To use a new rosin on a new violin bow, you will need to be careful. The new bow is not yet used to the stress of intense performances and the rosin does not yet have the notch where the bow can slide smoothly. Make sure to prepare the rosin before using it!
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Choosing the rosin
Step 1. Understand why violinists use rosin
Rosin is a soft adhesive used in string instruments to increase friction between the bristles of the bow and the string. This temporarily "sticks" to the string until it reaches its limit of adhesion and then is released. When a bow is new, or new bristles have been fitted, the initial layer of a base rosin will take a little time to stick. Depending on the "roughness" of the sow (stallion vs. mare, cold vs. warm climate, horse feeding, etc.), adherence can take a very short or long time.
- Rosin is basically the same substance you see pitchers use on their mound during a baseball game to get a better grip on the ball. It is generally produced as the by-product of refining, while the turpentine obtained from the sap of trees (which are mostly various species of pines) is distilled. What remains is the resin residue after the alcohol has evaporated.
- Contrary to many ancient beliefs, the bristles do not have microscopic hooks that are raised with the rosin. Under a microscope, a sow looks like a bog reed with slightly uneven growth rings that don't have enough friction to do more than rustle on a rope. However, they do have enough friction to give the rosin a chance to transfer and stay on the bristles. Once there, the rosin bristles will begin to successively "grab and release" the string, generating a fairly prolonged vibration.
Step 2. Pick a rosin
There are also several types that vary mainly in color: some are lighter and others darker. The best rosin is the one that performs best under the conditions present at the time of playing, which is why many experienced musicians carry with them a variety of rosins that meet the needs of the various playing conditions.
- As a kind of general rule of thumb, darker rosins tend to be softer, melt at a lower temperature (like summer heat), and hold better in cold weather.
- Very light rosins tend to be just the opposite - they are harder and work best in hot climates, where a darker rosin would tend to soften and melt during the playing of the instrument.
Step 3. Make sure to use a violin rosin
Using a new rosin on a bow depends on what instrument you have. You cannot use the same of a cello or a double bass on a violin bow. The result would be a change in pitch in the sound of the violin. Continuing to do so may render the violin bow useless. However, it is fine to use a viola for a violin or vice versa.
Method 2 of 3: Apply the rosin
Step 1. Prepare the bow
Next, carefully remove the bow from its case and adjust the horse bristles (which are white) until just warm. Look at the wood of the arch: it should not be curved down or up.
If the bristles are too tight, move the bow screw to the left until the wood is straight. If they are too loose, move the screw to the right so the wood doesn't warp
Step 2. Prepare the rosin
Once you have the appropriate rosin, uncover it or slide it out of its container. Use a covered pen to scrape it down until it is rough and rough. Try to rub gently so you don't damage it. Once the resin is exposed, you are ready to apply it to the arch.
Wash your hands beforehand so you don't get the rosin dirty. Also be sure to wash your hands afterwards because they will be sticky and dusty with rosin powder
Step 3. Raise the bow and place it on the rosin
The heel, which is the dark part of the arch near the screw, should be next to the rosin. The horse bristles should be on it.
Step 4. Rub the rosin on the bow
The application is simple: from heel to toe and back to heel. "Touch" the rosin with the bow back and forth until you feel that the bow has grip and no longer slides. The heat created by friction from the back and forth movement will cause the surface of the rosin to soften as much as possible. sufficient to allow transfer to the sows.
- Gently and with a little pressure, brush the bristles of the bow against the rosin. A downward arcing motion should end with the tip (the other end) next to the rosin. Then, go back so that the heel is next to the rosin again. Repeat the up and down arc movements five times.
- Be careful. Do not "touch" the rosin with the bow too fast or you will risk breaking it. The new bow is not yet used to high stresses.
Step 5. Apply the rosin to the entire arch
Continue “tapping” the rosin until the entire arch is covered in it. Rub it back and forth against a 2-inch (5.1 cm) area several times quickly. When you have completely covered this part of the arch, move on to the next section. 5 cm (2 inches).
Method 3 of 3: Finish the job
Step 1. Test the bow
Pick up the violin and place it on the crook of your shoulder. Then raise your bow and place your heel on a violin string. Make sure it's not rubbing against another string or the wood of the violin. Move it back and forth with light pressure while listening for the sound of a note.
Remember to maintain the same pressure level throughout the arc movement. The change in pressure can cause some of its parts to play the notes clearly and other parts to play unclearly
Step 2. Be patient
Once there is a base coat of rosin on the bristles, getting a good sound as easily as possible will be achieved, in a way, through the use of the senses. If you don't get the answer you need, apply rosin a few times in quick strokes to restore the necessary friction level. The rosin will flake off the surface of the bristles as you play, so reapplying is common.
If the violin still does not produce sound again after applying the rosin, apply more until the notes are heard clearly
Step 3. Clean up the rosin powder as soon as possible
Due to its provenance, rosin powder on the surface of the instrument should be wiped off as soon as possible. Remember that the rosin came from a refining process to obtain turpentine and there will always be a small residual fraction of that turpentine. Turpentine is a very effective solvent for removing paints and varnishes, including the varnish from the top of your instrument.
Advice
- If the bow doesn't make good sounds right away, you may need to apply more rosin.
- Never touch the bristles of the bow (most people know this).
- Go slowly when applying rosin to the bow. It is very delicate.
- Paper clips can work much better than the tip of a pencil.