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Authentic Acoustic | Understanding our new string lineupplay button

Authentic Acoustic | Understanding our new string lineup

Behind the Design: A look at the new Martin Authentic Acoustic Guitar Stringsplay button

Behind the Design: A look at the new Martin Authentic Acoustic Guitar Strings

Martin

collapse expand iconDescription

Martin MA540T Lifespan 2.0 Phosphor Bronze Light Authentic acoustic guitar strings utilize a patented technology to safeguard the core and wrap wires from corrosion without compromising the rich, resonant tone that Martin is renowned for. The MA540T Lifespan 2.0 strings feature Martin's Phosphor Bronze alloy, prized for its warm, balanced tone that pairs beautifully with mahogany and rosewood. Treated with Martin's proprietary coating, these light-gauge strings (.012"–.054") have a smooth feel that reduces finger drag, allowing for effortless playability.

Cutting-Edge Technology Protects Tone

Martin invested over two years developing their Lifespan 2.0 technology to create strings that sound better and last longer than any other coated string. The MA540T Lifespan 2.0 strings are the result of that dedication to innovation. Martin's new patented process protects the core and wrap wires from the elements to prevent premature corrosion while maintaining the resonance and clarity that Martin strings are known for.

Warm, Balanced Tone From Phosphor Bronze

The MA540T Lifespan 2.0 strings are made from Martin's popular Phosphor Bronze alloy, which produces a warm, mellow tone with clear highs and balanced bass. Phosphor Bronze is an ideal match for mahogany and rosewood guitars, complementing their natural tone woods. These light-gauge (.012–.054") strings have a tension that provides comfortable playability for most fingerstyles while retaining a dynamic range of tone.

Enhanced Playability and Appearance

In addition to protecting tone, Martin's proprietary treatment enhances the feel and look of the MA540T Lifespan 2.0 strings. The treated strings have a slick, drag-free surface for smooth fingering and easy bends. They also maintain a bright, new-string appearance three times longer than typical strings. The MA540T Lifespan 2.0 strings let your guitar sound and look its best.

Martin MA540T Lifespan 2.0 Phosphor Bronze Light Authentic Acoustic Guitar Strings
Martin MA540T Lifespan 2.0 Phosphor Bronze Light Authentic Acoustic Guitar Strings

collapse expand iconFeatures

  • Next generation Lifespan treatment for long life
  • Great playability and feel
  • Superior reliability and authentic tone

Featured Articles

collapse expand iconReviews

4.77

47 Reviews

95%

of respondents would recommend this to a friend

Great light gauge stings

Most Liked Positive Review

5

Great light gauge stings

Good set of strings, not as heavy as their Medium gauge so you won't be putting as much strain on your guitar, and their considerably easier to barre and play in general compared to medium gauge. And you'll be getting a very similar tone as the medium gauge. I used it on my Martin D 15 M and really brought out the earthy, bassy tones I was looking for. You cannot go wrong with these strings, Definitely check to see what String strings your guitar comes with from the factory and what is recommended on your guitar. I've ran extra lights, custom lights, lights, and mediums on my D 15 M and I've never broke a string, I've always used Martin strings and highly recommend them. After seeing the tone I got from all gauges of their 2.0 phosphor, bronze coated, lifespan strings I go back-and-forth between their lights and their mediums. So get the strings and whatever gauge you prefer and have fun👍

VS

Most Liked Negative Review

1

BEWARE!

I bought these because I like Martin Flex Core and Marquis strings. I tried their SP coated strings once before and didn't care for them at all - horrible tone. Although these strings feel nice under the fingers, and stayed in tune with just one good stretch, there seems to be a manufacturing flaw - my G and D strings have this weird zingy kind of jingly buzz to them. (No - its not fret buzz, that was the first thing I checked). I had a similar problem once with an Elixir G string - but upon close inspection there was a tiny gap in the wrap, near the bridge. You could barely see it with the naked eye. i suspected the same thing with these strings, but there are no gaps. It almost seems like its coming from inside the string, like maybe the coating on the core string is broken or something? - I don't know, I'm just speculating. I'll never buy them again, I'll stick with the Flex Core.

