TEST: Richter Strings Acoustic Guitar

 You could have guessed it, but after the recently released electric guitar and electric bass strings from the well-known guitar strap manufacturer were received with great favor by the trade press, Richter Strings has gone one step further and is now releasing three different sets of western guitar strings in two different designs. Here, too, Lars Richter and his team are facing up to global, already overwhelming competition and are once again throwing German know-how combined with additional Made In Germany into the balance. Let's see what the company from Allmersbach in Swabia has to offer.

The concept of the Richter Strings western guitar

As in the test of the electric guitar strings from Richter Strings, see here, the production of the western guitar strings is based on the principle of high-quality basic materials, combined with a new manufacturing process, ion vapor deposition. If you haven't dealt with the topic yet, here is a brief summary of the process. Richter Strings uses an ion beam-assisted coating technique that allows extremely thin coatings to be applied, which Richter Strings says significantly slows down corrosion on the strings, but does not have any negative impact on the sound. Unfortunately, but understandably, I was unable to get any photos of the process, as Richter Strings does not want to disclose the ion vapor deposition process.

Richter Strings also consistently pursues the "Support Your Local Dealer" aspect, in which Richter Strings says they rely exclusively on cooperation in the field of metal processing, packaging materials, etc. from the local region, thus securing local jobs.

Richter Strings currently offers three different sets for sale:

1.) 12 - 53 Acoustic: (012 - 016 - 024W - 032W - 042W - 053W)

The strings are made of round steel with a high carbon content, with the winding coated with a copper alloy.

2.) 12 - 53 Acoustic PH: (012 - 016 - 024W - 032W - 042W - 053W)

The core of the string is made of hexagonal steel, also with a high carbon content, and the winding is made of phosphor bronze.

3.) 13 - 56 Acoustic PH: (013 - 017 - 026W - 035W - 045W - 056W)

Here too, the core of the string is made of hexagonal steel, also with a high carbon content, and the winding is made of phosphor bronze.

Thinner sets, such as a 011 or even a 010 set, are not currently available from the manufacturer, as the majority of classical acoustic guitar players practice traditional strumming, which produces significantly more volume with thick strings than with thinner strings. As is usual with western strings, all G strings are wound here, especially since most bridges on western guitars are adapted to this state in terms of their octave purity. However, this also means, if you ignore the winding of the strings, that the G strings are the thinnest strings in the set and are most at risk of breaking if they are played evenly.

In terms of price, the phosphor bronze strings from Richter Strings differ significantly from the copper strings, as the retail price is more than twice as high in direct comparison. This fact is probably also due to the current raw material prices, which are all playing up unpleasantly at the moment.

Regarding the fact that the western guitar strings from Richter Strings are to be seen as coated strings, Richter has its own philosophy. The ion coating of the strings is not only intended to provide effective corrosion protection on the strings, but also to have a positive effect on the sound, as the strings are on par with uncoated strings in terms of sound, but retain their "bell-clear sound for a very, very long time". As with the electric guitar and bass strings, the ions bind to the surface and form a firmly bonded finish that cannot be removed or scratched off.

In practice

When you take the strings out of the packaging, the first thing you notice is that the strings sag very softly and evenly after development, despite the comparatively small bag diameters. Especially with large plain diameters, the products of some competitors tend to have a stiffer vibration behavior, which is particularly noticeable in the attack and decay phases. No dent or bend, no matter how small, can be detected, so that the strings describe a uniform arc if you place them in the middle over a finger, for example.

In fact, you can't see any haptic coating that could lead to a difference in the playing feel compared to uncoated strings. The strings sound very balanced, even and offer good coordination within the volume of the individual strings. Sliding and sliding over the strings also offers no greater or lesser resistance than you would expect from regular strings. I have been using the strings for about 5-6 hours now and can't detect any loss of sound, provided you dry the strings properly after each use, but that should be self-explanatory. The sound always remains clear, bell-like and never disappoints.

If you enjoy trying things out and want to give a German manufacturer a chance, you should definitely try the Richter Strings western guitar.

Conclusion

With the western guitar strings, Richter Strings has another hot iron in the fire when it comes to the portfolio of its new string brand. The strings sound excellent, have no tactile differences to uncoated strings despite their coating and retain their sound properties for a very long time.

Definitely worth trying!

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Additional Informations:

### The Evolution of Steel Strings for Acoustic Guitars

**Introduction**

The evolution of steel strings for acoustic guitars is a fascinating journey that intertwines the advancements in materials science, changes in musical styles, and innovations in guitar construction. This article delves into the historical context, key developments, and the impact of steel strings on the music world, tracing their origins from gut strings to the modern steel strings used today.

**Historical Context**

Before the advent of steel strings, acoustic guitars predominantly used gut strings, made from the intestines of sheep or cows. These strings were favored for their warm, mellow tone, but they had several limitations. Gut strings were susceptible to changes in humidity and temperature, had limited durability, and produced less volume compared to modern strings. The quest for more resilient and louder strings led to the exploration of alternative materials.

