Martin MM11 Retro Acoustic Monel Guitar Strings - .011-.052 Custom Light

.011-.052 Custom Light Gauge, Nickel Alloy Acoustic Guitar Strings

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Item ID: RetroMM11

Martin MM11 Retro Acoustic Monel Guitar Strings - .011-.052 Custom Light

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Martin MM11 Retro Acoustic Monel Guitar Strings - .011-.052 Custom Light

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Q: What makes Martin Retro Monel strings unique, and what kind of sound do they produce?

Martin Retro strings feature Monel, a nickel/copper alloy winding that delivers a distinct, vintage acoustic tone. Unlike brighter bronze strings, Monel provides a warm, balanced sound with clear fundamentals, allowing your guitar's natural wood tone to shine. They offer a crisp initial sound that quickly mellows to a warm, woody tone, reminiscent of strings from the 1930s.

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Q: Who are Martin Retro Monel strings best suited for?

These Custom Light .011-.052 gauge strings are ideal for players seeking a vintage-inspired tone and a comfortable playing experience. They're great for fingerstyle, strumming, and recording, offering a balanced sound that lets your guitar's natural voice shine through. Players who prefer a less "zingy" and more mellow, articulate sound will appreciate them.

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Q: What are the benefits of Monel winding material?

Monel is a durable, corrosion-resistant alloy that offers a smooth, natural feel under your fingers. It provides excellent longevity without needing a coating, and its unique tonal properties contribute to a balanced, articulate sound with less finger noise. This allows your guitar's natural wood tone to be more prominent.

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Q: Are Martin Retro Monel strings coated for extended life?

No, Martin Retro Monel strings are not coated. The Monel alloy itself is naturally resistant to corrosion and wear, providing excellent string life and consistent tone without the need for an external coating. This allows for a more natural feel and direct string-to-finger contact.

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Vintage-tone Acoustic Strings from Martin

The MM11 Retro acoustic guitar strings represent yet another quality, vintage-inspired set of strings in Martin’s Retro line. These strings harken back to the 1930s when nickel ruled the acoustic world. Made from Monel, a solid nickel/copper wrap, the MM11s let your acoustic’s natural wood tone ring through with a full low end, a high-end snap, and a solid midrange. The proprietary wrap on the MM11s is corrosion-resistant and impressively strong for long life and uncompromised tone. Martin MM11 strings are a favorite among acoustic guitarists here at Sweetwater.

Martin MM11 Retro Acoustic Guitar Strings Features:

Vintage-inspired acoustic strings deliver superior acoustic tone
Monel nickel/copper alloy wrap wire is super strong and generates a cool vintage sonic vibe
Strings produce a crisp sound that mellows quickly to a warm, woody tone

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Tech Specs

Guitar Type: Acoustic Guitar
Number of Strings: 6
Coated: No
Gauges: .011, .014, .023, .031, .041, .052
Core Material: Steel
Winding Material: Monel (nickel/copper)
Winding Type: Round
Manufacturer Part Number: 41Y19MM11

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Reviews

4.5

Customer Photos & Videos

I settled on the Martin Retro strings on my last guitar, Martin DRSG, after trying the Martin Authentic first. I ended up liking the Retros sound, feel and durability much more. I changed strings after six months even though they didn't need it. Had that guitar for almost three years, played it almost everyday.

Just sold that guitar (felt bad after I sold it, was a Nazareth PA built DRSG), to upgrade to a D-28. I had the D-28 setup by Sweetwater with the Authentic so I could give those strings a try again. After just one month I noticed the discoloration and change in sound quality. Put some Retros on the other day and wow, the guitar really does sound so much better. The quality of notes is pristine and the feel under my fingers is fantastic.

It does take a day or two of playing before the Retros settle in but then they become the best sounding strings in my opinion. And there longevity is a real bonus.

I recently purchased a GPC-X2E through Sweetwater and I asked my sales engineer, Ashton Vaudt, for strings. He recommended the MM11 Retro .011-.052 and I am thrilled with these strings. Even though the Martin is my first decent six string (I am primarily a bass player), I already knew I wanted light gauge strings, and these are perfect for my purposes.

I used these on a 2000 Tacoma DM-9 recently after using Earthwounds for years. These strings absolutely brought a clarity to that Tacoma that shocked me. The highs are balanced and super clear. The bass tightened up and there is no muddiness in that bass. These are about to go in my Martin D-35. I really am impressed at the clarity these strings bring to a bass heavy guitar. Mahogany guitar players I think would get a tremendous boost in both clarity and response from these strings. My Tacoma approves this message.

Less overtones than phosphor, but still strong and clear. Works well with my guitar, rosewood and spruce. Silver color is curious but I'm more interested in the cleaner tone which I like very much.

Might sound dry on a guitar that doesn't have a lot of voice in the wood already? Worth a try. If you don't like em just take em off!

With the right guitar and the right pick (I'm a flatpicker) these are
a Very good choice.
My guitar sounds "bigger", the bass notes ring and the treble notes
are soft and round.
They also last at least twice as long as phosphor bronze strings.
The sound is indeed Retro. Not the modern shimmering sound but a warm
tone that is hard to describe.
Very good strings.