Violin Rosin

Violin Rosin plays a significant role in violin playing, but it has been given little attention, compared to the bow and the violin. Violin kits often include the rosin, but many violinists have chosen to get one with a better quality that suits their instruments.

Below are some valuable information about the rosin, and some tips on how to choose the best for your instrument.

Violin Rosin?

It is a solid form of resin obtained from pine trees. It is first collected using the tapping method. After the collection of resin, it is then added with other tree saps, usually larches, spruces, or firs, depending on the recipes of the rosin makers.

After the mixing and obtaining the formula, it is heated at high temperatures until all of the resin are melted. The melted resin will then be poured into molds, in which the rosins get their shapes.

After cooling, the rosin is then polished and fitted in a tight-sealing container or a sheathe of cloth.

They come in different colours, and it is determined by the time it is collected during the year. During late winter or early spring, it will be gold or amber. The colour of the resin will darken when seasons change from summer to fall.

Violin players usually apply rosin on the bow hair, so that it can grip the strings and make them sound. If the bow hair has insufficient rosin, it will skate and slide on the strings more, and will have difficulty playing. However, don't apply too much rosin too. If your bow requires much rosin to sound, it may need a good rehair.

Other than musicians, rosin can also be used by gymnasts, athletes, boxers increase their friction and grip during sport games.

How to choose a violin rosin?

There are a lot of violin rosins in the market, and for different instruments too. Different thickness of strings uses different kinds of rosin. Generally, the thicker the string, the softer the rosin should be.

But first, let's determine if you are buying a student or professional grade rosin. Student rosins are often cheaper, produces more powder when used, and they are suitable for fiddlers too. Most classical violinists prefer professional grade rosins, as they usually produce a smoother and controlled tone.

Then, we look at the colour of the rosins; light or dark, or sometimes named as summer(light) or winter(dark). For violins, or viola, light coloured rosins are much preferred, as they tend to be more dense and harder. They are also not as sticky as their darker counterpart.

Dark rosins, being very much softer, are used for thicker strings, especially the basses. They are also used more in cool, dry climates, as they will tend to stick in hot and humid conditions.

Some rosin makers add precious metals - gold, silver, lead-silver, copper - to their formulas. These metals will aid in producing different tonal qualities. Let's look deeper into these formulated violin rosins.

Gold rosins are generally preferred by solo violin players, as they will help to create a clearer and defined tone. These rosins can also help to soften a harsh sounding instrument. They are suitable for almost all instruments, helping them to produce warm and crystal clear tone.
Rosins with silver helps instruments like the violins and viola to project a brighter and focused tone. They are not used for thicker strings like the basses.
Lead silver rosin is used for the violins and violas, and provides the instruments with warm tones. They are soft, but unlike most dark rosins, they do not stick.
Copper rosins are best suited for beginner violins, especially 1/2 or 3/4 sizes. They help the students to play easier. Copper also helps in producing warm, and a furry soft tone.

After looking at different kinds of rosins, let's look at what are the popular rosin brands out in the market.

Popular Violin Rosins

Pirastro Eudoxa is a soft, sticky light coloured rosin made to complement Pirastro Eudoxa violin strings. It is suitable for other gut core strings, and most synthetic strings. However, they are not appropriate for steel strings.

Pirastro Gold rosin is one of Pirastro's top quality violins. It comes in a round rosin cake with thick cardboard holder and cover. It is popularly used by many professional musicians throughout the world, and suitable for playing in humid conditions.

Pirastro Obligato violin rosin is a good quality dark rosin, specifically made to complement the Obligato violin strings. It provides a good grip and an excellent tone. It is suitable for both the violin and the viola.

L'Opera Jade rosin is a famous rosin made in France. Its delicate shade of green, came wrapped in a cloth and a hard plastic container. The rosin provides a great grip, and hardly produce any dust. It cost slightly more expensive than other rosins, but many feel that its quality is worth the price. It has won praises from many professional violinists.

Gustave Bernadel violin rosin is one of top quality, and considered by many to be the best. It is a hard rosin, came in a sweet honey gold colour, provides a good grip on strings, and does not generate much dusts.

Paganini Finest Solo rosin is a traditional rosin used by some of the world's greatest musicians. It comes with a unique and cork case, which allows it to be carried around easily. This rosin is also recommended for beginner violinists.

Melos Dark violin rosin is another high quality and one of the finest rosins around. Their rosins are made to suit different instruments and different climates. It is handmade in Greece and does not contain any chemicals or fillers. Melos Dark soft rosin is specially made for playing in the autumn and winter.

Melos Light violin rosin is slightly different from Melos Dark, as it is harder, and is specially made for playing in the summer. It is handmade in Greece, and does not contain chemicals or fillers.

Above is a list of well-known violin rosins in the market, and their different uses. This list is not meant to be exhaustive. While choosing violin rosins, choose wisely, as top quality rosins may not sound as well, if they are not suitable to your instrument, or to the climate you are playing in.

Feel disgusted by the dusts from violin rosins collected on your violin? Don't worry! Learn some easy cleaning methods here!

*If you are a musician, you must read this article about the rosin!