lifespans - what's the treatment?

pieterh · #1 06-22-2016, 02:00 PM

I have always liked Cleartone and Martin Lifespan strings as the process that provides the protection isn't technically a coating and they feel like normal strings - but last longer (which is good with my acidic fingers!).

I bought a new pack of Martin Lifespan strings today and noticed on the packet and on Martin's website they are calling it the Lifespan treatment with no reference to Cleartone:

Any body any idea what's going on? Is it a new process? Or is it still Cleartone's process?

Jeremy · #2 06-22-2016, 02:43 PM

Martin is using their own proprietary treatment now: https://www.martinguitar.com/about/n...january-22-25/

pieterh · #3 06-23-2016, 12:54 AM

Thanks for the update Jeremy! Clearly shows it has been a while since I bought Lifespan strings. My Guild currently has Plectrums (I don't like them, going to change them when I get around to it) and my Taylor has the Elixirs it came with after ES upgrade and my new Furch has new Elixirs on.

I have various packets of new strings at home, I am keeping the new Lifespans for when I change strings on the Furch - I like the strings that are on there fine but they are .011 and I usually prefer .012. I suspect Lifespan SP .012 will mellow out the sound a little (not that I don't love it now but it will be interesting to hear what difference it makes if any).