What is Rosin?

When students get their first violin, there is a delightful little box that they discover in the pocket of their case that holds an oddly shaped little cake (often in a wooden container). This little item is called rosin and is essential to playing a string instrument. Without rosin, the student will not be able to make sound with the bow on the violin.

What is Rosin?

Rosin is pine resin that has been boiled to purify it, molded (generally) into a circle or rectangular shape, and cooled, so it becomes a hard cake. The fresh cake will look smooth, shiny, and transparent. Students almost always remark that I have a few different rosin colors in my case at any given time and ask what the differences are.

Light Rosin has a yellow or orangish hue and is harder and less sticky than it’s darker counterparts. It is ideal for dry climates and higher string instruments.

Dark Rosin often looks black, or dark brown in hue and is often slightly sticky to the touch. Generally, it is favored by cellists and bassists, however some violinists and violists like it as well. It is ideal for dry and cool climates.

Does the type of rosin affect the tone?

Yes, very subtly. If you have a quality, handmade violin you will definitely notice a slight difference and some students find that they prefer a specific type (light or dark) or brand. It will not make enough of a difference to majorly affect performance or significantly alter the tone of the instrument. For those types of adjustments, you will need to visit a luthier and see if your instrument needs the bridge or (less likely) the soundest readjusted.

What does Rosin Actually do?

It coats the strings with a sticky, powdery substance that allows the bow hair to grip the strings and creates friction as the bow is pulled across the string. Without rosin, you can have the world’s most expensive violin and boy and it won’t make a sound… Isn’t that amazing?!

Which rosin should I buy?

If you are renting a violin from a local luthier’s shop, whatever they give you is perfectly suitable. If you would like something fancier, I personally like the Hill, Pirastro, and Jade L’Opera brands.

Photos: Wikipedia