What Is the Proper Way to Rosin a Violin Bow?

by Erik Johnson

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.

Initial Rosining

A new bow will require a thorough application of rosin before it can produce sound. Hold the rosin in your left hand and slowly draw the bow across the rosin. Begin at the base of the bow and pull the bow across the block gently until you reach the tip. It may take up to 10 minutes for the powdered rosin to permeate the hairs of the bow. It's possible to over-rosin a bow, but a few minutes of playing will remove the excess powder.
Checking the Bow

Draw the back of your thumbnail across the bow by the base. You should see a small puff of powder but if not, keep rosining. Never touch the bow with your fingertips, as the oils from your hands will cause the bow to slip against the strings.
Daily Application

After a bow has been rosined, it will just require a short application before you play. Tighten your bow so it bounces slightly against the strings and draw it across the rosin. For longer or faster pieces you may apply rosin more thickly. Rub the bow across the rosin more quickly, two to three inches at a time. Concentrate more powder on the ends of the bow, rather than the middle. After playing, loosen your bow and remove any excess rosin powder with a clean, soft cotton cloth. No amount of rosin can make worn-out bows work correctly. Re-hair or replace your bow every year or more often as needed.