Martin MA540 Phosphor Bronze Guitar Strings – Review and Life Span Test

11 Nov

By Ben Makes Music

Introduction

Choosing guitar strings shouldn’t feel like flipping through a never-ending catalogue. You want sound quality, durability, and a price that won’t break the bank. But finding the right strings can be overwhelming, especially if every set claims to “enhance your tone” or “extend your guitar’s life.” That’s where Martin’s MA540 Phosphor Bronze strings come in—straightforward, affordable, and promising a tone you won’t forget.

In this review, I’ll dive into everything you need to know about these strings: the feel, the sound, and how they handle over time. If you’re a strummer, a picker, or someone who demands the best from their acoustic, this breakdown will give you the insight you need. Are they the right fit for you? Let’s find out.

Gauges

The Martin MA540 strings are classified as "light" gauge, which means they offer a balanced feel that's not too heavy but still packs a punch in the sound department. Here’s the breakdown:

1E: .012
2B: .016
3G: .025
4D: .032
5A: .042
6E: .054

Ideal for players who like a bit of resistance without going full heavy-duty.

The Feel and Sound of Martin MA540

Sound

These strings are built for brightness and volume. Expect a strong, clear tone with a fantastic sustain that fits perfectly in genres like Country and Bluegrass. The bass from the top three strings is especially rich, giving a warm resonance that fills the room. The steel lower strings add punch without overpowering the sound. However, if you love playing jazz or blues, you might find these strings a tad too rigid for your liking.

Feel

Phosphor bronze naturally has a bit of stiffness to it. These strings aren’t as soft as extra lights, and slides and bends require a bit of effort. For seasoned players with calluses, it’s a minor adjustment, but for beginners, the stiffer feel may take some getting used to. With a pick, they’re smooth and responsive—perfect for rhythmic strumming sessions.

Tuning Stability

Martin’s MA540 strings hold tuning impressively well, even with moderate play. You won’t find them slipping out of tune as long as you keep them within their recommended range. If you experiment with alternate tunings, though, you may want a lighter gauge to avoid the occasional break.

Who Are Martin MA540 For

These strings are made for the strummers, the fingerpickers, and especially for those who love a bold, crisp sound. They’re a natural fit for Country and Pop music, enhancing hammer-ons and pull-offs with a distinct twang. If you prefer softer sounds or play in low tunings, a different set might suit you better.

Durability and Life Span

You can expect a good three to four months of rich tone and responsiveness before they start to dull. Around this time, they may also begin to unravel where you strum most, especially near the soundhole. After six months, they can start to corrode and stiffen. For longevity, they’re on par with most other mid-range strings, and a bit of regular cleaning will help prolong their life.

Value for Money

With a typical price range of $7-8, the Martin MA540 strings offer solid value, particularly if you’re after volume and tone. Occasionally, they go on sale for as low as $4, making them an even better buy.

Should You Buy Them?

If you’re into genres that demand a bright, loud tone, these strings are worth a try. They’re perfect for strumming and delivering that classic “twang,” especially for players in Country or Pop. However, if you lean more towards bluesy bends or intricate jazz chords, these might not be flexible enough for your style.