What is rosin and how to use it on a violin bow? (2025)

What’s rosin? Why do devices want rosin? How do you rosin a bow? Violinist Jamie Hutchinson

has simply completed a session at Abbey Road Studios, the place she discusses:

What rosin really is
What rosin is product of
How rosin makes a distinction
One of the simplest ways to use rosin

Utilizing her 300-year-old Italian violin to display, watch the movie now, then head over to take a look at our Beginner’s Guide to the Violin.

What’s rosin?

Rosin is a strong type of resin (the sticky substance that seeps out of bushes; just like sap). However whereas sap is used to make syrup and medicines, resin is used to make issues like varnish and glazes.

How is rosin made?

Violin rosin is made by heating liquid resin till it turns into strong. It smells like pine and has a glassy, orange look. It’s additionally very brittle in texture, so if you happen to drop it on a tough flooring, it would shatter like glass.

Why do you want rosin?

With out rosin, there isn’t sufficient friction between the hair and the strings – so the sound of the instrument is barely audible. The bow simply glides off the string. Making use of the rosin creates the friction wanted to permit the hair to grip the strings and make them vibrate extra clearly.

College students Be Cautious

Rosin is extremely flammable and burns with a smoky flame, so perhaps do not attempt making it at residence!

TAKE NOTE!

Bonus Tip:

To make mild work of cleansing your instrument, we advocate the ToneGear Rosin Remover.

It cleans your entire strings, all the way in which round
It removes the surplus rosin shortly and simply
It retains your fingerboard clear
It makes the strings last more
You don’t want to hold chemical substances round with you to wash

It truly is a no brainer!

How you can rosin a model new bow

Your new bow will come with out rosin. So for the primary time, you’ll have to do between 30 to 50 strokes to construct up a base layer of rosin on the bow.

Take your time; go too quick, and it’ll warmth up the rosin and trigger it to soften. Anticipate to see quite a lot of mud; particularly on the primary time you rosin the bow. Don’t fear although; it’s completely regular!

What’s the distinction between mild and darkish rosins?

Gentle Rosin

Darkish Rosin

Gentle Rosin

Darkish Rosin

How typically must you rosin a bow?

Violinists sometimes have to re-apply violin rosin each 4 to 6 hours of taking part in. Don’t fear about timing it although; when it’s essential apply extra, the bow will begin slipping across the strings greater than regular, and the sound modifications.

If doubtful, simply add a small couple of strokes each few days.

Do I have to do something to a brand new rosin cake?

Sure! You’ll see the floor of the rosin is sweet and shiny. We really need to make it simpler to glide your bow alongside the rosin; so rigorously seize a knife or fork, and rating the rosin so get it a bit scuffed. You then’re able to rock – or play your Paganini – no matter your choice is!

How tight ought to the bow be?

This can be a troublesome query to reply that every one newbie string musicians grapple.

Firstly, watch out to not over-tighten the bow; it may well trigger the bow to snap.

Below-tighten and also you’ll really feel it difficult to supply a good sound on the instrument. If you happen to discover the strings assembly the wooden of the bow (via the hair) – this can be a clear case of your bow being not tight sufficient.

STEP 1

Seize a typical pencil. Any outdated pencil will do, so long as it’s a ‘regular dimension’.

P.S. Your free Ikea pencil gained’t work!!!

STEP 2

Place it between the hairs and the bow on the centre.

Be certain at this level the bow isn’t too tight.

STEP 3

Tighten the bow slowly.

When the stress is true, the pencil will contact each side.

Ta-da!

What’s the finest rosin to purchase?

We actually love the D’Addario Kaplan Premium Rosin. D’Addario genuinely make the most effective rosin, and this premium product comes with a very nice case, that makes positive you don’t get your rosin mud in every single place you don’t need it! As a bonus, it’s additionally not that costly contemplating you solely want to purchase one each six months most…

D'Addario Kaplan Premium Rosin with Case - Light

The Greatest rosin in the marketplace

DESIGNED FOR: Violin & Viola

COMES WITH: Premium case that’s designed for one-handed use

FEATURES: The unique low-dust recipe handed down from Ladislav Kaplan

Check Price >

10/10

D’Addario Kaplan

What Retailer to Purchase From?

Once you verify the value above, you’ll see there are a great deal of nice locations to purchase this merchandise. Our private favourite is Gear4music.

It’s the largest music retailer within the UK and quick turning into probably the most revered on-line music store within the US too. Their customer support is great, they’ve aggressive costs, actually quick delivery, and normally have the longest assure.

{Most professional} musicians use Gear4music, so there is no such thing as a purpose why you shouldn’t too!

PROS

CONS

Abstract

Over time, making use of rosin will change into second nature, and one thing you’ll do with out excited about. Purchase a good model of rosin – we advocate the D’Addario Kaplan Premium Rosin with a Case – it’s straightforward to carry, is low mud, eco pleasant, and is massive sufficient to carry regular.

Lastly, do bear in mind; little and sometimes is the way in which to go!

Tell us within the comments below if you happen to preferred the video.

FAQ’s

How do you apply rosin to a violin bow?

A standard query for all newbie violinists. Begin along with your rosin on the base of the bow. Slowly and gently glide it throughout the hair two or 3 times, each 4 to 6 hours. For extra data, see our devoted article here.

Why do you utilize rosin on a violin bow?

It creates friction throughout the strings. With out it, violins don’t make a sound. See more on our dedicated article.

What can you utilize on a violin bow as a substitute of rosin?

Nothing. Greatest to make use of rosin. See why here…

How do I do know if my bow has sufficient rosin?

As a musician, you’ll get to know the way a lot rosin is required for the most effective consequence. All devices are totally different, so take a look at our dedicated article here.

How you can Rosin your bow

Rosin for violins is like oxygen to people; with out it, issues simply don’t work! See our tutorial on how to rosin your bow here.

What’s Rosin & How Do I Use It?

All college students have to find out how finest to make use of rosin. With out these blocks of tree resin, your instrument gained’t make a sound. See our tutorial here.