Our Martin SP Studio/Performance Series strings are ideal live, in the studio, or wherever maximum string life is desired. The creation of these new high performance strings is a result of research done in cooperation with specialty steel producers. Due to the development of an industry leading ultra-high quality steel core, Martin SP strings resist breakage better than average strings. In addition, both the core wires and the plain strings are plated with a smooth, acoustic bronze finish. Though this golden bronze finish does enhance the beauty of your guitar, its purpose is much more functional - to prolong brightness, string life, and superior tonal quality to meet the high expectations of demanding musicians.
Set | Gauge | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | Tension |
MSP4000 | Extra Light | .010 | .014 | .023 | .030 | .039 | .047 | 133.3 |
MSP4050 | Custom Light | .011 | .015 | .023 | .032 | .042 | .052 | 151.7 |
MSP4100 | Light | .012 | .016 | .025 | .032 | .042 | .054 | 164.8 |
MSP4150 | Light/Medium | .0125 | .0165 | .0255 | .0335 | .0435 | .055 | 173.8 |
MSP4200 | Medium | .013 | .017 | .026 | .035 | .045 | .056 | 186.2 |
Characteristics of Wrap Wire
80/20 Bronze
This alloy is comprised of 80% copper and 20% zinc. It is popular for acoustic strings and provides a very brilliant tone when they are initially put on the guitar and mellow over time.
92/8 Phosphor Bronze
This alloy is comprised of 92% copper, 8% tin and traces of lead, iron, zinc and phosphor. These strings produce a bright but slightly warmer sound than the 80/20. The phosphor in the alloy helps them to retain their new sound for greater consistency.
Nickelplated Steel
Typically used for electric guitar sets. Nickel is bright and has good tonal properties when played through magnetic pickups. Nickel has great tarnish-resistant properties.
Silverplated Copper
Has a mellow tone which works well for fingerstyle playing. This alloy is typically used for the wrapped strings in classical guitar string sets, and it is utilized for our Silk and Steel line of strings.
Nylon
This material is used for the treble strings on classic and ukulele sets. It provides rich, clear trebles that are essential to the classical sound.
Characteristics of Core Wire
Silvered Steel
High carbon steel with tinplating has very good tensile properties. This core wire is used for both acoustic and electric sets. It is used for the core wire of wrapped strings and the plain round treble strings.
Bronzed Steel
High carbon steel with a special bronze electro-finish that delivers better tensile properties than tin-plated wire. This wire has a brass color and is used for our SP, SP Marquis and SP+ lines of strings.
Platinum
High carbon steel with special zinc flashing that gives the wire better tensile properties. We use platinum on our new FX string sets to increase the durability and improve harmonic sustain.