TEST: Richter Straps Vegan

 Whether in the clothing, furnishings or music industry, animal leather now has a serious image problem. Awakened by investigative videos about the cruel methods of keeping and slaughtering animals, particularly in India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and China, more and more customers are turning away from animal leather and looking for synthetic alternatives such as imitation leather or leatherette. The fact that there are now absolutely high-end products in this area is not only shown by the consistently used vegan leather seat covers from Tesla, which consistently receive top ratings from customers in terms of quality and user-friendliness. But it is not only Tesla that has recognized the signs of the times, but also the company Richter Straps, based in Allmersbach in Baden-Württemberg, which has consistently upgraded its portfolio of vegan bass and guitar straps in recent years and now has a selection of an impressive 42 models, which are available both as standard and as signature straps. As a small excerpt, we were kindly provided with 4 different vegan straps to test.

Those were the days my friend... the era of the textile strap

I don't know about you, but decades ago if you wanted to buy a strap without animal leather, you were at a loss. Even the textile straps included with the purchase of a Fender guitar/bass had strap ends made of animal leather, which was characterized by the fact that it quickly frayed on the strap pins provided and only gave the instrument a rudimentary hold. Security locks in the style of Schaller or Loxx had not yet been invented, so the only option was the unattractive Gaffa Tape solution, or you put on a stage show like Malcolm Young and Cliff Williams from AC/DC.

In addition, the different layers of most straps were poorly sewn, slipped around on the shoulder like wet ice on wet ice and constantly changed their length due to the simple buckle construction. So at the time the rating was always textile > "cheap", leather > "high quality". There were simply no alternatives and manufacturers were tripping over themselves to produce wide, masculine straps, often with branding or rivets. The internet was far away, and information options were marginal to non-existent.

Modern vegan straps, on the other hand, have to face several challenges compared to animal leather. At the top of the list is the comparison of durability, followed by feel, appearance and, for the olfactory nerds among musicians, the smell! One thing up front, anyone who reads this test to the end will definitely no longer have an argument for a strap made of animal leather, that's for sure.

One thing up front, in addition to the material to be processed, the width of the strap is a very crucial issue and is preferred differently by every musician. It is well known that very wide straps offer a more comfortable playing feel, as they distribute the weight of the instrument over a larger surface area on the shoulder and thus create less pressure per square centimeter. They also offer a wide area for personal or fashionable prints to increase the visual value of the artist. In return, these straps also cover up a lot of the personal outfit, so some artists deliberately use very narrow straps to show off their clothing better. As expected, you can't speak of "better" or "worse" here, but every artist should think in advance about which points they would prefer to others.

Incidentally, all Richter straps are handmade in Germany and thus support the regional labor market. So let's start with the selection.

1.) Rubber Duck II Black

Anyone expecting a rubber belt based on the name is mistaken. The 5 cm wide belt is actually made up of 3 elements. Firstly, there is the front part, which, including the hanging holes, makes up almost 2/3 of the belt length, a middle part, which allows for stepless length adjustment and an end piece, which, like the front part, is riveted to the middle part and holds the rear belt pin. The end pieces and the outside of the shoulder part are made of robust, strong and torsion-free coated webbing. The belt itself is made of "Oekotex 100", a certified polypropylene webbing (PP) made in Germany. This is very light, absorbs hardly any water and contains no plasticizers. This material is used for military purposes (belts, carrying straps, etc.), among other things. It is particularly noteworthy that polypropylene can be completely recycled several times and burns into water and CO2 at the end of its life without leaving any residue.

https://youtu.be/KHQUwn1_mmw

Now let's move on to the material that Richter Straps focuses on for its vegan straps and which, as much as we can already reveal, can be described as "sensational". Richter calls the material "Leatherette" and, according to the company management, a lot of time and money has been invested in creating this material, which is also used in the furniture industry. The result is indeed more than impressive, but let's go through the points listed above one by one:

a.) Durability: All neuralgic points are secured with a circumferential seam and thus protected against tearing. Even with a screwdriver and massive exertion, I was unable to create a tear in the hanging holes, which I was able to do with straps made of animal leather.

