Violin Strings Review - Passione Solo From Pirastro

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In this video I am reviewing the "Passione Solo" violin strings by Pirastro. I also talk about my experience with gut strings in general and about tuning stability.
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[@abaymajr1976]

The best review I've seen on KZbin about the Passione strings. They, in fact, are an intermediate point between the stability of synthetic-core strings and the desired characteristics found in strings such as Oliv and Eudoxa. But in my opinion, it's a good compromise, especially for orchestral musicians, whose shared stage doesn't allow them to constantly re-tune the instrument. And as the reviewer said, the Passione are pretty stable if practiced/warmed up about 15 minutes before a rehearsal. When someone arrives at the last minute and this practicing is not possible to be done, they remain a little unstable for at least 15-30 minutes (depending on how or how much someone plays on them on a given session), which anyway can be quickly solved with the use of pegs with built-in microtuners such as those made by Perfection Pegs or Wittner. As for Passione Solo specifically, I have no experience. In theory, compared to Non-Solo, they basically produce greater forces against the instrument's top, which can be productive or counterproductive, depending on violin's characteristics. By the way, this is equally important (unfortunately neglected) factor on all gut strings. Tone varies more between different gauges (among 3 to 5 in most gut sets) than in synthetic strings. My comments are also based on personal experience of 35 years using gut strings: almost 30 years with Eudoxa/Oliv and 15 years with Passione, since their release in 2008.

[@classicalthrasher]

Totally understand-I also prefer *even* Pirastro Gold Label gut strings over Passione/Passione Solo, despite admitting they do sound good and that I smile every time a player made the choice of Passione/Passione Solo over the more common synthetics. They do sound lovely and different than the modern norm-just that the "true" gut strings sound even nicer, so for me, the compromise plus the higher than usual price makes me go for Oliv/Eudoxa instead (Oliv are the priciest, but the only compromise is a bit higher than usual tension on the Gold/Aluminum D, which I do use but most Oliv users seemingly do not). I remember years ago when I first used the original Passione, they were quite captivating, so I like how they can bridge a few players towards the other gut strings. A good player will make them sound amazing (of course). So I am happy Pirastro makes this great product, though I wish an aluminum D option was provided (modern Pirastro seems to have abandoned aluminum wound Ds from all "newer" products, including Passione-maybe good business, but bad for players who are used to said option.) I know you had trouble with perspiration and Oliv stiff, and am sorry about it-also that you prefer synthetics for "modern" playing (it is fine, I am not being critical!) Please do not feel I am being contrarian or inflexible with my comments below. Indeed I am happy you are one of the very few players who have actually used gut core strings, so I tend to respect your voice more even when I disagree, over the many more "hype" reviews that deem everything Infeld does as a new "hit" (nothing against that company, but my mind revolts a little with their aggressive marketing and always having a new, "best", more "pro" string, and often even more expensive synthetic option.) Recently switched my strings again to Oliv G 15.5, Oliv stiff Gold/Aluminum D 16.5, the great (IMHO) Perpetual Cadenza A, and its E Cadenza match. The composition of the E is like a Gold Label, slightly less heavy but not "true-weich" (7.6 kp, if I remember correctly) which is a very familiar E tone, and perfect for the Cadenza A. From my previous regular Oliv D and current Stiff Oliv D use, it is also perfect for the Oliv strings, as if they were a matched set. It may be my violin, but I feel the Cadenza A is outstanding with at least Oliv (perhaps not so much with Eudoxa, haven't tried the combo) and sounds great in higher positions where many synthetics show their shortcomings compared to gut strings, so I feel I am going to stick with this synthetic A as a "substitute" for gut core strings; better than all other synthetic and steel core options I have tried, many of which were already very good. In short, using Oliv Stiff G+D + Cadenza A+E works wonders on my instrument (though any favorite E can work well, have used the Oliv E among others-the Cadenza E is just ridiculously well-balanced with the Cadenza A, and much better-in my humble opinion of course-than the "silvery steel" E provided with Passione and many other Pirastro sets.) Surely the Gold Label E will work great as well, given it's a minor variant. As far as modern playing "loudness wars" go, I know they can keep up well. Thanks so much for all your passionate work and reviews throughout the years-hope you are still doing well. I still would recommend the Passione-even this Solo-after all, as they are relatively stable, and easier to get used for a "modern" player using gut strings for the first time-even though I would use other gut strings myself. (My apologies for possibly having repeated myself here-I often lose track of where I comment, and end up stating similar views elsewhere or even on KZbin.)

