Cello Pirastro Oliv Strings Set (Medium)
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Pirastro Oliv · Complete Cello Set
Oliv cello set,
elegance and depth, hand-wound.
The complete Pirastro Oliv set (Medium) for 4/4 cello. Hand-crafted gut strings individually gauged for tonal balance. Aluminium-wound A and D, silver-wound G and C. The definitive gut cello string from Pirastro Germany.
View individual stringsSet value
Save $20 versus buying separately
Why buy as a set
Three reasons to take the whole pack.
Matched gauges
Each Oliv string is individually gauged. The set ensures the four gauges are balanced exactly as Pirastro intends, for the optimal tonal response across the instrument.
Better price per string
The complete set is $20 less than buying the four strings individually, at the same hand-crafted Pirastro quality.
Uniform settle-in
Replacing all four gut strings at once means they all settle together. Mixing fresh gut with older strings of different ages can produce an uneven tonal balance during the break-in period.
About Pirastro Oliv
The classic sound ideal of warmth, colour, and expressive depth.
Pirastro Oliv embodies the classic gut-string sound ideal. Crafted in Germany, each string is meticulously wound by hand and individually gauged for tonal balance and projection. The result is a set that sings with richness and complexity, with shimmering overtones that lend each note a vocal, human quality.
Oliv combines aluminium-wound A and D strings for clarity and lyricism with silver-wound G and C strings that anchor the lower register in resonant depth. For players who value colour, nuance, and the expressive potential of gut, Oliv remains the definitive reference. SKU 87410.
The four voices
What each string brings.
A · Gut / Aluminium · Gauge 22.5
Lyrical treble
Aluminium-wound gut, ball end. Clear and lyrical, with the warmth and natural resonance of gut. The vocal character of the upper register begins here.
D · Gut / Aluminium · Gauge 27
Elegant midrange
Aluminium-wound gut, knot end. Velvety and elegant, carrying the instrument's voice with warmth and complex natural overtones.
G · Gut / Silver · Gauge 28.5
Resonant lower-mid
Silver-wound gut, knot end. Rich and resonant, with a focused core and shimmering overtones that characterise the gut aesthetic in the lower register.
C · Gut / Silver · Gauge 36.5
Deep foundation
Silver-wound gut, knot end. Dark and noble, with powerful presence and sustain. The C anchors the instrument with the deep, complex resonance that defines the gut sound.
Playability
Expressive sensitivity, exceptional tonal reward.
Oliv strings reward patient, nuanced playing. The gut core gives a natural elasticity under the left hand that most synthetic-core strings cannot replicate. String crossings feel smooth, and bow contact is sensitive to subtle changes in pressure and speed. The dynamic range is wide and the tonal palette responds to every inflection of the bow arm.
As with all gut strings, Oliv requires a settling-in period and will respond to changes in humidity and temperature. The investment in settling time is repaid in expressive depth and complexity that steel and synthetic cores struggle to match.
Technical specifications
Materials and construction.
| A | Gut core, aluminium winding, gauge 22.5, ball end |
|---|---|
| D | Gut core, aluminium winding, gauge 27, knot end |
| G | Gut core, silver winding, gauge 28.5, knot end |
| C | Gut core, silver winding, gauge 36.5, knot end |
| Tension | Medium (all strings) |
| SKU | 87410 |
| Size | 4/4 cello |
| Origin | Hand-crafted by Pirastro, Germany |
Just need one string?
Individual A, D, G, and C Oliv strings are available separately on the individual product page.
Frequently asked
Pirastro Oliv cello set, in short.
What is included in the set?
The set includes all four strings: A (gauge 22.5, ball end), D (gauge 27, knot end), G (gauge 28.5, knot end), and C (gauge 36.5, knot end) in Medium tension. SKU 87410.
Why is the set cheaper than buying the strings separately?
Pirastro prices the set to encourage complete replacements with matched gauges. Replacing all four gut strings together ensures the instrument benefits from a balanced, harmonically matched setup as the strings settle in together.
How long do Oliv strings last?
Gut strings have a shorter lifespan than steel or synthetic. Lifespan depends heavily on playing hours, perspiration, and environment. Replace when the sound loses its shimmer or the pitch becomes false or unstable.
How long do new Oliv strings take to settle in?
Allow at least 48 to 72 hours of regular playing, retuning frequently. The strings will continue to open up over the first week. Avoid dramatic temperature and humidity changes during the settling period.
Do I need a special tailpiece for the Oliv set?
The A string has a ball end and works with standard fine tuners. The D, G, and C have knot ends, designed for tailpieces with no fine tuners, or fine tuners that accept gut knot ends. Check your tailpiece setup before ordering if you currently use fine tuners on all four strings.
Are these genuine Pirastro strings?
Yes. Symphonia stocks Pirastro Oliv through the official supply chain. If a string is faulty on arrival or fails prematurely under normal use, we arrange the replacement directly.
Need help choosing?
We can match the string to the instrument.
If you are not sure whether Oliv suits your cello or tailpiece setup, email info@symphoniamusic.co.nz and the team will help.
View individual stringsShipping Information:
• Nationwide Delivery: We offer a flat rate of $6 for delivery anywhere in New Zealand (NZ Post Courier).
• Orders are usually processed and dispatched within 1–2 business days.
• Once dispatched, delivery typically takes 2–4 business days nationwide. Rural deliveries may take an additional 1–2 business days.
• Tracking information will be provided once your order has been dispatched.
• Please ensure your delivery address is accurate to avoid delays.
Return Policy:
Our return policy includes a 14-day guarantee for all orders. You'll receive a full refund for items returned in 'like new' condition with original packaging within this 14-day window. Please note, shipping charges for returns are the responsibility of the customer and will not be refunded.