Pirastro Company from Offenbach

Pirastro Strings: The Art of Sound and Centuries of Tradition

The quality of Pirastro strings and rosins embodies reliability and sound beauty. A large number of classical musicians worldwide prefer Pirastro strings for their excellent modulation and expressiveness. Pirastro strings allow you to unlock the potential of your instrument and realize its full capabilities, giving it truly a unique and unmistakable sound.

The modulation and expressivity of each Pirastro string align with the variety of options offered by Pirastro's extensive lineup. Musicians can choose gut strings like Oliv or Passione, modern synthetic core strings such as Evah Pirazzi, Tonica, etc., as well as steel strings, the most popular of which are Flexocor, Chromcor, and Piranito. Various rosins are specifically formulated for different string types to enhance the instrument's playability.

Gustav Pirazzi and Helmut Pirazzi

The History of the Pirastro Manufactory

The history of Pirastro has its roots in Italy. Giorgio Pirazzi, the founder of the company, was born in 1766 into a family of millers. From the age of 14, he trained as an apprentice and journeyman in Rome and Naples, mastering the crafts of violin making and string weaving, as well as studying economics and trade. Upon returning to his homeland, Giorgio met several Italian families who had moved to Frankfurt, established very successful businesses, and were now returning home after experiencing an economic boom. These new friends invited Giorgio Pirazzi to Frankfurt; he accepted the offer and moved to Germany.

Life in Frankfurt was initially difficult for the newly arrived Italian, as the Masters' Guild refused to accept new artisans. Count Isenburg offered Italian masters the opportunity to settle in less affluent districts of Frankfurt, and it was from him that Pirazzi received permission to settle and establish a workshop in Offenbach, south of Frankfurt. The new craft workshop in Offenbach was named "Giorgio Pirazzi & Figli" (Giorgio Pirazzi & Sons). Soon after, the company opened offices in Rome, Naples, and Padua.

The family enterprise grew and was passed down from generation to generation. From Giorgio, the company passed to his son Gasparro, and from Gasparro to his son Gustav Pirazzi. In the 1890s, Gustav Pirazzi invited his friend Theodor Strobel to join the company as a partner. As a result of this partnership agreement, the company name that still exists today was born: PIRASTRO (PIRAzzi and STRObel).

Innovations and the Modern Era

Currently, the company is managed by the 6th generation of Giorgio Pirazzi's descendants. In 1970, production significantly expanded with the construction of additional facilities. It can be said without exaggeration that Pirastro strings are in the highest demand among violinists and violists worldwide.

Pirastro never stops in its qualitative development and constantly presents new innovations. New generation strings such as Evah Pirazzi Gold have won over many musicians in just a few years. This year, at the Frankfurt exhibition, Pirastro introduced the new cello strings Perpetual. While many cellists traditionally choose Larsen strings for their instruments, after testing the new Perpetual strings, they often prefer the Pirastro innovation.