Cello Pirastro Olive A String

Pirastro Oliv Cello A String (22½ PM) — Singing top, classic gut warmth

Introduction
The Pirastro Oliv cello A string (22½ PM) is the lyrical spearhead of the renowned Oliv family. Hand-made in Germany, this aluminium-wound, gut-core A string brings a radiant, rich tone to the top register while preserving the unmistakable warmth and complex overtones that make professional cello strings from the Oliv line so sought after. Expect a big tone with easy response that carries in solo, chamber, and orchestral settings.

Detailed characteristics
This gut core cello A string combines a supple, vocal quality with a focused, singing centre. The 22½ PM gauge is the factory “medium”, carefully balanced for breadth of colour without sacrificing projection. Aluminium winding gives immediacy and shimmer to shifts, flautando, and cantabile lines, while the gut heart provides the bloom and complex overtones that steel and many synthetics struggle to reproduce. As part of the Oliv concept, a ½ PM gauge change ≈ 4% tension change, letting advanced players fine-tune feel and sonority to their instrument.

Playability & feel
Under the left hand, the Oliv A feels soft and pliant, encouraging expressive vibrato and clean shifts. Under the bow it speaks quickly for a gut string, offering quick bow response, nuanced pianissimi, and commanding fortissimi with a rounded edge—ideal when you want power without glare. As with all gut strings, allow a slightly longer break-in and expect greater sensitivity to humidity; that’s the trade-off for the unmatched colour palette.

Technical specifications

• String: A-string (medium gauge)

• Core: Hand-made sheep gut

• Winding: Aluminium

• Gauge: 22½ PM (medium) — approx. +4% tension per +½ PM if you change gauge

• Tension (medium): ≈ 15.0 kg

• End type: Ball end (works cleanly with fine tuners)

• Silk colours: Peg end black; tailpiece end white with olive-green spiral

• Size: 4/4 only

• Art. No.: 231140

Who is this for?
Cellists who want a singing, expressive A string with true gut warmth and powerful projection—soloists chasing vocal phrasing, chamber players seeking blend without sterility, and orchestral principals desiring a noble, non-metallic top.

Concluding summary
Choose the Oliv A 22½ if you crave a vocal upper register that projects while staying sweet. It’s the elegant answer when you want the classic gut voice with modern reliability and bow clarity.