How many guitar strings are there?

Most standard guitars have six strings. However, some guitars have 7, 8, or even 12 strings for extended range or special styles. For beginners and most players, the six-string setup is the norm and offers all the range needed for most genres

What are the Names of Guitar Strings?

The strings are named based on pitch: E, A, D, G, B, and high E. Starting from the thickest (lowest pitch) to the thinnest (highest pitch), the names go: E, A, D, G, B, E. A common acronym to remember the order of strings from thickest to thinnest is: Eddie Ate Dynamite; Good Bye Eddie.

What is the order of guitar strings?

From the thickest (top when holding the guitar) to the thinnest (bottom), the order is: 6th (Low E), 5th (A), 4th (D), 3rd (G), 2nd (B), 1st (High E). Knowing the order helps with tuning, learning chords, and following guitar tabs.

What are some common materials for guitar strings?

Strings can be made from stainless steel, nickel, nylon, phosphor bronze, flat wound

How to Choose Guitar Strings?

If you play electric guitar, nickel-plated steel strings are the most common and work well for most genres, If you’re into blues or vintage rock, pure nickel gives a warmer tone, Stainless steel is a good pick if you want a sharp, bright sound with less corrosion, For acoustic guitars, phosphor bronze strings offer a rich tone with warmth and brightness, 80/20 bronze strings are another option, giving a brighter, punchier sound, Nylon strings are only for classical guitars or beginner nylon-string acoustics; never use them on a steel-string guitar.

What are winding types for guitar strings?

Roundwound strings, flatwound strings, half-round strings

What are roundwound guitar stirngs?

These are the most common type of winding type for guitar strings. They’re bright and have a textured feel, but can be noisy when fingers slide across.

What are flatwound guitar strings?

Smoother and darker sounding, flatwounds are popular in jazz and blues. They produce less finger noise but feel stiffer. They have a very smooth feel and produce a mellow, warm, and dark tone with less sustain and a more percussive attack.

What are half-wound guitar strings?

These are a middle ground between roundwound and flatwound strings. They offer a smoother feel than roundwounds with more brightness than flatwounds, but can be more expensive.

What type of strings are bass guitar strings?

These are thick, low-tuned strings made for bass guitars. They’re available in roundwound, flatwound, or tapewound.

What type of strings are classical guitar strings?

Classical guitar strings should only be made from nylon, as steel strings can damage a classical guitar’s neck and body.

What type of guitar strings to use on acoustic guitars?

Use bronze or phosphor bronze strings, usually with steel cores. Never use nylon or electric strings on an acoustic.

What type of strings should I use on an electric guitar?

Use nickel or stainless steel strings for an electric guitar. Acoustic-specific strings won’t work properly with magnetic pickups.

What are guitar string sizes or gauges?

String gauge refers to how thick the strings are. Thinner strings are easier to play; thicker ones are louder and more durable. Guitar strings come in extra light or super light (0.008-0.038), light (0.009-0.042), medium (0.01-0.046), and heavy (0.011-0.052)

How do I care for guitar strings?

Keep your strings clean by wiping them down after each use. Oils and sweat can make them corrode faster. Store your guitar in a case to protect strings from humidity and dust.

How Often Should I Replace My Guitar Strings?

If you play daily, change strings every 2–4 weeks. Occasional players can wait 1–2 months. Replace them when they sound dull, feel rough, or are hard to tune.

Can I Boil Guitar Strings to Clean Them?

Yes, boiling can temporarily remove grime and restore brightness, especially on bass strings. But it weakens the metal, so it’s not a long-term solution and we recommend just buying new strings instead.

Why Do My Guitar Strings Keep Breaking?

Common causes include sharp bridge edges, worn frets, over-tightening, or old strings. Make sure your guitar is properly set up and check for sharp spots.

What are some popular brands of guitar string?

D'Addario, NYXL (by D'Addario), Ernie Ball, Elixir, GHS Strings, Stringjoy, Fender

Steel vs nylon strings – which is better?

