Pirastro Chorda Viola Strings are the definitive choice for specialists in Historically Informed Performance (HIP) and Baroque music. These strings are crafted from authentic, unpolished sheep gut, staying true to the traditional manufacturing methods used in the 17th and 18th centuries. Designed for period instruments and setups without fine tuners, the Chorda set offers a raw, “earthy” tonal quality and a uniquely textured response that allows for the subtle, expressive nuances essential to early music repertoire.
The standard set typically features plain gut A and D strings, while the G and C strings are traditionally wound with silver-plated copper wire to provide the necessary depth and resonance for the lower register. Because they are authentic gut, Chorda strings operate at a much lower tension than modern synthetic or steel strings, offering a soft, flexible feel that facilitates the lighter bow strokes characteristic of the Baroque era. While they require a dedicated break-in period and are sensitive to climate changes, they provide an unmatched, “woody” harmonic richness that is essential for a truly authentic period performance.
