What Is the Proper Way to Rosin a Violin Bow?
Overview Rosin is essential to the care and performance of violin bows. The sticky powder made from hardened pine sap allows the bow to “grab” the strings of a violin and make them vibrate. Choose the right rosin and apply it properly to produce the beautiful tones associated with the violin and extend the life of your bow. Selecting Your Rosin Students generally begin with boxed rosin. This rosin is fine for practice but produces a gritty sound. Professional or classical violinists use rosin in cake form. While student rosin can be used year-round, professionals choose a light rosin in summer or in warm climates and a dark, stickier rosin in colder areas. Synthetic rosin is available if you are allergic to pine sap. The first time a new block of rosin is used, lightly scratch the surface in a crosshatch pattern with a key or pocketknife.
