1 Topic by Tenement Funster (edited by Tenement Funster 2015-08-22 11:07:07)

  • From: Nova Scotia, Canada
  • Registered: 2013-01-20
  • Posts: 4,083

Topic: Martin Lifespan SP Strings

Just for a change, I decided to try these Martin strings out, instead of the Elixir Nanowebs I normally use. Something happened that I've never experienced. When I was bringing them up to tune, the ball-ends broke off both the high E and B strings! It was right in the loop which wraps around the ball end. I had some extra Elixirs, so I used those without issue, along with the 4 wound Martin strings.

Anyone else ever have this happen? I certainly won't be buying another set.

http://www.westsidedistribution.com/assets/MSP7100-300x300.jpg

  • Grah1
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  • From: Cold and rainy Settle UK
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Re: Martin Lifespan SP Strings

yeah  I've  had  problems  with  martins  recently , ones  I've  bought  off amazon  ,the  high  E's  have  snapped  the  end  off   several  sets .It makes me  wonder   if  they  were  real martins   or  some  Chinese copy's

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  • TIGLJK
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Re: Martin Lifespan SP Strings

I use them a lot - never had any issues - I like them

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  • Zurf
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  • From: Virginia, USA
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Re: Martin Lifespan SP Strings

I don't like Martin strings.  I like their guitars, but am not a fan of their strings.

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  • From: Nova Scotia, Canada
  • Registered: 2013-01-20
  • Posts: 4,083

Re: Martin Lifespan SP Strings

I suspect that since Martin is first and foremost a guitar manufacturer, someone else is making their strings under the Martin licensed branding ... quite a common practice. I know a lot of people like their "Silk & Steel" strings though, but these Lifespan SP's just seem brittle. Live & learn!

  • From: Chillicothe, Ohio
  • Registered: 2010-08-16
  • Posts: 1,013

Re: Martin Lifespan SP Strings

Hmmmm..... I've used them for years with no problems.

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  • From: NY
  • Registered: 2009-08-26
  • Posts: 4,320

Re: Martin Lifespan SP Strings

Never had a problem, but I've been mainly using the silk and steels. 

I know there's a wire company nearby here (10-15 min. drive) in a tiny little town (one of those towns that has one bar, a post office, and a small store) that makes some portion of their strings (the core or the wrapping, I can't recall which, but I think it's only one portion).  It burnt down last year (I think, or the year before? - recently anyhow) and they rebuilt a bit further down the road to continue production in a new location with all new machinery.  Now, that may have nothing to do with this post at all what-so-ever, but I thought it was interesting info. to share.  big_smile

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  • From: West Georgia
  • Registered: 2006-10-14
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Re: Martin Lifespan SP Strings

The owner of that company obviously cares about the folks in his town (sounds like that factory probably provides the only means of making a living for the town's inhabitants) and is keeping the local economy afloat. That is always worth mentioning, Amy, and has everything to do with this post/thread. smile

Bill

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  • From: Nova Scotia, Canada
  • Registered: 2013-01-20
  • Posts: 4,083

Re: Martin Lifespan SP Strings

From the sounds of things, I must have got a pack with a couple of bad strings. It's that old "first impression" adage that's applied here, because I've never tried Martin strings before.