How popular isMartin?
In September 2026, people searched for Martin by name about 60 times in New Zealand, a 25% decrease from the previous year. These searches made up 6.2% of all New Zealand guitar string brand searches, placing Martin fourth out of four brands. When we asked both ChatGPT and Google AI Overviews about guitar string brands, Martin appeared in four of the five answers and was the fourth most recommended of the four.
Martin is the fourth most searched of 4 competitors and the fourth most recommended in AI answers.
D'AddarioShare of searches 41.2%Mentioned in 5 of 5 AI answersPlace in AI recommendations 1st
Ernie BallShare of searches 36.1%Mentioned in 5 of 5 AI answersPlace in AI recommendations 2nd
Elixir StringsShare of searches 16.5%Mentioned in 5 of 5 AI answersPlace in AI recommendations 3rd
MartinShare of searches 6.2%Mentioned in 4 of 5 AI answersPlace in AI recommendations 4th
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Top guitar string brands in ChatGPT and Google AI Overviews
In three ChatGPT questions and two Google AI Overviews, Martin was mentioned in four out of five: in all three ChatGPT answers and in one of the two Google AI Overviews. Martin is the fourth most recommended of the four.
Most recommended by AI
Brands get a higher ranking if they are mentioned earlier in the answers.
D'Addario1st
Ernie Ball2nd
Elixir Strings3rd
Martin4th
Mentioned by AI
Each dot is one answer, filled in when that answer mentions the brand.
D'Addario5 of 5Named in 3 of 3 ChatGPT answersNamed in 2 of 2 Google answers
Ernie Ball5 of 5Named in 3 of 3 ChatGPT answersNamed in 2 of 2 Google answers
Elixir Strings5 of 5Named in 3 of 3 ChatGPT answersNamed in 2 of 2 Google answers
Martin4 of 5Named in 3 of 3 ChatGPT answersNamed in 1 of 2 Google answers
See every answer about guitar string brands
5 answers
Asked ChatGPT
“Which guitar string brand should I buy in New Zealand?”
Asked ChatGPT
“What are the best guitar string brands in New Zealand?”
Asked ChatGPT
“What's the best guitar string brand in New Zealand for a new string set?”
Searched Google, AI Overview
“best guitar strings”
Searched Google, AI Overview
“electric guitar strings nz”
Brands are shown in the order each answer named them. The survey took place in New Zealand on October 21, 2026.
Which guitar string brands compete with Martin?
Share of searches by month for D'Addario, Ernie Ball, Elixir Strings, Martin. The figures are in the table below the chart.
View monthly share of searches table
| Month | D'Addario | Ernie Ball | Elixir Strings | Martin |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oct 2025 | 49.5% | 28.3% | 14.1% | 8.1% |
| Nov 2025 | 46% | 28% | 16% | 10% |
| Dec 2025 | 46% | 28% | 20% | 6% |
| Jan 2026 | 50% | 30.4% | 15.2% | 4.3% |
| Feb 2026 | 40.4% | 35.4% | 18.2% | 6.1% |
| Mar 2026 | 30.4% | 24.3% | 40% | 5.2% |
| Apr 2026 | 26.4% | 39.7% | 28.9% | 5% |
| May 2026 | 32% | 45.6% | 17.6% | 4.8% |
| Jun 2026 | 41.2% | 36.1% | 18.6% | 4.1% |
| Jul 2026 | 39.8% | 34.3% | 18.5% | 7.4% |
| Aug 2026 | 43.4% | 31.8% | 14% | 10.9% |
| Sep 2026 | 41.2% | 36.1% | 16.5% | 6.2% |
| Rank | Brand | Share of searches | Estimated monthly branded searches | vs prior month | Share change |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1, held 1st | 41.2% | 400 | -28.6% | -2.2 points | |
| 2, held 2nd | 36.1% | 350 | -14.6% | +4.3 points | |
| 3, held 3rd | 16.5% | 160 | -11.1% | +2.5 points | |
| 4, held 4th | 6.2% | 60 | -57.1% | -4.7 points |
41.2%
Held 1st. 400 estimated branded searches, -28.6% vs prior month. Share -2.2 points.
36.1%
Held 2nd. 350 estimated branded searches, -14.6% vs prior month. Share +4.3 points.
16.5%
Held 3rd. 160 estimated branded searches, -11.1% vs prior month. Share +2.5 points.
4.
Martin6.2%
Held 4th. 60 estimated branded searches, -57.1% vs prior month. Share -4.7 points.
Compare popularity between Martin and its closest rivals
Every comparison with Martin
3 comparisons
How has branded search demand for Martin changed in New Zealand over the last 12 months?
3 findings
- Across the 12 months ending September 2026, estimated monthly branded searches for Martin in New Zealand fell from 80 to 60.
- Across the 12 months ending September 2026, Martin’s share of searches among guitar string brands in New Zealand decreased from 8.1% to 6.2%.
- Across the 12 months ending September 2026, Martin’s share of searches among guitar string brands in New Zealand peaked at 10.9% in August 2026 and was lowest at 4.1% in June 2026.
How did search popularity change for New Zealand guitar string brands in September 2026?
4 changes

In September 2026, Ernie Ball gained share of searches among guitar string brands in New Zealand, from 31.8% to 36.1%.

In September 2026, Elixir Strings gained share of searches among guitar string brands in New Zealand, from 14% to 16.5%.

In September 2026, Martin lost share of searches among guitar string brands in New Zealand, from 10.9% to 6.2%.

In September 2026, D'Addario lost share of searches among guitar string brands in New Zealand, from 43.4% to 41.2%.
How are Martin’s branded searches counted?
2 search terms
Brandwave collects information about searches that people make online using Martin’s name. When viewed over time, estimated search volumes for these branded terms can be used to understand whether interest in the brand is growing, holding steady, or fading.
- martin guitar strings
- martin strings
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