The Art of Cello Blog

How some free rosin saved me $2,000

In this post I want to suggest how everything is linked and even the rosin you choose can impact your sound - more than you might think.

I use a carbon Fibre bow, and I love it but I noticed, over time, my sound was not as clean or articulated as it has been, and in addition I seemed to have to add rosin to the bow frequently - more than before. The thing is, I had these problems even when I changed my rosin 3 times.

So I was thinking, maybe I need to explore a new bow. I was planning to invest around $2,000 and upwards. My Codabow wasn't cheap (GX Diamond) and so I wasn't happy having to look again for another bow.

And then I bought a cello endpin anchor from a shop and I needed some more rosin. I wanted to try something different and there were not many familiar bands to choose from - I selected a Nyman cello rosin. At the till, I was told the rosin was free - I am not Sure why, but I didn't complain.

As soon as I tried it, I was blown away! My sound was clear, my C string sounded beautiful and I didn't have to put more rosin on my bow. I have only played my cello once and am now writing this article.

But I wondered - what is going on? I was about to buy a new bow and now I don't feel I need one. Well, it's not about the Nyman rosin being the world's best rosin - it's about the best rosin for my setup.

Thinking more on this, I realised what a long journey the cellist embarks on with his or her instrument.

When you have finally got the cello that is right for you, you then need to:

• Find The best setup (i.e Bridge type/endpin type etc)

• Find the strings that best match your instrument

• Find the bow that best matches your instrument

• Find the rosin that best matches your bow

and by extension one assumes your strings and your instrument.

I now believe I have found a great rosin for my set up and am truly impressed at the impact it has had on my playing and sound.

I'll keep you posted if this changes!