C.F. Martin & Company may be well-known for their guitars, but their strings are designed with the same attention to quality and performance that made the brand famous. With a history that dates back to 1796, C.F. Martin & Co. has been at the cutting edge of all things acoustic guitar for over 200 years. Not only are they one of the most trusted names in guitars, but they know a thing or two about the strings you put onto them. Music & Arts is proud to feature Martin Strings products on our site, and would like to provide you with a peek at their history, product line, and everything else you need to know about Martin guitar strings for acoustic and electric guitars.
C.F Martin: A History
Since its inception, the Martin Guitar Company has evolved from a one-man operation selling everything from violin strings to hand-crafted instruments into a thriving company with nearly 500 employees. As the company’s success grew, they expanded their product line to include their world-famous guitar strings. In 1859, a manufacturing plant was constructed on Main and North Streets in Nazareth, Pennsylvania. Although the operation has since expanded beyond a simple manufacturing plant, the North Street plant is still used today as a warehouse and shipping location for strings and accessories. Additionally, the site acts as the site of Guitarmaker’s Connection, a retail supply house for instrument making and repair. If you want to keep your Martin instrument sounding great, or are seeking guitar strings for another guitar in your collection, the strength, quality, and resilience of Martin guitar strings make them a natural choice.
Martin Acoustic
If you’re seeking a pure tone without all the bells and whistles, Martin Traditional strings are C.F. Martin & Company’s flagship line of acoustic strings that have truly withstood the test of time. Designed to deliver consistent quality and tone with each and every set, Martin Traditional strings are great for daily play, regardless of your playing style or proficiency. Available in three variations (80/20 Bronze, 92/9 Phosphor Bronze, and Silk & Steel Folk), there’s a Martin Traditional string that’s perfect for you.
Lifespan Strings
Martin SP Lifespan strings, a newer addition to the brand’s line, are coated with Cleartone’s proprietary technology to enhance their lifespan. What sets these strings apart from most other strings is that they won’t lose tone quality or usual string experience over the life of the string. Ideal for studio performance, Lifespan strings are treated to repel dirt, grit, and other environmental elements so your strings will sound great from the day you install them until the day you switch them out. Plus, the treatment is so thin you won’t even be able to tell the difference. Available in gauges from extra light to medium and in 80/20 bronze and phosphor bronze, it’s easy to find Lifespan strings to suit your style.
Signature Artist: Eric Clapton
Although there are plenty of famous musicians who prefer the sound and quality of Martin guitar strings, including Chuck Ragan, Hunter Hayes, and Craig Ross, Eric Clapton loves his so much that he wanted to officially endorse them. Engineered to produce an abundance of clear, warm tone with a brightness that’s as expressive as it is unique, these phosphor bronze strings feature a 92/8 blend and quality you can trust. Take Clapton’s word for it: ““When I play acoustic guitar, whether in a studio or on stage, these Martin Strings are my choice.They deliver the sound that I demand.”
Flexible Core
If you prefer thinner strings or are new to the guitar and are concerned about painful callouses, Martin SP Flexible Core strings are the perfect choice. With a focus on flexibility, they’re soft to the touch without sacrificing quality or performance. By combining a new, thinner core with their regular gauges, Flexible Core strings are guaranteed to be among the most flexible and easy to play strings you’ll ever purchase. As previously mentioned, beginners find them beneficial, as they’re easy on the fingers.
Marquis
Throughout the years, C.F. Martin & Co. has learned a thing or two about finely crafted and vintage instruments. In fact, they’re experts. If your instrument is a work of art, pamper it with a set of Marquis strings. Designed to pamper your guitar by adding a soft silk wrap to the ball ends in order to prevent wear and tear on the bridge and end plate as you play, Marquis strings are the epitome of luxury. Not only do these strings prevent everyday wear and tear, but they put a comforting layer of protection in place every time you switch out your strings.
Other Products
From Martin Acoustic to Marquis, it may seem like we’ve covered their complete collection- but we’re not even close! With strings manufactured specifically for the mandolin, banjo, ukulele, and classical guitars, you’ll find a Martin string for whatever instrument you play. They even have a Retro line of strings crafted from a solid nickel/copper wrap wire, meaning there’s no chance for defects in the plating. With gauges ranging from extra light to medium and bluegrass and 12-string options, the sky’s the limit with Martin strings. Browse our collection of Martin products today and pick out your next set of strings.
For even more information, check out our collection of Martin Strings videos.