A bow without rosin will not produce a sound.When rosin is added to your bow, it will cause the strings to vibrate, which will result in the music you hear.You need to rough up the surface if you are starting with new rosin.You can make your first application to a new bow or apply it to an old one.
Step 1: Light rosin can be bought for smaller instruments.
The two most common types of rosin are light and dark.Light rosin is not as sticky.It's sometimes called amber or summer rosin and is appropriate for violins and violas.
Step 2: Dark rosin has a better sound for larger instruments.
Dark rosins tend to be sticky.The fuller the sound will be, the stickier the rosin is.If you play a cello, choose a dark rosin if you want a full sound.
Step 3: For a low priced option, choose boxed rosin.
The name suggests that the rosin comes in a box.It is less prone to breaking.It's usually a lower quality than cake rosin and only available during the summer.It's a good option for beginners.
Step 4: If you want a higher-quality product, choose cake rosin.
You're getting a purer, more high-quality cake rosin than you would get from a box.It comes in a variety of colors, so you can choose the best one for your instrument.
Step 5: Rub the new rosin with the fine-grit sandpaper.
New rosin needs to be roughened in order to stick to your bow.Rub the top of the rosin block with a piece of sandpaper.When the rosin is producing dust, stop.You can cut a crosshatch pattern into the top with a knife.
Step 6: The bow needs to be tightened.
When you tighten the screw at the end of the bow, it will appear straight and parallel with the hairs.When you see the curve reappear in the wood, slacken it just a little.This is the best position for the bow to be in.This will make hairs greasy and harder to play, so don't touch them or bounce them on your arm.
Step 7: The bow should be in your right hand.
If you are right- or left-handed, you always hold the bow in your right hand while playing.Cup the rosin block in your left hand, making sure to keep your fingers off the side of the bow.
Step 8: The bow should be stroked across the rosin.
Run the bow along the rosin from the tip to the frog and then stroke it back again.The bow hairs produce some dust if you press down hard enough, but not so hard that you clench the bow.
Step 9: For 20 strokes.
The bow must be stroked across the rosin 20 times.If you don't wear a line straight down the middle of the rosin, you have to move the bow hairs over slightly.If your rosin block is circular, tilt the circle in between strokes.
Step 10: Listen for a full sound when you play the instrument.
Draw your bow on the strings of your instrument.Listen for a full tone.You need more rosin if you feel the bow slide around on the strings.
Step 11: The rosin needs to be stroked 20 more times.
If the first 20 strokes didn't produce the sound you wanted, repeat the process of stroking the bow over the rosin again.If you want to check the sound on the instrument, add 20 more strokes.Continue adding twenty strokes at a time and check the sound.
Step 12: For every three to four hours you play, apply rosin.
rosin should be applied to your bow hairs every three to four days if you play an hour a day.You may need to apply rosin daily if you play more than that.Apply it less often for less frequent practicing.
Step 13: The bow should be stroked about five times.
When the bow is rosined, you won't need to apply as much.The bow should be stroked back and forth over the rosin.
Step 14: After playing, wipe the bow hairs with a lint-free cloth.
After a while, rosin dust can accumulate on the bow.You should keep a lint-free cloth in your instrument case.At the end of each playing session, wipe the bow hairs from the frog to remove excess rosin dust.
Step 15: Remove the rosin dust from the violin and bow stick.
Make sure your instrument and bow stick are free of rosin dust.If you have to, wipe it off with a lint-free cloth.You may need to pay for costly refinishing if you allow the rosin to build up on your instrument.