What gauges are included in the Martin MA170T set?

The MA170T is an Extra Light set featuring gauges 10, 14, 23, 30, 39, and 47. These measurements provide a low-tension playing experience.

What material are these strings made from?

They are made from 80/20 Bronze, which is an alloy composed of 80% copper and 20% zinc. This material is known for its bright and articulate sound.

What is Lifespan 2.0 technology?

Lifespan 2.0 is Martin's patented treatment designed to protect the core and wrap wire from corrosion. It was developed over two years to ensure the strings look, sound, and feel better for a longer duration.

How does the tone of these strings compare to Phosphor Bronze?

These 80/20 Bronze strings yield a brighter and more 'ringing' tone compared to the warmer, mellower profile of Phosphor Bronze strings. They are excellent for adding clarity to a guitar.

Are these strings coated or treated?

They feature a patented treatment rather than a traditional heavy coating. This is intended to protect the metal without the peeling or slippery feel associated with some coated brands.

What is the typical price for a set of MA170T strings?

In the UK market, these strings typically retail for approximately £13.00. Prices may vary slightly depending on the retailer.

Who should use Extra Light gauge strings?

Extra Light strings (10-47) are best for beginners, players with smaller hands, or those using vintage instruments that cannot handle high tension. They offer easier fretting and bending.

How long did it take Martin to develop these strings?

Martin spent two years developing the Lifespan 2.0 technology. This period was dedicated to perfecting the balance between longevity and natural feel.

Do these strings protect the core wire?

Yes, the Lifespan 2.0 technology is designed to protect both the wrap wire and the inner core wire. This holistic protection helps prevent internal corrosion.

Can these strings be used on a Dreadnought guitar?

While they will fit any standard acoustic guitar, they are very light. Some players prefer them on Dreadnoughts for easier playability, though they may produce less volume than Medium strings.

How do these compare to Ernie Ball M-Steel or Nickel strings?

The MA170T is designed specifically for acoustic guitars with a focus on bronze-alloy brightness and corrosion resistance. Ernie Ball M-Steel or Nickel strings are generally intended for electric guitars.

Are Martin Lifespan 2.0 strings suitable for fingerstyle playing?

Yes, the 10-47 gauge is popular with fingerstyle players. The lower tension makes complex chord shapes and subtle nuances easier to execute.

Gear article

Martin MA170T Authentic Acoustic Lifespan 2.0 Strings

The Martin MA170T is a set of 80/20 Bronze acoustic guitar strings featuring a patented treatment designed to prevent corrosion and extend playability. Developed by Martin over a two-year period, these Extra Light gauge strings (10-47) utilise Lifespan 2.0 technology to protect both the core and wrap wires without compromising tonal clarity.

See live prices

Background and Development

The Martin MA170T Lifespan 2.0 series represents a significant research and development effort by C.F. Martin & Co. The company spent two years refining the technology behind these strings to ensure they met modern standards for longevity and performance. The primary goal of the project was to create a treated string that maintains the feel and appearance of an untreated set while offering superior resistance to the environmental factors that typically degrade string quality.

Construction and Technology

These strings are manufactured using 80/20 bronze, an alloy consisting of 80% copper and 20% zinc. The defining feature of the MA170T is the Lifespan 2.0 treatment. Unlike traditional thick coatings, this patented design involves a technology that protects the core wire and the wrap wire individually. This barrier prevents sweat, oils, and moisture from causing corrosion, which is the leading cause of premature string death and tonal dullness.

Tonal Profile and Playability

The use of 80/20 bronze results in a tone that is characteristically bright and ringing, often preferred for its ability to cut through a mix or brighten up darker-sounding instruments. As an 'Extra Light' set, the gauges range from .010 to .047. This lower tension makes the MA170T particularly easy to play, requiring less finger pressure to fret notes and making it highly suitable for technical fingerstyle or players with sensitive hands.

Target Audience

The MA170T is ideally suited for acoustic guitarists who value longevity but dislike the feel of heavily coated strings. Because they are extra light gauge, they are often recommended for smaller-bodied guitars or for beginner players who are still developing calluses. They are also a practical choice for touring musicians or those living in humid environments where untreated strings might corrode rapidly.

Related gear

Frequently asked questions

What gauges are included in the Martin MA170T set?: The MA170T is an Extra Light set featuring gauges 10, 14, 23, 30, 39, and 47. These measurements provide a low-tension playing experience.
What material are these strings made from?: They are made from 80/20 Bronze, which is an alloy composed of 80% copper and 20% zinc. This material is known for its bright and articulate sound.
What is Lifespan 2.0 technology?: Lifespan 2.0 is Martin's patented treatment designed to protect the core and wrap wire from corrosion. It was developed over two years to ensure the strings look, sound, and feel better for a longer duration.
How does the tone of these strings compare to Phosphor Bronze?: These 80/20 Bronze strings yield a brighter and more 'ringing' tone compared to the warmer, mellower profile of Phosphor Bronze strings. They are excellent for adding clarity to a guitar.
Are these strings coated or treated?: They feature a patented treatment rather than a traditional heavy coating. This is intended to protect the metal without the peeling or slippery feel associated with some coated brands.
What is the typical price for a set of MA170T strings?: In the UK market, these strings typically retail for approximately £13.00. Prices may vary slightly depending on the retailer.
Who should use Extra Light gauge strings?: Extra Light strings (10-47) are best for beginners, players with smaller hands, or those using vintage instruments that cannot handle high tension. They offer easier fretting and bending.
How long did it take Martin to develop these strings?: Martin spent two years developing the Lifespan 2.0 technology. This period was dedicated to perfecting the balance between longevity and natural feel.
Do these strings protect the core wire?: Yes, the Lifespan 2.0 technology is designed to protect both the wrap wire and the inner core wire. This holistic protection helps prevent internal corrosion.
Can these strings be used on a Dreadnought guitar?: While they will fit any standard acoustic guitar, they are very light. Some players prefer them on Dreadnoughts for easier playability, though they may produce less volume than Medium strings.
How do these compare to Ernie Ball M-Steel or Nickel strings?: The MA170T is designed specifically for acoustic guitars with a focus on bronze-alloy brightness and corrosion resistance. Ernie Ball M-Steel or Nickel strings are generally intended for electric guitars.
Are Martin Lifespan 2.0 strings suitable for fingerstyle playing?: Yes, the 10-47 gauge is popular with fingerstyle players. The lower tension makes complex chord shapes and subtle nuances easier to execute.