Filters
Best Uses
  1. Practicing26
  2. Concerts19
  3. Back-Up9
  4. Recording and Live(Quiet String Sqeek Noise)1
  5. Entertaing a few friends and myself1
Cons
  1. Not Consistent2
  2. Poor Tone Quality1
  3. No Cons1
  4. A little pricey, but worth it because they last1
Describe Yourself
  1. Experienced26
  2. Novice10
  3. Professional Musician9
Pros
  1. Good Tone40
  2. Long Life36
  3. Consistent31
  4. Well Built / Quality24
  5. Supple1

Reviewed by 47 customers

  • Great light gauge stings

    5

    Verified BuyerVerified Buyer

    submitted5 months ago

    byGabe

    fromConcord, CA

    Submitted as part of a sweepstakes

    Good set of strings, not as heavy as their Medium gauge so you won't be putting as much strain on your guitar, and their considerably easier to barre and play in general compared to medium gauge. And you'll be getting a very similar tone as the medium gauge. I used it on my Martin D 15 M and really brought out the earthy, bassy tones I was looking for. You cannot go wrong with these strings, Definitely check to see what String strings your guitar comes with from the factory and what is recommended on your guitar. I've ran extra lights, custom lights, lights, and mediums on my D 15 M and I've never broke a string, I've always used Martin strings and highly recommend them. After seeing the tone I got from all gauges of their 2.0 phosphor, bronze coated, lifespan strings I go back-and-forth between their lights and their mediums. So get the strings and whatever gauge you prefer and have fun👍

  • Excellent long lasting strings with a warm tone/natural feel

    5

    Verified BuyerVerified Buyer

    submitted6 months ago

    byJohn

    fromSpringfield, VA

    Submitted as part of a sweepstakes

    I've used Elixir 80/20 nano web for many years on my Seagull, but recently purchased a Martin GPC Special and it came with these strings on it. I found them to have lower tension than the elixirs making them easier to fret, finger pick and bend. Being 92/8 they have a warmer tone which compliments the Martin very nicely. I actually tried elixirs on the Martin for a while and found them to be too bright and stiff after becoming accustomed to the Martins. I had to get used to the sounds produced when sliding my fingers on these strings (something I didn't have to worry about with the elixirs) but that didn't take long. They seem to last much longer than untreated strings but only time will tell how they compare with the elixirs that seem to last forever.

  • Great Strings

    5

    Verified BuyerVerified Buyer

    submitted6 months ago

    byPeter

    fromUpstate NY

    Submitted as part of a sweepstakes

    I use these strings exclusively on my Martin guitars. I've been using the Lifespan 2.0 since they've come available. They sound great, feel just fine and I've never broken one. Also they last quite awhile so fewer string changes. These strings settle in quickly and don't go out of tune often. Very consistent from one pack to the next. I'd say if you're using nanowebs or XS's to give these a shot as well, You'll even save a couple bucks in doing so. #sweepstakes

  • Yes

    5

    Verified BuyerVerified Buyer

    submitted9 months ago

    byRob

    fromGreenville, SC

    Submitted as part of a sweepstakes

    I'm 8 months into being a Martin guitarist. The ecosystem I love. These strings sound amazing! I'm a fan.

  • Martin Acoustic Lifespan 2.0 Strings Rock

    5

    Verified BuyerVerified Buyer

    submitteda year ago

    byBSA

    fromHollywood,CA.

    Submitted as part of a sweepstakes

    Martin Acoustic Lifespan 2.0 Strings are my go to acoustic strings,they last longer and cut down string sqeek noise with the Lifespan coating..!

  • Yes

    4

    Verified BuyerVerified Buyer

    submitteda year ago

    byMark

    fromPittsburgh pa

    Submitted as part of a sweepstakes

    Sounds great

collapse expand iconQ&A

Have a question about this product? Our expert Gear Advisers have the answers.

  • submitted5 years ago

    asked byRazz

    fromNew Jersey

    What size strings came with my martin GP28E w/cs

    What size strings came with my martin GP28E w/cs

    Open Reply - Thomas
    Martin does not provide that information They recommend Authentic Acoustic Lifespan® 2.0 strings.