need help with rosin!

[Peter_00]

Im stuck with some really crumbly awful rosin and I have to go into the recording studio in two days and it's all I've got as no body stocks anything double bass around here, and it's to late to order some. Any hints on getting the best out it? Tricks etc? thanks

[olivier]

Bernardel rosin for cello might be easier to get. Also if you'd fill your profile, we would know where you live.

[toman]

you could try re-melting it, either in the oven at a relatively low heat or very carefully in the microwave. If you use the microwave, make sure the rosin isn't in a metal wrapper or you'll have a nice fireworks show. I've used this technique a few times, and it helps make those old nasty cakes of rosin last longer. It's also good for just reshaping them after they're all mangled and broken into abstract shapes.

[Peter_00]

Crisis over... I managed to borrow some pops of a local school (on a weekend aswell!) so now everythings good. thanks anyway guys!

[mano]

I`m a complete novice to double bass.How do you use rosen?Do you have to melt it or can you rub it on without any preperation.Mine is hard and does`nt give off much powder.Any help would be appreciated.

[Darth_Linux]

just rub firmly from frog to tip. do it once or twice and see how well the hair grips the string. don't use too much. if you use too little, you'll get some wierd overtones and the bow will feel like it is skating. the right amount will feel like the bow is buzzing and you'll get a good sound.

[toman]

if your rosin is hard, i.e you can't stick your fingernail in it, you probably have crappy rosin.


To use the stuff, hold the cake in your left hand and bow it, downbows only, with quick, firm, sharp strokes. just a few should do it; the idea isn't to glue your bowhair to the strings. (although from what I've seen at some orchestra gigs I think some guys might disagree...)