Does Rosin Get Old?

The answer is, “YES.” Rosin does dry out with time and loses its effectiveness, especially student rosins that come with newly purchased violins. Low-quality rosins dry out faster and are not as effective in producing a good tone. I remember when one of my online students thought her bow was defective because no matter how much rosin she added, it would not produce a good sound. Once she changed the rosin, her sound blossomed.

How often should you change the rosin?

Professional violinists usually change their rosin every year, and if they travel frequently, they also use different kinds depending on the weather. Lighter rosin is preferred for warmer climates and dark rosin for colder climates. If your rosin is dry and broken, it is time to go ahead and replace it with a high-quality one that will last longer, and I recommend changing it at least every two years. The change in the sound might be subtle, but the easiness of playing will be highly noticeable. Make the experiment yourself!

What are the types of rosin?

Well, there are three: light, amber, and dark. All of them are extracted from conifer (pine) trees, but what changes their color is the temperature at which they are heated during the rosin process. The longer it is exposed to high temperatures, the darker and softer it becomes.

I use “Bernadel” rosin, a light type of rosin that works well for Florida’s weather. Let me explain the difference and show you examples:

• Light rosin: This is harder and less sticky, which makes it suitable for instruments with thinner strings like the violin. It is also better suited for hot and humid climates, and it produces a bright sound.

• Amber and Dark rosins: These are softer and stickier, which makes them more suitable for instruments with thicker strings like the cello and bass. They also produce a warmer and darker sound and are better suited for colder climates.