Martin Luxe MK12 Kovar Acoustic Strings Light 12-54

Great stings to sing with. Not overbearing and lets your voice stand out and above.

These strings have a commanding tone that I associate with fine quality pianos.Im testing them for corrosion resistance in high humidity (60-95%).
Brings out the best sound from my Martin and my Yamaha.

I’ve tried many-many a brands and gauges of strings on my Martin D28. The Martin SP Phosphor Bronze have been my go-to strings for years. I recently decided to pay more and try the Lux Kovar strings by Martin. I’m not disappointed and actually surprised that I enjoy them very much. I find them slightly easier to play and fret, easier to tune and stay tuned and sound amazing. I’ve had the strings on for over two months, play every day and have not noticed any changes in playability or sound. The Phosphor Bronze strings I would change every month. These are now my go-to strings and have ordered several new sets.
I’m hoping that Martin will start making 12-string sets.

I bought two nests of these strings to test on a Halliday 1901 - 12, a 00 size steel string guitar with 12 frets clear of the body. The goal was a brighter midrange with a flexible feel. I don’t care much for the feel, nor do I care much for the tone. I am better off sticking with Martin Tommy Emanuel Signature Strings, part of Martin’s Authentic Acoustic series.

I also bought two sets of DR Sunbeams 12-54. This was the real disappointment. When I cut the A and Low E-string to length the on the first set The winding retracted about 0.5” rendering the strings absolutely dead. I tried the second set of Sunbeans,… same result. These strings are trash, literally. Even though I was not asked to review the DR’s, I have to say something. These are round core strings, as are the Tommy Emmanuel strings, but I have never had ant trouble with the Martins.

I usually play a nylon stringed guitar but have a Martin 12-fret, slotted headstock O-28 that I love. Was intrigued when I read that the Kovar were low-tension steel strings. I tried them and they are remarkably good. They tune up after stringing with much less tension, are easier and more comfortable to play, hold their tune astonishingly well but most importantly, they sound wonderful. They bring out the natural beauty of the O-28 better than any other strings I've used. Love them, will keep using them.