By Charlotte Smith

Published: Tuesday, 08 March 2022 at 12:00 am


What is rosin?

Rosin is a solid form of resin ­­– a sticky substance similar to sap that comes from pine trees. In order to make rosin, fresh liquid resin is heated until it solidifies. Semi-transparent and brittle, rosin varies in colour from pale yellow to black, and is used by string players to add friction to the bow hair so that it grips the strings and allows them to ‘speak’.

Why is rosin needed?

Without rosin, there is little to no adhesion between the bow hair and the string – the bow will slide across the strings without enough friction to produce any sound

How do string players use rosin?

The player rubs the rosin onto the bow hair to achieve an even coat. As it’s applied, the hard rosin cake becomes a white powder which bonds to the bow hair and creates friction between the hair and the string when the instrument is played. Players must be careful not to apply too much or too little rosin – too much will produce clouds of rosin dust with each bow stroke, while too little won’t provide the necessary adhesion to produce a clear sound.

What’s the difference between violin, viola, cello and double bass rosin?

Generally, the larger the instrument, the softer the rosin should be – the thicker strings of cellos and double basses require a more pliable, sticky substance, so darker, softer rosins are used, while violinists and violists tend to use a lighter, harder rosin for their instruments. However, climate also plays a part – darker rosins do better in cool, dry climates as they are too sticky for humid environments.

What are the best rosins on the market?

There are a great array of rosins on the market, ranging from cheaper boxed versions for students to expensive caked brands for professionals. Student-grade rosin is generally grittier and may not produce such a smooth and even tone. The more expensive rosins may incorporate precious metals, such as gold, silver and copper.

Four rosin brands:

Hidersine 3V World Famous Rosin

"Hidersine"

One of a number of Hidersine blends for different instruments and string types, the British company’s 3V is a light, amber rosin for violinists. Its harder consistency is designed to produce a bright sound with a crisp attack, and a good level of traction between the bow hair and string. For a darker and softer version, try Hidersine’s Duluxe Violin 6V. Both blends represent value for money, retailing at under £10 – and for those wanting something a little more sophisticated, Hidersine also produces a premium rosin, Reserve21, whose recipe features ‘WW-grade Brazilian resins and British beeswax’ and which retails for just under £20.