Trying Every Type of Acoustic Guitar String 

Strumming: 0:00 80/20 Bronze 0:08 80/20 Bronze XT 0:15 Phosphor Bronze 0:23 Phosphor Bronze XT 0:30 Phosphor Bronze XS 0:37 Nickel Bronze 0:44 Phosphor Bronze Flat Tops 0:51 Silk and Steel

Welcome to the D'Addario family, Marty!

Thank you again to D'Addario for sponsoring today's video: ddar.io/marty

I cant imagine how much time you went through changing strings every few minutes

Man. Love listening to ya play. You've been my guitar teacher since I was like 14. I'm 27 now lol

You are such a great teacher. An example of a musician, it ain't what you do, it's who you are. The joy music gives you comes through on every video. I appreciate you. I'm an old guy and just started singing again after years of zero confidence and am learning guitar from you. You are a giver of a very tangible gift. Peace

I can't tell you enough how much I wanted a video like this, thanks man 🤘

Silk and Steel are fun for finger style. They don’t last as long, but I love the feel of them when I play with my fingertips.

Hey Marty, thanks for trying every type of Acoustic Guitar String for us. Found the lesson to be very informative. It would take me years to try all those different type of string. My go to acoustic strings are the Medium D'Addario Phosphor Bronze strings.

Thanks SO SO Much! I have always used D'Addario since beginning to play in the 80's on my acoustics. Huge fan of the Phosphor Bronze mediums for their amazing bright highs, crisp mids and boomy bottom end on my guitars. You have got me to consider switching one of my guitars to the Steel and Silk for a different sound for finger picking songs. Thanks for a great piece and thank you D"Addario for such great strings!!

Such a nice calm way to spend a Sunday morning. Thanks for the lesson Marty.

Marty: “I wish I was better at changing my strings” 30 minutes later... “I GOT IT!”

Now I can't wait to see one about electric guitar strings!

Disclaimer: Dozens of perfectly good guitar strings were harmed in the making of this video. At least they met their demise for an excellent, informative video. Well done, Marty....as always.

Great lesson! Really admire your skill!

Currently researching what strings I want to put on my acoustic next and I stumbled on your video and it's great to see the in depth comparison you make. I remember watching some of your tutorial videos back when I JUST started learning and now that I'm more experienced it's great to see that you can still teach me much about guitar playing in so many ways.

Marty your dedication to the cause is amazing, thank you for making these videos... always informative and entertaining!!

This video pops up while I'm waiting for UPS to arrive with my 80/20 XT Medium gauge's. God I love these strings. Great video, Marty! Not a lot of good quality comparisons if any at all on RU-vid, you're killing it!

This video is awesome Marty.... there are tons of these out there but this one is a lot more informative. Thanks bru!

Thx man ive been binge whatching all your videos and they are perfect

You could string up shoelaces on that J45 and make it sing brutha. Thanks for doing this comparison!

Thanks for taking the time to do this. It's really informative!

Great video. It's your playing that I really diggin! I'm coming back to try your progressions.

What a brilliant video! Thank you for putting this out. Obviously took a great deal of time to compile.

thanks Marty for the string choices video. sure help me out picking the right strings. again thank you

Thank you for this video, I was about to buy some flat tops because it said they were more mellow on the back of the d'darrio pack so I thought that meant it toned the mid and treble down but this made me realize I needed to move up from phosphor bronze for a more full tone

Thanks for this. Lots of work changing strings. Good stuff.

😄 That was fun there coming upon the thirteen mark. 😁 I think I like next ones even a little better though! I do like those over tones❣️✨ "In a little cabaret, in a South Texas border town, sat a boy and his guitar, and the people came from all around, and he would play, ..." 🎵🎶🎵🎶🎵🎶🎶🎶🎶 I really appreciate this. Thanks Marty! 😊💕

Gotta say, I love the d'adarios for my mandolin. But, for this guitar, I LOVE, love, love, the phosphor-bronze-wrapped earthwood, ultra-light (because I have ultra-tiny fingers and hands!) I love the way they sound, particularly when strumming with fingers..., and love that they don't callous my fingertips to the point of not feeling anything (sorry d'adario!) The strings I get are 10-50. Why work harder than I have to, right? In fact, I'm getting a pack of strings, today, in the mail.., along with some egg-shakers, to help with the tempo (one hopes!)

Nickel Bronze been my go to for a couple of years and I don't intend on moving on. So well balanced. I definitely think they do capture the guitar's natural tone.

Thanks Marty! Was looking for a vid like this

Recent silk and steel convert for my D28. Lovely easy feel for the fingers and a nice mellow tone.

That's nice to know Marty I've used Martin Marques and Elixer. I wear out strings fast. Thanx for this presentation. There is a hugh difference and this video really points em. Thanx Marty

Great video, you can hear the differences very well👍 nice playing Marty🎶🎸thanks, i love it!

Marty your the man! Thanks for the quality video!

