Martin SP Lifespan strings are designed to repel the oils and dirt that can deaden strings. Treated to preserve the natural Martin SP sound and feel that players prefer.We are very excited to announce that CF Martin has signed a licensing agreement with award winning Cleartone Strings. "We are honored that Martin has chosen Cleartone and its patented treatment as the basis for Martin's new Lifespan SP line" says Everly Music Company president Jason Everly. "Cleartone simply makes the best coating on the market," says Tim McNair, director of Martin Strings. The Cleartone patented treatment will be used for all strings in the Martin Lifespan SP line launching at the 2010 Summer NAMM show."It simply reinforces what we have said all along" says Joe Iacobellis Director of Sales and Marketing for Cleartone Strings. "You get better tone from thinner coatings. Guitarists want long life with a natural feel and sound. Cleartone is the thinnest, period."Cleartones are the first brand to market a protective treatment for guitar and bass strings of less than one micron. Also the first to use this protective treatment on all six strings. Owned by Phil Everly of the Everly Brothers, Cleartone Strings are made in their own strings facility in Los Angeles, Ca. See www.martinguitar.com or go to www.cleartonestrings.com for details.