Not sure what you’re supposed to do with that block of rosin that came with your cello? Here is the who, what, when, where, why, and how of rosin.
Who: You.
What: Rosin’s main ingredient is tree sap. The recipe changes with the maker, but that is the essential starting point. Some makers mix in various additives or waxes. Choosing a rosin brand comes down to personal preference. Recommendations from teachers and friends are always helpful. Don’t be afraid to try out different brands and find one you like. Check out our rosin reviews to get you started.
When: Every 4 hours or so of playing should do the trick. After awhile you’ll get a feel for the amount of rosin that works for you. Does it feel too gritty? Too much rosin, so hold off awhile. Does it feel too slick, like you have to work really hard to make even a tiny sound? Time to rosin.
Where: Your bow.
Why: Bow hair without rosin will not produce sound; it will just skate over the top of the string. The rosin helps the hair to grab onto the string to get that string spinning.
How: Hold your rosin cake in one hand and your bow in the other (hold your thumb over the ferrule to avoid chipping the rosin on it). Glide the rosin up and down the full length of the bow hair about 5 times. After you’ve rosined, you’ll notice ‘rosin dandruff’ on your cello and strings (as one adult student called it). That’s perfectly normal. Don’t forget to wipe off your cello, strings, and the bow stick to remove that rosin dust (with a soft rag, not your fingers).
By the way, if you have a bow with new hair the rules change. The first time you rosin you will have to do many more passes and will probably have to re-rosin much sooner than every 4 hours.