Martin have modified gauge of their retro 12s - alternatives?

[sys]

So I have been using Martin retros 12's (Monel) for a few years now - they just work for me with my guitar, and have the perfect balance between acoustic projection and amplified output on my archtop.

But seems like they went ahead and changed the gauges, dropping the b, a and d strings down a gauge. I went ahead and grabbed some to try and they don't work for me - seems like a subtle difference but it's very much felt. The b string in particular, now being a 15, is far too loose feeling, and the guitar as a whole has lost a bit more acoustic projection than I am happy with.

I've tried their 13s, but with my old Levin, the instrument seems to "choke" a bit too much, and the relief gets a little too deep (guitar has a non adjustable truss rod).

I've also tried the d'addario nickel bronze strings and they aren't for me - sounds a step closer to phosphor bronze than works for me.

So - any other alternatives?

[nyc chaz]

Curt Mangan makes monel strings and he used to do custom gauge sets by request.

[Hammertone]

Here's the line-up, compared to the Curt Mangan 12-53 Monel Round Core Guitar String Set, which are $17.06 on the Curt Mangan website.

Curt Mangan: .012-.016-.024-.032-.042-.053

[sys]

Thanks hammertone. That's indeed the new line up with the now lighter 12s - but that's useful to see because I didn't realize the Laurence Juber set was significantly less tension than the regular 13s which gave me problems. Might give that a shot and if it doesn't work go for the pricier Curt Mangans.

[sgosnell]

I like the SIT American Roots strings so far, just into my first set. Recommended by Sweetwater when the Martin Retro .012 sets were unavailable. I thought they were still unavailable, and I've had no need to keep inquiring.

[Hammertone]

Thanks hammertone. That's indeed the new line up with the now lighter 12s - but that's useful to see because I didn't realize the Laurence Juber set was significantly less tension than the regular 13s which gave me problems. Might give that a shot and if it doesn't work go for the pricier Curt Mangans.

Swap in a .012 and it might work for you. Or try the SIT Monel strings - there are two standard sets:

Set	1	2	3	4	5	6
AR1152	.011	.015	.022	.032	.042	.052

Set	1	2	3	4	5	6
AR1253	.012	.016	.024	.032	.042	.053

[sys]

Cool thanks everyone! First I hear of this company....

[garybaldy]

I have had the Martin Monel 12 on my Loar for a few months now. First time I've used them and they're superb. Don't know if I have the old or new gauges.

[RJVB]

Newtone and Pyramid both also do custom sets (and Pyramid will polish them if you want a smoother feel with less finger noise).

[sys]

Good recs all around.

SIT strings aren't available in Europe. Don't really want to have to order from the U.S if I can avoid it.

Martin Laurence Juber are annoyingly hard to find in stock right now.

Pyramid strings Monel are easy to find in 11 or 13 but not 12s.

Curt Mangan cost a bit more and I am a cheapskate.

Newtone strings had two of their monels in the right gauge in stock so I ordered them. If they are good I'll order in bulk. If not, I'll put some more effort into getting one of the other strings above.

Thanks all!

[omphalopsychos]

Newtone makes fantastic strings, and I've mostly converted to them for every string type.

I like Newtone's Monels and they are not too expensive, about $10. I usually order Newtone strings in bulk to save on shipping from the UK.


Pro tip, their back orders are always processed pretty fast. I usually order their stuff even when it's "not in stock" but I always get it in about 2 weeks.