Pirastro Oliv Cello Strings
- Free shipping in NZ over $100
Pirastro Oliv · Single Cello String
Pirastro Oliv,
the timeless gut voice of elegance.
Individual replacement strings from the Pirastro Oliv family. Hand-crafted gut strings from Germany, individually gauged for tonal balance and projection. Buy the single you need, or pick up the complete set below for better value.
View the full setAbout Pirastro Oliv
The classic sound ideal of warmth, colour, and expressive depth.
Pirastro Oliv cello strings embody the classic sound ideal that only hand-made gut strings can deliver. Crafted in Germany, each string is meticulously wound by hand and individually gauged for tonal balance, projection, and response. The result is a set that sings with richness and complexity, full of shimmering overtones that lend each note a vocal, human quality.
The Oliv string is a deliberate commitment to the gut tradition. It 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.
The four voices
What each string brings.
A · Gut / Aluminium · Gauge 22.5
Lyrical treble
Aluminium-wound gut, ball end. A clear, lyrical upper register with the warmth and natural resonance that only gut provides. Gauge 22.5, medium tension.
D · Gut / Aluminium · Gauge 27
Elegant midrange
Aluminium-wound gut, knot end. A velvety, elegant middle register that carries the instrument's voice with warmth and natural complexity. Gauge 27, medium tension.
G · Gut / Silver · Gauge 28.5
Resonant lower-mid
Silver-wound gut, knot end. A rich, resonant G with a focused core and shimmering overtones that give the lower register its characteristic vocal quality. Gauge 28.5, medium tension.
C · Gut / Silver · Gauge 36.5
Deep foundation
Silver-wound gut, knot end. A dark, noble bass with powerful presence and sustain. The C anchors the instrument with the deep, complex resonance that defines the gut aesthetic. Gauge 36.5, medium tension.
Playability
The expressive sensitivity of gut, refined by German craftsmanship.
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. Players who want the gut experience accept this as part of the instrument's natural behaviour. The investment in settling time is repaid in expressive depth 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) |
| Size | 4/4 cello |
| Origin | Hand-crafted by Pirastro, Germany |
Better value as a set
All four Oliv strings, individually gauged and matched.
Set $535 · Individuals total $545 · Save $10 plus the matched gauge balance of a complete pack.
Frequently asked
Pirastro Oliv cello strings, in short.
How long do Oliv strings last?
Gut strings have a shorter lifespan than steel or synthetic, and this is an accepted trade-off for the tonal reward they offer. Lifespan depends heavily on playing hours, perspiration, and the environment. Many professional gut-string players change their set more frequently than they would steel strings. Replace when the sound loses its shimmer or the pitch becomes false.
How long do new Oliv strings take to settle in?
Gut strings require more settling-in time than steel or synthetic. Allow at least 48 to 72 hours of regular playing, retuning frequently. The strings will continue to open up and improve over the first week. Avoid dramatic temperature and humidity changes during this period.
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.
Do I need a special tailpiece for the Oliv?
The A string has a ball end and works with standard fine tuners. The D, G, and C have knot ends, which are designed for tailpieces with no fine tuners, or for fine tuners that accept gut knot ends. Check your tailpiece before ordering if you currently use fine tuners on all four strings.
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 the Oliv setShipping 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.