**Early Experiments with Metal Strings**

The shift towards metal strings can be traced back to the 19th century. The industrial revolution brought about significant advancements in metallurgy, making metal wires more readily available and affordable. Early metal strings were primarily made from iron or brass and were used on a variety of stringed instruments, including the piano, harpsichord, and the viol family.

Around the mid-19th century, guitarists began experimenting with metal strings. However, these early metal strings posed challenges due to their high tension, which traditional gut-string guitars were not designed to withstand. The increased tension could cause significant structural damage to the guitars, leading to broken necks or warped bodies.

**The Advent of Steel Strings**

The breakthrough for steel strings came in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Several factors contributed to this development:

1. **Advancements in Steel Production**: The Bessemer process, developed in the 1850s, revolutionized steel manufacturing by making it more efficient and cost-effective. This made steel more accessible for various applications, including musical instruments.

2. **Improvements in Guitar Design**: Luthiers began to adapt guitar designs to accommodate the higher tension of steel strings. This included reinforcing the neck with metal rods, known as truss rods, and using stronger materials for the bridge and body. These innovations allowed guitars to handle the increased tension without compromising structural integrity.

3. **Influence of Other Stringed Instruments**: The popularity of the banjo, which traditionally used metal strings, influenced guitarists to experiment with steel strings. Banjos were known for their bright, punchy sound, which appealed to musicians looking for more projection and clarity in their playing.

**Key Innovators and Developments**

Several key figures and companies played pivotal roles in the development and popularization of steel strings for acoustic guitars:

1. **C.F. Martin & Company**: One of the most influential guitar manufacturers, C.F. Martin & Company, was instrumental in the transition to steel strings. In the early 20th century, Martin began producing guitars specifically designed for steel strings. The introduction of the X-bracing pattern, which provided additional strength and stability to the guitar's top, was a significant innovation that enabled the use of steel strings without damaging the instrument.

2. **Gibson**: Another major player in the early adoption of steel strings was Gibson. The company's archtop guitars, such as the Gibson L-5, were designed to use steel strings, offering a louder and brighter sound suitable for jazz and blues musicians.

3. **John D'Addario**: The D'Addario family, with a history dating back to string making in Italy in the 17th century, became one of the leading producers of guitar strings. By the mid-20th century, D'Addario had established itself as a premier manufacturer of steel strings, combining traditional craftsmanship with modern technology to produce high-quality strings.

**Impact on Music and Playing Styles**

The introduction of steel strings had a profound impact on the music world, influencing playing styles and the development of various genres. The louder, brighter sound of steel strings made them ideal for several musical styles:

1. **Blues**: Steel strings became a staple in blues music, offering the projection and sustain needed for the expressive bends and slides characteristic of the genre. Early blues musicians, such as Robert Johnson and Son House, relied on steel strings to convey their raw, emotional sound.

2. **Country and Folk**: The increased volume and clarity of steel strings made them popular among country and folk musicians. Artists like Woody Guthrie and Hank Williams used steel-string guitars to accompany their storytelling and vocal performances, creating a distinct sound that became synonymous with these genres.

3. **Rock and Roll**: The rise of rock and roll in the 1950s further cemented the importance of steel strings. The genre's energetic, amplified sound required the durability and brightness that steel strings provided. Pioneers like Chuck Berry and Elvis Presley used steel-string acoustic guitars in their recordings and performances, shaping the sound of rock music.

**Technological Advancements in Steel Strings**

The development of steel strings did not stop with their initial introduction. Over the decades, several technological advancements have enhanced their performance and versatility:

1. **Coated Strings**: Introduced in the 1990s, coated strings feature a thin layer of polymer coating that protects them from corrosion and wear. This innovation extends the lifespan of the strings and maintains their tone for longer periods. Companies like Elixir and D'Addario have been at the forefront of this technology.

2. **Alloy Variations**: String manufacturers have experimented with different alloys to achieve specific tonal qualities and durability. For example, phosphor bronze strings, introduced by D'Addario in the 1970s, offer a warm, balanced tone with increased resistance to corrosion. Nickel-plated steel strings provide a brighter sound, making them popular for genres like rock and country.

3. **Precision Manufacturing**: Advances in manufacturing techniques, such as computer-controlled winding machines, have improved the consistency and quality of steel strings. This precision ensures that each string meets exacting standards, providing reliable performance for musicians.

**Conclusion**

The evolution of steel strings for acoustic guitars is a testament to the interplay between technological advancements and musical innovation. From the early experiments with metal strings to the sophisticated, high-performance strings available today, the journey of steel strings has transformed the acoustic guitar into a versatile and powerful instrument. Steel strings have not only enhanced the sound and playability of guitars but also played a crucial role in shaping the musical landscape across various genres. As technology continues to advance, the future of steel strings promises even more exciting possibilities for musicians and guitar enthusiasts worldwide.