One of the first things everyone should do when they get their hands on a brand new violin or bow is to apply Rosin to it. 

Rosin is a made from processed tree sap and is often made as a small rectangle or round shape. If you forget to do so you will find out that there will be no sound when you try to play your violin. 

First thing you will want to do is tighten up your bow as if you are going to play. To check if the tension is right, you should be able to put your pinkie between the hair and the stick in the middle of the bow, so that it just barely passes through. 

After you have made sure the bow is properly tightened, you are ready to apply the Rosin. 

If you have a new pack of Rosin you will see that it has quite shiny and smooth sides. You can start applying it like that, but it will take some time to create that powdery consistency that you want. Alternatively, you should take a pair of scissors and just scratch the surface of the Rosin with them a little bit. This will instantly create the powder and make the whole process much quicker. 

After you have prepared your Rosin, you should grip the bow in a proper bow hold like when you are playing the violin and slide the hair across the Rosin. 

The first time you apply the Rosin on a new bow you should do it much longer than usual since there will be none leftover from last time. The hair should be visably whiter in colour with an even layer of powder. 

The last thing you have to do is test if you have applied enough Rosin, and the best way to do this is by playing. If you find the bow is slipping or the sound is not consistent just reapply the Rosin and test again until you get it right. 

If you had any further questions about applying Rosin you can always come to our shop and ask our friendly staff.