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Martin

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Guages: 13-17-24-32-42-56

Martin Retro Acoustic strings are crafted from a long-lasting proprietary nickel-based alloy blend that mellows quickly to a warm vintage tone that brings out the unique woody sounds in your guitar.

Retros are the original Nickel acoustic string – the real deal – all the way from the 1930s. Retro strings offer a uniquely mellow, yet crisp, sound that allows your guitar’s natural tone woods to be heard, not overshadowed. They are crafted with Monel, a solid Nickel/Copper wrap wire - not nickel-plated - meaning there is no chance for defects in the plating to allow for corrosion.

Instead, Martin’s proprietary wrap wire is naturally corrosion resistant and it is incredibly strong. They also employ a sophisticated winding process in the making of our Retro String that controls the coupling between the core and wrap wire to maximize intonation.

Martin Retros are the real deal. Not an imitation. With Martin Retros, you get one tough set of strings that will last a long time and give you true, consistent tone that sounds like nothing else on the market.
Martin Retro Acoustic Guitar Strings Medium Gauge

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4.17

6 Reviews

75%

of respondents would recommend this to a friend

Martin Nickle Retros Challenge Martin Bronze Marquis!
Filters
Best Uses
  1. Concerts3
  2. Back-Up1
  3. Practicing1
  4. Any Style Of Music1
  5. With Any Acoustic Guitar1
Cons
  1. Poor Tone Quality1
Describe Yourself
  1. Professional Musician2
  2. Experienced1
  3. Novice1
Pros
  1. Good Tone2
  2. Comfortable1
  3. Consistent1
  4. Even Warmth & Brightness1
  5. Long Life1

Reviewed by 6 customers

  • I'm buying again

    4

    submitted5 years ago

    byBen

    fromCaldwell, NJ

    Used to use various brands of phosphor bronze on my "broken in" '74 Martin D41. These did not impress at 1st, but got used to, and settled in nicely-don't seem to lose tone as the PhBronze; long lasting for me (~1 yr, with intermittent playing/practising/gigging). Replacing to prevent problems, but still sound ok. I play/strum hard, too, with a big heavy Fender bass pick.

  • Martin Nickle Retros Challenge Martin Bronze Marquis!

    5

    submitted6 years ago

    byJohn564Holloway

    fromFort Worth, Texas

    I wanted to experiment & give these Retro strings a try. I installed these on my '87 Martin HD2832 Shenandoah with V neck (super comfy) which has a warm tone, getting better with age. I was not aware that these Retro strings were all nickel so I love how they bring out the nickel hardware on the head stock (see attached pic). Comparing these Retro strings to the med gauge 80/20 bronze Martin Marquis that I usually play, these Retro strings are just as warm and comfy, especially when finger picking. If bass is at 'noon', so is the brightness, even throughout. (When comparing to another brand, these Retros sound and feel just as great as the med gauge bronze Ernie Ball Earthwoods that I occasionally play.) I've been playing bronze strings for so long that I'd have to hear the nickle and bronze played back to back in order to hear a difference, if any. These Retros have a nice punch when strumming and leads are rich & full. I have no doubt they'll last just as long as the Martin Marquis. Looks like I've found another set of Martin strings that I'll play for awhile...I believe Martin strings play better as they get older.

  • Best sound I have gotten out of my acoustic guitar

    5

    submitted6 years ago

    byEman

    fromMd

    If you're looking to get a great sound from an acoustic guitar these are the strings to use

  • Heaps of Harsh, hold the mellow

    1

    submitted7 years ago

    byBerkeleyBernie

    fromBerkeley, CA

    SO harsh and thin! Accentuates the high mid-range ("tinny," chimey"), tonal equivalent of an annoying nasal voice. Gave them a day and a few hours playing, but still awful. Worst sound ever on my Santa Cruz Guitar Company OM Custom; unrecognizable from the full tone I'm used to. Sustain is also shortened. Maybe a good fit on some guitars and styles that need more "cut" in a mix, but these are a tonal fail for me. Only fleshy fingerpicking kills the harsh to make them at all bearable.

  • Very nice change of pace to diversify sound.

    5

    Verified BuyerVerified Buyer

    submitted8 years ago

    byJuan

    fromundisclosed

    Produces a crisp, bright, full sound. I like!

  • Wonderful strings

    5

    Verified BuyerVerified Buyer

    submitted8 years ago

    byBRUCE

    fromundisclosed

    My go to strings for my martin d-18e retro and martin d-28p.

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