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Thread: Martin Monel strings

  1. #1
    Registered User Jon Hall's Avatar
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    Default Martin Monel strings

    I've been using Curt Mangan Monel strings on all of my mandolins for a couple of years and I really like them. I recently saw Martin advertising Monel strings; has anyone tried them?

  2. #2
    Registered User mcgroup53's Avatar
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    Default Re: Martin Monel strings

    For mandolin? I've only seen Retros for guitar from Martin

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    Mando-Accumulator Jim Garber's Avatar
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    Default Re: Martin Monel strings

    Quote Originally Posted by mcgroup53 View Post
    For mandolin? I've only seen Retros for guitar from Martin
    I thought the same but then I found these strings on the Martin site.

    They must be fairly new. They do have them on Strings and Beyond.

    Click image for larger version. 

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    I liked the old Gibson Sam Bush Monel strings but found that the D'Addario NB sets were a bit warmer and those are what I used these days. I did use the Martin Retro Monels on my guitars but also switched to NBs for those as well.
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  5. #4
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    Default Re: Martin Monel strings

    The package states there are only 4 strings, it doesn't say pairs.

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    Default Re: Martin Monel strings

    I think it says 8 strings above on the package.
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  7. #6
    Registered User Roger Moss's Avatar
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    Default Re: Martin Monel strings

    Quote Originally Posted by George R. Lane View Post
    The package states there are only 4 strings, it doesn't say pairs.
    I contacted Martin with this question. I'll post their response on receipt.
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  8. #7
    formerly Philphool Phil Goodson's Avatar
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    Default Re: Martin Monel strings

    The Strings & Beyond link shows 80/20 Bronze, not Monel.
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  9. #8
    Registered User geechee's Avatar
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    Default Re: Martin Monel strings

    Here's a press release I found on the strings - https://www.martinguitar.com/about/n...rt-musikmesse/

  10. #9
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    Default Re: Martin Monel strings

    If you go to the Martin website and look at mandolin strings, it's made quite clear that this is a normal set of 8 strings. Two different gauges. Why not go to the manufacturer's website to find out?

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  12. #10
    Registered User Pete Martin's Avatar
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    Default Re: Martin Monel strings

    Just ordered some. I'll report soon.
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  14. #11
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    Default Re: Martin Monel strings

    I can read on at least two sites it says 8 strings below the model number and type of string. Upper right corner of the package.
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    Mando-Accumulator Jim Garber's Avatar
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    Default Re: Martin Monel strings

    I wonder why they made separate packaging and why they don’t market then as Retro strings. Here is the correct Strings and Beyond link: Martin Monel
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  17. #13
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    Default Re: Martin Monel strings

    I've been waging a social media campaign since IBMA 3 years ago to try to get them to manufacture and market Retro monel strings for mandolin. Love them on a couple of guitars, and would love to have them available for mandolin. Maybe they didn't want to dilute the "Retro" brand for the guitar strings, but that seems weird to me as a marketing communications pro. But what do I know? LOL Looking forward to a report

  18. #14
    Registered User Roger Moss's Avatar
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    Default Re: Martin Monel strings

    Response from Martin:

    Roger.

    Thank you for contacting Martin Guitar.

    You only need one set.

    There are 2 E, 2 A, 2 D, and 2 G strings in the pack.


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  20. #15
    Registered User Mandobart's Avatar
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    Default Re: Martin Monel strings

    I recently put a set of Martin Retro monel (.013) on my archtop guitar (which is really an Eastman MDC805 mandocello that I converted to guitar with a new nut and new bridge. I can always convert it back with the original parts if I want). Love the sound and interested in trying similar strings on one of my mandolins.

  21. #16
    Registered User Jill McAuley's Avatar
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    Default Re: Martin Monel strings

    Same here, just had my luthier put some on my Breedlove Revival OM when he had it in for a fret dressing - absolutely love them!
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  23. #17
    Registered User mcgroup53's Avatar
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    Default Re: Martin Monel strings

    Exactly why I've been nagging Martin for 3+ years to introduce Retro mandolin strings, without success so far

  24. #18
    Mando-Accumulator Jim Garber's Avatar
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    Default Re: Martin Monel strings

    Quote Originally Posted by mcgroup53 View Post
    Exactly why I've been nagging Martin for 3+ years to introduce Retro mandolin strings, without success so far
    Sounds like it finally works though it was under our radar. I felt the same way after trying Retros on my guitar. Then D’Addario came out with the NB and I lean more to those on guitar too. You snooze you lose, I suppose.
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  26. #19
    Registered User Pete Martin's Avatar
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    Default Re: Martin Monel strings

    Has anyone received their strings yet from Martin? I've ordered some but no indication of when they will be shipped.
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  27. #20

    Default Re: Martin Monel strings

    My order has been referred to "closest fulfillment center"?

  28. #21

    Default Re: Martin Monel strings

    I ordered the new Martin monel strings from zZounds and absolutely love them on my Kentucky km-950. Great vintage tone that I am really enjoying. I was already happy with the GHS nickel strings that were on it but the new Martins have really dialed in the sound.

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  30. #22
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    Default Re: Martin Monel strings

    Have been waiting patiently for Just Strings to stock them but don't see them on their website yet. Just e-mailed them, so maybe they'll get with the program.

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  32. #23
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    Default Re: Martin Monel strings

    Quote Originally Posted by stuartb View Post
    I ordered the new Martin monel strings from zZounds and absolutely love them on my Kentucky km-950. Great vintage tone that I am really enjoying. I was already happy with the GHS nickel strings that were on it but the new Martins have really dialed in the sound.
    How did the sound change between the GHS and Martin strings?
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  33. #24

    Default Re: Martin Monel strings

    Quote Originally Posted by pops1 View Post
    How did the sound change between the GHS and Martin strings?
    The Martin monel seem to have a bit more clarity on my km-950. I had been enjoying the ghs nickel. I was using the mediums which is a considerably thicker gauged set (11 16 27 41) and was intrigued by the martins monel more finger friendly gauged set (11 15 26 40). To my ears, and on this particular mandolin, the e and a courses have more clarity and the g and d courses still retain a really nice bass response - very open and to use another subjective term -woody.
    As I stated before, these strings made an already great sounding mandolin even more sweeter.
    As I mentioned before, I was and am still a big fan of the ghs nickels, but these Martin monel sound spectacular on the Kentucky 950.
    Hope this helps.
    Stuart

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  35. #25
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    Default Re: Martin Monel strings

    Thanks Stuart. I have been using the GHS, same gauge, on my mandolin. I like the way they brighten up my G string, and wouldn't want it to mellow, so I will stay with the GHS. Maybe at some point I will try the Martin, but am happy now. Looked a long time to make the G string brighter and these do it nicely.
    THE WORLD IS A BETTER PLACE JUST FOR YOUR SMILE!

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