b.) Appearance: Anyone who still knows first-generation artificial leather usually had no problems distinguishing it from animal leather. The grain was almost always even and had a touch of artificiality. This is no longer the case with Richter's Leatherette straps. Even with a magnifying glass, the grain of animal leather cannot be distinguished, even with the best will in the world.

c.) Feel: The straps are extremely light. According to my kitchen scales, even the large straps are under 200 grams, so you can't really feel the weight. The cold foam straps are slightly stiffer, but this does not affect playing comfort.

d.) Smell: The real sensation of Leatherette! When I unpacked the straps, I was sure that Richter had accidentally sent me the wrong straps. What the average consumer defines as a typical leather smell wafted out of the plastic covers and filled the room. Smelling the strap directly also confirmed my belief that "it must be animal leather". No way! An email with the owner, Lars Richter, brought clarity to the situation. What the consumer defines as a "leather smell" is a treatment of the material that is provided with pigments and PU components. This covers up the natural features of the animal skin and can "make up" unsightly leather. This is a finish that many people today associate with the smell of leather. Leatherette can therefore no longer be distinguished from processed animal leather in terms of smell.

Here are the characteristics of the different strap types again:

2.) Backline Black guitar strap: Width: 8 cm, length adjustable: 92 - 144 cm, padding made of special cold foam. Strap with a medium width and an extremely low weight of just 160 grams.

3.) Springbreak I Leatherette White: Width: 7 cm, length adjustable: 98 - 158 cm, surface 100% polyurethane, base fabric: 65% polyester, 35% cotton. For those who find the color black too "boring" or who play a white instrument.

4.) Springbreak III Leatherette Black: Width: 11 cm, length adjustable: 98 - 158 cm, padding made of special cold foam. A very wide strap that evenly distributes the weight of instruments in the 5 kg class across the shoulder.

To get straight to the point, I have never come across a quality like that offered by the vegan straps from Richter Straps. No matter how hard you try, you simply cannot find a single point of criticism with the products, but in return you find a whole collection of innovative implementations that reduce the discrepancy with animal leather to zero. Regardless of workmanship, quality, concept, implementation and philosophy, everything is of the highest standard and is also made in Germany.

Conclusion

With their huge selection of vegan straps, Richter Straps is not only in line with the times, but also shows that thanks to new materials, the difference to animal leather no longer exists. All aspects such as durability, quality, feel and even the smell are identical to the best straps made of animal leather, but without supporting the cruel husbandry and slaughter methods in Asia. If you are planning to buy a new strap and want to do something about animal suffering, Richter Straps is the right place for you.

In every respect, the absolute top rating!

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Richter Straps is a distinguished name in the world of guitar accessories, renowned for its premium quality guitar straps. Established in Germany, the company has earned a reputation for excellence, blending traditional craftsmanship with innovative designs to create products that meet the needs of musicians around the globe. This article delves into the history, product range, craftsmanship, and the unique selling points that make Richter Straps a preferred choice for guitarists.

**History and Founding**

Founded by Lars Richter in 2008, Richter Straps began with a simple yet ambitious goal: to produce the highest quality guitar straps in the market. Jörg, a passionate guitarist himself, recognized a gap in the market for straps that combined durability, comfort, and aesthetic appeal. His vision was to create straps that not only looked good but also provided the necessary support and comfort for long hours of playing. The company's headquarters are located in Bad Berleburg, a small town in Germany known for its rich history and tradition of craftsmanship.

**Product Range**

Richter Straps offers a diverse range of products, catering to different styles and preferences of guitarists. The product lineup includes:

1. **Leather Straps**: Made from premium quality leather, these straps are known for their durability and classic appeal. The leather is carefully selected and treated to ensure it is soft yet sturdy, providing maximum comfort and support.

2. **Nylon Straps**: Ideal for those who prefer a lighter and more flexible option, Richter's nylon straps are both robust and stylish. They come in various colors and patterns, appealing to a wide range of tastes.

