Heat My Rosin!!!!

[chrismmc]

I have heard about heating rosin when it gets dry...but what is the best method...a lighter,microwave,squeeze in in your hands...anybody have any reccommendations?
Any bad experiences they could relate?

[kwd]

Originally Posted by chrismmc

I have heard about heating rosin when it gets dry...but what is the best method...a lighter,microwave,squeeze in in your hands...anybody have any reccommendations?
Any bad experiences they could relate?

Putting it under a lamp with the bulb close to the rosin cake has always worked for me. I use a piano lamp with a 25 watt bulb.

Since the moisture within the rosin is similar to turpentine, it wouldn't seem like a good idea to put it in the microwave as those vapors will be introduced to the microwave when it's cooked. Probably not a concern, just my own paranoia.

[chrismmc]

Thanks!I don't have a piano lamp...but may invest in one...
What about the other ways-lighter,rubbing-???

[kwd]

Originally Posted by chrismmc

Thanks!I don't have a piano lamp...but may invest in one...
What about the other ways-lighter,rubbing-???

It doesn't need to be a piano lamp. Any lamp where you can get the rosin close to the bulb -like a desk lamp- will work fine.

I haven't tried rubbing the rosin. I've had some success by keeping in my pocket but then you run the risk of the rosin sticking to the pocket lining as it gets warm.

When my teacher applies rosin he rubs the bow (near the frog) very quickly like he's starting a fire. That works too, but I've ended breaking bow hair when I've done it.

[LM Bass]

Rosin wrapped in foil, like Nyman's, would be a really bad idea in the microwave. . . I use an ordinary desk lamp and just hold it close for a while. I have had success in dry spells with putting a bit of wet cloth in the rosin can. Seems to bring back a bit of life.
LM

[kurt muroki]

hi, i used to put pops in the microwave and it softened right up... I recommend taking it out of the wax paper and putting it in another type of container 1st

[chrismmc]

Thanks!Will try...Here is another question I have(yes,I am new to this instrument...)
I read on another thread,a reference to cleaning the rosin off of the strings and bow after playing...I have never done this in the past...is this something I should be doing?My teacher has never told me to do this...maby I should ask more questions...

[kurt muroki]

I usually clean my strings with either a copper brillo pad wiping down towards the tailpiece, or a green 3m pad (not as good). as far as cleaning the bow hair, I never do, I just get a rehair... but if the hair gets real gunky, i use a brand new hard bristle tooth brush and run it through the hair from frog to tip (never from tip to frog)...

[godoze]

Kurt, you rock...

[chrismmc]

Actually,I use POP'S ROSIN,so it is wrapped in a paper cup...which I removed,but later replaced with a notepad-type paper.plus-aluminium foil in the microwave is just a bad idea anyway.

[G-force]

Originally Posted by kurt muroki

I usually clean my strings with either a copper brillo pad wiping down towards the tailpiece, or a green 3m pad (not as good). as far as cleaning the bow hair, I never do, I just get a rehair... but if the hair gets real gunky, i use a brand new hard bristle tooth brush and run it through the hair from frog to tip (never from tip to frog)...

Hey, Using a metal brillo pad will actually wear the calibration of the string down affecting the vibration so watch out. Using alcohol to claean the stirngs does this w/o any threat of dammage to the string. I never did feel the 3m pad worked. Only a cosmetic solution.

As for POPs try putting pulverized rosins from the freezer in "tea light" candel foil cups. Small portions which are easy to control.
In sweden the old Carlsons used foil used by the state wine monopoly. Thats why there is a bunch of grapes on the bottom. But of course the skiwax masters of the universe Norway have yet to use their skills to develop a good bass rosin..

[Contra|Brett|]

I put my rosin in it's tub, then in my pocket, then i run.