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Old 09-07-2022, 09:15 PM
PTL PTL is offline
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Default Martin Retro Monel Strings - Other brands that are similar?

Marton Retros in Monel wrap has a reputation for working beautifully on Mahogany guitars. I like them.

However, I'm looking for more range of tensions than what Martin offers.

What other makes of strings from the same material are out there?

Thanks.
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Old 09-07-2022, 09:20 PM
Brucebubs Brucebubs is offline
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Curt Mangan round-core Monels - like Martin Retro's on steroids.

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Old 09-07-2022, 09:28 PM
RussL30 RussL30 is online now
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I like the Martin Retros but have a set of John Pearse Pure Nickels on my Gibson right now and really like them so far. I’m not a fan at all of Pearse PB or 80/20 strings for feel, sound or longevity but these Pure Nickels great strings in all aspects of you like Monels.
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Last edited by RussL30; 09-07-2022 at 09:51 PM.
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Old 09-07-2022, 09:38 PM
PTL PTL is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by RussL30 View Post
I like the Martin Retros but have a set of John Pearse Pure Nickels on my Gibson right now and really like them so far. I’m not a fan at all of Pearse PB or 80 strings for feel, sound or longevity but these Pure Nickels great strings in all aspects of you like Monels.
Thanks. Are there some ways that you feel the Pearse Pure Nickels are better than the Retros for your guitar?
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Old 09-07-2022, 10:01 PM
RussL30 RussL30 is online now
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Originally Posted by PTL View Post
Thanks. Are there some ways that you feel the Pearse Pure Nickels are better than the Retros for your guitar?
I think the Pearse strings sounded better from the get go where I always finds Retros need some break in time and then sound great. I get great longevity from the Retros. I’ve had the Pearse on there since sometime in May and they still sound great. They both do the warm fundamental thing really well, but I think I find the Pearse a little bit more clear and defined.

I’m using the medium gauge, but I do think the Pearse is more limited in string gauge options.
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Last edited by RussL30; 09-08-2022 at 05:11 AM.
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Old 09-07-2022, 10:13 PM
PTL PTL is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Brucebubs View Post
Curt Mangan round-core Monels - like Martin Retro's on steroids.

Thanks. I could not publication of their tension but will check them out more. Thanks!
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Old 09-07-2022, 11:32 PM
Gitarooman Gitarooman is offline
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There's also these monel strings by SIT.
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Old 09-08-2022, 01:05 AM
carmona_nostra carmona_nostra is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Gitarooman View Post
There's also these monel strings by SIT.
2nd that. Huge fan of the SIT monels as well.
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Old 09-08-2022, 05:24 AM
FingahPickah FingahPickah is offline
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I've not tried these yet, but they are on my list.

Perhaps some other AGF'ers have used them. (?)

Note:
They offer custom gauges including Nickel Plated Steel and Stainless Steel

https://www.mapesstrings.com/product...uitar-strings/
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Old 09-08-2022, 09:00 AM
Guitarplayer_PR Guitarplayer_PR is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by PTL View Post
Marton Retros in Monel wrap has a reputation for working beautifully on Mahogany guitars. I like them.

However, I'm looking for more range of tensions than what Martin offers.

What other makes of strings from the same material are out there?

Thanks.
All of the mentioned earlier. And there's also D'Addario Nickel Bronze. A bit different than the Retros, but the closest D'Addario offers to the Retros.
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Old 09-08-2022, 09:20 AM
davenumber2 davenumber2 is online now
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Guitarplayer_PR View Post
All of the mentioned earlier. And there's also D'Addario Nickel Bronze. A bit different than the Retros, but the closest D'Addario offers to the Retros.
Daddario also offers the EJ21/EJ22. They are electric strings but have a wound 3rd and are very similar to the NB. They are also $8 a set vs. $12 for the NB.
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Old 09-08-2022, 10:09 AM
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blindboyjimi blindboyjimi is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Guitarplayer_PR View Post
All of the mentioned earlier. And there's also D'Addario Nickel Bronze. A bit different than the Retros, but the closest D'Addario offers to the Retros.
Yes! All of my mahogany, mahogany topped, or maple guitars wear either Martin Monel or D’Addario NB.
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Old 09-08-2022, 04:52 PM
jricc jricc is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by RussL30 View Post
I like the Martin Retros but have a set of John Pearse Pure Nickels on my Gibson right now and really like them so far. I’m not a fan at all of Pearse PB or 80/20 strings for feel, sound or longevity but these Pure Nickels great strings in all aspects of you like Monels.
Like RussL30, I am a fan of Retros. I really like them.
I have just put a set of JP Nickels lights on my Taylor AD22e, and they do sound real nice. Definitely worth a try.
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Old 09-09-2022, 10:23 AM
rollypolly rollypolly is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Brucebubs View Post
Curt Mangan round-core Monels - like Martin Retro's on steroids.


since these are round core, do you find them to have less tension and easier to play compared to same gauge of Retros?
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  #15  
Old 09-09-2022, 04:11 PM
Brucebubs Brucebubs is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by rollypolly View Post
since these are round core, do you find them to have less tension and easier to play compared to same gauge of Retros?
They felt a little easier to play and also louder - I thought they were excellent but Martin Retro Monels are incredibly good value too.
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