Dear Musician,
 

Since the Summer 2008 issue of our newsletter we have been busy introducing new strings, which we would like to present you:

We are honored that German Cellist Daniel Müller-Schott supports us introducing our new steel core Passione A & D strings. More and more cellists try out these new steel core strings and enthusiastically combine them with their personal choice of G & C strings.

We are grateful to violist Emile Cantor who supports us in the same way spreading the word about the new viola Passione string set. All four Passione gut core strings are handmade according to patented production methods.

The additional steel core A string will be an interesting string for all violists searching for a warm tone.
 

The popular Evah Pirazzi double bass strings are now also available in gauge »weich« and in Solo-Tuning.
 

During the development of our violin strings Obligato and Evah Pirazzi we have gained new expertise that we have used to redesign our popular Tonica violin strings. The set Tonica »New Formula« replaces the old Tonica. British violinist Erica Nockalls has been an enthusiastic endorser of the old and now of the new set, which she says: »The stellar tone and projection of the new Pirastro Tonica strings are something I know many players will have been looking for. (…).«

We would like to thank each of you for your contributions and support of Pirastro strings. We are looking forward to hearing what you like and what you don’t like and any ideas you have.

Wishing you a Happy New Year and success in 2010!

With warm regards,

Pirastro GmbH

Touch the Future! - Passione New Cello A & D Steel Strings

The success of our intensive research resulted in the development of a new spinning technology which allows us to produce cello strings with an inspiring warm and rich sound.

SOUND CHARACTERISTICS
These cello strings represent a new generation of Pirastro steel strings. They offer a remarkably full-bodied and round sound, with a complex overtone spectrum. Passione A & D strings have an inspiring pearly resonance combined with great longevity and power. They are precise and focused up to the highest register. The response is outstandingly quick and the transition from the A to D string is smooth. The durability of the strings is outstanding.

GAUGES
The A & D strings are available in soft, medium and strong.

ROSIN
We recommend the use of our »Cello« rosin (art. no. 901100) for the steel core cello Passione strings.

RECOMMENDATIONS FOR A COMPLETE SET
We recommend the use of the following Pirastro G & C strings:

• If you want to achieve a most brilliant and powerful sound, please choose cello Passione A/D steel strings and Evah Pirazzi Soloist G/C rope core steel strings.
• Or, if you are searching for a very warm and round sound, please choose cello Passione A/D steel strings and Flexocor G/C rope core steel strings.
• Or, if you are looking for a complex overtone spectrum with full bodied sound, please chose cello Passione A/D steel strings and Passione G/C gut wound strings.
   

STATEMENT
Cellist Daniel Müller-Schott describes his impressions as follows:
»The new Passione A and D strings sound really amazing! I am thrilled and I use them all the time. During my teaching course in Belgrad I have recommend these strings and immediately the instruments’ sound improved. They embody the combination of clarity, warmth and power! I love playing these in concerts and recordings!«

 

FURTHER STATEMENTS

• »They project incredibly well without sounding tinny or overly bright. Wide, easily accessible dynamic and colour range and the overtones ring out, giving my cello a huge resonance I didn't think it had. They have a sweet, warm but powerful sound and my cello just sings.«
   
• »Considering that my cello is very bright, I found that the Passione A' and D' are the warmest steel strings I have every tried. They really compliment my cello very well.«
   
• »Wow! Within 3 notes, I knew the D string was exceptional and that the A string was the best I had ever used. They are fantastic and provide a sound for which I have been searching for years. The new Passiones bring together a warmth, volume, aliveness and sweetness that I simply have not experienced with my cello.«
   
• »I have now been using these A & D strings since early summer, together with EP Soloist G and C. I believe I said to you that I did not think you could improve on the EP Soloist, but these two development strings are incredible. (Excuse me, I am not a scientist or a technician, only a musician, but I have very good ears.) The first thing I noticed was that as soon as I fitted the strings, and tuned them, they did not move in pitch at all. 24 hours later I had not needed to adjust them, and they have continued to be stable through the summer weather. Also, I cannot detect any difference in timbre or overtones between the D and the A: this is very unusual, especially on my cello. The attack/response on the A string is exceptional, even better than the EP. The sound resonates/rings at least as well as the EP, and I believe that in the higher registers of the D and A strings there is greater volume and projection and clearer definition. I don't know how you have achieved this, but congratulations! I'm sure it would help you more if I could find something negative to say, but there is nothing.«
   
