Optima musical strings
| Optima Musiksaiten GmbH
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| legal form | GmbH |
| founding | 1920 in Markneukirchen |
| Seat | Geretsried |
| management | Claudia Schneider |
| Branch | Musical instrument manufacturer |
| Website | https://optima-strings.com |
The company Optima Musiksaiten GmbH is a manufacturer of musical strings founded in Markneukirchen / Vogtland in 1920 and based in Geretsried / Upper Bavaria since the 1950s .
history
Until the early 2000s, string production was still known under the name Maxima (from: Max Meinel Markneukirchen), but was then renamed Optima. In 2015, Optima took over the Lenzner Musiksaiten Leonhardt GmbH in Markneukirchen, so that the company is again producing at its place of origin.
Technology and products
Optima produces exclusively in Germany at the two locations in Geretsried and Markneukirchen. A full range is available so that Optima strings can be obtained for all instruments.
The 24K Gold Strings , which are played by Brian May , guitarist of the band Queen , among others, are world-famous . Brian May also received his own signature set, which was tailored to his particular playing style.
The gold plating of musical strings, especially for electric guitar and bass strings, was invented by Optima in the 1960s. The aim was to protect the string against corrosion and other external influences. In addition, the gold plating also offers an optical upgrade of the strings, especially on instruments with gold-plated or gold-colored hardware. In terms of sound, the gold plating is also an advantage, as the gold makes the strings heavier, which results in a stronger and rounder tone. Gold-plated strings are now also offered by other manufacturers.
Also very well known are the gold brocade violin strings, which are now also sold under the Optima brand following the takeover of the Lenzner company in Markneukirchen.
Under the Bergfee brand , Optima produces strings for all types of zither , dulcimer and Tyrolean folk harps .
Endorser
Well-known Optima endorsers are or were, in addition to Brian May, including Frank Zappa , Randy Bachman , John Entwistle , the Ramones , Randy Hansen , Mat Sinner , Roberto Legnani and Die Paldauer .