Evah Pirazzi or Obligato Viola Strings?

Evah Pirazzi vs. Obligato: Which Viola Strings are Right for You?

Choosing between Pirastro Evah Pirazzi and Pirastro Obligato is one of the most common dilemmas for violists. Both strings share a high-tech synthetic core and professional pedigree, but they are designed to achieve polar opposite results.

If you are looking to refine your instrument’s voice, the choice comes down to one question: Does your viola need more “brilliance” or more “warmth”?

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Evah Pirazzi: The Soloist’s Powerhouse

Recognizable by their signature green silk ends, Evah Pirazzi strings are the “gold standard” for power. They are engineered for projection, offering a bright, focused, and intense sound profile.

• The Sound: Brilliant, complex, and incredibly loud. They offer a huge dynamic range that can cut through a full symphony orchestra.
• The Feel: Higher tension with an “instant” bow response. They feel firm under the fingers, which is ideal for fast, virtuosic passages.
• Best For: “Dark” or “sleepy” violas that need more clarity and edge, or soloists who want maximum presence on stage.

Obligato: The Modern “Gut” Alternative

If Evah Pirazzi is a spotlight, Obligato is a warm candlelit glow. These strings were specifically designed to mimic the rich, earthy qualities of traditional gut strings while maintaining the stability of a synthetic core.

• The Sound: Round, velvety, and deep. They prioritize “body” and tonal beauty over raw volume.
• The Feel: A softer, more supple feel under the hand. The tension is slightly lower, making them comfortable for long chamber music sessions.
• Best For: Naturally bright or “nasal” instruments that need to be mellowed out. They are perfect for players who want a sophisticated, blending tone for orchestral or quartet work.

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How to Choose?

A simple way to decide is to look at your viola’s current personality:

If your Viola sounds…	You should choose…
Muffled, dark, or lacks projection	Evah Pirazzi (to add “zing” and clarity)
Harsh, shrill, or too bright	Obligato (to add “chocolate” and warmth)

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The Pro’s Secret: The Hybrid Set

Rarely do professional violists find that one “off-the-shelf” set is perfect. Because the viola’s C string is so large, it can sometimes sound “mushy” with a warm string like Obligato.

A highly popular professional setup is to use Obligato A, D, and G strings to get that beautiful warmth, but swap in a Thomastik Spirocore Tungsten C. This gives you the best of both worlds: a singing, mellow upper register and a powerful, punchy low end.

Still Undecided?

If you want the power of Evah Pirazzi but the warmth of Obligato, consider Evah Pirazzi Gold. They are designed to bridge the gap, offering a “golden” tone that is both brilliant and deep—though they do come with a higher price tag.

What is your instrument lacking right now? Let us help you find the perfect set to bring your viola to life.