What is the core material of the Pirastro Chorda E string?

The core of the Pirastro Chorda E string is hand-manufactured from sheep gut, providing a traditional and authentic foundation for the string's sound.

What size double bass is this string designed for?

This specific E string is designed for 3/4 size double basses, which is the standard size for most adult professional and student instruments.

How does the silver plating affect the sound?

The silver plating adds extra dynamics to the overall sound, helping the low E string cut through the mix while maintaining its warmth.

What type of tailpiece end does this string have?

The Pirastro Chorda E string features a knot end, which is a traditional method for securing gut strings to the tailpiece.

Is this string high or low tension?

The Chorda E string has a naturally low tension, which makes it comfortable for picking and provides a specific tactile response favoured in traditional music.

How would you describe the tonal character of this string?

The sound is described as warm with rich overtones, offering a classic and traditional voice compared to modern steel strings.

Is the Pirastro Chorda E string suitable for jazz?

Yes, many jazz bassists prefer the low tension and warm gut sound of Chorda strings for traditional 'walking' bass lines and picking techniques.

How does the silver plating affect the feel of the string?

The silver plating provides a comfortable feel under the fingers, reducing the friction or 'grip' sometimes associated with plain gut.

What is the manufacturer model number for this string?

The manufacturer model number for the Pirastro Chorda 3/4 Double Bass E String is 242400.

Does this string come with a ball end?

No, this specific model features a knot end rather than a ball end or loop end found on many modern strings.

What is the typical price for this E string?

The typical price for a single Pirastro Chorda E string is approximately GBP 227.

Can this string be used on a 1/2 or 4/4 bass?

This string is specifically designed for a 3/4 size bass; while it may fit some 4/4 basses depending on the string length, it is optimized for 3/4 scale lengths.

Gear article

Pirastro Chorda 3/4 Double Bass E String (Knot End)

The Pirastro Chorda 3/4 Double Bass E String is a premium gut-core string designed for traditional performance on 3/4 size double basses. Hand-manufactured from sheep gut and silver-plated for enhanced dynamics, it is a primary choice for musicians seeking an authentic, low-tension feel with a warm, overtone-rich sound.

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Background and Construction

Pirastro, a renowned German string manufacturer, produces the Chorda series to meet the requirements of historical and traditional double bassists. The Chorda E string (model number 242400) is distinguished by its traditional manufacturing process. The core is hand-manufactured from sheep gut, staying true to historical methods while ensuring high-quality standards. To enhance its performance for modern use, the string features silver plating, which provides a layer of protection and adds a specific dynamic quality to the low E frequency.

Technical Features and Design

Designed specifically for 3/4 size double basses, this E string features a traditional knot tailpiece end. The silver-plated exterior serves two purposes: it facilitates a comfortable feel under the fingers and introduces extra dynamics that purely plain gut strings may lack. The string is engineered with naturally low tension, making it particularly suitable for 'picking' techniques found in folk, jazz, and early classical music styles.

Sound Character

The Chorda E string is characterised by its warmth and complexity. Because of its gut core, it produces a rich array of overtones that modern synthetic or steel strings struggle to replicate. The addition of silver plating helps clarify the fundamental pitch, ensuring the low E remains defined while retaining the 'earthy' and 'woody' timbre expected from an authentic gut string.

Suitability and Player Profile

This string is primarily suited for traditional musicians who prioritise authenticity in their sound. It is highly regarded by early music specialists and jazz bassists who prefer a tactile, low-tension feel. Because of its specific construction, it is most effective on instruments that benefit from a warm, resonant bottom end without the excessive brightness of modern chromium or steel-wound strings.

Comparison to Alternatives

Compared to modern synthetic alternatives like the D'Addario Zyex or orchestral steel strings like the Thomastik Spirocore, the Pirastro Chorda offers a much softer feel and a more complex harmonic profile. While strings like the Spirocore are known for their sustain and punch, the Chorda E focuses on warmth and historical accuracy. It differs significantly from smaller scale strings, such as the Larsen Cello 1/8 size or Helicore 1/4 size violin strings, by adhering to traditional gut-core construction for full-sized professional application.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the core material of the Pirastro Chorda E string?: The core of the Pirastro Chorda E string is hand-manufactured from sheep gut, providing a traditional and authentic foundation for the string's sound.
What size double bass is this string designed for?: This specific E string is designed for 3/4 size double basses, which is the standard size for most adult professional and student instruments.
How does the silver plating affect the sound?: The silver plating adds extra dynamics to the overall sound, helping the low E string cut through the mix while maintaining its warmth.
What type of tailpiece end does this string have?: The Pirastro Chorda E string features a knot end, which is a traditional method for securing gut strings to the tailpiece.
Is this string high or low tension?: The Chorda E string has a naturally low tension, which makes it comfortable for picking and provides a specific tactile response favoured in traditional music.
How would you describe the tonal character of this string?: The sound is described as warm with rich overtones, offering a classic and traditional voice compared to modern steel strings.
Is the Pirastro Chorda E string suitable for jazz?: Yes, many jazz bassists prefer the low tension and warm gut sound of Chorda strings for traditional 'walking' bass lines and picking techniques.
How does the silver plating affect the feel of the string?: The silver plating provides a comfortable feel under the fingers, reducing the friction or 'grip' sometimes associated with plain gut.
What is the manufacturer model number for this string?: The manufacturer model number for the Pirastro Chorda 3/4 Double Bass E String is 242400.
Does this string come with a ball end?: No, this specific model features a knot end rather than a ball end or loop end found on many modern strings.
What is the typical price for this E string?: The typical price for a single Pirastro Chorda E string is approximately GBP 227.
Can this string be used on a 1/2 or 4/4 bass?: This string is specifically designed for a 3/4 size bass; while it may fit some 4/4 basses depending on the string length, it is optimized for 3/4 scale lengths.