Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 8 stores. Prices updated .

Sweetwater
3.5 (3)
$8.99
Guitar Center
5.0 (1)
$8.99
Amazon
4.6 (3491)
$8.99
Reverb
5.0 (1)
$4.78 18 available New
Musician's Friend
4.0 (6)
$8.99
Thomann
4.3 (89)
$6.30

Price History

Based on price data from 5 merchants for "Martin Phosphor Bronze MEC-13 Medium". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

Elevate your acoustic experience with the Martin Phosphor Bronze MEC-13 Medium strings, designed specifically for guitarists who seek a harmonious blend of robust volume and warm, intricate tones. These strings, crafted from a durable phosphor bronze, stand out for their longevity and ability to maintain their tonal quality through countless sessions. Ideal for musicians who play with passion and intensity, the MEC-13 offers a medium gauge that balances playability with a bold sound projection, making them a versatile choice for a wide range of playing styles. Whether you're strumming chords at a campfire or leading a soul-stirring solo on stage, these strings will ensure that your guitar sings with clarity and depth.

The phosphor bronze composition not only enhances the durability of these strings but also contributes to a sound that's rich with overtones and warmth, perfect for capturing the nuanced expressions of your music. Additionally, their medium gauge provides a satisfying feel under your fingertips, offering both comfort and control as you navigate the fretboard. Dive into a world where every note resonates with pure musicality, thanks to the Martin Phosphor Bronze MEC-13 Medium strings.

Key Features:

  • Crafted from high-quality phosphor bronze for longevity and a warm, rich tone
  • Medium gauge offers a balanced blend of playability and robust sound projection
  • Ideal for a wide range of musical styles and playing techniques
  • Ensures clarity and depth of sound, enhancing the overall expressiveness of your guitar
  • Designed to maintain tonal quality through extensive use, perfect for passionate musicians

Product specs

Available since October 2005
Strength of the strings 0,013" – 0,056"
Material Phosphor Bronze

FAQs

What are the tonal characteristics of Martin Phosphor Bronze MEC-13 Medium strings?

Martin Phosphor Bronze MEC-13 Medium strings are known for their warm, rich tone with a balanced brightness, making them suitable for various musical styles, especially folk and rock.

Are Martin Phosphor Bronze MEC-13 Medium strings suitable for fingerstyle playing?

Yes, these strings offer a balanced tension and responsive tone that complements fingerstyle playing, providing clarity and warmth.

How does the gauge of Martin MEC-13 strings affect playability?

The medium gauge (0.013" – 0.056") provides a fuller sound and more volume, ideal for strumming and flatpicking, but may require more finger strength compared to lighter gauges.

How durable are Martin Phosphor Bronze MEC-13 Medium strings?

Thanks to their phosphor bronze material, these strings offer enhanced durability and longer lifespan compared to regular bronze strings, maintaining tone quality over extended use.

Are Martin Phosphor Bronze MEC-13 strings compatible with all acoustic guitars?

Yes, these strings are designed to fit most standard acoustic guitars, providing a warm and balanced tone across various guitar types.

Minor7thb5

Minor7thb5

Martin Eric Clapton Strings

Video thumbnail for Martin Eric Clapton Strings by Minor7thb5

Martin Eric Clapton Strings

Minor7thb5

Minor7thb5

Reviews

PROS

  • Rich, warm tone enhances natural guitar resonance

  • Smooth, soft feel gentle on fingers; minimal string noise

  • Exceptional durability; long-lasting tone retention

  • Precise intonation ensures accurate sound on every fret

  • Excellent playability for diverse music styles

  • Suitable for fingerstyle, strumming, and plucking

  • Great for both learners and seasoned musicians

  • Holds tuning well; stable performance

  • High-quality construction justifies price

CONS

  • Lower volume; not ideal for noisy environments

  • Medium tension not as effective as advertised

  • Higher price point compared to similar options

  • Occasional string breakage reported

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Martin Phosphor Bronze MEC-13 Medium.

Comparisons

  • Martin phosphor bronze strings are noted to feel less "bendier" than D'Addario by some users, offering a different playability experience.

    Source
  • Users compare Martin's phosphor bronze strings to D'Addario and Elixir, noting a preference for the Martin feel and tone in certain setups.

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  • Owners compare John Pearse strings to D'Addario XS, noting that Pearse strings make some guitars come alive, while XS are liked for their texture and sound.

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  • Elixir phosphor bronze strings are praised for maintaining a new string sound longer, while some find the brightness excessive for fingerpicking on mahogany guitars.

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User experience

  • Some users find Martin phosphor bronze strings consistent in feel and sound, leading to brand loyalty despite not considering them exceptional.

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  • Martin strings have been credited with enhancing the sound quality of budget guitars, making them a cost-effective upgrade.

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  • Many prefer D'Addario Nickel Bronze for a warmer sound with a softer attack, suitable for folk and fingerstyle music.

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  • Retuning frequently can cause string breakage, especially without addressing potential burrs on the nut or tuning pegs; using "Nut Sauce" can help improve string longevity.

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  • Users find Martin Retro Monel strings enhance the mellow, aged sound of mahogany guitars like the 00-15M, appealing to those seeking a vintage tone.

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Use cases and applications

  • Martin phosphor bronze strings are favored for their performance consistency, making them reliable for regular playing without frequent changes.

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  • Retros are highlighted for their mellow tone and longevity, with a Tony Rice endorsement, making them suitable for those seeking a fundamental sound.

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  • Martin phosphor bronze SP strings are noted for their clear and bright tone, making them suitable for players who prefer a less muted sound than coated strings.

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Setup and maintenance

  • Switching from Martin Lifespan to Ernie Ball phosphor bronze strings with a plain G string can significantly improve tone and feel on certain guitars.

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  • On smaller Martin guitars like the 00-15M, sticking with light gauge strings is recommended to avoid neck tension issues over time.

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Value and pricing

  • Santa Cruz strings are praised for tone but considered pricey, while Stringjoy offers a more budget-friendly alternative with positive reviews for their sound.

    Source

Based on 0 Reviews and 0 Ratings

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Eric Clapton uses Martin Phosphor Bronze MEC-13 Medium

Eric Clapton

Guitarist

Mark Knopfler’s Guitar Heroes

...
Verified via Martinguitar

"C.F. Martin and Company is proud to introduce the first sets in a new line of Artist Choice acoustic guitar strings, Clapton's Choice Phosphor Bronze. The Clapton's Choice Phosphor Bronze guitar strings have a distinctively clear, warm tone with a hint of brightness that can highlight the subtleties of any player's style. Live or in the studio, these strings deliver the kind of performance expected by Eric Clapton."

Genre Usage

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Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Martin Phosphor Bronze MEC-13 Medium, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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