Double Bass Kolstein caking up strings.

[4stringsofwonder]

Recently got a tub of Kolstein all weather bass rosin, having previously used Nyman and wanting to experiment a bit. At first I loved it, with it seeming to have a load of grip and not leaving too much dust on the bass, but its since started to really cake up my strings, almost choking the sound slightly. Am I just using too much, or is Kolstein supposed to do this?

 

[MikeCanada]

Chances are you are using more than necessary. I often found that with the Kolstein AW you have to apply some rosin, play an open string from frog to tip about three times, and then reassess. If you judge "do I have enough?" off of the first stroke it isn't going to grab as much, and then you can easily over apply.

To fix the problem use a clean, dry rag or a brand new dry toothbrush on the hair to get some of the rosin out. On the strings (if you are using steel strings) some 0000 steel wool can help remove the extra gunk. If you do this while the bass is on its side with a towel draped over the front of the bass for some extra insurance, the steel wool will fall to the floor instead of on top of your instrument potentially harming the varnish. Make sure it is the super fine steel wool and not a treated SOS pad or something of that nature, be gentle and take your time, and you wipe the strings down with a rag afterwards to prevent the remaining steel wool getting into your bow hair. If absolutely necessary you can use a bit of alcohol on the steel wool, but make sure it is very dry and keep it away from your varnish or you'll end up with spots.

 

[4stringsofwonder]

Chances are you are using more than necessary. I often found that with the Kolstein AW you have to apply some rosin, play an open string from frog to tip about three times, and then reassess. If you judge "do I have enough?" off of the first stroke it isn't going to grab as much, and then you can easily over apply.

To fix the problem use a clean, dry rag or a brand new dry toothbrush on the hair to get some of the rosin out. On the strings (if you are using steel strings) some 0000 steel wool can help remove the extra gunk. If you do this while the bass is on its side with a towel draped over the front of the bass for some extra insurance, the steel wool will fall to the floor instead of on top of your instrument potentially harming the varnish. Make sure it is the super fine steel wool and not a treated SOS pad or something of that nature, be gentle and take your time, and you wipe the strings down with a rag afterwards to prevent the remaining steel wool getting into your bow hair. If absolutely necessary you can use a bit of alcohol on the steel wool, but make sure it is very dry and keep it away from your varnish or you'll end up with spots.

Thanks! Always have used alcohol with a "bib" over the body the keep it clear, but never the toothbrush.

 

[MikeCanada]

The toothbrush can work well on the hair of the bow to get some extra out of it, especially if there are clumps. A dry rag works well with powdery rosins but if you are rubbing the hair with it, it can warm up and melt the rosin in more. It also isn't really that effective against clumps, or that one tiny little strip that seems to collect rosin far more than the rest of the hair.

 

[Les Fret]

I also have Kolstein Grade S bass rosin but I rarely use it because it is way too sticky. I also have the problem as you describe. I leaves too much debris on the hair. Back to the old Pops!

 

[MikeCanada]

Kolstein Soft needs to be applied very sparingly. It can be great stuff, but sometimes even one swipe of it can be too much. It is a good rosin for the winter when it is cold and dry, but you can almost pour it on in the summer when it is warm and humid. Different things work for different people in different climates with different demands of their rosin, but with Pops, anything with "soft" in the name, or in hot and humid climates, it is very easy to add too much.

 

[Les Fret]

True. The Kolstein also smells like shoe polish!

 

[KUNGfuSHERIFF]

I love the smell of VOCs in the morning. {eyeroll}

Isopropyl alcohol is also good for cleaning gunk and dirt off your strings. Do not get alcohol on your varnish.