Most of those who are still starting to play the violin might find it difficult to produce a crisp yet clean sound with only the violin and the bow in hand. It is worth noting that several tools are needed to help violinists in creating a smooth sound. One of these is the violin rosin.Violin rosins are made up of resin, a by-product of pine trees. They are a sticky substance that allows the bow to grip the strings better, causing them to vibrate. An excellent violin rosin does not only help create a better sounding performance, but it also helps establish a connection with the player and the instrument.
Deciding on which violin rosin to choose from could be a tall order, considering the fact that there a ton of violin rosins available on the market. To help you in determining the most appropriate tool to use, we have combined a list of the best violin rosins available on the market so that you can find the best violin rosin for you.
Best Overall Light Violin Rosin
This rosin by Sound harbor is great for beginners who need light rosin with little dust, but great stick.
Features:
• Low dust
• High viscosity
• Beginner-friendly
Best Overall Dark Violin Rosin
This rosin is formulated from the original Kaplan recipe and provides a great low-dust dark rosin for violinists.
Features:
• Low dust
• Case included
• Rotation possible
Best Violin Rosin
What to Look for in Violin Rosin
While you are deciding on the best violin rosins to purchase, you should take note of the different features which they provide. Each of the violin rosins offers distinct characteristics which may suit your reference. To help you in your decisions, we have listed some of the features that an ideal violin rosin should have so that you know which features to consider in the future. To learn more about what rosin is, read our guide to rosin.
Type of Rosin
One of the primary characteristics that you should take into consideration is the type of violin rosin. Violin rosins are classified into three: light, amber, and dark violin rosin. Dark violin rosins are softer, and are more sticky for hot weather conditions, hence a better choice for cold climates. Light violin rosins, on the other hand, are harder, denser, and not as sticky as the darker type. They are also more preferred for the higher strings including violin and viola.
Packaging
One of the characteristics that you should consider before purchasing violin rosins is their packaging. The packaging of a violin rosin could affect its efficiency. A well-packed rosin could last you a long time, while a loosely packed rosin could only cost you your money. A well-packed violin rosin could also prevent it from being fractured or broken. Moreover, you should consider purchasing a violin rosin that comes in a rectangular wooden block especially if you are a young player or a beginner.
These are just a few of the features that you should consider before purchasing a violin rosin from the market. However, it should be noted that the ultimate choice on product from the violin rosins to purchase will depend on the preference of the violinist who will use it.
All Violin Rosin
1. Sound harbor Rosin for Violin
Built specifically for stringed instruments such as violin, the Sound harbor Rosin enables maximized projection and clear bow articulation. With its excellent quality and high viscosity, the rosin makes the timber of the instrument much more pronounced. Suited for all kinds of synthetic and natural horse hair, it ensures an excellent grip that is sound penetrating. The rosin is made with low dust to protect the body from harm. A handmade soft rosin, the product could also be sued for violas and cellos.
2. The Original Bernardel Rosin For Violin
The Original Bernardel Rosin is designed with violins and violas in mind. It is a medium-light rosin which could be used by violinists of diverse expertise: from students to professional players. It creates a nice and smooth feel on the instrument. Light colored and medium sticky, using the rosin the violin created a clean and bright tone. It comes in a round cake attached to a suedette cloth to protect the rosin from outside elements.
3. D’Addario Kaplan Premium Rosin
D’Addario Kaplan Premium Rosin is a dark rosin design for stringed instruments like violins. It is engineered with low dust to protect the users from any harm. Moreover, it ensures that bits of rosin do not drop all over the place. It is further designed to be used with one hand conveniently. It is packed in an attractive case. A dial found at the bottom of the case allows it to be turned to avoid creating an undesired groove.
4. The Original Hill Dark Rosin For Violin
The Original Hill Dark Rosin For Violin is an essential equipment for violin students professionals. This type of rosin is quite softer than the light grips, yet it offers efficient results in the musicality of the violin. It tends to create a better grip on the bow hair. The rosin is packed in its stylized padded velveteen shell. Aside from being used for violins, the rosin could also be used for other stringed instruments like viola and cello.
5. Super Sensitive Dark Violin Rosin
Made of high-quality resin, the Super Sensitive Dark Violin Rosin works well in keeping the violin humming without making too much dust. Such rosin is ideal for beginners and professionals alike. It works efficiently for its affordable price. The rosin is encased in a sturdy finished wood block which could be open quickly by sliding it. It comes in two varieties: the dark rosin and the light rosin. Aside from using it for violin, such rosin could also be used for violas and cellos.
6. Jade L’Opera JADE Rosin for Violin
Jade L’Opera JADE Rosin for Violin is known for its smooth yet firm grip that would work well on natural and synthetic horse hair. Aside from being good and sticky, the rosin also has dust-free adhesion. Moreover, it does not scratch fine varnishes. The rosin is wrapped in a protective velvet cloth wrap and stored in a plastic container. It works well for the money. The rosin could also be used for violas and cellos.
7. Holstein Premium Violin Rosin
Holstein Premium Violin Rosin provides an excellent balance of grip and a smooth release. The rosin is designed for superior articulation and fast release. Moreover, the rosin does not dust a lot, allowing violinists to use too frequently without having the hassle to clean the debris. It is non-damaging to fine varnishes. The rosin is engineered with a quality hard case and a broad base so users could apply it easily on their instruments.
8. Melos Dark Violin Rosin
Melos Dark Violin Rosin is a rosin explicitly designed for violins. Made of Greek pine-tree colophony, the product does not contain any chemical or any filler like sugars or glucose. Each of the rosin types is explicitly designed for a specific season: harder light for summer and softer dark for winter. Users are ensured that the product is handmade. Moreover, regular use of the product will help produce an excellent sound. While other products generate fine white powder, such rosin creates a looser and fluffier powder which could go a long way.
9. Pirastro Oliv/Evah Rosin For Violin
The Pirastro Oliv/Evah Rosin is best suited for stringed instruments such as violin, viola, and cello. The rosin provides an excellent tone and a good grip. It is extra sticky, with only two swipes across the bow hair, users will have a beautiful thick coat. It offers excellent functionality for its price. The rosin could be a superior choice when playing as a solo violinist. It is placed solidly in a shallow plastic disc which protects the rosin from being broken into pieces.
10. D’Addario Natural Rosin
The D’Addario Natural Rosin is an affordable yet efficient rosin for violins, violas, and cellos. Made of all natural ingredients, the rosin works well with natural horsehair or synthetic hair bows. It is anchored in a plastic channel for better grip and application. Moreover, the rosin is an optimal product for bowed stringed instruments when exposed in colder and drier climates. It works decently on producing clean and crisp sound for its relatively inexpensive price.
Conclusion
What makes a good violinist is not only the fact that he has an exceptional talent but also due to the fact that he is also equipped with essential gears such as a violin rosin. In deciding from the list of the top 10 best violin rosins, the efficiency of each of their features should be taken into consideration to be able to deliver an excellent performance.
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