Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 7 stores. Prices updated .

Guitar Center
4.5 (20)
$9.99
Amazon
4.7 (1182)
Reverb
5.0 (5)
$7.99 24 available New
Musician's Friend
5.0 (6)
$9.99
zZounds
5.0 (2)
$9.99
Thomann
4.6 (249)
$8.90

Price History

Based on price data from 5 merchants for "Martin Guitars Retro MM-12 Light". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

Elevate your acoustic sound with the Martin Guitars Retro MM-12 Light strings, designed for the discerning guitarist who craves both clarity and warmth. These strings are crafted to deliver a vintage tone that harks back to the golden era of music, while still embodying the reliability and durability that Martin is renowned for. The light tension of this set enhances playability, making it easier on your fingers while allowing for expressive bends and intricate fingerstyle techniques. Thanks to their roundwound construction, these strings offer a balanced tone with rich harmonic content, perfect for both studio sessions and live performances.

Whether you're strumming away on stage or jamming in your living room, these strings ensure your guitar’s voice shines through, providing a robust yet mellow sound that complements a wide array of playing styles. With gauges ranging from .012 to .054, the MM-12 Light set offers the ideal blend of subtlety and power, ensuring your music resonates with authenticity and depth.

Key Features:

  • Gauges: 012, 015, 025w, 031, 041, 054
  • Light tension for enhanced playability
  • Roundwound for balanced tone and rich harmonics

Product specs

Available since September 2014
Strength of the strings 0,012" – 0,054"
Material Monel

FAQs

What materials are used in the Martin Guitars Retro MM-12 Light strings?

The Martin Guitars Retro MM-12 Light strings are made from a solid nickel/copper alloy blend with a tin-plated hex core wire, providing corrosion resistance and a unique tone.

What is the tonal characteristic of the Martin Guitars Retro MM-12 Light strings?

These strings offer a warm, natural tone that allows the guitar's tonewoods to be heard, providing a consistent sound that is distinct from other strings on the market.

Are Martin Guitars Retro MM-12 Light strings suitable for all acoustic guitars?

Yes, these strings are designed to enhance the natural tone of acoustic guitars and are suitable for most models, especially those that benefit from a warm and consistent sound.

What gauge are the Martin Guitars Retro MM-12 Light strings?

The Martin Guitars Retro MM-12 Light strings have gauges of .012, .015, .025, .031, .041, and .054.

How do Martin Guitars Retro MM-12 Light strings perform when plugged in?

These strings sound great with plugged-in instruments, maintaining their warm, natural tone even when amplified.

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Martin Guitars Retro MM-12 Light.

Setup and maintenance

  • The 000Jr's shorter scale length naturally makes it easier to fret, potentially reducing the need for lighter gauge strings for beginner ease.

    Source
  • Switching from medium to light strings might necessitate a setup change due to altered tension, potentially affecting action and playability.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners note that custom light strings can make the guitar sound thin and don't necessarily improve playability compared to light strings.

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  • Users appreciate the Martin Retros for their unique sound, with some mentioning they haven't switched from these strings since their release in 2015.

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  • Monel Retro strings initially sound unimpressive, but improve significantly after about a week of play.

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  • Some users find Tony Rice .13 gauge strings offer superior sound but are challenging to play for extended periods.

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  • The guitar is described as a workhorse, suggesting durability and reliability despite its susceptibility to surface wear.

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Comparisons

  • The 000Jr is compared to standard 000, OM, or dreadnought models, highlighting its easier playability due to the shorter scale length.

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  • The D'Addario XS .013-.053 sets are cited as combining the best of both worlds, with longevity and a balanced feel.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The Martin Retro MM-12 strings exert 162.9 pounds of tension, while Retro Tony Rice editions exert 184.8 pounds, offering flexibility in tension preferences.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Medium strings are favored for bluegrass and flat picking due to their bass response and volume, while lights are preferred for comfort and ease of play.

    Source

Build quality

  • The 000-15M is prone to cosmetic dings easily, but this adds character to its non-gloss finish over time.

    Source

5.0 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 1 Rating

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Peter Honoré uses Martin Guitars Retro MM-12 Light

Peter Honoré

Guitarist

...
Verified via Photo

"If you haven't tried these @martinguitar Retro strings, I recommended you do. They sound beautiful and they last ages......"

See how Norman Blake uses Martin Guitars Retro MM-12 Light

Norman Blake

Guitarist

Teenage Fanclub

...
Verified via Premierguitar

"His three main sets are GHS White Bronze, GHS Boomers Dynamite Alloy (electric), and Martin Retro."

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Martin Guitars Retro MM-12 Light, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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