How to Rosin your bow: By KennedyViolins.com

[glitterglamerous96]

hello.i have a problem...........i've been rubbing my bow the the rosin.....but it doesnt seem that the rosin is sticking 2 the bow.....i dunno what 2 do.help

[KennedyViolins]

@glitterglamerous96

Hello,

Did you scrape the rosin cake with the initial application? You should scrape the surface of the rosin with a knife or fork to "break it in," then the rosin will stick.

[exc123]

Thanks - Do you recommend scraping the rosin 1st with a key or something to gt the dust on the bow better?

[KennedyViolins]

Hello,

Scraping the rosin cake when it is new helps with the initial application. You can scrape it with just about anything (knife, fork...)

[UltimaMathias]

Your video said things that others left out D:

Thank you for warning me about touching the bow strings!

[9tomato9]

RockCritic09,

The real question is, WHY ARE YOU USING A VIOLA BOW ON A GUITAR????

[godsdrummer30]

thanks! very informational and helpful.

[RockCritic09]

Thanks, but I still need help. I'm trying to use a viola bow on my guitar, and It wont make any sound. I dont think I touched the bow before I tried rosining it, and its definetly not dirty. I've bowed my little rectangle of rosin probaly 100 times and still nothing. Whats rong?

[KennedyViolins]

Well, I don't know what the problem is, but my guess is that guitar strings are too heavy gauge to be moved by a bow, regardless of how much rosin you apply.

[chris22452245]

uhhh.... guitars cant be played with a bow...

[Ninjujitsu]

Jimmy Paige begs to differ.

[Funnyface007]

Great explanation, thanks!

But eh, what can I do when I've actually touched the entire length of the hairs?? Please tell me there is some way to clean it!?

[KennedyViolins]

If the hair has been touched so much that it is dirty and no longer takes rosin, the only thing you can do is to have the bow re-haired. Unfortunately, there isn't a way to clean the hair once it has become that dirty.

[godsfiddler]

Does it matter what type of rosin?

[KennedyViolins]

People have different preferences for what brand of rosin they use but in general, it's not the best idea to combine different rosins on the same bow.

[mikebagel27]

Hey i have a question. I got my new first violin and i was told i had to scratch the rosin so it becomes dusty and then do it on the bow for about 15 minutes. So i did, and now my strings are coated with rosin and theyre kinda sticky and white. oh and it sounds pretty bad when i play, its screechy and it plays the harmonics sometimes rather than the actual note. I have NOOO idea what im doing. any advice sir?

[KennedyViolins]

Hello,

It sounds as though we put too much rosin on your bow. If you put too much, your sound will be scratchy and the rosin will go all over your violin. If you put too little, you'll have to use more effort to get the bow to draw a sound from your violin. You have to find a happy medium. I hope this helps!

[mikebagel27]

it definitely does! thanks ALOT. do i have to change my strings now? how do i get the rosin off the strings, theyre pretty sticky. Or will it go away in time. Sorry for all the questioning, im just so lost haha.

[KennedyViolins]

Hello,

The rosin will go away with time but you should wipe off the excess rosin from your violin. It will build up and look bad/ruin finish. Also, you should wipe the excess rosin off of your violin strings. The hair on the bow is fine.

[mikebagel27]

thanks for taking the time. It actually helps alot, and sounds better too. good day to you!

[DEUTSCHLANDDUDE]

I built a hommade spike fiddle-one stringed ( metal string) and have a long long horse hair bow. Iam facing the same poblem as mikebagel27...i go on rubin rosin to the bow, the string becomes white and the sound is rough, and squeeks when i try to play a note..dunno wat to do..how much rosin to rub...can u please help? I am an Indian musician. thanks

[KennedyViolins]

Well, I think I'd have to see the violin set-up to properly diagnose the issue but in all probability, you just have too much rosin on the bow. You can try to shake it off or clean off the excess with a very clean cotton cloth. Hope this helps!

[DEUTSCHLANDDUDE]

thansk for your prompt reply. I will certainyl try it n get back to you. I jsut keep rubbin the rosin not knowing how much to apply..guess its trail n error. How is nylon as a cheper option to horsehair-to make a bow at home?

[KennedyViolins]

Nothing works as well as REAL horse hair. Synthetic hairs tend to not retain rosin well and are not as responsive.