What is the primary intended use for the Pirastro Evah Pirazzi Slap D string?

It is specifically designed for Rockabilly and Slap Bass enthusiasts who need a string that supports percussive techniques and high-energy performance. It also performs well for standard pizzicato playing.

What materials are used in this string's construction?

The string features a modern synthetic core that is wound with chrome steel. This combination provides a balance between the warmth of synthetic materials and the durability of metal winding.

How does the tension of this string feel compared to standard bass strings?

This string features low tension across the fingerboard. This design choice ensures easy playability and makes transitions between strings feel smooth and effortless for the player.

Is this string suitable for 4/4 size double basses?

This specific model is designed for 3/4 size double basses. While it might fit some other sizes, it is optimized for the scale length and tension requirements of a 3/4 instrument.

How does this string handle changes in humidity?

The synthetic core is specifically designed to resist changes in both temperature and humidity. This provides the player with stable tuning and dependable performance in various environmental conditions.

Does the Evah Pirazzi Slap D string require a long break-in period?

No, it features a reduced playing-in time. This allows the string to reach its stable pitch and full tonal character much faster than many traditional or gut-based strings.

Can this string be used for bowing (arco)?

While the manufacturer highlights its excellence in slap and pizzicato styles, the chrome steel winding does allow for use with a bow. However, its primary design focus is on percussive and plucked styles.

How does the sound of this synthetic core compare to a steel core?

The synthetic core offers a richer, warmer sound that is more reminiscent of gut strings. It avoids the bright, metallic edge often found in pure steel-core strings while maintaining modern projection.

What makes this string 'slap' specific?

The combination of low tension and a wide dynamic range allows the string to be easily manipulated for the percussive 'click' of slap bass without requiring excessive physical force from the player.

Is the D string sold individually or only in sets?

This specific product refers to the individual 3/4 size D string, allowing players to replace single strings or customize their setup as needed.

Who is the manufacturer of this string?

The string is manufactured by Pirastro, a well-known German brand respected for producing high-quality strings for bowed instruments.

Gear article

Pirastro Evah Pirazzi Slap Double Bass Synthetic D String 3/4 Size

The Pirastro Evah Pirazzi Slap Double Bass Synthetic D String is a specialized 3/4 size string designed specifically for Rockabilly and Slap Bass styles. It features a modern synthetic core wound with chrome steel, providing a low-tension feel and high tuning stability across varying environmental conditions.

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Overview

The Pirastro Evah Pirazzi Slap Double Bass D String is engineered to meet the specific demands of upright bassists playing in high-energy genres such as Rockabilly. While traditional gut strings were once the standard for these styles, this modern synthetic alternative offers a more reliable performance profile without the maintenance difficulties associated with organic materials. The string is sized for 3/4 scale double basses and is typically available at a price point of approximately £61.

Construction and Technology

The construction of the string centres around a proprietary synthetic core that mimics the elasticity and warmth of natural gut. This core is wound with chrome steel, a material choice that enhances durability and provides a smooth surface for the player's fingers. A primary advantage of this synthetic architecture is its resistance to fluctuations in temperature and humidity, ensuring that the string maintains its pitch and tension whether performing indoors or at outdoor venues.

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Performance and Character

This string is characterized by a wide dynamic range and a low-tension feel. The reduced tension is particularly beneficial for the 'slap' technique, where the string is pulled away from the fingerboard and released to create a percussive sound. Beyond slap techniques, the string is designed to excel in pizzicato (plucking) styles, offering a rich tone with excellent projection. The manufacturer notes a significantly reduced playing-in time compared to traditional materials, allowing the string to reach its optimal tonal character quickly after installation.

User Profile

The Evah Pirazzi Slap D String is ideally suited for:

Rockabilly and Psychobilly bassists who require a percussive slap sound.
Jazz or folk players looking for a low-tension, gut-like feel with modern reliability.
Touring musicians who frequently move between different climates and need stable tuning.
Players who find high-tension steel strings too physically demanding for long performances.

Comparison to Alternatives

Compared to traditional steel-core strings like the Thomastik Spirocore series, the Evah Pirazzi Slap offers a much lower tension and a warmer, less metallic attack. While it shares some high-performance characteristics with other synthetic strings like the D'Addario Zyex, its specific voicing for slap styles distinguishes it from general-purpose orchestral strings. It provides a more consistent alternative to natural gut strings, which are highly sensitive to weather changes and often more expensive.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the primary intended use for the Pirastro Evah Pirazzi Slap D string?: It is specifically designed for Rockabilly and Slap Bass enthusiasts who need a string that supports percussive techniques and high-energy performance. It also performs well for standard pizzicato playing.
What materials are used in this string's construction?: The string features a modern synthetic core that is wound with chrome steel. This combination provides a balance between the warmth of synthetic materials and the durability of metal winding.
How does the tension of this string feel compared to standard bass strings?: This string features low tension across the fingerboard. This design choice ensures easy playability and makes transitions between strings feel smooth and effortless for the player.
Is this string suitable for 4/4 size double basses?: This specific model is designed for 3/4 size double basses. While it might fit some other sizes, it is optimized for the scale length and tension requirements of a 3/4 instrument.
How does this string handle changes in humidity?: The synthetic core is specifically designed to resist changes in both temperature and humidity. This provides the player with stable tuning and dependable performance in various environmental conditions.
Does the Evah Pirazzi Slap D string require a long break-in period?: No, it features a reduced playing-in time. This allows the string to reach its stable pitch and full tonal character much faster than many traditional or gut-based strings.
Can this string be used for bowing (arco)?: While the manufacturer highlights its excellence in slap and pizzicato styles, the chrome steel winding does allow for use with a bow. However, its primary design focus is on percussive and plucked styles.
What is the typical price for a single D string of this model?: The typical price range for the Pirastro Evah Pirazzi Slap Double Bass Synthetic D String is approximately £61.
How does the sound of this synthetic core compare to a steel core?: The synthetic core offers a richer, warmer sound that is more reminiscent of gut strings. It avoids the bright, metallic edge often found in pure steel-core strings while maintaining modern projection.
What makes this string 'slap' specific?: The combination of low tension and a wide dynamic range allows the string to be easily manipulated for the percussive 'click' of slap bass without requiring excessive physical force from the player.
Is the D string sold individually or only in sets?: This specific product refers to the individual 3/4 size D string, allowing players to replace single strings or customize their setup as needed.
Who is the manufacturer of this string?: The string is manufactured by Pirastro, a well-known German brand respected for producing high-quality strings for bowed instruments.