[@mechanicaldidgeridoo5741]

A very thorough treatment! As a relative "beginner" I think I'll stick with synth strings for stability, although I bet gut strings have a fuller sound (I imagine)! Thanks for the video!

[@mga440]

Hi Simon. Thank you for all your informative videos. I just put on a set of TriColore gut strings(Silver wound G, bare gut D and A, and a Goldbrokat steel E. Wow, I guess gutsy is one word for the sound. It's my first time trying gut stings. I think it will take some time breaking them in, and getting used to the way that sound is pulled out. The G and A seem pretty doable but so far the D is like a wild animal. I have been playing on Dominants, so in comparison, the sound of the D is like a canon... LOUD! Again, I will give the strings some time to settle in and for myself to learn how to pull out the best sound possible. They are definitely not for the faint of heart.

[@KolodziejczykKuba]

Could youbpost some clip on youtube how they sound?

[@arwo1143]

I have these... They hold their tune for days And I live in northern Germany, a generally colder environment, and I constantly have my window open wearing warmer clothes (no heater) My apartment goes from about 10c at night (15 or so during summer) to 18c during the day (more in summer) I think you’ve gotten a bad batch

[@SimonStreuffViolinEducation]

No, I don't think I have gotten a bad batch. I played gut strings for years back in the day and they all go lower in pitch when they warm up. I think I can recognize that pattern. The Passione are in that sense better than maybe the Eudoxa or Oliv strings, but still have that exact tendency. If you tune your violin "cold" (which is mostly the case before a concert or at the beginning of a rehearsal) and then play for a couple of minutes intensely, the A,D and G string will be significantly lower in pitch. Between practicing sessions they hold their tuning surprisingly well. But not when you tune cold and warm them up from playing. So it is not the general cold temperatures which are the problem, but the heavy warming up from playing. The longer you have them on the violin the less noticeable it gets. But at the point when gut strings are 99,9 % stable it is for sure already time to change to a fresh set anyways. Greetings to Northern Germany from Hannover ;)

[@TheSiegfriedkim]

I totally agree with you,what you say about passione solo.When I played with passione solo I had to tune 3,4 times in a hour.

[@johnjriggsarchery2457]

I live in a relatively stable environment humidity wise and have no trouble with the gut Olive Stiff string on my viola and love the tone. Now it's time for new violin strings and yep, I'm thinking about trying gut strings.

[@RockStarOscarStern634]

Simon Streuff Violin-Education They're Passione Strings. How does the Solo set differ from the Standard Passione?

[@SimonStreuffViolinEducation]

What? Are they not the solo version? I was so confused because only on the e string it said "solo". I only tried this set and will not go back to gut any time soon I fear.

[@RockStarOscarStern634]

@@SimonStreuffViolinEducation Solo Strings are louder in Volume than Normal Strings.

[@RockStarOscarStern634]

@@SimonStreuffViolinEducation The Regular Passiones are Normal Gauged, the Solos on the other Hand are a bit louder.

[@kiuomarsemami9509]

Hi Simon. in this video you mentioned Best E string is Pirastro gold mark. After this while do you still think it is a good one to mix and merge with other sets?

[@SimonStreuffViolinEducation]

I think the best E-string, which is worth a try with many sets of strings is the E string from the Evah Pirazzi Gold set. The one you mention is adifferent one I think. I still think it is a good string but it often depends on the violin as well.

[@kiuomarsemami9509]

@@SimonStreuffViolinEducation thanks a lot💐

[@shahineghbal9989]

Nice review! Appreciate that.

