PIRASTRO EVAH PIRAZZI WEICH

In this video I review Pirastro Evah Pirazzi Weich double bass strings. They are used by many of my double bass heroes such as John Clayton, Robert Hurst, John Patitucci and have a reputation as one of the best hybrid strings available with excellent arco and pizzicato response.
In the video I do a lot of playing so you can hear how the strings really sound with jazz and bowing examples. I give feedback on their playability and share my experience of using them since they were released in 2009.

PIRASTRO OLIV G

For years many upright bassists have used mixed sets of steel or synthetic E and A strings with gut D and G strings. It’s a great way to combine vintage tone in the higher register with clarity and more stable tuning in the lower register.

Pirastro Oliv is a gut core double bass string with a chrome steel wrap. Many bassists use the Oliv G (and sometimes Oliv D) string in combination with a set of Evah Pirazzi Weich. I’ve always wanted to try the Evah Pirazzi/Oliv combination and Pirastro have kindly sent me these strings to review.

UPDATE: WHAT HAVE I CHOSEN TO USE?

I say in the video that I will give some feedback on how the Oliv G has performed over a longer period of time.  The tuning stability did become more stable than it was in the first few days. I’ve done a variety of gigs/rehearsals with the Evah/Oliv G combination and it’s performed very well. However, I have decided to switch back to the Evah Pirazzi G string. As I say in the video it’s hard to say which I prefer as both are great, but different. If you want to add some old school mojo to your strings then the Oliv G is a great set, but the Evah Pirazzi double bass strings already have everything that I need.

I hope you enjoy the video and it would be great to hear your thoughts, which do you prefer? Have you tried the Evah Pirazzi or Oliv strings?  Please leave a comment below to join the conversation,

Cheers Geoff

P.S If you’re about to change your double bass strings check out my video lesson where I share a great method to get it done quickly and easily.

P.P.S If you are currently considering changing your strings you may want to check out my article Double Bass Strings Buyers Guide where I give advice on how to find your perfect set!