Evah-Oliv rosin vs Melos?

March 12, 2015 at 11:03 AM · Surprisingly, I prefer Magic rosin over the $30 a puck Andrea Solo.

You can read a good review of it on www.violinstringreview.com

I'm not sure if there really is any rosin out there that truly won't cake up on the strings. I think they all do. The only way to keep it from building up is to not use so much, but you need a certain minimum for good grip, so round and round it goes....

I'd suggest you try something new, simply for the experience. Try the Evah/Oliv, try the Magic, try the Liebenzeller meteorite dust rosin.'

March 12, 2015 at 11:45 AM · This is a dark rosin and is a bit more sticky. Use it sparingly and remove the rosin from strings occasionally. If you think you need to apply more, perhaps it is time to re-hair your bow.

March 12, 2015 at 12:13 PM · I've used only the dark Melos (not the light), so i don't know if they're comparable.....

But i slightly prefer the Melos over the Oliv (i've used in the past). In my opinion it gives more grip and clarity (which i prefer). And i like the smell.... :)

In fact, it's a bit more dustier......

Regarding the other couple of rosin mentioned: last year i used the Andrea Solo for 6 months, then the Magic Ultra for another 6 months, and recently i reverted to the Andrea Solo, because even if they're similar che Magic Ultra tended (with my playing and gear) to contribute to a more midrangey sound (with not much warmth).

I like the Andrea Solo better: i have a more fullrange sound with it (and less dust).

IMHO.

March 12, 2015 at 09:04 PM · I use Melos Light, and have a set of EPG on my violin right now.

If it's caking up, you're probably using way too much. I only rosin until the hair is able to make consistent contact, and gently wipe a bit to get rid of the really loose particles.