I found these strings painful to fingerpick. Are they suitable for that or do I need a lighter gauge?
1273979
Really? Light gauges? That's somewhat unusual. It always boils down to player preference. I suppose that's why there are millions and millions of blogs out there with folks expressing their opinions! LOL. I love D'Addario exps...won't play anything else. Medium gauge on my Martin dread and lights on my Eastman E10SS. Flat pick and fingerpicking them both as well. Was the soreness you noted located on your picking hand or fretting hand?
1273980
I don't find them painful, but most of these issues are personal. These are already "Light," so I believe you'll only have one gauge to go down to from here.
1273981
I guess it would depend on what kind of finger picking you're doing. These are slightly heavier the normal light gauge, so maybe try something lighter. Really, though, it would just be personal preference. I do a bit of finger picking once in a while, and I don't have any issues with it. Just find a gauge that is comfortable for you, and have at it! :)
1961308
I would not count on the Martin to produce the kind of sound you would enjoy with either kind of string. It probably wouldn't be able to handle steel stings due to inferior construction. I returned mine and bought a Washburn with better results.
929697
Might actually have the opposite effect. Heavier strings would sound deeper, but those backpackers necks might not like the heavier gauge when you tighten them up. Maybe try changing just the thinnest strings (G-B-E) to heavier gauges?
1288341
Yes, but you should use lighter gauge acoustic strings, and you'll have to cut more end off after you wind them since this guitar has only 15 frets (fewer than full-sized guitars). The Martin strings that came on mine were very good, so you probably won't have to do this for a while - and if you don't want to do it yourself, places like Guitar Center will do it for something like $10 or $15 (plus the cost of the strings). (15 frets are more than enough, by the way, 99% of the time for the songs you're likely to want to play on it.)
149328
Honestly no, you will still need a thumb pick other than these, and I am still on the hunt for a thumb pick that I love, but these are great for the fingers. They did however help me get better with my thumb pick due to how much closer my hads is to the banjo.
61233
You're not going to damage it. Those are standard strings. I use them with all of my guitars. Trust me, you're good. If you want to ask me some questions about getting started, post your email in a response and I will happily guide you through it.
1299395
Yes, nylon strings are MUCH easier on the fingers. The strings are also farther apart, which can be good if you do not have small fingers.
780900
No , I don't think so. And nylon strings are much easier on the fingers, especially for a young person or someone who is just learning. I bought this for my granddaughter who is seven. I play a full sized classical guitar with nylon strings. I prefer the mellow sound of nylon strings.
440253
Hi Bennison, I personally have finally settled on th EJ26-3d strings. They are a custom light .011-.052 and are a little easier onthe fingers while still giving you a full fat sound.
2052871
They might be a little long, but should be fine. I put concert Aquila strings on mine, with a low G.
1725030
I don't think I can recommend these strings at all had bad strings out of the package the g string buzzed then snapped while tuning . also you may have to adjust the truss rod to compensate for the tension i use martin strings and a heavier gauge better tone
1828696
The guitar comes strung with very light strings. If you prefer heavier strings, as I do, I would recommend taking it to a good shop and having them set it up for the increased tension.
635908
I would recommend Medium tension when starting out. Here is a good explanation as relates to the sound of these three string gauge-tension types: http://www.johnsonstring.com/strings-gauges-tensions.htm#middle
293489
I would not characterize these strings as 'really bright'. They are not 'tinny' or metallic sounding. The highs are not over-powering, nor are the lows. These are the only strings that I have used that I feel really let the true 'wood' sing. I recommend a try. Cost is not much, and you will suffer the time in a string change. I have one guitar that I have used silk and steel, by Martin, on it since 1974. I won't use another type. I have a Martin, which is fairly new (6 mos) and have gone through 3 cycles of the recommend strings that came with it. The next change will be with the S&S; strings. I wanna hear how they react to the Indian Rosewood/Sitka combo of my Mrtin. I would not characterize these strings as 'really bright'. They are not 'tinny' or metallic sounding. The highs are not over-powering, nor are the lows. These are the only strings that I have used that I feel really let the true 'wood' sing. I recommend a try. Cost is not much, and you will suffer the time in a string change. I have one guitar that I have used silk and steel, by Martin, on it since 1974. I won't use another type. I have a Martin, which is fairly new (6 mos) and have gone through 3 cycles of the recommend strings that came with it. The next change will be with the S&S...; » Read More I would not characterize these strings as 'really bright'. They are not 'tinny' or metallic sounding. The highs are not over-powering, nor are the lows. These are the only strings that I have used that I feel really let the true 'wood' sing. I recommend a try. Cost is not much, and you will suffer the time in a string change. I have one guitar that I have used silk and steel, by Martin, on it since 1974. I won't use another type. I have a Martin, which is fairly new (6 mos) and have gone through 3 cycles of the recommend strings that came with it. The next change will be with the S&S; strings. I wanna hear how they react to the Indian Rosewood/Sitka combo of my Mrtin. « Show Less
2000107
I personally use Martin SPs lights. I find them reasonably easy playing and I like the sound. Mediums would sound louder but are harder to play. Martin makes a silk and steel string that is supposed to be easier to play than standard strings. They also have a new string out they call flexible core that bends easier and is also supposed to be easier on the fingers. I've not used either kind so couldn't say from personal experience, but I think they'd be worth a try, especially if ease of playing is your goal and not maximum volume. I find the lights are a nice compromise.
1796882
I don't know what kind of strings but they are decent. If you are new to the guitar, you will probably want to replace them with some light gauge 'silk and steel' strings, which will be easier on your fingers.
1661324
You sure can. I wouldn't use the factory strings because they rattled when I first got my bass, so I replaced them. Turn the bottom knob all the way counterclockwise, or whatever you like, and you'll get some nice sustained notes with little effort, just right for laying on as much vibrato as you can stand. Keep the action low on the fingerboard and you can have a lot of sound with very little bow and plucking effort, unless callouses are your thing. Enjoy.