Hi Marty, I'm 14 and a self taught guitar player and you have helped me out so much. Thank you and I hope you never quit RU-vid.

Yea we the elite fans 👊 love ur stuff Marty 👌

I do this every time I change strings on my new guitar, until I settle on what sounds best. My Takamine drednaught sounds great with flattops and if you rosen up your fiddle bow you can bow full chords on your guitar with them! I love the Xts and I have a parlor thats sounds best with the silk and steels

Marty made me want to play my old guitar again. Thanks dude!

This video is so helpful. Bless you sir 🙏

I started taking your RU-vid lessons when I was 48 years old and 52 now I'm full on addicted to playing the guitar even though I'm not very good I don't know anybody's songs I only know stuff I make up I was wondering what song was that you were just playing because I wouldn't mind learning that song Oh yeah learning from you is easy . well, as easy as it can be. Basically, it just takes practice practice practice but I'm still not very good. Strumming patterns.... Those are very hard for me to learn. I only know one and I don't use a pic even though I probably should but I'm not sure why I should. Building that muscle memory. I think that's the deal... I appreciate your lessons and what you have taught me, so far

Been watching your videos fir 10 years easy, been stringing my own guitar for about 4/5 I used to use medium martins strings but since switched to d’adario I first tried the red ones ( I believe they are thicker) but really hurt when I was busking for a long time, I’ve since switched to the blue and I think they are definitely the best although I really liked the phosphor bronze strings, they sounded really changy and in your face 😊 Bless You Sir 🤘🏻

Very helpful video in picking out new strings for my acoustic.

Awesome Marty. Thanks for this strings comparison!! Love D’Addario strings, and use the EJ 16’s on my Seagull guitar.

The amount of time and effort this took...thanks marty!

Thanks for the video, Marty. I'm trying to learn slide guitar and the flat tops might be a good choice.

Marty, great review and helpful information. I’ve mostly played Daddario Phosphor Bronze custom light but recently tried their silk and steel. I too found them to take less finger pressure. As an older player (75) they are a good choice.

Ooh those silk and steel strings may be the ticket to me learning my guitar. Plus I love that sound.

You are the coolest guy out there I'm getting them love the sound so much thanks for your input on them you make it so much fun wish I had a gibson guitar like yours I have a yamaha apx 600 god bless take care look forward to see more you tube videos

Played DR sunshine for 20 years. Didn't think I would ever find strings I would like better. 6 mos ago I bought a Seagull Artist strung factory with their Godin High Definition A6 lights (Acoustic phosphor bronze). now there is no going back. Both guitars now strung with Godin's and never sounded better!

Thanks Marty, this was a very informative video.

I love playing guitar and my preferred style is fingerpicking folk music. I will definitely be trying the silk and steel set, you play them beautifully ❤️

Marty I need this video!

thank you. between this and another video, pretty sure it's the nickel bronze for me. just picked up a *used Gretsch G3101 historic series acoustic* . sounds gorgeous. no idea what the strings are unfortunately or i'd get more. someone broke off the high E also. i just want this same sound it's got and i don't want new strings to ruin it. whole thing resonates like the voice is a big one bursting from a tiny body. super comfortable, not massive. i love this thing!

Wow…that’s so much work changing all of those strings bud. Thank you for the effort sir!!!!

Thank You So Much Marty... I'm A Beginner And Have Changed My Strings Twice And There Was A Difference In Them But Wasn't Sure. Now I Know 😊

I always use the 80/20XT and have been using solely D’Addario my entire time playing which is just about 20 years. But if something else grabs my attention I’ll get back to you and try them

Thanks man I appreciate what you do

The way you play that guitar, Sir... I'm inspired ✨

I’ve got my first Phosphor Bronze set on order as I’ve got myself a electro acoustic and crossed to the other side as I’ve been a bassist for 30 years and apart from my bassist sausage fingers I’m having fun learning.

Oooh, Silk and Steel sounds beautiful! I may have to put them on my list for next time I buy strings.

Another bacon and egg-cellent video, Bro... I have been using the D'Addario Nickel Bronze strings for about 3-4 years now. My favorite choice in acoustic guitar strings. Marty, you hit the proverbial nail square on the head when you said that those particular strings bring out the sound and characteristics of the individual guitar. They seem to capture the personality of the woods, resonance, age, construction and character of the guitar which gives each guitar its own unique sound and individual voice... not the sound of the strings themselves. I couldn't have said it better. I have many many guitars, and most all of them have names for their individual personalities.. I name them based on their voice, how they speak, physical characteristics, style and looks,.. and sometimes by circumstance... but voice is most important. Any halfway decent guitar player knows that you cannot judge a guitar by its looks.. the panache comes from inside... the heart, so to speak. Who wants a guitar that sounds like strings?.. Think about it... If that was the case, fret buzz would be a good thing.. and if I'm gonna get a buzz, it most "soitenly" ain't gonna be from my guitar strings. Thanks for the video. You never disappoint, Brother. Cheers. Be safe out there. Peace. Random Prophet

Yet again - top Video . Thanx

I’ve been using D’darrio phospur bronze on my semi acoustic with a pair of humbuckers for years... a few folk have said best with nickel but i find with phosphur bronze there is a warmer tone and is less harsh as the megnetic field picks up more of the steel string core only rather than the full nickel core and winding combined... 🤗 Recently changed the top E to B 18 gauge which was a 10 to 52 now 18 to 52 for a warmer tone...as i mainly use it for rhythem only anyways. Worth a try 👍🏼

Thanks Marty. I'm still searching for acoustic strings I really like. The flat tops look interesting.

