How to choose a bow rosin?
There are a lot of bow rosins on the market. Different thickness of strings uses different kinds of rosin. Generally, the thicker the string, the softer the rosin should be.
Student rosins are often cheaper, produces more powder when used, and are suitable for fiddlers. Most classical violinists prefer professional grade rosins, as they usually produce a smoother and controlled tone.
Rosin is usually categorized as light or dark, but is sometimes named for the season of preferred use, summer(light) or winter(dark). For violin and viola, light colored rosins are preferred, as they tend to be more dense and harder. They are also not as sticky as their darker counterpart. They produce a finer powder capable of grabbing the smaller strings.
Dark rosins, being very much softer, are used for thicker strings, especially the basses. They are also used more in cool, dry climates, as they will tend to become gummy in hot and humid conditions.
Some rosin makers add precious metals - gold, silver, lead-silver, copper - to their formulas. These metals will aid in producing different tonal qualities.
Gold rosins are generally preferred by solo violin players, as they will help to create a clearer and more focused tone. These rosins can also help to soften a harsh sounding instrument. Gold rosins are suitable for almost all instruments, helping them to produce warm and crystal clear tone.
Rosins with silver help instruments like the violin and viola to project a brighter and more focused tone. They are not used for thicker strings like the cello and bass.
Lead-silver rosin is used for the violin and viola, and provides the instrument with warm tones. They are soft, but unlike most dark rosins, they are not super stickey.
Copper rosins are best suited for beginner violins, especially 1/2 or 3/4 sizes. They help the students to play easier. Copper also helps produce warmer tones.
