Hi All,

A couple of silly little question if you don't mind.

Is it possible to over do it with rosin. What effect would you hear if to much has been used, to know that it's been over used. IE: jumping, whistling ETC.

If so, how do you remove excess, if possible.

Rachel.

It will generally give a scratchy sound and cause a big build up of dust on the fiddle.

you probably know you have too much if after 5 minutes playing you have a layer of snow around your bridge area

No, It's more like a dusting of frost LOL. But i;m getting a jump from the bow at about 4" from kermit the frog, it's annoying as i cant seem to make it stop unless i play really slowly or very gently.

Rachel

Yup, a common problem, but one my teacher very definitely 'tsk!'-ed at. (Not from me, I hasten to add, I was describing what I'd seen on someone else's instrument.)

How long have you been playing Libitina?

Is your bow too tight? This can make it jumpy or bouncy...

Not long, should have done started years ago. but picking up quite well. I think.
rach

Mmm, 'not long' isn't too informative! I know what you mean though...

I was wondering if it was a problem of technique or a technology, if you see what I mean. Not that I'm in any position to comment with great authority - I'm no expert violist, that's for certain, but I know a bow can bounce in odd places in the earlier stages or it can be an equipment problem.

What does your teacher say?

Sorry, I've only had the acoustic about 5 weeks and only had 3 lessons. but practiced on an electric for about a month before that. Technique or technology I wouldn't have a clue, Ill ask my teacher on saturday.

Rachel.

In the beginning I put too much rosin on my bow and it made a horrid scratching sound because it had really built up. I changed bow and am more careful now!!

Lottie, you didn't change because you put too much rosin surely??? you just play and play and it will wear off eventually right? or is there something I don't know

If you've only been playing a few weeks, there's a very big change that the bowing issues and sound issues are down to you rather than your bow or rosin - it will get better as you practise - bowing is something you'll still feel like you haven't mastered in ten years time!

Yes, that's what I was thinking.

Still, if you're getting a dusting of frost on the body of your instrument from rosin, then you are indeed over-rosining and need to do it far less. One quick go with the rosin once a week (or less often) for a beginniner is quite enough. There should be none visible anywhere on the violin, except on the strings you've been playing. Won't hurt to get that right either!

Allan's right though - bowing will get better with practise and always ask your teacher who can comment on your progress and playing before asking on-forum, 'cos we can't see you and s/he can!