Violin rosin is a very sticky substance, usually made from pine sap, that all bowed instrument players need to know when to use. This substance is rubbed on the bow in order to make it sticky in order to help produce quality sound when you run it across instrument strings. Without rosin, there won’t be much sound produced when the bow runs over the strings.

Our Top 3 Picks

D'Addario Natural Rosin, Light VR22
  • D'Addario Natural Rosin, Light VR22
  • 5 out of 5
    Our rating
  • Amazon bestseller
  • Price: See Here
Jade L'Opera JADE Rosin for Violin, Viola, and Cello
  • Jade L'Opera JADE Rosin for Violin, Viola, and Cello
  • 4.6 out of 5
    Our rating
  • affordable price point
  • Price: See Here
The Original Bernardel Rosin For Violin - Viola - Cello
  • The Original Bernardel Rosin For Violin - Viola - Cello
  • 4.2 out of 5
    Our rating
  • less sticky
  • Price: See Here

 

There are several different types of violin rosin that you can buy, and there are subtle differences between them all. Here are some of our favorite violin rosin products as well as explanations on what each one does to help you decide what is right for you and your instrument.

1. D’Addario Natural Rosin, Light

D’Addario rosin is an Amazon bestseller, and for a good reason. Not only is this product extremely cheap, but it also works with both synthetic and horsehair bows. The D’Addario rosin is all natural, and comes with a great plastic grip that helps application be super easy and not messy.

This particular product is a light rosin, meaning it is a bit firmer and less sticky than dark rosin alternatives. If you live in a hot environment, or somewhere with a lot of humidity, a light rosin will be a great choice for you, as the heat and moisture will make the light rosin a bit stickier.

This rosin is a great choice that will help your violin produce an excellent sound without breaking the bank.

2. Jade L’Opera JADE Rosin for Violin, Viola, and Cello

Jade is another company that produces best selling violin rosin products at an affordable price point. Some rosins can be messy and produce a lot of dust when used, but this rosin is dust free when adhered and will not scratch fine varnishes.

This is a high quality rosin produced in France that is sure to stick nicely to your strings to produce an excellent tone. This rosin may be used with violins, violas, or cellos, and can be used on all types of strings (including synthetic ones).

3. The Original Bernardel Rosin For Violin – Viola – Cello

Bernardel rosin is a medium rosin that can be used for either the violin, viola, or cello. A medium rosin will be stickier than a light rosin, but less sticky than a dark rosin. This is a great in-between product that will work for a wide variety of players.

This violin rosin is slightly more expensive than other products, but is still very affordable, and is a great quality product. You do not have to use a lot of this rosin for it to be effective, and it also does not produce a lot of dust when applied.

4. Pirastro Goldflex Rosin For Violin – Viola – Cello

Pirastro’s rosin is different from all others on this list because it contains gold flecks in it in order to give your bow a better grip on your strings. This rosin will help you produce an amazing quality tone when you play your instrument.

You may use this rosin for the violin, viola, or cello. This is the most expensive rosin on this list, but it is worth the money for the quality rosin you are receiving. Pirastro is a company that has been around for over 200 years, so simply stated; this company knows what they are doing. Because you do not have to use a lot of this product to rosin your bow, it will last you a very long time.

5. The Original Hill Dark Rosin For Violin – Viola – Cello

Finally, if you are looking for a quality dark rosin, this is the one for you. As a dark rosin, this product is a bit softer and stickier, making it ideal for players living in drier or colder climates.

This rosin will grip to your bow better than a light rosin, and is also suitable for violins, violas, and cellos. The application of this rosin is incredibly smooth and will not take a lot of effort. At an affordable price, this is a great rosin to try, especially if you are in a dry or cool climate.

Final Thoughts On Choosing the Best Violin Rosin

All of the rosins on this list are of great quality and will give you an amazing tone when playing your instrument.

If you are looking for a light rosin that is firmer and not as sticky, try the D’Addario or Jade rosin. For a more medium rosin, Bernardel is a great product, as well as Pirastro which has gold flecks to give it more grip than a light rosin. Finally, Hill rosin is a great dark rosin if that is what you are in the market for.