Strings
Pirastro Obligato Violin Strings
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Pirastro · Violin String
Obligato,
warm, full, brilliant.
Warm and full with a brilliant, rich overtone spectrum and a focused tone. used by chamber and orchestral musicians for great tone volume and even blend. Individual E, A, D, and G strings for 4/4 violin.
About Obligato
Gut character, synthetic stability.
Obligato strings are known for their warm, full sound with a brilliant, rich overtone spectrum and a focused tone. They are absolutely insensitive to variations in temperature and humidity, making them a reliable choice for chamber and orchestral musicians who need consistent response across varying conditions.
The standard Obligato set uses Pirastro's goldsteel E with the aluminium-wound A and silver-wound D and G. A regular steel E is also available for players who prefer that option. The A string is especially prized for its notably warm, rich, gut-like sound that blends evenly with the D and G.
The four voices
E, A, D, G — each string's character.
Brilliant and direct
Goldsteel or regular steel E options. Adds brilliance, power, and direct soloistic projection to the warm character of the lower three strings.
Gut-like warmth
Aluminium wound, synthetic core. notably warm, rich, and gut-like in character. blends evenly with the D and G strings.
Warm and powerful
Silver wound, synthetic core. Warm and powerful, with a complex, rich tone and immediate response across the middle register.
Deep and voluminous
Silver wound, synthetic core. Deep, warm, and voluminous on the low string, without sacrificing clarity or focus.
Playability
Excellent blend, great tone volume, reliable in any conditions.
Obligato strings offer excellent playability and response across the entire dynamic range, from the most delicate pianissimo to full orchestral fortissimo. Their insensitivity to temperature and humidity is a genuine practical advantage for touring musicians and those playing in variable acoustic environments. The overtone-rich character blends well in ensemble settings and supports both lyrical and expressive playing.
Technical specifications
Materials and construction.
| E String | Goldsteel (Goldchrome) or regular steel, with the available ball or loop end shown in the selector |
|---|---|
| A String | Aluminium wound, synthetic core, middle tension |
| D String | Silver wound, synthetic core, middle tension |
| G String | Silver wound, synthetic core, middle tension |
| Size | 4/4 violin |
| Origin | Manufactured by Pirastro, Germany |
Frequently asked
Obligato violin strings, in short.
What is the tonal character of Obligato strings?
Warm and full with a brilliant, rich overtone spectrum. They deliver a gut-like warmth on the A, D, and G strings, combined with the selected E option for direct soloistic projection. The result is a versatile, chamber-friendly sound that works equally well in ensemble and solo contexts.
Are Obligato strings good for chamber music?
Yes. Obligato strings are commonly used in chamber and orchestral settings for their great tone volume and even blend. The warm, gut-like A and the rich D and G make them easy to balance with other string players.
How do Obligato strings handle temperature and humidity changes?
They are completely insensitive to variations in temperature and humidity. This is a genuine practical advantage compared to gut strings, which require frequent retuning as conditions change.
How long do Obligato strings last?
Several months under regular playing. Replace when the warm overtone character becomes flat or the response slows. Wiping rosin off after each session extends lifespan.