Comments

curious, have you dried a different bow I have noticed that to some extent on the viola as well...but it was SOOO obvious when I played cello. I couldn't figure out why my teacher was always telling me to play closer to the fingerboard when it sounded most aweful there.

But...I was using a school un-cared for bow and a school cello.

And my viola bow needs rehairing desperately.

So I second the questioning of your bow quality.

JW

Thanks! The bow, like the viola, is an allegedly "top of the line" rental. When I picked it up, I didn't like the bow as much as I like my violin bow (which I own), but I just thought it was a viola-ish thing and I'd get used to it. But maybe not. The viola itself seems well cared-for by the shop but the bow looks a little dodgy and grungy, frankly, although the hair isn't thin. At least I have something specific to complain about when I try to exchange it.

I'm thinking about buying a viola and bow in the spring when they double the rental equity that they give you towards purchase, so maybe I can try out something nicer on the excuse that I'm looking to buy.

What about rosin? Do I need different rosin on viola than violin? I've been using some old Hill rosin that I bought years ago and that probably needs to be replaced for the violin, too.

Well, with my weathered bow, I have to use two different rosins. This might not be good advice, someone say so if not...

I use Hill CELLO rosin (dark) on the viola bow when I first pick it up to practice. Then I use a light Hidersine violin bow as needed throughout the day. I find the cello rosin gets the violin rosin to stay on the bow better.

Just me, though.

JW