I have very acidic hands - what product do you recommend?
Our exclusive, patented, nickel wound, titanium alloy strings are CORROSION PROOF! A perfect solution for "acid sweat."
What's different about your approach to string design?
We didn't simply "try things off the shelf," we designed our products from first principles. We've also looked at the problem in a different way - we've designed a string to fit the environment of use and the needs of the instrument instead of the other way around. In fact, we anticipate that our technology should facilitate the development of many new acoustic guitar designs, all of which would otherwise be impossible with conventional steel core strings (maybe Dr. Buzz will get around to this).
Why has everyone else used steel cores for as long as I can remember?
Generally, steel cores are inexpensive, and they have served their purpose for many years. More importantly, there have been no other alternatives. The materials used to make metallic musical instrument strings have essentially remained unchanged for more than 100 years. In fact, the musical instruments themselves have evolved around limitations imparted by the strings.
What can Titanium Acoustic Guitar Strings do for instrument designers?
Steel core strings impart relatively high tensions on the bridges of acoustic guitars (ranging from 160 to 200 pounds). As a result, instruments are designed with reinforcements so that the guitar can withstand the high tension. In other words, the instruments have evolved to meet the needs of the strings! Once the guitar designers catch on, they will have a newfound freedom in design capability, particularly with RohrbacherTM low-tension sets, which are lower in tension at equivalent or greater diameters. In fact, during our initial R&D effort, we actually had to increase our design tensions to make the product "fit" current instrument designs!
Why do your strings have sheathed ends?
We've developed an exclusive patented sheathed-end design, which prevents recoil of our windings both during storage, and during installation. Note that these sheathed-ends should not be removed until the guitar is strung, otherwise recoil will occur (see directions for use).
Why should I use RohrbacherTM strings?
When compared to conventional steel strings, our exclusive, patented titanium alloy construction provides unparalleled advantages.
Corrosion proof (nickel sets) - longer string life
Corrosion resistant (phosphor bronze) - improved string life
Lower stiffness - easier playability
Lower tension (low tension set only) - longer instrument life
Our phosphor bronze wound strings are not only more corrosion resistant than conventional strings; our nickel wound strings are actually corrosion proof. In addition, our patented sheathing prevents winding recoil, which further improves both sound quality and string life. Finally, our brass end fittings are designed to "seat" themselves more easily during string installation, which makes it less of a burden to change your strings.
What are the biggest differences between steel core and titanium core strings?
The biggest differences include corrosion resistance, longevity, low stiffness, and low tension. Because we've eliminated the galvanic couple, our strings have greatly improved corrosion resistance. In addition, our lower modulus core equates to lower stiffness, which in turn translates to easier playability. Futhermore, because our core is lower in density, we have the ability to design sets with lower tension at pitch.
What's the difference between the Nickel and Phosphor Bronze sets?
The Nickel wound sets are corrosion proof, whereas the Phosphor Bronze wound sets are corrosion resistant. Both sets utilize the same titanium alloy core technology.
Why are these strings more expensive?
Titanium is about 40 times more expensive than steel, and the processes required for its manufacture and fabrication are both more time consuming, and more expensive.
Why should I pay more?
The answer is simple. We believe these are the best acoustic guitar strings on the market. Read what our customers have to say. Although the costs are higher than the costs for steel core strings, the improvements in performance (tonal quality consistency, easier play, longevity, corrosion resistance, etc.) more than warrant the cost difference.
Will these strings last longer than conventional strings?
Most definitely, yes. Our mission was to create the best string without limiting ourselves in terms of materials and processes. We did it with a patented construction that enables these strings to last several times longer than conventional steel core strings. These innovations will equate to fewer string changes, and less instrument wear-and-tear over time.
Can these strings be amplified with magnetic pickups?
