TEST: Richter Strings

 I don't know how often Lars Richter will have heard this sentence, but it must have been countless times. "Why is Richter making strings now?" and according to internet research his answer was always "out of conviction". For anyone who doesn't know the name Richter, Richter Straps is one of the leading manufacturers of guitar/bass straps worldwide, probably even THE leading manufacturer worldwide, at least in the hard'n'heavy sector. In addition to numerous standard and signature straps, the company even covers the area of ​​vegan straps, such as the Sea Shepard strap, for which part of the sales price is donated to the animal and environmental protection organization. Lars Richter and his company certainly cannot complain about a lack of work, which makes it all the more interesting to find out what sets Richter Strings apart from its numerous competitors.

The concept of Richter Strings

It should be clear to every user that another pair of strings without any special features would have no chance of being noticed in the huge range of strings that are currently available. In addition, a regular 010 string set from Richter is in the high premium segment at €12.95 and therefore costs almost twice as much as a standard Daddario and even three times as much as a Pyramid set, which, like Richter Strings, are also manufactured entirely in Germany. In addition to the regional aspect, there must be something else that sets the strings apart from the majority of competitors.

There are two main differences with Richter Strings. Firstly, we have the "Support Your Local Dealer" aspect, in which Richter Strings says they consistently rely on cooperation in the area of ​​metal processing, packaging materials, etc. from the local region and thus secure local jobs. Secondly, Richter Strings uses an ion beam-supported coating technology that allows extremely thin coatings to be applied, which, according to Richter Strings, significantly slows down corrosion on the strings but does not have any negative effects on the sound.

Of course, coated strings are old hat in the string sector. Companies such as Elixier have been refining their coatings for years in order to continue to guarantee the excessive durability and, in turn, to make the playability of the strings as similar as possible to a standard string in terms of grip and slip resistance. Nevertheless, there is still an increasingly smaller, but still marginal, haptic and tonal difference between coated and uncoated strings. Richter Strings now wants to hit this mark by taking a middle path between the two protagonists.

The strings in practice

Due to the currently catastrophic conditions when it comes to air travel, I was (forced) to test 2 sets of Richter Strings under the most adverse conditions that can be presented to you. A few weeks ago I had to play two festivals in Spain and Bulgaria within 30 hours, where I had a time corridor of 25 minutes to change planes in Frankfurt. It was clear from the start that this would not be the case. The currently non-existent ground staff would not be able to load my instruments from one plane to the other within this time frame, so for the first time in my life I was forced to play on site with rental instruments.

I was given 2 Les Pauls for each show, which were in a fairly tolerable condition, but as expected were set to a 010 set. Since my technician and I were only allowed to travel with hand luggage without tools and due to the generally short time frames, it was not possible to set the instruments on site to my 013 - 056 signature strings, i.e. I had no choice but to play a show with the 010 strings, which were far too thin for me.

To put it briefly, in my opinion my technical performance on both evenings was terrible, but that's another story. What completely surprised me, however, was that the last time I played a set of 010s was around 35 years ago and over time I switched to thicker strings because 010s only last around 25 minutes for me due to my very hard attack. With the Richter Strings, on the other hand, I was able to play through the entire show, which I've never had to do with a set of 010s before. The instrument was completely out of tune after every song, but as I said, that was due to my playing style, not the quality of the strings. The fact that the strings lasted around 75 minutes at all is already extremely high praise from me.

In terms of sound, I didn't notice any drop in quality during the show, even though the strings were really put through their paces. Unfortunately, due to the situation, I couldn't check after how many shows the first signs of wear and tear would become noticeable, but the strings did indeed leave a very good impression, so I'm sure that the strings will meet the ambitious requirements.

Conclusion

Richter Strings is a new player in the field of electric guitar and bass strings, which wants to earn the same reputation with consistent quality that the manufacturer has already achieved worldwide with its guitar straps.

If you value high quality and German manufacturing, you should definitely try the strings.

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Additional Informations:

The development of steel strings for electric guitars is a captivating narrative that weaves together advancements in technology, changes in musical styles, and the innovative spirit of musicians and manufacturers. From the inception of electric guitars in the early 20th century to the modern high-performance strings used today, this article explores the origins, key developments, and the profound impact of steel strings on the music industry.

**Historical Context**

Before electric guitars, musicians relied on acoustic instruments, which primarily used gut or silk strings. However, as musical styles evolved and the desire for louder and more versatile instruments grew, the limitations of these traditional strings became apparent. Metal strings offered greater volume, durability, and tonal variety, which set the stage for their eventual adoption in electric guitars.

**Early Developments in Metal Strings**

The late 19th and early 20th centuries saw significant advancements in metallurgy and string-making techniques, driven by the industrial revolution. This period marked the beginning of experimentation with metal strings for various musical instruments, including the guitar. Early metal strings were typically made from iron or brass, but they faced several challenges, such as high tension and susceptibility to corrosion.

**The Birth of Electric Guitars**

The concept of electric guitars emerged in the 1920s and 1930s, with inventors and musicians seeking ways to amplify the sound of their instruments. The early electric guitars, often called "electric Spanish guitars," were essentially acoustic guitars fitted with rudimentary pickups to capture the vibrations of the strings. These pickups converted the mechanical energy of the strings into electrical signals, which could then be amplified and projected through speakers.