• »The Passione A and D are really nice strings; they tuned up easily, and held their pitch immediately. They have a full resonant sound and play easily. They play with excellent tone up into thumb position. The windings are beautifully done.«
   
• »Dear Sir, I have been using the test strings you sent me in May 2009 for orchestral and chamber music (and for occasional solo work) and have been very pleased with the results. The control over sound colours and overtones has been excellent as has the transition between the D to the A string. Capable of beautiful yet strong sound has transformed my cello.«
   
• »I love these strings! Amazing would be the word to sum them up. The A string has to be the most warm, and velvety A string I have ever played.«
   
• »Overall, the Passione A and D strings are very good. Right out of the packaging, I was astonished: they sounded beautiful instantly, with no break-in time at all. Both strings are exceptionally warm and rich sounding. They are matched unbelievable well; the transition between the two strings is flawless.«
   
• »They have a very good volume, and blend very well; in fact; when playing the open A string, it doesn't have that shrill, open A brightness! I am so ecstatic to have these strings.«
   
• »Best A and D strings I played over my long career as a professional cellist and university teacher. When it was suggested I try those strings I wasn't sure I was ready for a change, but I'm so happy I took this advise. These strings are easy to play, producing many sounds; colours and shades, that were not accessible to me before.«
   
• »I recently tried your new Passione A string (medium gauge) on my cello and I am thoroughly impressed! It has a beautiful warm sound that I have never had before, as well as an incredible dynamic range. The tuning stability is great at all dynamic levels and it allows me to play freely on my A string which I have always had to back away from with other strings. Thank you so much for continuing to make better and better strings!«

Passione Viola Gut Core Set
We have adapted the new construction method of the violin Passione gut strings to the requirements of the viola and created a modern viola gut string set. It was our aim to improve the playability of gut core strings and create a powerful set without loosing the typical beauty of a gut core string set:
Passione - The unique gut string for the future!

PLAYABILITY

• Very short playing-in-time, nearly the same as for synthetic core strings.
• Substantial increase in tuning stability.
• Well-balanced set harmony.
• Easy response on all levels of the dynamic range.
• The accuracy of contact point is easily manageable, similar to Obligato and Evah Pirazzi.
• Easier right hand articulation and tone attack.

SOUND CHARACKTERISTICS

• Typical beauty of gut string sound.
• Fascinating diversity of sounds, which allows musicians to alter their tone as desired.
• Core sound is full, round and warm and has a complex overtone spectrum causing brilliance and clarity and a great power of projection.
• Sound can be big and powerful as well as gentle and tender.

STANDARD SET

• A Aluminum 14 1/4, D Silver 14, G Silver 17, C Tungsten-Silver 20.
• To facilitate the installation of the Passione gut core strings, all strings have a ball end.

VIIOLA PASSIONE A STEEL/CHROME STEEL

• Remarkable full and round sound.
• Complex overtone spectrum, inspiring warmth.
• Precise and focused sound up to the highest register.
• Great power of projection.
• Very easy response.
• Suitable for all D, G and C strings.
• Removable ball end.

ROSIN
We recommend the use of our »Oliv/Evah« rosin (art. no. 900100) for Passione violin and viola strings.

