What is the core material of the Evah Pirazzi Double Bass string?

The string features a high-quality synthetic core designed to offer the warmth of gut with the stability of modern materials.

What winding is used on this string?

This specific string is wound with chrome steel, which contributes to its powerful sound and physical durability.

Is this string suitable for orchestral playing?

Yes, the Evah Pirazzi is a highly popular choice for orchestral bassists due to its dark tone and excellent projection.

How does it perform for pizzicato playing?

It performs exceptionally well, providing a big, well-rounded sound with a resonant decay that suits plucked passages.

Can I use this string for jazz?

Yes, it is considered an all-around string that handles the demands of jazz pizzicato and orchestral bowing equally well.

How long does it take for these strings to settle?

The Evah Pirazzi strings have a relatively short playing-in time compared to other synthetic or gut strings, reaching stability quickly.

Is the E-extension string weather-resistant?

Yes, these strings are resistant to changes in both humidity and temperature, making them ideal for touring musicians.

What is the tonal character of this string?

The sound is described as big, dark, and well-rounded, with a specific emphasis on the instrument's lower frequencies.

Does this string help with instrument projection?

Yes, the chrome steel winding and core design are engineered to elevate the sound and aid the projection of the double bass.

What gauge is this specific string?

This specific product is a Medium gauge string, which is the standard tension for most professional applications.

Why would I need an E-extension string specifically?

An extension string is longer than a standard string, designed for basses equipped with a C-extension fingerboard to reach lower notes.

How does the price compare to other bass strings?

At approximately £87 for a single extension string, it is positioned as a professional-grade, premium product.

Gear article

Pirastro Evah Pirazzi Double Bass E-Extension String (Medium)

The Pirastro Evah Pirazzi Double Bass E-Extension String is a synthetic core, chrome steel-wound string designed for orchestral and solo double bassists. It is engineered to provide a powerful, dark sound with high projection and stability across varying environmental conditions.

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Overview

The Pirastro Evah Pirazzi series represents a modern standard in synthetic core string technology for the double bass. This specific model is the Extended E string (often referred to as the Ext E), designed for instruments equipped with a C-extension or for players requiring the extra length for lower tunings. The string utilizes a proprietary synthetic core paired with a chrome steel winding to balance durability with tonal depth.

Tonal Characteristics

Known for a big, dark, and well-rounded sonic profile, the Evah Pirazzi strings are specifically designed to emphasize the lower frequencies inherent to the double bass. The chrome steel winding contributes to a powerful output, facilitating an outstanding resonant decay. This character makes them particularly effective at aiding projection, ensuring the instrument remains audible in large ensemble settings.

Versatility and Performance

These strings are marketed as 'all-around' performers, meaning they are designed to respond equally well to both arco (bowed) and pizzicato (plucked) techniques.

Arco: The synthetic core offers a quick response to the bow, maintaining a dark clarity without excessive grit.
Pizzicato: The resonant decay provides a sustain that is desirable for jazz and modern orchestral works.
Stability: A key feature is the string's resistance to fluctuations in temperature and humidity, which prevents frequent tuning issues during travel or performance.

Setup and Maintenance

One of the practical advantages of the Evah Pirazzi range is the relatively short 'playing-in' time. Unlike traditional gut strings that may require days to settle, these synthetic core strings reach their stable pitch and tonal maturity quickly. The chrome steel winding is also durable, resisting the corrosive effects of sweat and environmental moisture better than some silver or aluminium wound alternatives.

Comparative Context

Within the wider market of orchestral strings, the Evah Pirazzi is often compared to other professional-grade options such as D'Addario Zyex or Helicore, and Thomastik Spirocore. While Spirocore strings are famous for their bright, metallic edge and long sustain in jazz, the Evah Pirazzi offers a darker, more complex 'classical' texture that still retains enough power for crossover work. It is priced as a premium professional string, typically retailing around £87 for the individual E-extension string.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the core material of the Evah Pirazzi Double Bass string?: The string features a high-quality synthetic core designed to offer the warmth of gut with the stability of modern materials.
What winding is used on this string?: This specific string is wound with chrome steel, which contributes to its powerful sound and physical durability.
Is this string suitable for orchestral playing?: Yes, the Evah Pirazzi is a highly popular choice for orchestral bassists due to its dark tone and excellent projection.
How does it perform for pizzicato playing?: It performs exceptionally well, providing a big, well-rounded sound with a resonant decay that suits plucked passages.
Can I use this string for jazz?: Yes, it is considered an all-around string that handles the demands of jazz pizzicato and orchestral bowing equally well.
How long does it take for these strings to settle?: The Evah Pirazzi strings have a relatively short playing-in time compared to other synthetic or gut strings, reaching stability quickly.
Is the E-extension string weather-resistant?: Yes, these strings are resistant to changes in both humidity and temperature, making them ideal for touring musicians.
What is the tonal character of this string?: The sound is described as big, dark, and well-rounded, with a specific emphasis on the instrument's lower frequencies.
Does this string help with instrument projection?: Yes, the chrome steel winding and core design are engineered to elevate the sound and aid the projection of the double bass.
What gauge is this specific string?: This specific product is a Medium gauge string, which is the standard tension for most professional applications.
Why would I need an E-extension string specifically?: An extension string is longer than a standard string, designed for basses equipped with a C-extension fingerboard to reach lower notes.
How does the price compare to other bass strings?: At approximately £87 for a single extension string, it is positioned as a professional-grade, premium product.