Because titanium and phosphor bronze are non-ferromagnetic, the answer for our phosphor bronze sets is no. However, piezo pickups (as are commonly used under the bridge saddles of modern acoustic guitars), and microphone pickups will both work well with these strings. In addition, since nickel is mildly ferromagnetic, the nickel wound sets will work with a hybrid microphone/magnetic pickup system.
Can I use higher than conventional tunings?
No. These strings are designed for conventional tuning only (E,A,D,G,B,E). Higher tunings can result in string breakage. You should tune your guitar with a guitar tuner (set to "A" 440 Hz), or to a secondary "tuned" instrument such as a piano. Note that lower tunings are OK.
Should I cut off the sheathed ends before I install the strings, or after?
After you install the strings, and after you tune them to conventional pitch values, it is safe to cut off the sheathed ends. If you cut the ends off before the strings are tuned, the windings will recoil, and the strings will sound "dead".
Can I remove the strings and place them on another guitar?
This is not recommended for the wound strings. Once you remove the strings from your guitar, the unsheathed ends will be free to recoil. If this occurs, the sound quality of the strings will greatly deteriorate.
Do I have to change the set-up of my guitar to use RohrbacherTM Titanium Acoustic Guitar Strings?
For our medium tension strings -- the answer is probably no (they are equivalent in tension to conventional light gauge steel strings); but for our low-tension sets -- the answer is possibly, yes. Although our low tension strings are similar in diameter to conventional strings, they are approximately 17 pounds lower in cumulative tension when compared to a typical "light gauge" set of phosphor bronze wound steel-core strings. If the "action" of your guitar is already "tight", you may have to change the truss rod tension to compensate (otherwise string buzzing may occur). On the other hand, if your set-up is open (i.e. the strings are raised further from the fret board), you'll notice an immediate change in terms of "ease of play", and no set-up changes will be required.
How can I order?
You can either order over our secure server, or you can print out a payment form and fax it directly to us. Our order page has all of the necessary information. Our products are only available through direct order from Rohrbacher Technologies.
Are you going to offer more products?
We are already working on the next generation of guitar strings, and we are thinking about applications for other stringed instruments. In the future you'll see several additions to our list of products. If you have anything in particular that you would like to see, please feel free to contact us with your comments and suggestions. Our goal is to make the world's best acoustic guitar strings and to continually advance our technology. We can't do that without your input.
How can my web site be added to your list of musician's links?
Please contact us with your request. Once we've had a chance to carefully review your request, we'll inform you of our decision, and contact you with further details.
Why is your low tension, high E string so large in diameter?
Interestingly, the high-E string in our low tension set has an unusually large diameter (0.0145"). However, its low density actually makes it easier to play when compared to a typical 0.012" steel string!
Why should I use Dr. Buzz's String Dressing?
Dr. Buzz's String Dressing is formulated for protecting, cleaning, and lubricating all metallic strings. Given that our own strings are corrosion resistant, it will have its greatest impact on conventional steel-core strings (especially phosphor bronze and brass wound types). However, the string dressing also cleans and lubricates, so we recommend using it even on our corrosion proof strings.
How long will Dr. Buzz's String Dressing Last?
Given the power of Dr. Buzz, it doesn't take a large application to make a difference. Our experience has been that light applications are best (i.e. don't douse your entire fret board, just the strings). In this way, you'll get the greatest benefit from Dr. Buzz, and you'll have enough for about 3 to 6 months of use.
Are Titanium Acoustic Guitar Strings better than Coated Strings?
In our opinion, coated products definitely have resulted in improved performance and longevity, but the life of coated strings is still limited by the inherent galvanic mismatch between core and windings, and by the propensity for coatings to fracture and wear. Coatings also affect the tonal characteristics of strings. After careful consideration, we decided to attack the problem of string longevity at its "core" - we've developed an exclusive, patented product with an electrochemical match between the core and winding materials. As a result, we've achieved true corrosion protection without adversely affecting the tonal characteristics.
Still have unanswered questions? Contact us.