**The Role of Steel Strings in Electric Guitars**

Steel strings played a crucial role in the development and success of electric guitars. Their magnetic properties were essential for the operation of electromagnetic pickups, which became the standard in electric guitar design. The interaction between steel strings and pickups allowed for greater control over the amplified sound, enabling musicians to explore new tonal possibilities and playing techniques.

**Key Innovators and Milestones**

Several key figures and companies were instrumental in the evolution of steel strings for electric guitars:

1. **George Beauchamp and Rickenbacker**: George Beauchamp, a musician and inventor, co-founded the Electro String Instrument Corporation (later known as Rickenbacker) in the early 1930s. Beauchamp developed the first commercially successful electromagnetic pickup, which was initially used in the "Frying Pan" lap steel guitar. The success of this instrument demonstrated the potential of steel strings and pickups in creating amplified music.

2. **Les Paul**: Les Paul, a pioneering guitarist and inventor, made significant contributions to the development of electric guitars and string technology. In the 1940s, he experimented with different string materials and pickup configurations, leading to the creation of the "Log," an early solid-body electric guitar prototype. Les Paul's innovations laid the groundwork for future developments in electric guitar design.

3. **Leo Fender and the Fender Stratocaster**: Leo Fender's contributions to electric guitar design cannot be overstated. In the early 1950s, Fender introduced the Telecaster and Stratocaster, two iconic electric guitars that revolutionized the industry. The solid-body design of these guitars, combined with their innovative pickup systems, showcased the potential of steel strings in producing a wide range of sounds. Fender's guitars became the blueprint for modern electric guitars, influencing countless musicians and manufacturers.

**Advancements in String Manufacturing**

As the popularity of electric guitars grew, so did the demand for high-quality steel strings. Several advancements in string manufacturing emerged during the mid-20th century, enhancing the performance and reliability of electric guitar strings:

1. **Nickel-Plated Steel Strings**: In the 1950s, string manufacturers began producing nickel-plated steel strings, which offered a balance between the bright tone of steel and the smooth feel of nickel. These strings quickly became popular among electric guitarists for their versatility and durability.

2. **Winding Techniques**: Advances in winding techniques allowed for greater consistency and precision in string production. Roundwound strings, with their bright and articulate sound, became the standard for electric guitars. Later, flatwound strings were introduced, providing a smoother feel and mellower tone favored by jazz and blues musicians.

3. **String Gauges**: The introduction of different string gauges gave guitarists more options to customize their instruments' feel and sound. Lighter gauges offered easier playability and more expressive bending, while heavier gauges provided greater sustain and a fuller tone.

**Impact on Music and Playing Styles**

The development of steel strings for electric guitars had a profound impact on music and playing styles, influencing the evolution of various genres:

1. **Rock and Roll**: The bright, punchy sound of steel strings became a defining characteristic of rock and roll music. Pioneering artists like Chuck Berry, Elvis Presley, and Buddy Holly used steel-string electric guitars to create the energetic, rebellious sound that defined the genre.

2. **Blues and Jazz**: Steel strings enabled blues and jazz guitarists to achieve greater expression and dynamic range. The smooth bending and sustain of steel strings were perfect for the soulful, emotive playing of blues legends like B.B. King and Muddy Waters, as well as the intricate, sophisticated lines of jazz guitarists like Wes Montgomery and Joe Pass.

3. **Heavy Metal and Hard Rock**: The high output and aggressive tone of steel strings made them ideal for heavy metal and hard rock music. Bands like Led Zeppelin, Black Sabbath, and Metallica relied on steel strings to create the powerful, distorted sounds that defined these genres.

**Technological Innovations in Modern Steel Strings**

The evolution of steel strings for electric guitars did not stop with their initial development. Several technological innovations have further 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. **Cryogenic Treatment**: Some manufacturers use cryogenic treatment, a process that involves freezing the strings to very low temperatures to improve their molecular structure. This treatment enhances the durability, tonal stability, and overall performance of the strings.

3. **Custom Alloys**: Advances in metallurgy have led to the development of custom alloys designed to achieve specific tonal characteristics. For example, cobalt strings offer increased magnetic response and output, making them ideal for high-gain playing styles. Similarly, stainless steel strings provide a bright, cutting tone with excellent corrosion resistance.

4. **Hybrid Sets**: Modern string sets often include hybrid gauges, combining lighter treble strings with heavier bass strings. This configuration provides a balance of playability and tonal richness, catering to the diverse needs of contemporary guitarists.

**Conclusion**

The evolution of steel strings for electric guitars is a testament to the ingenuity and creativity of musicians, inventors, and manufacturers. From the early experiments with metal strings to the sophisticated, high-performance strings available today, steel strings have played a crucial role in shaping the sound and versatility of electric guitars. Their impact on music cannot be overstated, influencing the development of genres and playing styles across the spectrum. As technology continues to advance, the future of steel strings promises even more exciting possibilities for musicians and guitar enthusiasts worldwide.