Martin MA180T Authentic Treated, 12 Stg, Extra Light, 80/20
Martin Authentic Acoustic Lifespan® 2.0 Strings - MA180T
Next generation Martin® Authentic Acoustic® Lifespan® 2.0 strings are engineered using a new, patented anti-corrosion treatment only available from Martin. It protects the core and wrap wire to prevent corrosion without compromising tone or feel. Our impeccable standards for acoustic guitar tone are embedded in our string design and precision manufacturing process. That’s why we make our own.STRING GAUGES
Extra Light 12-String |
.010 .010 |
.014 .014 |
.023 .010 |
.030 .012 |
.039 .018 |
.047 .027 |
How to choose a string gauge for your acoustic guitar
String gauge is an important part of playing and getting the best possible sound out of your guitar.
Here’s everything you need to know about acoustic guitar string gauges to make an informed decision about what strings are best for you.
What does string gauge even mean? |
Gauge refers to the diameter of a string. Gauges are described in thousandths of an inch and can be found listed on the back of a string pack.
Overall, string gauges are classified as:
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What is your experience level? |
If you’re just starting out, it’s not unusual that your fingers will have to toughen up a little. Lighter gauge strings will be more forgiving on your fingers as you’re learning, but as your dexterity and hand strength improve, you may find you prefer strings with different qualities. Lighter
Heavier
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Consider the body size of your guitar |
While string gauge is very much a matter of personal preference based on tone and feel, most manufacturers recommend string gauge based on body size. This is primarily due to the amount of tension exerted on the guitar top by the strings. In general, the larger the body, the more tension they can withstand. Lighter
Heavier
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What style of music do you play? |
Certain techniques and styles of playing will demand different attributes from your strings and can impact which gauge you should choose. Lighter
Heavier
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What sound are you going for? |
Are you playing for yourself in your living room? Or do you need your sound to reach the back of an auditorium? You’ll want to be sure to choose the right string gauge that will help you and your guitar sound the best. Lighter
Heavier
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Experimenting with string gauge |
If you found yourself aligned with most of the qualities of “lighter” strings outlined here, choosing a string labeled “Light” is a good starting point. If you’re finding finger-fatigue is an issue, or you wish it was easier to bend notes, try extra light or custom light gauge strings.
If most of the qualities prescribed to heavier strings appealed to you, start with strings that are labeled “Medium.” While Martin does not recommend using heavy gauge strings on Martin guitars, we want to paint a complete picture of string gauge options. Some guitarists use heavy gauge strings for amplification, sustain, drop/down tuning, or tuning stability reasons. One thing to keep in mind when trying out a new string gauge is to make sure your guitar is set up correctly for the gauge you're playing. Things like fret buzz can be a symptom of needing to visit a luthier to have your guitar adjusted. |