Pirastro Oliv - Evah Rosin, 900100

Pirastro Oliv - Evah Rosin, 900100

Since the 10th to 12th century, people have used resin from fir and pine trees for painting and waterproofing wooden boats. At the same time, people in the Eastern Mediterranean were looking for ways to improve their stringed instruments. At first, they used sticks to provide a rough surface for striking sheep gut strings. Later, bows of long horse hair instead of sinew proved the best method. A layer of rosin paste on bow hair improved both sound and response.

Natural resin is collected from pine trees in autumn and combined with distilled turpentine oil. Natural resin is heated in a pot to evaporate water while impurities within the hot resin fall to the bottom. Finally, pure liquid resin can be skimmed and cooled down. Pure French and North American resin is light yellow, while German resin tends to brown. The final rosin cake musicians use is made via a procedure where resin is heated again, combined with oils and other essential ingredients, and then poured into a cake form.

High-quality rosin allows flawless bowing without scratching, especially when the bow has only a thin layer of rosin. Violinists and violists usually prefer a hard rosin, while cellists use a medium rosin, and double bassists use a softer or stickier rosin. Steel or synthetic strings work well with dry or harder rosin, while gut strings often play best with soft rosin. Frequently, players prefer soft rosin for the studio and harder rosin in concert.

Dry rosin is best in warm or hot environments and soft rosin in cold climates. Removing rosin after playing using a soft, dry cloth is usually best. Be careful with string cleaners. Alcohol can damage your instrument's surface. Do not use or apply rosin near open flame.

UPC: 778416766864