STATEMENT EMILE CANTOR
»The strings are fantastic!!! When playing with my quartet they have a wonderful feeling to them and the intonation is just so much easier. This is most likely due to the reduced pressure needed from the left hand and of cause due to the much easier response. They fit the modern viola like a glove. By the way, lately we have toured in the USA and Europe playing Ludwig van Beethoven op. 131 for string quartet. This piece is especially demanding for the gut strings as it requires 37 minutes non-stop playing and the Passione strings were extremely stable!!!«
 

FURTHER STATEMENTS

• »The steel Passione A is a work of art! Congrats on making such a superb A string!«

• »Once I put these new strings on, they completely changed my instrument. It has never sounded louder or lovelier. Although I was scared of using gut at first because of the extra pressure required to get sound and it's stability, I found that Passiones sound just as good as Olivs yet are almost as stable as my Tonicas (much louder, fuller, more lovely sound as well). I would recommend this string set to any viola player!«

• »The best A string I've ever tried. I have already switched to Passione A steel.«

• »The range of color is INCREDIBLE, and it's as though I am enjoying playing even more than before. The slogan 'I'm so happy I can't stop playing,' was one which I used to find somewhat funny, but now I understand it. I can't stop raving about these to my friends, and today in my lesson, my teacher was impressed, even moreso when I told him they were gut. In a way, they have helped me realize quite a few things while playing, and I've had my fair share of lightbulb moments with these strings. So, for the record, I want to say THANK YOU for introducing these to the world, and as word of mouth helps spread this product, these strings may just become the new standard. p.s., I've removed the fine tuner on my viola's 'A' string - it's not really needed. Each string rings - and every note does as well, when played, resonating to the strings beside it. I LOVE THESE STRINGS!!! I'm so happy and thrilled! Just wanted to let ya'll know. Thank you SO MUCH!!!«

• »...they are absolutely amazing! the c string could match yuri bashmets! i am entirely satisfied with these strings....and will definately be using them for many concerts. thanks.«

• »I have tried a number of string sets on this viola and the Passione set promotes a beautifully warm, resonant and projecting sound. The color range is oustanding. I am still getting used to the response, but this set is the best match thus far for this instrument and for the sound palette I would like to achieve.«

Evah Pirazzi for double bass »weich« gauge and Solo-Tuning
Following the successful introduction of the Evah Pirazzi orchestra tuning for double bass we have extended the choices: now the »weich« gauge is available for orchestra tuning (art. no. 449010). Furthermore, we have now completed the development of the solo tuning set (art. no. 449000).

The Evah Pirazzi orchestra »weich« has a very easy playability due to the reduced string tension. It has a pronounced core sound and compared to the »standard« orchestra tuning set the sound is brighter and growlier with a little more sustain.

PIRASTRO TONE COLOR  THE TAILPIECE END
black spiral on light green

PIRASTRO TONE COLOR  THE PEG END

• Orchestra:
  G – brown
  D – red
  A – black
  E – green
  H5 – yellow
  E 2.10m – green
  C Hohe Solo – violet

• Orchestra »weich«:
  Tone color with a ring rose-colored

• Solo:
  A1 Solo – light grey
  E2 Solo – light green
  H3B Solo – light yellow
  FIS4 Solo – light blue
  CIS5 Solo – light violet
   

STATEMENTS

• »I wanted to let you know that after months of testing out the Evah Pirazzi »weich« type string that it performed very well for the purpose of playing some solo tuning classical pieces and also playing jazz pizzicato in orchestral tuning . Thanks for making the string as I think it will also be a good string for people who just like a lighter tension string as an all purpose solution.«
  John Patitucci
• »I play a variety of music styles from acoustic gypsy swing to amplified modern jazz and traditional jazz. I have three basses only the Wilfer is functional at present. The new »weich« set is superior, for the types of music I play, to the standard Evah set. This is entirely due to the reduced tension and greater sustain. The new string set is good in an acoustic setting, and excellent in a traditional jazz band. It's not such a good modern jazz string. It is possible to achieve an excellent sound when playing slap style bass in a traditional jazz band. The single slap style a la Pops Foster sound very authentic.«
  Charles Paine
• »I have nothing but good things to say about the Evah Pirazzi »weich«, so far this is the best set of strings that I have played and I will continue to play these strings until I decide to try gut strings. These suit my personal needs beyond what I expected, and work very well in every musical situation that I am involved in. These strings are great for jazz, blues and the modern bass sound. Thank you for allowing me to test a set, I think they're wonderful.«
  Jay Chaffee
• »The Evah »weich« set seems to be exactly the change I wished for in the orchestra set. I liked the »orchestra« set VERY MUCH but always would have preferred a bit less stiffness, smaller diameter (especially on the G string) and a bit brighter. That's exactly what I got in the weich set. I do find that the lowest notes do not have quite the power in the fundamental as the »orchestra« set but that was not unexpected. With a smaller diameter string and less mass, that seems to be just a matter of physics. For now, I like the overall character of the »weich« better than the »orchestra« set. The Evah Pirazzi line (both »orchestra« and »weich«) is a wonderful pair of products.«
  Les Bernstein

