Violin Rosin

What does rosin do? Rosin is rubbed on the hairs of the bow to provide grip between the hairs and the string. Dark rosin is more thick and sticky and grips the string more. You want to use dark rosin if you want more power and sound with your violin. It's also better to used if you live in a less humid climate.The lighter rosin gives you a more clean smooth sound. This is best to use if you live in a very humid climate. If you're not sure which kind to use, go with the lighter rosin since that is the most liked by most violinists.

There are a several different makers of violin rosin. There are all kinds of brands for beginner violin rosin, which comes molded into a piece of wood so it is easy for young violinists to use. Any brand is fine, because there isn't much quality difference. 

The higher quality rosins have slight differences, so you may have to try a few to choose which kind you like best. Pirastro makes a good rosin and they make a Obligato rosin and Goldflex rosin, which is very popular. The Gold flex has a light color which makes the bow have a smoother sound. Hill makes good violin rosin, both light and dark, and is a more cost effective option for students. Bernadel is another brand of rosin which is used by most professional violinists. Melso is an all natural rosin, if you'd like to go more "green". There is also Dominant, Motrya Gold, Larsen, Hypoallergenic, Kaplan, Andrea, Hidersine, Kolstein, and AB. 

I used the beginner rosin up until high school. When I began high school, I got a new violin and bow, so it made sense to switch to a higher quality rosin. I've been using AB (dark) and I've loved the sound it gives me. 

If you're a beginner and still elementary school age, use the beginner / cheapest rosin. Once you are more advanced, switching rosins can help your tone and improve your sound. 

The video below tells you about rosin and applying it to the bow.