OLIV bass string A by Pirastro

Pirastro OLIV Double Bass String – A (Orchestra Tuning)

The original gut-string sound.
The Pirastro OLIV A string delivers a big, characterful gut-string tone: fat and powerful under the bow, dark and punchy in pizzicato. Ideal for double bass players seeking warmth, depth, and expression – equally suited for orchestral playing and stylistic applications from old-time jazz to bluegrass.

Featuring a traditionally crafted gut core wound with chrome steel, the OLIV A string offers a projecting sound with rich tonal color and a natural, organic response.

• Bowed: fat, projecting, and powerful
• Pizzicato: dark, warm, and focused

Sound Character & Playing Feel

The OLIV A string responds sensitively to the bow while also handling strong bow pressure without losing stability or depth. Its warm, full tone blends perfectly into the overall sound and remains consistently balanced and expressive.

Ideal For

• Orchestral playing with a warm, projecting sound
• Solo arco playing with strong expression
• Old-time jazz & bluegrass pizzicato
• Players who love the classic gut-string sound

Technical Details

• Instrument: Double bass
• String: Orchestra A string (single string)
• Tuning: Orchestra tuning
• Core material: Gut
• Wound with: Chrome steel
• Gauge: Medium
• String tension: 27.9 kg
• Size: Suitable for 3/4 to 4/4 double basses
• Peg end color: Black
• Tailpiece end color: White with green spiral