Pirastro Oliv for slap?

[Paddy Morris]

Hi. Has anyone tried Oliv E and A for slap bass? I'm sure someone has.

 

I'm using EP slaps at the mo, and getting a good click from them, but they don't quite match the tone and volume of the natural guts I've got on D,G.

 

But I've heard that Olivs are a bit fragile. And they aren't exactly a bargain either.

[NickA]

Extreme classical bowing strings aren't they?  My experience of top end pirastro strings is that they don't last long and don't take much abuse.  Doubtless someone will disagree.

[symcbass]

The Oliv E is very dark sounding. Nice slap sound, not a million miles away from the slap sound of the EP slap E. Quite nice tension, but definitely less flexible feeling than the EP. The Oliv has alot more fundamental, very solid sounding down low,but less perceived midrange projected. My Oliv has been on one of my basses with plain gut A,D and G and has lasted about 5 years with regular playing. The EP is a nice alternative, especially if amplified. The Oliv A is tighter, not as nice for slap. 

[NickA]

https://www.talkbass.com/threads/pirastro-oliv-take-care-durability-life.1101558/

 

Conclusion = sound nice, suprisinly good for pizz, don't last long especially under changing temp and humidity.

 

Slap will likely kill them.  Go specialist slap strings or compromise on Evahs.

[Paddy Morris]

Thanks for the responses. I'm very happy with EP slaps on E and A, but you know. Always wondering if there's something better out there.

[Mike Perez]

I just put an Oliv G on EP slap EAD and love that combo. Hopefully I don’t destroy the Oliv. I only slap occasionally.

[PaulKing]

I think I've got an old Oliv e in my string box. Always think i might give it a try but never do.. Offer / trade?

I bought it lightly used years ago, had it on for a day at the most.