Martin D-1GT Strings

[aaronl]

What kind of strings come on the d-1gt?

What would you recommend for it?

Years ago I bought some Clapton set that I liked ok.

Mostly using this for folksy type stuff.

Thanks!

[aaronl]

Someone has to have some insight!

[George Bailey]

Here's the specs....shows recommended strings


Specifications:

MODEL D-1GT
CONSTRUCTION: Mortise/Tenon Neck Joint
BODY SIZE: D-14 Fret
TOP: Solid Sitka Spruce
ROSETTE: Style 28
TOP BRACING PATTERN: Modified Hybrid ''X'' Scalloped
TOP BRACES: Solid Sitka Spruce 5/16''
BACK MATERIAL: Solid Sapele or Solid Mahogany
BACK PURFLING: none
SIDE MATERIAL: Solid Sapele or Solid Mahogany
ENDPIECE: Black Boltaron
ENDPIECE INLAY: none
BINDING: Black Boltaron
TOP INLAY STYLE: Black/White Boltaron
SIDE INLAY: none
BACK INLAY: none
NECK MATERIAL: Rust Stratabond
NECK SHAPE: Modified Low Oval
NUT MATERIAL: White Corian
HEADSTOCK: Solid/Standard Taper
HEADPLATE: Indian Rosewood Pattern HPL
HEELCAP: Black Boltaron
FINGERBOARD MATERIAL: Black Richlite
SCALE LENGTH: 25.4''
# OF FRETS CLEAR: 14
# OF FRETS TOTAL: 20
FINGERBOARD WIDTH AT NUT: 1-11/16''
FINGERBOARD WIDTH AT 12TH FRET: 2-1/8''
FINGERBOARD POSITION INLAYS: Style 28
FINGERBOARD BINDING: none
FINISH BACK & SIDES: Satin
FINISH TOP: Polished Gloss
FINISH NECK: none
BRIDGE MATERIAL: Black Richlite
BRIDGE STYLE: Belly
BRIDGE STRING SPACING: 2-1/8''
SADDLE: 16'' Radius/Compensated/White Tusq
TUNING MACHINES: Chrome Enclosed w/ Small Buttons
RECOMMENDED STRINGS: Martin SP Lifespan Phosphor Bronze Medium Gauge (MSP7200)
BRIDGE & END PINS: White w/ Black Dots
PICKGUARD: Black
CASE: 345 Hardshell
INTERIOR LABEL: Paper Label
ELECTRONICS: Optional
OTHER OPTIONS: Available left-handed at no additional charge
OTHER COMMENTS: All prices & specifications are subject to change without notice.

Warranty Information

[aaronl]

Originally Posted by Ryder

Here's the specs....shows recommended strings

I had seen this, I would expect them to recommend their own strings

Just checking alternatives.

[George Bailey]

OK....Was the answer to your first question. That's all....

[aaronl]

Gotcha so it comes with the SP lifespan from the factory?

[George Bailey]

Yes.

Sorry, I should've explained a little better.

I'd recommend Mediums personally. Whatever brand/style you like.

[aaronl]

I have really only ever played electric.
I tried some Martin Eric Clapton strings I liked but I don't know if they are still made.

I use Ernie Ball in the green pack(10s) on my strat and sometimes 11s on my LP

[Bwana]

Martin dreads are shipped with medium strings (Lifespan 7200). I just got a new D-18 last week and to be honest it sounded dull with the medium strings and I hard trouble bending them. So, I switched to the Martin lights (.012-.054) and it now sparkles brilliantly,...sounds great!

just sayin'

Bwana

[estayton]

I use either Martin SP (not Lifespan), Martin Marquis, or John Pearse mediums, all in phosphor bronze, on my D-1.

I found lights didn't have the same sort of authority to the sound as mediums do, and I don't notice a huge difference in how hard they are to play.

My current favorites are the JPs.

[aaronl]

Originally Posted by estayton

I use either Martin SP (not Lifespan), Martin Marquis, or John Pearse mediums, all in phosphor bronze, on my D-1.

I found lights didn't have the same sort of authority to the sound as mediums do, and I don't notice a huge difference in how hard they are to play.

My current favorites are the JPs.

Are the D-1 and the D-1GT basically the same guitar other than the shiny top?

[estayton]

As I understand it they are exactly the same except for the top finish, though I am not sure if anything has changed between 2009 and whenever yours is from. There have been no substantial changes that I know off.

Edit:From looking at the spec list above I see they switched to black Richlite for fingerboard and bridge. Mine has rosewood. What yours has will depend on the year.

[aaronl]

Originally Posted by estayton

As I understand it they are exactly the same except for the top finish, though I am not sure if anything has changed between 2009 and whenever yours is from. There have been no substantial changes that I know off.

Edit:From looking at the spec list above I see they switched to black Richlite for fingerboard and bridge. Mine has rosewood. What yours has will depend on the year.

Mine has the stratabond neck and richlite bridge/fb this made me nervous at first but i dig it now

[magazine]

I tried some Fender lights the other day and love them

[estayton]

Originally Posted by aaronl

Mine has the stratabond neck and richlite bridge/fb this made me nervous at first but i dig it now

I also like the stratabond neck. It seems quite stiff and honestly feels very fast. It is a bit heavy but I've never had a big problem with the guitar's balance, which seems to be one of the common complaints about it. And I even think it looks nice.

My only cosmetic gripe about mine is the HPL "rosewood" peghead overlay, which is plasticky and unconvincing to my eyes. If I were planning to keep the guitar forever I would consider having it replaced with a plain rosewood veneer, but in case I pass it on I'm leaving it for originality's sake.