What is the primary purpose of the Evah Pirazzi Slap string set?

The set is designed specifically for rockabilly and slap bass styles. It provides the percussive response needed for slapping while maintaining a rich, dark tone for standard pizzicato playing.

What materials are used for the G and D strings?

The G and D strings in this set are made of plain gut. This traditional material is preferred by slap bassists for its specific texture and acoustic 'thump'.

How do the A and E strings differ from the G and D strings?

The A and E strings feature a synthetic core wound with chrome steel. This provides a more stable low end and better tuning consistency than traditional gut A and E strings.

Are these strings suitable for orchestral playing?

While they can be used for various styles, they are primarily designed for slap and pizzicato. Orchestral players might find the plain gut G and D strings less suited for sustained arco (bowed) work compared to dedicated orchestral sets.

How does humidity affect the Evah Pirazzi Slap set?

The synthetic core of the A and E strings is largely unaffected by humidity, providing excellent tuning stability. However, the plain gut G and D strings may still be somewhat sensitive to atmospheric changes as is typical for organic materials.

What is the tension level of these strings?

These strings feature a low and even tension across the fingerboard. This design makes them easier to play for slap techniques where strings are frequently manipulated.

What bass size is this set intended for?

This specific set is designed for a 3/4 size double bass. Using them on a significantly larger or smaller instrument may affect the tension and sound quality.

What kind of tone can I expect from the A and E strings?

The chrome-wound synthetic A and E strings produce a dark, resonant tone. They are designed to offer powerful projection and a wide dynamic range.

Is this set good for beginners?

The low tension makes them very playable, which can be helpful for beginners. However, they are a professional-grade specialty set priced accordingly at approximately GBP 256.

How do these compare to full steel string sets?

Unlike steel sets, these provide a much warmer, darker tone and lower tension. They lack the high-end 'zing' of steel, which is often desirable for rockabilly and old-school jazz.

Do I need to modify my bass to use these strings?

Generally, no modifications are needed for a standard 3/4 bass. However, because gut G and D strings are thicker than steel, you should ensure your nut and bridge slots are wide enough to accommodate them.

Who is the manufacturer of these strings?

The strings are manufactured by Pirastro, a renowned German company known for producing high-quality musical instrument strings.

Gear article

Pirastro Evah Pirazzi Slap Double Bass String Set 3/4 Size

The Pirastro Evah Pirazzi Slap is a specialised hybrid string set designed specifically for rockabilly and old-school slap bass techniques on a 3/4 size double bass. It features a unique configuration of plain gut top strings and synthetic core bottom strings to balance traditional resonance with modern tuning stability.

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Overview

The Pirastro Evah Pirazzi Slap Double Bass String Set is engineered for double bassists who require a dark, powerful sound suited for rockabilly, psychobilly, and traditional jazz styles. This set is particularly noted for its hybrid construction, which attempts to bridge the gap between historical gut strings and contemporary synthetic technology. By utilizing different materials for the upper and lower strings, Pirastro provides a solution for the high physical demands of slap bass performance.

Material Construction and Hybrid Design

The set is distinguished by its 'mixed' composition. The G and D strings are crafted from plain gut, providing the tactile response and organic 'thump' essential for the slap technique. In contrast, the A and E strings feature a modern synthetic core wound with chrome steel. This design choice addresses the common issue of pitch instability in gut strings, as the synthetic core A and E strings are resistant to changes in temperature and humidity, ensuring the instrument stays in tune during live performances.

Tension and Playability

A primary feature of the Evah Pirazzi Slap set is its low, even tension across all four strings. This characteristic is vital for slap bassists, as it allows for the strings to be pulled away from the fingerboard and released with less physical effort, reducing hand fatigue. The low tension also facilitates smooth transitions across the fingerboard, making it equally effective for old-school pizzicato (fingerstyle) playing.

Sound Character and Projection

The sound profile is described as dark and resonant with significant projection. The plain gut G and D strings provide a classic, percussive attack, while the chrome-wound synthetic A and E strings offer a robust low-end foundation. This combination ensures that the bass can be heard clearly in acoustic settings or through amplification without sounding overly bright or metallic.

Suitability and Comparisons

This set is specifically aimed at rockabilly and slap bass enthusiasts. While orchestral players generally prefer consistent windings across all strings, the Evah Pirazzi Slap is ideal for those who find standard steel strings too high in tension or too bright. Compared to full gut sets, the Evah Pirazzi Slap offers superior tuning stability and dynamic range due to the synthetic-core lower strings, making them more practical for touring musicians.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the primary purpose of the Evah Pirazzi Slap string set?: The set is designed specifically for rockabilly and slap bass styles. It provides the percussive response needed for slapping while maintaining a rich, dark tone for standard pizzicato playing.
What materials are used for the G and D strings?: The G and D strings in this set are made of plain gut. This traditional material is preferred by slap bassists for its specific texture and acoustic 'thump'.
How do the A and E strings differ from the G and D strings?: The A and E strings feature a synthetic core wound with chrome steel. This provides a more stable low end and better tuning consistency than traditional gut A and E strings.
Are these strings suitable for orchestral playing?: While they can be used for various styles, they are primarily designed for slap and pizzicato. Orchestral players might find the plain gut G and D strings less suited for sustained arco (bowed) work compared to dedicated orchestral sets.
How does humidity affect the Evah Pirazzi Slap set?: The synthetic core of the A and E strings is largely unaffected by humidity, providing excellent tuning stability. However, the plain gut G and D strings may still be somewhat sensitive to atmospheric changes as is typical for organic materials.
What is the tension level of these strings?: These strings feature a low and even tension across the fingerboard. This design makes them easier to play for slap techniques where strings are frequently manipulated.
What bass size is this set intended for?: This specific set is designed for a 3/4 size double bass. Using them on a significantly larger or smaller instrument may affect the tension and sound quality.
What kind of tone can I expect from the A and E strings?: The chrome-wound synthetic A and E strings produce a dark, resonant tone. They are designed to offer powerful projection and a wide dynamic range.
Is this set good for beginners?: The low tension makes them very playable, which can be helpful for beginners. However, they are a professional-grade specialty set priced accordingly at approximately GBP 256.
How do these compare to full steel string sets?: Unlike steel sets, these provide a much warmer, darker tone and lower tension. They lack the high-end 'zing' of steel, which is often desirable for rockabilly and old-school jazz.
Do I need to modify my bass to use these strings?: Generally, no modifications are needed for a standard 3/4 bass. However, because gut G and D strings are thicker than steel, you should ensure your nut and bridge slots are wide enough to accommodate them.
Who is the manufacturer of these strings?: The strings are manufactured by Pirastro, a renowned German company known for producing high-quality musical instrument strings.