, not sitting in the case time), and again right before you change them. To be consistent about it change them at say 3 weeks or 20 hours playing time or something you are likely to remember to do because this is gonna take some Time to do. I did it with 8 sets of strings and then a couple months later did it with another set so total 9 sets , took about 10 months to do. When you record make sure to write down distance from the mic, where you have it pointed and use a slow song and a fast tune. It is simply amazing how much we are influenced with these threads when you review the results, what others like sometimes is valid, but on review on your guitar it may be the worst thing you've ever heard, on that btw, just because a set doesn't sound so hot from the players position, don't cheat and skip on to the next set, when you review them they are going to sound different.

Seriously, don't trust your memory and perception with strings, it'll surprise you how we color things based on popularity and recommendation. I actually use my second choice due to the feel, but I am changing slowly to using the 1st choice more simply because I know they sound just a little bit more clean, plus I have gone to adding a 14 (E) & 18 (B) to the set as a custom gauge since I usually end up ordering either set anyway. So the best you can really hope for is your favorite string, 'cause ain't no such thing as "The perfect string".

[ncognito]

dmw--

I use the Martin FX on my Lowden, and for fingerpicking they are are definitely the best for this guitar and my style.  They produce great tone and note seperation, and are easy on the fingers especially for bends and slides.  I rarely flatpick the Lowden, but I do agree that it sounds a bit weak FX plectrumized.  I've tried the FX on the 12 string, but I mostly flatpick that, and the tone and volume is weak.  ON the twelve, the FX are easier than other strings in terms of finger fatigue, but the sound sacrifice just ain't worth it.  I preferred John Pearse to FX strings with the LSV11 which I exclusively fingerpicked. 

Dave--

I like your approach to string comparison testing.

         


IMHO, you just gotta go with what works for you.

         DAVE

[mas music]

Good point, there really no perfect string or perfect guitar for that matter. Beyond this there is no accounting for the way a set of strings will sound on one guitar verses another. Dean Markley Gold phos were my favorite strings on my now sold Ovation. These strings softened and warmed the sound of this guitar. On the Larrivee these very same strings suppressed the wonderfull tone of the guitar. By the same token Martin FX strings might be a great choice for a guitar that is used exclusively for finger picking.

[dmw]

After several days away I came back to the Guitar, and I have to say they really are nice strings for fingerstyle.  I may leave them on for a while and enjoy practicing fingerstyle.... I'll Strum my wife's new OM-03R when it gets here... hopefully any minute now!  Thanks for all the input.