[@SimonStreuffViolinEducation]

Thank you for your comment :)

[@popitoto]

I have tried the one and only time,it was on summer ,I was in a summer course and I couldn't take out the sound easily!!! Never bought again.And are expensive also!!Is working well with the Thomastic Titanium solo on my violin.And are cheap strings!!

[@SimonStreuffViolinEducation]

titanium are great strings as well. Gut is a little different to handle! I also struggle with it now that I am used to synthetic core strings.

[@willg1604]

I have to order new strings for my baroque violin. I am using Damian Dlugolecki gut strings. G string is silver wound. I have heard D'acquila (Italian) are good? What is your opinion for baroque instruments?

[@SimonStreuffViolinEducation]

William Gaskarth thank you for your question. Unfortunately I am not a specialist for baroque instruments. I would love to play one at some time, especially for solo bach, but atm I only play a modern violin. Maybe you should ask this question in the forum at violinist.com!

[@ivanmaciasmiranda6402]

aquila sells the really good but he is around 70 years and the prohibition of the eu to make them because of the chemicals used to produce them. sohe has got a limited stock please buy them as quick as possible because with covid all his work is even more difficult. delivery may be slow but its worthy.

[@emjeez8242]

Synthetic Core Strings are resistant to weather conditions and temperature.

[@jordanharkness]

Yes! I have the same issue with sweat/fingers damaging the winding on my Oliv strings! I found this video because I was looking for a replacement to cure the problem, thinking Passione might be the answer. But you mentioned that you switched to synthetic and cured the issue... Do mind sharing what synth strings you prefer?

[@SimonStreuffViolinEducation]

I guess you have to find your synthetic string that fits you. Oliv strings are one of the greatest strings out there, soundwise hard to "beat". To me the best choice is evah pirazzi gold set with silver G. Very reliable and long lasting and great sounding strings!

[@jordanharkness]

@@SimonStreuffViolinEducation Thanks. I'll give them a try.

[@SimonStreuffViolinEducation]

@@jordanharkness let me know how you liked them!

[@moskinner8392]

@@SimonStreuffViolinEducation i heard Eva PirazziGold wear off very quickly and become dull after a short time although they are great initially. Is this your experience as well?

[@abaymajr1976]

I used to damage the winding of my Oliv strings too, specially the A-string. When I switched to Passione 15 years ago, this problem was definitely gone.

[@druidsongevergreens]

Excellent review

[@SimonStreuffViolinEducation]

Thank you so much!

[@druidsongevergreens]

@@SimonStreuffViolinEducation Of course. The detail is good. I would like to know what your "Goldilocks" string is so far. My violin can sound a bit muted so I've been enjoying the Eva P. Golds or Greens. But I'm about to try the Canonne Soloists for the first time.

[@SimonStreuffViolinEducation]

Evah Goldilocks!

[@rifaatisk1061]

Which strings do you usually use? My violin has a deep warm rich tone and i dont know which strings to buy

[@tancredispitale2252]

i recommend thomastik vision Titanium solo, they are really eccellent and not too expensive!

[@rifaatisk1061]

@@tancredispitale2252 they don’t really work, I tried tons of strings and ended up on ep gold, powerful projecting strings that go well with my violin

[@AmandaViolinGirl]

I have never used gut strings and have no intentions of ever using them. I like synthetic strings.

[@SimonStreuffViolinEducation]

Maybe you should try it once, when you get time. We must always remember, that the instruments we play were originally made for gut strings and many of the old great masters played on gut. The sound is different in a good way! If it wasn't for the tuning stability I would choose gut!

[@calebhoffman6705]

Ya man just go with your gut on this one

[@SimonStreuffViolinEducation]

@@calebhoffman6705 It even took me a few seconds... :D it means it is time to sleep!

[@calebhoffman6705]

Simon Streuff Violin-Education ha lol

[@romram6372]

Hi

[@SimonStreuffViolinEducation]

Hi!

[@alvarogantuz18]

The use if gut strings, requires a thinking process. Otherwise you will never deal well with them.

[@SimonStreuffViolinEducation]

With thinking process you mean tuning process right? No seriously, I played gut strings for a while and even if you understand the thinking process you can't always control all the variables, especially the climate.

[@renshimarek]

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