Neither is “better”; just better for you and your needs as a guitarist. Steel is for acoustic and electric guitars with bright, strong tones; nylon is for classical guitars and gives a soft, mellow sound.

How much are guitar strings?

Most sets cost between $5 and $20, depending on quality, type, and coating.

What are guitar strings made of?

Guitar strings are made from a variety of materials depending on the type of guitar. Electric guitar strings are usually made of steel, nickel, or stainless steel. Acoustic strings are often made from bronze, phosphor bronze, or brass. Classical guitar strings use nylon or a combination of nylon and silver-plated copper. Each material affects the tone, feel, and durability of the strings.

Can you put electric guitar strings on an acoustic?

Technically yes, but it’s not recommended. Electric guitar strings are made for magnetic pickups and won’t sound right on an acoustic. They also have lower tension, which can affect the guitar’s tone and feel. For the best sound and playability, use acoustic strings on acoustic guitars.

Does acoustic string gauge make a difference?

Yes, it makes a major difference. Lighter gauges are easier to play and better for fingerpicking, but they can sound thinner and break more easily. Heavier gauges produce a fuller, louder sound and are better for strumming, but they’re harder on the fingers and may require a stronger setup.

How do I choose electric strings?

Start by considering your playing style and tone preference. If you want a bright tone and long life, stainless steel is great. For a warmer sound, try pure nickel. Light gauges are easier to play and bend, while heavier gauges offer more sustain and volume. Also, match your string type to your guitar’s scale length and setup.

All photos are of the actual product. Learn More

Description
Media Gallery
Downloads

In conjunction with former Martin employee Dick Boak, Martin Guitar is proud to introduce a stunning high-end Dreadnought model: the D-42 Special. The idea for this model began nearly 25 years ago when Martin installed its first laser engraving machine, and Boak began experimenting with various ways to utilize it. Boak created an intricate pen and ink illustration of a complex floral design that was meant to be laser engraved into a tortoise pickguard, but the material proved unable to be safely engraved. Fast-forward 23 years, Boak came across his original illustration and thought it would make a beautiful piece if inlaid with pearl. He was right! Working with Bill Seymour and Jeremy Chism at Pearlworks, the trio modified the artwork to allow for the detailed pearl inlay work. The resulting prototype won the approval of Chris Martin IV, who asked Boak to expand the design to the fingerboard and headstock. The model also features premium-grade East Indian rosewood back and sides, with the highest grade of spruce selected for the soundboard. Scalloped forward-shifted X-bracing ensures the open projection for which Martin guitars are prized. Additional vintage-inspired appointments include antique white bindings; abalone inlay along the perimeter of the top, fingerboard extension, and rosette; a full gloss finish with top aging toner; and nickel open-gear tuning machines with butterbean knobs.

Other specifications include:

Body Size: D-14 Fret
Finish Top: Gloss
Construction: Dovetail Neck Joint
Back and Side Finish: Gloss
Bracing Pattern: Forward Shifted X Brace
Scale Length: 25.4"
Brace Shape: Scalloped
Fingerboard Width at Nut: 1 3/4''
Top Material: Spruce
Neck Shape: Modified Low Oval
Back Material: East Indian Rosewood
Neck Taper: High Performance Taper
Side Material: East Indian Rosewood
Electronics: None
Electronics Options: Not Available
Top Color: Aging Toner
Bridge Style: Modern Belly - Drop in Saddle
Binding: Antique White
Bridge String Spacing: 2 5/32"
Top Inlay Material: Abalone with Multi-Stripe
Bridge Material: Ebony
Top Detail: None
Bridge Pin Material: White Plastic
Pickguard: Black Acrylic
Bridge Pin Dots: Abalone
Pickguard Inlay: Custom Inlay
Saddle: Compensated Bone
Rosette: Abalone with Multi-Stripe
Saddle Radius: 16"
Brace Material: Spruce
Back and Sides Color: None
Brace Size: 5/16"
Back Detail: None
Back Purfling/Strip: Style 45
Back Inlay Material: Multi-Stripe
Heelcap: Antique White
Side Detail: None
Endpiece: Antique White
Side Inlay Material: Multi-Stripe
Endpiece Inlay: Multi-Stripe
Neck Material: Genuine Mahogany
Fingerboard Material: Ebony
Finish Neck: Gloss
Fingerboard Width at 12th Fret: 2 1/8''
Neck Color: Dark Mahogany
Fingerboard Inlay Style: Dick Boak Inlay Design
Fingerboard Inlay Material: Mother of Pearl
Neck Joins Body At: 14th Fret
Fingerboard Binding Material: Antique White
Side Dots: Black
Headstock Shape: Solid with Square Taper and Diamond
Tuning Machines: Nickel Open Gear
Headplate Material: Ebony
Knob: Butter Bean
Headplate Logo Style: Custom Inlay
Headplate Binding Material: Antique White
Case: Ply Hardshell
Label: Paper Label Signed by CFM IV & Dick Boak, Numbered in Sequence with No Total
Pleked: true
4 lbs 13 oz
#2748958