I’ve been interested in the Flat Top strings for a while , however , some people have claimed they go dead pretty quickly ( especially bottom E) . Have you found this to be the case?

Marty is Music Gods

Really helpful, you're a star!

Thanks for the lessons man

Thank you Marty. The woman vocalist I play for wanted a softer sound. I tried a nylon string classic guitar and did not like it. I had some thoughts on different strings on my Simon Patrick dreadnought and you answered all my questions about the different types. I am going to try the Silk and Steels. Oh…..WTF?! I had not idea you could play like that and I have been following you for years. Awesome! Thank you for all you do. Much appreciated!

Thank you very much for making this video 🎸🤟😎

Love you brother learning from you a long time when you tube first started

Wow that was great! I like the sound of the flat top.

Keep up the great work sound great 👍🏾

Hey Marty: I put a set of Silk & Steel strings on my Breedlove concert size 12 sting to make it sound a bit warmer a while back. Like you said they sound and feel great. I will absolutely replace them with the same when the time comes. Thanks for the great video!

The timing of this vid is perfection

Hey Marty love your lessons. I’m trying to really challenge myself and was wondering if you could do a lesson on crazy on you by heart. Hope your April is starting off good. 🙂

Great demo! That must have taken some time to swap out those strings so many times. Now I can't decide what strings to get for my Taylor. They all sound great. Leaning towards the Phosphor Bronze Flat Tops.

Great great video.. N review... Thnk u sir.. 😊👍 Wish I could play just like u someday in the near future 😊😊

Silk and steels, love them.

Silk and steel are amazing strings. Put the joy back into my Alvarez AW100 guitar.

The seperation and clarity with the silk and steels is really impressive. I like the aluminum bronze. Or piano wire 😆

Hey Marty your channel is the best! How bout some more John Mayer lessons?

I like the Nickel Bronz and also Ernie Ball PARDIUM also !! Good review !! 👍🎸

Awesome review, thank you for this excellent comparison. May I ask if the saddle, nut, and bridge pins on that guitar are TUSQ replacements?

Thanks for such a terrific analysis on strings. Very helpful as no one really talks about this. Also Marty plays a killer rift/piece starting at about 16:30. Amazing chord progressions and sound! So cool! Only now, I need to try and figure that out so I can play it.

I'm getting a snack and guitar nerding the hell out of this video.

the aesthetics of the video ❤️‍🔥

All this time I thought it was Dada-Rio. Thanks Marty!

What pick were you using this entire time???

What kinda strings do yall use? My personal favorite go to is D'Addario 80/20 bronze bluegrass style🥰

Amazing stringing! :)

Best review yet!!!

Listened to every minute. Thanks for the long comparison. You’re a natural storyteller and sharer , a special kind. And obviously you enjoy your craft, it shows. Really enjoy your stuff man, keep on picking! I’m a PB Round Core dude, and check out John Pearse (hex) PB, very nice… and Curt Mangan Round Core PB (otw)… called the True Medium set 13-17-24-32-42-57, so medium top and low E with light G/D/A. We’ll see. Love that slope shoulder Gibby, and the hat ✌🏻🤘🏾

Perfect video for what it does. Here's another interaction for the algorithm.

I got my XS set, probably going to restring the ol' acoustic this weekend

Thank you Marty ,

Thanks Marty. Very valuable demo. I’ve used D’Addario phos/bronze 12-53s on my D-18 for years. Your demo offers some tasty options to explore.

Hello there Mr. Schwartz. Definitely a difference, phosphors and 80/20's are the loudest, silks and nickels are quieter and thinner in sound, they don't have that low end depth that the phosphors have... I personally still cannot decide between Phosphor and 80/20's, both are good for my guitar and have a nice sound. Phosphors are overall fuller and more complex, deep lows, chimey bell like highs, a strong midrange and stuff. On the other side 80/20's have that shimmer i love for fingerstyle and that overall cut, they simply cut through and do have a vintage sound, it would be a matter of experimenting and seeing for myself which molds better to my voice and which sounds better through a microphone... Greetings sir

Great, great job. I love those overtones on Mr. Nickle - which makes them silver toned = har. Your setup is decent - a room mic would have been nice. Your enthusiasm is awesome to hear and your style is "augmented Gee Seventh!"