3. **Bass Straps**: Specifically designed for bass guitarists, these straps are wider and thicker, offering extra support to handle the weight of a bass guitar. They are meticulously crafted to distribute the weight evenly, reducing strain on the shoulders and back.

4. **Signature Series**: Richter collaborates with renowned musicians to create signature series straps. These straps reflect the personal style and preferences of the artists, often featuring unique designs and special materials.

5. **Custom Straps**: For those who want something truly unique, Richter offers custom strap services. Customers can choose the materials, colors, and designs to create a strap that perfectly matches their style and personality.

**Craftsmanship and Materials**

One of the hallmarks of Richter Straps is their commitment to craftsmanship. Each strap is handmade by skilled artisans, ensuring attention to detail and high-quality standards. The company uses only the finest materials, including full-grain leather, which is known for its durability and rich texture. The leather is sourced from reputable tanneries that follow sustainable practices, reflecting Richter's commitment to environmental responsibility.

The production process involves several steps, starting with the selection of the leather. The leather is then cut into straps, and the edges are rounded and polished to ensure a smooth finish. The straps are stitched using high-strength threads to ensure they can withstand the rigors of regular use. Additional features such as padding, adjustable buckles, and decorative elements are added based on the specific design of the strap.

**Innovation and Design**

While Richter Straps values tradition, it also embraces innovation. The company continuously explores new materials and technologies to improve the functionality and aesthetics of their straps. For instance, they have introduced padded straps that offer enhanced comfort, particularly for musicians who play for extended periods. They have also experimented with different types of leather finishes and colors to offer a broader range of options.

Richter's design philosophy is centered on the needs of musicians. They understand that a guitar strap is not just an accessory but an essential part of a musician's gear. As such, they prioritize ergonomics, ensuring that their straps provide the right balance of support and flexibility. The designs are both functional and stylish, catering to the diverse tastes of musicians.

**Collaborations and Endorsements**

Richter Straps has garnered the attention and endorsement of many professional musicians. Their collaborations with artists have led to the creation of signature series straps that are highly sought after by fans. Some of the notable musicians who have endorsed Richter Straps include:

- **Kirk Hammett**: The legendary guitarist of Metallica has his own signature series with Richter, featuring designs that reflect his unique style and persona.
- **Billy Gibbons**: The ZZ Top frontman has collaborated with Richter to create a series of straps that combine classic rock aesthetics with modern comfort.
- **Peter Frampton**: The iconic guitarist's signature straps are known for their elegant designs and superior comfort.

These collaborations not only enhance the brand's visibility but also provide valuable feedback that Richter uses to refine and improve their products.

**Customer Experience**

Richter Straps places a strong emphasis on customer satisfaction. Their website is user-friendly, allowing customers to easily browse through the product range and place orders. They offer detailed product descriptions and images, helping customers make informed decisions. The company also provides excellent customer service, addressing any queries or concerns promptly.

For customers who want a more personalized experience, Richter's custom strap service is a great option. The process is straightforward: customers can contact the company with their specifications, and the team at Richter will work closely with them to create a strap that meets their exact requirements. This level of personalization sets Richter apart from many other companies in the industry.

**Sustainability and Ethical Practices**

In today's world, sustainability and ethical practices are more important than ever. Richter Straps is committed to these values, sourcing their materials from tanneries that adhere to sustainable practices. They ensure that the leather is produced using environmentally friendly processes and that the animals are treated humanely.

Additionally, Richter strives to minimize waste in their production process. They use off-cuts and remnants to create smaller accessories, ensuring that no material goes to waste. Their commitment to sustainability extends to their packaging as well, using recyclable materials whenever possible.

**Conclusion**

Richter Straps has carved a niche for itself in the world of guitar accessories through its dedication to quality, craftsmanship, and innovation. Their diverse range of products caters to the needs of musicians of all styles and preferences, while their commitment to sustainability and ethical practices sets them apart in the industry. Whether you're a professional musician or a hobbyist, Richter Straps offers a combination of comfort, durability, and style that is hard to match. As the company continues to evolve, it remains true to its founding principles, ensuring that every strap they produce is a testament to their legacy of excellence.