How To: Rosin A Bow

For Violin, Viola or Cello Bows

1. Tighten your bow to playing tension. No more than a pencils thickness between the hair and the stick in the middle of the bow. An example of this can be seen in our ‘how to care for your string instrument’ video below at 2:20.

2. Start with the rosin cake at the base of the bow. Slowly, glide the bow across the cake's surface, gradually working your way up and down from the bottom of the bow hairs to the top. Ensure that you are applying it evenly and consistently along the entire length. 

In the video below, Doug demonstrates approximately how much rosin should applied in one application.

Having trouble getting the rosin started?

The surface of a new rosin Is shiny and smooth, which can sometimes make it tricky to ‘get going’, especially if you’re trying to apply it on fresh horsehair which is also very smooth. To make it easier for the rosin to start adhering to your bow, gently score the top of the rosin with a key.