What size double bass is this string designed for?

The Pirastro 347220 D string is specifically designed for 3/4 size double basses, which is the standard size for most adult professional and student instruments.

What is the core material of the Pirastro Original Flat Chrome D string?

The string features a high-tensile rope core made from carbon steel. This construction provides a clear sound and strong presence suitable for orchestral projection.

What type of winding does this string use?

It uses a chrome steel winding. This material is chosen for its ability to add brightness to the tone and its comfortable, smooth feel under the fingers.

Does this string have a ball end or a loop end?

This specific D string features a ball tailpiece end. This is the standard termination for most modern double bass tailpieces.

What is the gauge of this D string?

This string is manufactured in a medium gauge. This gauge is intended to provide a balanced and smooth experience in both playability and sound output.

Is this string suitable for orchestral playing?

Yes, the manufacturer describes it as offering clear projection specifically for the orchestral musician. Its tonal character and stability are optimized for symphonic use.

How quickly does the string become stable after installation?

The Original Flat-Chrome series is known for instant playability and stability. This means the strings reach their intended pitch and stay in tune shortly after being fitted.

What is the typical price for a single Pirastro Original Flat Chrome D string?

The typical price for this individual D string is approximately GBP 83. Prices may vary slightly depending on the retailer and current market conditions.

Does the chrome steel winding affect the durability of the string?

Chrome steel is highly resistant to corrosion. This makes the string more durable against the effects of perspiration and environmental humidity compared to plain steel.

How does the sound of this D string compare to the rest of the set?

It is designed to be balanced and smooth, ensuring that the transition from the G string down to the D string is tonally consistent in an orchestral setting.

Can this string be used for jazz pizzicato?

While it is primarily designed for orchestral projection and arco playing, its carbon steel core and brightness allow it to be used for jazz, though it is voiced for a classical aesthetic.

Is the Pirastro 347220 D string sold as part of a set or individually?

This specific model number refers to the individual D string. However, it is designed to be perfectly compatible with the other strings in the Pirastro Original Flat Chrome set.

Gear article

Pirastro Original Flat Chrome Double Bass D String

The Pirastro Original Flat Chrome D string (model 347220) is a premium orchestral string designed for 3/4 size double basses. Constructed with a high-tensile carbon steel rope core and chrome steel winding, it is engineered for clear projection and immediate tuning stability.

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Overview

The Pirastro Original Flat Chrome D string is a specific component of the renowned Original Flat Chrome set, tailored for orchestral double bassists. It is designed to fit 3/4 size instruments and features a ball end for standard tailpiece attachment. The string is recognised for its robust construction, combining a rope-core architecture with flat-wire winding to meet the demands of professional symphonic environments.

Construction and Materials

The technical foundation of the 347220 D string is its high-tensile carbon steel rope core. This multi-strand design provides the flexibility required for nuanced bowing while maintaining the structural integrity necessary for lower orchestral tunings. The outer winding is made of chrome steel, which serves dual purposes: it protects the core from corrosion due to hand sweat and provides a smooth, polished surface that reduces finger noise and enhances playability.

Tone and Performance

This string is voiced for clear projection and a strong presence within an ensemble. The chrome steel winding contributes a specific brightness to the tone, ensuring the D string does not sound muddy or muffled compared to the higher strings. Pirastro has engineered the medium gauge to offer a balanced transition between notes, providing a smooth tactile response and consistent tonal output across the instrument's register.

Application and Suitability

The Original Flat Chrome series is particularly suited for gigging musicians and orchestral players who require instant playability. Unlike some traditional gut or synthetic strings that require a significant 'break-in' period, these carbon steel strings reach pitch stability quickly. The medium tension is designed to be versatile, accommodating various bridge heights and playing styles without sacrificing volume.

Comparison to Alternatives

Within the Pirastro catalogue and the wider market, the Original Flat Chrome D string occupies a space between traditional warm gut-like strings and purely modern synthetic cores. While products like the Thomastik Spirocore series are often favoured for jazz pizzicato, the Original Flat Chrome is more focused on the arco (bowed) requirements of classical music. Compared to lighter tension alternatives, this medium-gauge D string provides more resistance and a fuller orchestral body.

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Frequently asked questions

What size double bass is this string designed for?: The Pirastro 347220 D string is specifically designed for 3/4 size double basses, which is the standard size for most adult professional and student instruments.
What is the core material of the Pirastro Original Flat Chrome D string?: The string features a high-tensile rope core made from carbon steel. This construction provides a clear sound and strong presence suitable for orchestral projection.
What type of winding does this string use?: It uses a chrome steel winding. This material is chosen for its ability to add brightness to the tone and its comfortable, smooth feel under the fingers.
Does this string have a ball end or a loop end?: This specific D string features a ball tailpiece end. This is the standard termination for most modern double bass tailpieces.
What is the gauge of this D string?: This string is manufactured in a medium gauge. This gauge is intended to provide a balanced and smooth experience in both playability and sound output.
Is this string suitable for orchestral playing?: Yes, the manufacturer describes it as offering clear projection specifically for the orchestral musician. Its tonal character and stability are optimized for symphonic use.
How quickly does the string become stable after installation?: The Original Flat-Chrome series is known for instant playability and stability. This means the strings reach their intended pitch and stay in tune shortly after being fitted.
What is the typical price for a single Pirastro Original Flat Chrome D string?: The typical price for this individual D string is approximately GBP 83. Prices may vary slightly depending on the retailer and current market conditions.
Does the chrome steel winding affect the durability of the string?: Chrome steel is highly resistant to corrosion. This makes the string more durable against the effects of perspiration and environmental humidity compared to plain steel.
How does the sound of this D string compare to the rest of the set?: It is designed to be balanced and smooth, ensuring that the transition from the G string down to the D string is tonally consistent in an orchestral setting.
Can this string be used for jazz pizzicato?: While it is primarily designed for orchestral projection and arco playing, its carbon steel core and brightness allow it to be used for jazz, though it is voiced for a classical aesthetic.
Is the Pirastro 347220 D string sold as part of a set or individually?: This specific model number refers to the individual D string. However, it is designed to be perfectly compatible with the other strings in the Pirastro Original Flat Chrome set.