For more information about the Martin D-42 Special, please contact us.

Manufacturer: Martin
Series: Limited & Special Edition
Body Style: Dreadnought
Actual Weight: 4.13
Model: D-42 Special

Product Images

Product Videos

Play

Martin D-45S Authentic 1936 Aged | Demo with Matt Chulka

Downloads

On Sale New

SKU: 2748958

Weight: 4 lbs 13 oz

2023 - Martin D-42 Special #2748958

$12,199.00

$9,759.00

Condition:: New
UPC:: 729789620109

Quantity:

Current Stock:

Adding to cart… The item has been added

Free Shipping inside lower 48 states

48 Hour Return Policy

You can demo any guitar by making an appointment with our team. Just reach out to us through a message, email, or chat!

Description

Other specifications include:

Body Size: D-14 Fret
Finish Top: Gloss
Construction: Dovetail Neck Joint
Back and Side Finish: Gloss
Bracing Pattern: Forward Shifted X Brace
Scale Length: 25.4"
Brace Shape: Scalloped
Fingerboard Width at Nut: 1 3/4''
Top Material: Spruce
Neck Shape: Modified Low Oval
Back Material: East Indian Rosewood
Neck Taper: High Performance Taper
Side Material: East Indian Rosewood
Electronics: None
Electronics Options: Not Available
Top Color: Aging Toner
Bridge Style: Modern Belly - Drop in Saddle
Binding: Antique White
Bridge String Spacing: 2 5/32"
Top Inlay Material: Abalone with Multi-Stripe
Bridge Material: Ebony
Top Detail: None
Bridge Pin Material: White Plastic
Pickguard: Black Acrylic
Bridge Pin Dots: Abalone
Pickguard Inlay: Custom Inlay
Saddle: Compensated Bone
Rosette: Abalone with Multi-Stripe
Saddle Radius: 16"
Brace Material: Spruce
Back and Sides Color: None
Brace Size: 5/16"
Back Detail: None
Back Purfling/Strip: Style 45
Back Inlay Material: Multi-Stripe
Heelcap: Antique White
Side Detail: None
Endpiece: Antique White
Side Inlay Material: Multi-Stripe
Endpiece Inlay: Multi-Stripe
Neck Material: Genuine Mahogany
Fingerboard Material: Ebony
Finish Neck: Gloss
Fingerboard Width at 12th Fret: 2 1/8''
Neck Color: Dark Mahogany
Fingerboard Inlay Style: Dick Boak Inlay Design
Fingerboard Inlay Material: Mother of Pearl
Neck Joins Body At: 14th Fret
Fingerboard Binding Material: Antique White
Side Dots: Black
Headstock Shape: Solid with Square Taper and Diamond
Tuning Machines: Nickel Open Gear
Headplate Material: Ebony
Knob: Butter Bean
Headplate Logo Style: Custom Inlay
Headplate Binding Material: Antique White
Case: Ply Hardshell
Label: Paper Label Signed by CFM IV & Dick Boak, Numbered in Sequence with No Total
Pleked: true
4 lbs 13 oz
#2748958