Martin Tommy Emmanuel Signature Strings

A set of Flexible Core strings for the fingerstyle guitar master.

November 2, 2022

Martin has long been one of the world’s leading manufacturers of guitar strings, and the company recently released a signature set ($7.99) for fingerstyle guitar phenomenon Tommy Emmanuel, who began using Martin’s light-gauge Flexible Core strings several years ago. I recently had a chance to try a set on my 2004 Martin Custom Shop OM, and in this video, I demonstrate the strings in the Peghead Nation studio.

Developed for easy playability, Martin’s Flexible Core strings are made with thinner core wires than other comparable sets, while the wrap wire is adjusted to achieve standard gauges. For example, the Tommy Emmanuel set is essentially a light-gauge set (individual string gauges are .012, .016, .025, .032, .042, and .054), and while the overall tension isn’t much different from other Martin light-gauge sets, the increased string flexibility leads to a softer playing feel.

While Tommy Emmanuel fans and anyone used to a light-gauge set will want to check out the actual signature strings, players who prefer other gauges will be happy to hear that Flexible Core strings are also available in Custom Light (.011–.052), Medium (.013–.056), and Extra Light 12-string (.010–.054) sets, all of which feature phosphor-bronze winding. In addition, Martin offers a Custom Flexible Core Silk and Steel set (gauged .011–.047).

I found that the Tommy Emmanuel signature set delivers what it promises: warm phosphor-bronze tone, great string-to-string balance, excellent intonation, and playability that is definitely a bit easier on the fingers than similarly gauged sets. I used the same set for several hours of practicing at home as well as a three-hour outdoor gig, and found that despite sweaty hands and many tuning changes they continued to sound great. I would definitely recommend them to anyone looking for a variation on a standard light-gauge set of acoustic guitar strings!

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