Lessons for Beginners
Stringed Instruments Beginner's Guide
How to Handle a Violin
Parts of the Bow and How to Choose a Rosin

Parts of the Bow and How to Choose a Rosin

The violin is played with a bow. The bow is a very important part of the instrument that determines the tone color, although the violin itself tends to catch your eyes. The bow is coated with rosin, but there are various types. It's hard to explain everything, but I'm going to briefly talk about bows and rosins.

Is the ‘bow’ an accessory?

When we talk about the violin, the violin itself tends to be the main topic. However, in fact, the bow is not an accessory but it’s an essential part which determines the tone color. Various types of bows are available, and the prices also vary. It’s difficult to explain the ‘bow’ in one word, but I would like to talk about the bow in further detail.

Learn the Parts of the Bow

Stick and Head

The whole part that looks like a rod is called the ‘stick’. The top end of the stick is called the ‘head’.

Tip/Wedge

The white part on the head is called the ‘tip’.

Frog

The black part that is held by the right hand is called the ‘frog’.
The screw (button) is the metal part that is attached to the frog.

Ferrule/Wedge

The ferrule is a metal half-moon shaped part where the bow hair comes out from the frog side.
The wedge is pushed into the ferrule to affix the hair. There are wedges inside the frog and on the head side to affix the hair, but in different shapes.

Hair (Horse Tail Hair)

The bow hair is bleached and degreased horse tail hair. Most of them are imported from China with different grades and various prices.

There are more detailed parts actually, but it’s only necessary to remember the names of these bow parts.

Rosin

You may think that rosin is a solid block of pine tree sap, but rosin used for musical instruments is actually a mixture of various rosins depending on the manufacturer. The texture is mixed according to the string instrument. Sticky rosin is for contrabass and cello bows and a smooth powdery mix is made for violin bows.

You can’t use rosin meant for contrabass bows on a violin bow or vice versa, so pay attention to the labels when buying it.

Standard Rosins

Bernardel
(France)

Bernardel is the world standard. If you don’t know what to buy, you can’t go wrong with this one.
Hidersine
(United Kingdom)

A major brand that comes with most beginner kits
Pirastro Schwartz
(Germany)

The Pirastro rosin has a wide lineup, but it is versatile that can be used for either violin and cello.

These are considered the standard rosins brands in the string world. Actually, each manufacturer sells various types of rosins.

It may be a good idea to try a new rosin when you buy a new bow. Usually, you can feel a significant difference as if you changed the instrument itself as soon as you start using a new bow and rosin.
Please contact Sound House for further information and assistance. We will be happy to answer your questions.