Tonica Violin Strings »New Formula«

Over the last years we have developed new concepts and ways of constructing strings, made important advances in string technology and gained new expertise. During that development phase we came out with such popular strings as the Obligato, Evah Pirazzi and Passione. Today we have a different knowledge and new techniques at hand to design a nylon core string set. As a result we have newly constructed all of the Tonica strings except for the E steel wound with aluminum string. These changes result in an overall improved string set.

SOUND CHARACTERISTICS

• The Tonica has a lively and round sound, which is open and direct with little background noises. Hence, the Tonica is also suitable for studio takes.
• Projection and brilliance have been upgraded. However, this excess of brilliance does not mean that the Tonica has lost its warmth.
• The set harmony is well-balanced.
• The response is easy and fast.
• Playing pianissimo has considerably improved.
• All bow strokes are possible resulting in smooth crossings from one note to another.
• Easier right hand articulation and tone attack.

STANDARD SET AND CHOICES

The old standard set consisted of a wound E string and an aluminum wound D string in order to create a very warm set. In order to optimize the brilliance and the projection, the standard set of the »New Formula« consists of a silver wound D string and the Silvery Steel 0.255mm, which is also used for the Evah Pirazzi »weich« set.

 

PIRASTRO TONE COLOR  THE TAILPIECE END

new

old

PIRASTRO TONE COLOR AT THE PEG END
Please refer to the Tonica Flyer

 

FRACTIONAL SIZES
Same as for the full sized string sets, also the fractional sized ones have been enhanced, in order to make it as easy as possible for students to learn to play the violin. The E string is available as a plain E (Silvery Steel) and as an E steel string wound with aluminum. Tonica strings are available in the following fractional sizes:
³/ ₄ - ¹/ ₂ and ¹/ ₄ - ¹/ ₈ and ¹/ ₁₆ – ¹/ ₃₂

ROSIN
We recommend the use of our Tonica rosin (art. no. 900800) for the Tonica violin and viola strings.

NEW STATEMENTS
on our website www.pirastro.com
 

• VIOLIN
  Ilya Gringolts – Oliv
  Dana Edson Myers - Passione
  Elizabeth Wallfisch – Obligato and Chorda
   
• VIOLA
  Emile Cantor – Passione
   
• CELLO
  Mischa Maisky – Permanent
  Daniel Müller-Schott – Passione
   
• DOUBLE BASS
  Giuseppe Ettorre – Evah Pirazzi
  Donald H. Evans Jr. – Evah Pirazzi
  Carlos Henriquez – Chorda
  Chris Hill – Evah Pirazzi
  Rinat Ibragimov – Eudoxa
  Rob Kassinger – Original Flexocor and Flat-Chromesteel
  Roman Patkoló – Permanent
   

NEW COLOR CODE CARDS

Emile Cantor	Lynn Harrell
Mischa Maisky	Daniel Müller-Schott

DID YOU KNOW...?

…that the brand »Pirastro« has been created during the 1890ies, when Theodor Strobel joined his friend Gustav Pirazzi’s company as partner. They came up with the idea to create a brand name from the first four letters of their surnames: PIRAzzi & STRObel became PIRASTRO.

 

Pirastro GmbH
Senefelderstrasse 80
63069 Offenbach am Main

Germany
Tel.: +49-69-8400900
Fax: +49-69-831663
Internet: www.pirastro.com