Martin Retro MLJ13 LJ's Choice Medium Light Acoustic Strings 13-56

The best strings if you want to hear the wood of the guitsar asnd not the brass of the strings. Good price, quick delivery. Will repurchase.

Still waiting. . .

I've been using various brands for over 33 years and finally tried this Martin Retro LJ'S Choice set. Very comfortable tension and feel, great tone, and they cost less than the brand I'd been using. So pleased that I already brought a few spare sets cause I don't see myself using anything else!

When I play finger style on my D-18 these strings make it a lot easier. They are more playable than standard medium strings (a usual option on dreadnoughts) and provide more dynamic tone than light gauge strings. I've on occasion used Retro lights on the D-18 but the beautiful full tone and massive volume are noticeably decreased. I guess you could call these the Mama Bear strings, not too light, not too heavy...they're just right. The heavier gauge string component allows them to move the top on a big guitar a lot better than light strings. BTW, LJ also states the heavier gauge keeps them from becoming too flabby - I'm assuming this is particularly true when he plays in DADGAD.

Retro strings have a different character than phosphor bronze, less sparkle, smoothly balanced from top to bottom, a welcome thing with certain guitars and types of music. On a stiff Gibson style depression era guitar they sound haunting played softly but produce a wonderful growl when you dig in. They do something similar on a Martin D style to a lesser degree but still impressive. Easy to bend, very comfortable. They have good attack and decay, more like 12s than 13s. I would not use them on a less focused guitar that needs added brightness unless I want it to be quite mellow.