Martin 000m string question(s)

[Sean Golden]

Well, I now own a Martin 000m and am loving it. Playing it next to my
old Applause AE-36 the difference is striking.

I play mostly at night after the kids are in bed and need to be quiet if
I can. I don't use a pick, and I strum very lightly.

I am wondering what the best strings I can put on the guitar should be.
I don't know whether the guitar is 'braced' for a particular guage of
strings or not. So does it matter if I have light guage strings on it?

I have noticed on thing that sort of bugs me (I purchased it used so
there is no warranty). The A string sometimes makes a popping sound as
I'm tuning it. None of the other strings do this. It makes it hard to
tune sometimes, I'll be trying to get it just right and it will not
change for a short turn of the crank, then it will 'pop' and will be
either too high or too low.

Is this a problem with the nut, the bridge or the tuner? I am hoping it
isn't a serious problem. I can get it into tune, that string just bugs
me a bit.

Still, once it is in tune, it is sweet to play. Now I have to decide if
there is any reason to kepp the old Applause...

-sdg

[Sheldon]

Post by Sean Golden
I play mostly at night after the kids are in bed and need to be quiet if
I can. I don't use a pick, and I strum very lightly.

While a 000 tends to be quieter than a dreadnaught, you probably should have
purchased an electric guitar with a set of headphones, but that said...

Post by Sean Golden
I am wondering what the best strings I can put on the guitar should be.
I don't know whether the guitar is 'braced' for a particular guage of
strings or not. So does it matter if I have light guage strings on it?

I'm pretty sure Martin ships their 000's with Martin Lights, which would
normally be a set of 12 - 54 gauge. I replaced the strings that came on my
new 000R with D'Addario phosphor/bronze lights (12 - 53), which are bit
lighter than the Martins. Personally, I think they sound better, but
strings are always a very personal matter. I would definitely start with
lights and work my way up or down from that gauge. If you want strings that
are a bit quieter you could go with custom lights or extra lights, or even
go to silk and steel strings, although many people feel you will lose some
tone as you go to lighter gauges. You will probably also need to adjust the
trussrod to allow for a change in string gauge as well, as lighter strings
do not pull as hard on the neck and may cause some buzzing if not corrected.

I don't think a 000 will be real happy with heavy gauge strings, and it
could even put undo strain on the neck and top, so I wouldn't go any higher
than 13s, and I stand corrected if somebody in this group has a different
opinion.

Post by Sean Golden
I have noticed on thing that sort of bugs me (I purchased it used so
there is no warranty). The A string sometimes makes a popping sound as
I'm tuning it. None of the other strings do this. It makes it hard to
tune sometimes, I'll be trying to get it just right and it will not
change for a short turn of the crank, then it will 'pop' and will be
either too high or too low.
Is this a problem with the nut, the bridge or the tuner? I am hoping it
isn't a serious problem. I can get it into tune, that string just bugs
me a bit.

The problem is almost always with the nut, and it's not a big deal. The
slot needs to be widened and shaped a bit to allow the string to glide
freely through the nut slot. You can also try putting a little graphite
powder in the slot to see if that helps. Generally, any tech/luthier can do
this for you very quickly while you wait. If the nut is cut very high you
may even want to get a complete setup. Just decide what gauge strings you
want before starting. BTW, if the guitar was changed to heavier gauge
strings without widening the nut slots that could be where your ping if
coming from. Drop back to lights and it may fix itself.

Post by Sean Golden
Still, once it is in tune, it is sweet to play. Now I have to decide if
there is any reason to kepp the old Applause...

The 000M is a great guitar and super value. I almost bought one myself, but
opted for the R at the last minute. Just like the sound of the rosewood
better, but that's me. Many people prefer the mahogany. I also kept my old
dreadnaught. Still sounds good, makes a nice backup/beater guitar, and just
not worth selling.

Enjoy the "new" Martin. I'm sure you'll get a lot of pleasure out of it.

Sheldon

Post by Sean Golden
-sdg

[Road Runner]

Post by Sean Golden
Well, I now own a Martin 000m and am loving it. Playing it next to my
old Applause AE-36 the difference is striking.
I play mostly at night after the kids are in bed and need to be quiet if
I can. I don't use a pick, and I strum very lightly.
I am wondering what the best strings I can put on the guitar should be.
I don't know whether the guitar is 'braced' for a particular guage of
strings or not. So does it matter if I have light guage strings on it?

Strings depend on your playing style. You can use lights or mediums
depending on the sound you like. I use mediums or medium/lights (sometimes
called bluegrass guage).

Post by Sean Golden
I have noticed on thing that sort of bugs me (I purchased it used so
there is no warranty). The A string sometimes makes a popping sound as
I'm tuning it. None of the other strings do this. It makes it hard to
tune sometimes, I'll be trying to get it just right and it will not
change for a short turn of the crank, then it will 'pop' and will be
either too high or too low.
Is this a problem with the nut, the bridge or the tuner? I am hoping it
isn't a serious problem. I can get it into tune, that string just bugs
me a bit.

The nut probly has notches or dimples form the winding on the string resting
on the nut. You can use a file or sandpaper to file the dimples out.
Luithers have small files that they use. I'd recommend buying a nut and
saddle made from bone. You'd be amazed at the difference in the tone.

Post by Sean Golden
Still, once it is in tune, it is sweet to play. Now I have to decide if
there is any reason to kepp the old Applause...
-sdg

My two cents

Jeff

[Mike brown]

I use 11 - 52 on all my wooden acoustics. The Martin has "Use medium guage
strings or lighter" branded into the centre back strip.
Michael James Richard B

[rtmca]

Post by Sean Golden
I am wondering what the best strings I can put on the guitar should be.

