Passione Upright Bass Strings

Pirastro released these steel rope-core strings, which are tailor-made for orchestral bow style (arco) players, in 2010. For a metal-based string, they are not "metallic" sounding at all, and have pretty "average" tension and feel.

They're not really aimed at the folks who play pizzicato most of the time - they're intentionally a little "dark" and don't have a lot of definition when plucked, especially the E and A strings. Orchestral/symphonic players love them because they have big, projecting sound under the bow. Nice clarity, with a full, rich tone, and they're reportedly quite easy to bow.

Passione strings are also available (and in stock) in STARK (Heavy) and SOLO Gauges.

From Pirastro:

The core sound is full, round and warm and has a complex overtone spectrum which results in a deep and noble sound with great projection and power. The sustain characteristics of the string allow a strong, big and warm pizzicato - Bass PASSIONE is a modern and very reliable steel core string suitable for the demanding bassist.

The response is incredibly easy and flexible, the notes are separate and distinctively clean when played in fast passages. No matter whether playing Spiccato or Legato, the sound can be altered as desired independently from the bowing speed. The big advantage of the Passione strings is that the sound does not need to be developed by using excess bow pressure as the strings vibrate freely and easily. The set is extremely well-balanced concerning tension and sound. Immediate playability and exceptional tuning stability are important additional advantages which offer great comfort to the bassist.

Color Code

• At the tailpiece end:
  • Medium Strings: brown spiral on white
• At the peg end: G – brown; D – red; A – black; E – green; H5/Low B – yellow; Extended E – green

4/4 bass? Pirastro designs these 3/4 size bass strings to fit on a standard 3/4 size bass and most 4/4 basses. They may very well fit your bass if it is larger than 3/4. For your reference, the length of a representative string, as measured against the bass tailpiece to the nut is 55.5 inches (51.5" playable, 4" for silk-wrapped afterlength), plus an additional silk-wrapped 11.75 inches to handle stringing in the pegbox.