Changing to a new rosin

October 9, 2011 at 12:05 AM ·

It doesn't matter that much, some people are just really anal about it. I admit that there is a tangible difference, but that in most cases, it's not enough to matter. I'd only bother with cleaning the bow hair if you were switching to a really fine and expensive rosin, like Baker's. If you're relatively new to playing, you probably won't be able to feel that much of a real difference.

October 9, 2011 at 12:13 AM ·

Within a week or so the new rosin will have largely displaced the old.  I don't think cleaning the bow hair is necessary.  Different rosins do not "react" with one another in any kind of negative way.

October 9, 2011 at 12:30 AM ·

I told a very nice violinist I recently met (she's in the local symphony orchestra, and also a violin teacher) that I was going to be changing rosin.  As it turns out, I'm changing to the same brand (Liebenzeller Gold II) that she uses.  She said it's a good idea to get as much of the old rosin out of the bow hair as possible before switching.  She recommended playing until the bow is slipping and sliding sideways -- just all over the place!  Then wipe the hair with a piece of clean flannel (or some similar fabric that will really "grab" the rosin) until you stop getting rosin residue on the fabric.  Then you should be ready to apply the new stuff.

I'm not trying to hi-jack your thread, but I do have a question for anyone out there with Liebenzeller experience -- is it normal to find that if you tend to play somewhat timidly that the Liebenzeller almost forces you to play out more?  I'm not sure if I haven't applied enough or if I'm just going to have to start playing with more confidence -- longer, faster bow strokes.  If I back off and start playing the way I normally do, the tone sounds a bit "wavery".  Has anyone else noticed the same effect?  Overall, I really like the Liebenzeller -- just wondering how I'm going to manage a decent "pianissimo".  :) 

October 9, 2011 at 01:02 AM ·

Martha,

To answer your question from my own experience, I found Liebenzeller Gold I and II too hard for me. I got lots more tone with L-III for violin and viola playing (L-IV) for cello. If you are in a really hot venue, perhaps the L-II would work, well - or if you really bear down (and tend to melt the rosin).

Andy

October 12, 2011 at 09:40 PM ·

The verdict is in on my Liebenzeller Gold II rosin.  I love it!  I was afraid of overloading my bow at first, so I didn't apply enough.  Over a period of a couple of days, I figured out how much I should be using, and I'm really thrilled with the results.  I stayed behind after the rest of the orchestra left after rehearsal today, and played for a while in the little auditorium where we rehearse.  I couldn't believe the difference in tone between last week and this week!!  The only variable was the rosin -- same repertoire.  My violin sounds much smoother and warmer.  My orchestra conductor said he'd noticed it during rehearsal, too.  I'm definitely a Liebenzeller convert.  :)

October 13, 2011 at 02:41 PM ·

I thought they stopped making it?

I was really impressed with mine at first too...now I'm just annoyed by it.  I find it too sticky, I'm constantly having to clean my strings...

October 13, 2011 at 04:11 PM ·

I've seen new "Liebenzeller" rosin along with "Larica" rosin, both claim to use the original Liebenzeller recipe. A couple of my friends tried the new Liebenzeller and didn't like it; I haven't touched it myself, though.

October 13, 2011 at 04:20 PM ·

Liebenzeller was recommended to me by my orchestra director (a cellist).  He and his wife (a violinist) both use it -- she's using the Gold II like I am.  Both are members of the local symphony orchestra, so they're not just casual players -- I value and trust their experience, opinions and recommendations.  I know not everyone is going to appreciate the same qualities in any given product, but so far I've been really happy with it.  Just sayin'..........

October 14, 2011 at 12:07 PM ·

Well I use for many many years Thomastick Violin Rosin It came rapped in aluminum You unrapped while it  was used but since i used Libenzeller original formula I give it a ***** stars. My ? how do you clean your hair off you bow as I know my teacher just tolds two well thought 1) The rosin doesnt make the violinst  and 2) Just change the hair

In other words if you are good player and know how to get a good round deep sound who needs to pay a costly rosin. Anyone answe me college me.

October 14, 2011 at 01:55 PM ·

A friend in my studio just switched from Andrea rosin to Baker's "Citron" rosin, and everybody was shocked by how the depth and focus of his sound literally doubled immediately after the switch.

October 15, 2011 at 12:48 PM ·

I think the quality of the rosin can make a huge difference to different aspects of your playing. I played the "old" Liebenzeller 2 Gold for some years and at that stage it helped me alot (before I used whatever was around). But Rosin gets old very quickly, so because they stopped production I played a long time the old Liebenzeller rosin. When I finally realised I need to switch to a different brand I had a new bow and of course everything changed and I didn't want to apply my 2 years old liebenzeller to my new bow. So I went with a recommendation of a luthier using bernadel. It is very fine in the beginning but gets mediocre with tthe time, it gives a very clean and sticky sound and feeling. To get the bow Rosin and hair at its best I now change hair every year, rosin every 8 months or so. It is always refreshing like new strings.

That was a bit off topic... to the topic: I would play out the old rosin as mentioned above and apply the new after that.