Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 6 stores. Prices updated .

Sweetwater
$9.99 $7.49 $2.50 · All time low
Guitar Center
5.0 (6)
$9.99
Amazon
4.7 (101)
$9.99
Musician's Friend
5.0 (1)
$9.99
zZounds
5.0 (2)
$9.99
Thomann
5.0 (3)
$9.60

Price History

Based on price data from 5 merchants for "Martin Retro 13-56 Acoustic Guitar Strings". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

For the discerning guitarist seeking a blend of vintage charm and modern resilience, the Martin Retro 13-56 Acoustic Guitar Strings are a revelation. Crafted from a proprietary Monel nickel/copper alloy, these strings not only promise longevity but also deliver a warm, mellow tone that brings out the rich, woody nuances of your acoustic guitar. Unlike ordinary strings, they are designed to let your instrument's tonewoods sing with clarity, thanks to their reduced pick attack. This makes them perfect for both unplugged sessions and amplified performances, offering a consistent, crisp sound that mellows into a warm vintage vibe. The corrosion-resistant wrap wire ensures these strings endure the test of time, maintaining a vibrant tone that stands out in any mix. Whether you're a fingerstyle virtuoso or a strumming enthusiast, these strings are bound to enhance your playing experience, resonating with the authenticity that only Martin can provide.

Key Features:

  • Gauges: .013, .017, .024, .032, .042, .056
  • Medium Light tension
  • Roundwound construction
  • Proprietary Monel nickel/copper alloy wrap wire
  • Tin-Plated hex core wire for added corrosion resistance
  • Warm, woody tone with a full low end and crisp high end
  • Ideal for both unplugged and plugged-in performances
  • Enhanced string longevity for extended playability

Product specs

Guitar Type Acoustic Guitar
Number of Strings 6
Coated No
Gauges .013, .017, .024, .032, .042, .056
Core Material Steel
Winding Material Monel (nickel/copper)
Winding Type Round

FAQs

What makes Martin Retro 13-56 Acoustic Guitar Strings unique?

Martin Retro 13-56 strings are made with a Monel (nickel/copper) alloy, offering a vintage tone with a warm and mellow sound. This material choice allows the natural tone of your guitar's wood to shine through, providing a distinct sound profile.

Are Martin Retro 13-56 strings suitable for beginners?

These strings are medium/light gauge, which can be challenging for beginners due to their higher tension compared to lighter strings. They are better suited for experienced players who appreciate their unique tonal characteristics.

What type of guitar are Martin Retro 13-56 strings designed for?

Martin Retro 13-56 strings are specifically designed for acoustic guitars, delivering a rich and balanced tone ideal for various acoustic playing styles.

How do Martin Retro 13-56 strings affect playability?

With gauges from .013 to .056, these strings provide a robust feel and increased tension, offering more volume and projection but requiring more finger strength, especially for players used to lighter strings.

Do Martin Retro 13-56 strings have a coating?

No, Martin Retro 13-56 strings are not coated. They offer a raw, natural feel and sound, appealing to players who prefer the traditional touch and tone of uncoated strings.

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Reviews

PROS

  • Exceptional sound quality with balanced lows, mids, and highs

  • Recommended by renowned musicians and luthiers for old-time tone

  • Unique medium-light gauge mix enhances versatility for fingerstyle and strumming

  • Long-lasting durability comparable to coated strings

  • Monel alloy provides a clear, resonant tone without the shimmer of phosphor bronze

  • Immediate rich tone without a harsh break-in period

  • Suitable for guitars that are challenging to match with other strings

  • Holds pitch well with minimal stretching required

  • Beautiful, distinct color adds visual appeal

  • Easier on the fingers, good for bending notes

CONS

  • Slightly darker tone may not suit those preferring brighter strings

  • String squeaks can be noticeably loud

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Martin Retro 13-56 Acoustic Guitar Strings.

Use cases and applications

  • Owners prefer Martin Retros on larger body guitars like D-18 for a warmer tone, noting they're less effective on smaller bodies due to quieter output.

    Source
  • Retros produce a metallic tone on vintage guitars like the 1940s Harmony Patrician, enhancing warmth.

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  • The Martin Retro strings are suggested for reducing the treble punch in guitars, providing a mellow sound suitable for those seeking a softer tone.

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User experience

  • Many owners find the strings settle to their optimal tone within a couple of hours, though some report it taking about a week with regular play.

    Source
  • Retros are favored for reducing high-end harshness on brighter guitars like the J45, minimizing buzz during aggressive strumming.

    Source
  • Owners experimenting with various strings recommend trying different sets as personal preference greatly influences satisfaction, with strings being a low-cost way to explore tonal changes.

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Comparisons

  • Compared to Lifespans, Retros are less bass-heavy but have a more pleasant top end and mellow quickly after initial brightness.

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  • Users switching from D'Addario EJ16s appreciate the Retros' lasting mellow tone and have stuck with them for years.

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  • Martin Retro strings were noted to make a D18 sound overly muted, described as "strumming with a sock," contrasting with their favorable use on Gibsons.

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  • D'Addario XS Phosphor Bronze 13s are highlighted for their bright, full, and responsive nature, making them a favored choice for HD-28 owners.

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  • SIT Royal Bronze 12-54 strings on a D-18 deliver balanced, bright, and powerful sound, excelling in fingerstyle, strumming, and single-note picking, lasting longer than other sets.

    Source

4.5 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 4 Ratings

5 star
4 star
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2 star
1 star
fingerstylist

ok, but very loud squeaks

they break in ok, but the string squeaks are VERY LOUD. not my fav pair tbh. still liking elixir bronze the most

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