Light and Dark Rosin: The Difference?

You'll always see the two different kinds of rosin. Dark, and light. But what's the difference?

Basically, rosin is the most important part of your set up, and also the least expensive. It makes the hairs on your bow sticky so they can grasp the strings when you slide it across. You could compare it to fishermen all hooking some fish at the same time.

Light: Some argue that light rosin is the best choice for treble instruments. It's harder and doesn't melt as easy.

Dark: Most people say this is softer, more likely to melt, and has a better grip. Sometimes you get a light rosin with a dark color added.

But there are other things that go into picking the best rosin for your instrument. Where you live and your climate could change what you should use. Your type of strings and brand of rosin may or may not mix well together. Some rosins can increase the build-up you get making you have to clean it more - although you should wipe it after you play every time.

One brand of rosin compared to another can completely change the tone of your instrument.

Also, another factor... whether your bow is made of synthetic hair, or horse hair. Horse hair is always the best for playing.

Update.

I'm kind of sad to say that beginning orchestra is over for this year. It's one of those things that no matter how hectic the day before was, you keep on going back. You get to share what you know with the little kids and sometimes add your few cents about what you think is important, tricks, and tips, that will help them be successful. I know there are some things I wish my helpers would have told me that would have helped. I get to be silly and make mistakes too - and I think that helped some of the kids to keep coming back. And now, they know someone older than them they'll run into sometimes. :)

I think I learned a lot about myself and was able to correct some things about my own playing in the process. Going back and re-learning the bow hold made me more confident in my own.

I can't imagine not doing this for all the summers through High School. :)

-----------------

I really want to learn to play the viola d'amore. I have no idea where to buy one or where I could get lessons (although Rachel Barton Pine said she'd give anyone who wants one a lesson....)

I've also got a baroque violin coming soon. I'm going to try and get a special fingerboard put onto it along with a matching tailpiece. Then I'll have to look for a baroque bow.

I'm starting to understand why Rachel quit school and homeschooled instead. There is just so much to do and learn plus school it's hard to balance it all!


-----------------

School starts Friday. I'm excited. Not really nervous, because as long as I have a map I'll be fine. I'll just highlight my different classes and color code them so that I know how to get there easily. Orchestra is first period. 3 days a week I'll wake myself up in the perfect way. :)


-----------------

I'll add more to this later.