What is Rosin and How is it Made?

Rosin is something that string players apply to the horsehair of their bow so that the bow grips the string. The constant grip (or friction) between the string and the bow makes the string vibrate. This vibration is amplified by the body of the instrument to create sound.

Without rosin, you have two smooth surfaces rubbing against each other (the strings and the horsehair) and your instrument won't make any sound. Rosin comes as a hard, solid block or cake and when applied to the bow hair, becomes a fine white powder.

The price of rosin usually ranges anywhere between $5-$150 per cake depending on how, where and by whom it was made.

How is rosin made?

Rosin, also known as ‘colophony’ is made from the resin of pine and conifer trees. Resin is the coloured viscous substance that oozes out of the wood when a tree is cut and is usually collected through a process called ‘tapping’.



Once collected, the resin is then heated and purified, and sometimes other ingredients are added such as beeswax, turpentine, or gold flakes. The cooking process and any added ingredients are factors that change the playing qualities and colour of the final product.

Each manufacturer has their own specific procedure and recipe for rosin which is usually kept as a safe guarded secret. 

Fun fact! The origin of the natural resin can usually be determined by its colour. French and North American pure resin has a light yellow colour, while German pure resin is rather brown. 

Next: Which rosin should I use?

Other articles that may also interest you:

How do I rosin a bow?
How often should I rosin my bow?
Does rosin expire?
Can rosin damage my instrument or bow?
Can I use violin rosin on a cello or double bass bow?
What will happen if I mix two rosins together?

Watch our video on Rosin: