What's the difference between dark and light rosin?

Question

And which do you think is better?

Answer 1

Light rosin is normally used by violinists, violists and cellist. Dark rosin in normally used by string bassists. When I was in college many years ago, I was told (although I am not sure that I believe them) that the violin, viola and cello belong to 'the violin family' which is why they do things so differently from string bassists because technically the modern string bass belongs to 'the viol family'. I know that the modern string bass is derived from the viol but there have been some significant modifications during the past two hundred years which may (or may not) have changed some of the superstitious stuff related to the string bass being so different from the other modern, bowed string instruments. I have played the violin for many years and took a semester of string bass but I am not sure that I really believe it is important to use different kinds of rosin for different instruments.

Answer 2

I use hill dark rosin. I have never used the light before. I have used other light rosins but found that they didn't grab the string as well, or sound as smooth. They didn't seem to stick as well. In fact, nearly all of the other violinist I know use dark. Believe it or not, a lot depends on where you live. (climate, humidity, etc.) Certain rosins work better in dry climates and vice versa. Your violin, bow, strings, type of bow-hair and playing style all factor in as well. It's mostly a matter of personal choice. Some people actually use one type of rosin for the "base coat" and apply a different type over that. I would ask other violinists in your area what they like and/or use. You can also ask a local bow maker what they recommend. Rosin is pretty cheap so you can always try it out and see what you think. Oh, you should get new rosin every year or so because it does stop working as well. Hope this helps.

Answer 3

I prefer to use dark rosin on any stringed instrument. It's simply my preference. When playing the contrabass, I definitely prefer to use honest-to-God bass rosin. I've tried regular dark rosin and bass rosin and there is a definite difference in the sound quality.

Answer 4

Dark rosin is softer and stickier, and so is good for getting the bow to bite on the strings of a cello and bass. Light rosin is better for violins and violas.

Answer 5

glinzek told you the difference and which is better depends on how you bow ... being first a cellist and then expanding to violin and viola I have to use light rosin on the violin and viola bows because I tend to be more heavy handed because of all those years of cello playing

Answer 6

wat?