Pirastro Evah Pirazzi Gold Viola Strings are a professional string family designed for a rich, refined tone, powerful projection and exceptionally responsive playing. Unlike a range with only one standard string configuration, Evah Pirazzi Gold offers a choice of synthetic-core strings, a mixed-core set and a complete steel-core set.
Sound and playing characteristics
The Gold concept combines brilliance and a wide spectrum of overtones with the warmth and depth traditionally associated with gut strings. Modern core materials offer excellent tuning stability, a short break-in period and reliable performance under changing temperature and humidity conditions.
The range responds quickly across a wide dynamic spectrum, from subtle pianissimo to powerful forte playing. Carefully matched string designs support smooth transitions between registers and give musicians fine control over articulation and tonal colour.
The steel-core A string deserves particular attention. Pirastro developed it to offer a large, smooth and warm tone without excessive metallic harshness, including in the upper register.
Three string set configurations
1. Standard set — 425021
The classic Evah Pirazzi Gold configuration combines a steel A string with synthetic-core, silver-wound D and G strings and a synthetic-core, tungsten-silver-wound C string. This arrangement focuses on tonal flexibility, a rich sound and smooth transitions across the lower register.
2. Mixed-core set — 425091
This set retains the standard A, D and G strings but replaces the C string with 323421, featuring a steel rope core and tungsten winding. It is an attractive alternative for violists who prefer synthetic-core D and G strings but want a more direct response and higher tension on the low C.
3. Complete steel-core set — 323021
All four strings use metal cores: a steel A string and flexible steel rope-core D, G and C strings. This configuration has the highest combined tension in the family and offers particularly immediate response, strong projection and articulate playing. Pirastro describes its sound as powerful and warm, without excessive metallic harshness.
String set comparison
| Reference |
A / D / G / C cores |
Total tension |
Version |
| 425021 |
Steel / synthetic / synthetic / synthetic |
25.6 kg |
Envelope |
| 425022 |
Steel / synthetic / synthetic / synthetic |
25.6 kg |
Straight |
| 425091 |
Steel / synthetic / synthetic / steel rope |
26.5 kg |
Envelope |
| 323021 |
Steel / steel rope / steel rope / steel rope |
28.0 kg |
Envelope |
Which set should you choose? Choose 425021 for the traditional synthetic-core D, G and C configuration; 425091 for synthetic D and G combined with a more direct steel rope-core C; or 323021 for the immediate response of metal cores on all four strings. Higher overall tension does not automatically mean a louder or better result on every viola.
Individual strings and specifications
| String |
Core / winding |
Tension |
Article number |
| A |
Steel / chrome steel |
8.3 kg |
323121 |
| D |
Synthetic / silver |
6.0 kg |
425221 / 425222 |
| G |
Synthetic / silver |
5.7 kg |
425321 / 425322 |
| C |
Synthetic / tungsten-silver |
5.6 kg |
425421 / 425422 |
| D |
Steel rope / chrome steel |
6.9 kg |
323221 |
| G |
Steel rope / chrome steel |
6.3 kg |
323321 |
| C |
Steel rope / tungsten |
6.5 kg |
323421 |
Note: the synthetic-core articles ending in 1 and 2 correspond to Envelope and Straight configurations. A string 323121 features a removable ball end; the other listed strings use standard ball ends.
Selection and care advice
Evah Pirazzi Gold strings are especially suitable for advanced students, conservatoire players, orchestral musicians and professional violists who need expressive control and a wide dynamic range. Choose the configuration according to your instrument's response, preferred tension and balance between strings.
Individual strings can be mixed within the range. For example, steel rope-core C 323421 can be combined with synthetic D and G strings, as in the 425091 set. Pirastro also considers A string 323121 suitable for pairing with selected strings from other Pirastro families.
After playing, remove rosin dust with a soft, dry cloth. Replace strings one at a time and monitor the bridge position. Pirastro recommends Evah Pirazzi Gold rosin for use with this series.