Here're the specs for your instrument from the horse's mouth (cut and
pasted from the Martin website). The info on the recommended strings
is near the bottom.

MODEL 000M
CONSTRUCTION: Mortoise/Tenon Neck Joint
BODY SIZE: 000-14 Fret
TOP: Solid Sitka Spruce
ROSETTE: Bold Herringbone
TOP BRACING PATTERN: 0001 ( A-Frame)
TOP BRACES: 1 Style/Non-Scalloped
BACK MATERIAL: Laminated Mahogany
BACK PURFLING: none
SIDE MATERIAL: Laminated Mahogany
ENDPIECE: Black Boltaron®
ENDPIECE INLAY: none
BINDING: Black Boltaron®
TOP INLAY STYLE: none
SIDE INLAY: none
BACK INLAY: none
NECK MATERIAL: Solid Mahogany
NECK SHAPE: Modified Low Oval
NUT MATERIAL: White Corian®
HEADSTOCK: Solid/6 String No Diamond/Standard Taper
HEADPLATE: Solid East Indian Rosewood/ Raised Gold Foil Logo
HEELCAP: Solid East Indian Rosewood
FINGERBOARD MATERIAL: Morado
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/ Mahogany Stain/ Dark Filler
FINISH TOP: Satin/ Clear
FINISH NECK: Satin/ Dark Mahogany Stain/ Dark Filler
BRIDGE MATERIAL: Morado
BRIDGE STYLE: Belly
BRIDGE STRING SPACING: 2 1/8''
SADDLE: 16'' Radius/Compensated/White Micarta®
TUNING MACHINES: Chrome w/ Small Knobs
RECOMMENDED STRINGS: MSP+ 4100 Coated Light Phosphor Bronze
BRIDGE & END PINS: White w/ Black Dots
PICKGUARD: I-01 Tortoise Color
CASE: 330 Hard Shell
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.

[A Nengineer]

Post by Sean Golden
I have noticed on thing that sort of bugs me (I purchased it used so
there is no warranty). The A string sometimes makes a popping sound as
I'm tuning it. None of the other strings do this. It makes it hard to
tune sometimes, I'll be trying to get it just right and it will not
change for a short turn of the crank, then it will 'pop' and will be
either too high or too low.

Sean, are these the original strings on the guitar when you got it? In other
words, have you ever changed the strings? If so, does this happen even after
the string is changed?

If you haven't actually ever changed this particular string, it could just
be a quirk of the string itself. Putting a new set of strings on her would
likely make the problem go away.

[Sean Golden]

Post by A Nengineer

Post by Sean Golden
I have noticed on thing that sort of bugs me (I purchased it used so
there is no warranty). The A string sometimes makes a popping sound as
I'm tuning it. None of the other strings do this. It makes it hard to
tune sometimes, I'll be trying to get it just right and it will not
change for a short turn of the crank, then it will 'pop' and will be
either too high or too low.

Sean, are these the original strings on the guitar when you got it? In other
words, have you ever changed the strings? If so, does this happen even after
the string is changed?
If you haven't actually ever changed this particular string, it could just
be a quirk of the string itself. Putting a new set of strings on her would
likely make the problem go away.

It was with new strings that I noticed it. I put lighter strings on and
it still pops, but not as much. I am going to try the pencil lead
suggestion first.

-sdg

[Kenneth]

On Tue, 30 Dec 2003 04:01:24 GMT, Sean Golden

Post by Sean Golden
I have noticed on thing that sort of bugs me (I purchased it used so
there is no warranty). The A string sometimes makes a popping sound as
I'm tuning it. None of the other strings do this. It makes it hard to
tune sometimes, I'll be trying to get it just right and it will not
change for a short turn of the crank, then it will 'pop' and will be
either too high or too low.

Howdy,

Perhaps this has been suggested, but...

Often that is caused by binding of the string in the nut. Try this:
Twirl a pencil in the nut slot of that "A" string. The bit of graphite
deposited is often enough to lubricate the slot, and correct the
problem.

HTH,

[Tony Done]

Standard light or medium gauge should be OK on your guitar, but they do
vary, so, I'll add suitable disclaimers to that (more or less what the
martin warranty implies). If you want to play safe, use light gauge. The
popping noises seem like the string is sticking in the nut slot, which might
indicate that it is currently fitted with mediums. Changing to light gauge
might solve the problem, but if it doesn't, try lubricating the slot and
that part of the string with a soft lead pencil or other dry lubricant. If
that fails, try "filing" the notch out be scrubbing an old string through it
a few times - Take care to keep the string in line and not exert too much
downward pressure - the slot wants to be wider, not deeper. As a last
resort, fine abrasive paper folder over a stiff support (a credit card could
be right for the A string), taking care to keep the cut straight and
pointing slightly down towards the headstock, using very little downward
pressure.

Tony D

Post by Sean Golden
Well, I now own a Martin 000m and am loving it. Playing it next to my
old Applause AE-36 the difference is striking.
I play mostly at night after the kids are in bed and need to be quiet if
I can. I don't use a pick, and I strum very lightly.
I am wondering what the best strings I can put on the guitar should be.
I don't know whether the guitar is 'braced' for a particular guage of
strings or not. So does it matter if I have light guage strings on it?
I have noticed on thing that sort of bugs me (I purchased it used so
there is no warranty). The A string sometimes makes a popping sound as
I'm tuning it. None of the other strings do this. It makes it hard to
tune sometimes, I'll be trying to get it just right and it will not
change for a short turn of the crank, then it will 'pop' and will be
either too high or too low.
Is this a problem with the nut, the bridge or the tuner? I am hoping it
isn't a serious problem. I can get it into tune, that string just bugs
me a bit.
Still, once it is in tune, it is sweet to play. Now I have to decide if
there is any reason to kepp the old Applause...
-sdg