Rosin Characteristics

[Alex Scott]

Even after playing 20 years, I haven't gotten much past Pop's and Carlson Rosin. I would like to here what other rosins you guys think are great and maybe some styles of playing or players who you know use that rosin.

Pop's:

very soft and sticky, great for humid weather, well known for orchestra playing, made in Houston

Carlson:

Very Dark, hard, good for solo playing, Swedish

Petz:

horrible, avoid at all costs

[EggyToast]

I use oak, which has the stickiness of pops but the ease of use of carlsson's (aka it gives excellent grip without becoming gummy).

But rosin isn't expensive, and if you find one that works for you, great. Most people settle on a brand or two.

[fatgoogle]

Im a beginner, so what kind should i get for general playing. Thanks

[bassist14]

Originally Posted by fatgoogle

Im a beginner, so what kind should i get for general playing. Thanks

you could begin with nymans or carlsson, regarding the weather in ireland...

[Downright_Low]

If you liked those and want some tips for a change you could try:

Pirastro - One nice light German rosin
Petz - (not what you think at all) Warm, Smooth
Super Sensitive Light - red, soft medium like Pops
Jade Bass - French, medium grip
etc, etc, etc...

It's fun to try other rosins, for me. I've used some stuff people would say is crazy for regular playing. Some people are afraid of spending money on that, but I've found most other brands to be just as high quality as carlsson or Pops - I have not regretted or lost any money. I own many cakes and in general don't worry about the age, as I have some of my first still. I started with those rosins too, pops, nymans, carlssons, very nice. So what I'm saying is I don't believe what some say about playing style and rosin having to match, etc. because I have gone through what you are wondering about for myself. I know what happens to rosin when it gets older, I've found how my style stays the same and changes, I know how much to use, etc. because I've tried things myself. It may take time for the bass to adapt to the new sound much like new strings (but I'm interested in it so I don't mind...). I typically find that rosin I thought was useless is actually just a different sound, and so I have used violin/viola and violoncello rosin for, say, Shostakovich 5 Symphony. I can only encourage you to be fruggle as well. Oak from gregorianstrings works well. Ask about something in particular, since there are some many types...

[CPike]

+1 for oak...