Hey, everyone. A while ago made a post about starting the violin/cello, and I just started the violin! It's great, I love it, and it's not as hard as I thought it would be (was very nervous about it). Only thing is, I have no idea how to use the rosin!

My rosin is in a box, and it's this stickyish block with a sticker at the base and a cloth wrapped around it. How on earth do I apply the rosin? ( I don't even know what it's supposed to look like). Do I use the cloth or do I use the block? And do I need to peel the sticker off? I heard it's supposed to be powdery, but there's nothing powdery about this block. Sorry, a stupid question, I know, but my second lesson is in about a week (I just got my violin yesterday) and I've been practising quite a bit and I think I need to apply rosin, and I don't want to wait so long. Thanks in advance!

Violin rosin isn't powdery! Unless you smash it, but that's another story *hem*

To apply the rosin to the bow, you have to rub the sticky blocky part along the hair of the bow- if you run your finger along the bow afterwards you should probably find that you get a white sticky mark on your finger! (And don't put your finger in your mouth afterwards- it tastes horrible, and I speak from experience...)
The cloth is just to protect the rosin, I think, and I don't think you should peel the sticker off either unless it's preventing you from applying the rosin to the bow hair.

I'm not very good at explaining things, so I hope this helps!

Thanks so much. I think I get what you're trying to say. I'm not at home now but I'll try it again as soon as I get back. I think I tried doing what you said, but the strings kinda stuck to the rosin, and I got scared and stopped. Thanks, again. I'll let you know if I managed to get it done.

If you haven't done this before, best to mention - tighten the bow hairs first (the nut at the heel end of the bow, the end you hold) as if you're about to play, then rub the bow hairs along the rosin - don't press so hard that the wood of the bow rubs the rosin! Rub the bow up and down about 5 times at first (just a guess - your teacher will show you more)

If you get no sound when drawing the bow lightly across the strings you maybe need more resin. But don't overdo it!

When you've finished playing, wipe the strings around the bowing area to clean them of rosin. Use a soft cloth and take care not to rub the violin body.

Before you put the bow away, relax the hairs a little by unscrewing same nut. Don't put the bow away full tension.

Oops, I forgot to mention that you have to tighten the bow first. Thanks Rhapsodin!

Absolutement aucun problème, Cecilia...

As sevenblackittens is a beginner. I remember needing everything to be told me literally when I started on viola except like which end you stick under your chin. There was much bowing and scaping in those days. I was not blessed much by cat lovers!!! Nor viola players!


(Why aren't there any seasonal smilies???)

I didn't realise you were a viola player, Rhapsodin!

What insrtuments do you play Rhapsodin?

QUOTE (zoda @ Dec 26 2004, 08:06 PM)

I didn't realise you were a viola player, Rhapsodin!

I am a very modest viola player indeed, zoda! Got grade 4. If I play in this little ensemble thing we have going I make sure nothing goes above 3rd position!

QUOTE (Rhapsodin @ Dec 27 2004, 12:06 PM)

I am a very modest viola player indeed, zoda! Got grade 4. If I play in this little ensemble thing we have going I make sure nothing goes above 3rd position!

Oh dear. That concerto I was composing for you is entirely in 17.5th position. Oh well. I'll dedicate it to myself instead.

Hehe!!! Well c'mon Cheeble you don't seem to have noticed how far behind the rest of the world is. You are supreme

*blush*

of course! *bows* Regina Cheeblinia!! (OK I'll stop complimenting myself now)

QUOTE (cheeble @ Dec 27 2004, 08:05 PM)

That concerto I was composing for you is entirely in 17.5th position.

Is that the one in D for Viola and Irish Woohoo ("the woohoonded cat" concerto)?

QUOTE (zoda @ Dec 29 2004, 07:15 AM)

QUOTE (cheeble @ Dec 27 2004, 08:05 PM) That concerto I was composing for you is entirely in 17.5th position. Is that the one in D for Viola and Irish Woohoo ("the woohoonded cat" concerto)?

Yes it is!! I know Rhapsodin is very talented and can play both at once!

It has a manic spoon solo in the middle as well but I'm going to play that.

The cat is provided by any beginner violinists on this board that want to play in the premiere of a great work

QUOTE (cheeble @ Dec 29 2004, 10:12 AM)

I know Rhapsodin is very talented and can play both at once! It has a manic spoon solo in the middle as well but I'm going to play that. The cat is provided by any beginner violinists on this board that want to play in the premiere of a great work

Pesky RSPCA - I haven't heard this concerto on original instruments since they banned wounded cats.

I suppose if I asked you where the score is you would say, like Amadeus, "in my noodle".

Arrrr, and a tarp a' th' marning to ya, bejaize!

Oil jus' have a drahp o' the hard stoff and troi out this concerto, to be sure.

QUOTE

The cat is provided by any beginner violinists on this board that want to play in the premiere of a great work

Well I have 3 cats in fine voice, they could play for you, they are especially vocal when they are hungry!

actually, I don't think you should touch the bow hair as the oil from your skin will react [somehow] with the hair and rosin so that there will be a slick spot on the hair where no rosin will stick. I've noticed this darker brownish area near the frog of my bow [where thumb and index always rub against], so I guess it's true. If you have it then you should also avoid rosining that place so that you don't spread the oil along.

lol, when I started violin no one told me anything about rosin and when I got my first block I rubbed it all over my strings.

QUOTE (Keys @ Jan 13 2005, 06:44 PM)

lol, when I started violin no one told me anything about rosin and when I got my first block I rubbed it all over my strings.  :lol:

ouch! that must have made a really horrible sound!

but come to think of it... great cat music... *goes off to write cadenza for cats*

QUOTE (Rhapsodin @ Dec 27 2004, 12:06 PM)

I am a very modest viola player indeed, zoda! Got grade 4. If I play in this little ensemble thing we have going I make sure nothing goes above 3rd position!

I like 3rd position on the viola because (if I remember rightly) that's the one where I can just pretend I'm playing the violin and not worry about alto clef for a while!!!

Cadenza for cats? *boggle*

Because rubbing the rosin on the strings she imagines would sound like a bunch of cats screaming their heads off, I presume.

QUOTE (cheeble @ Jan 13 2005, 09:21 PM)

*goes off to write cadenza for cats*

It's easier if you play the cat like the bagpipes, I'm told.

You stick the cat under your right armpit, its backside facing front, like you, then bite its tail. Some cats might struggle along with the resulting melody so don't wear your best silk tops...

wouldn't it be easier and more hygenic to just pull on the cat's tail? I'm sure it would have much the same effect...

QUOTE (Rhapsodin @ Jan 14 2005, 11:07 AM)

It's easier if you play the cat like the bagpipes, I'm told. You stick the cat under your right armpit, its backside facing front, like you, then bite its tail. Some cats might struggle along with the resulting melody so don't wear your best silk tops...

Also attach a blackboard to your stomach and back so that the struggling cat can scratch out a beautiful tune.

(the blackboard can also act as an armour to protect your best silk tops)

I understand someone once made a cat organ. The cats were all lined up and their tails were pulled in pitch order so that they yowled out a tune. I think this was in the 1800s and I'm glad I wasn't there!
Cat

That was mentioned on the forums a few months ago- most people seemed to think it was a really awful idea!

Awww! Leave the poor kitties alone! *Nicki loves cats*

*Sets up Society Against Cat Organs*

i hate animals! * runs away before gets walloped by nicki*

Well if you don't like animals in general then that is OK, but if it is just a hate against cats, then you may not see your woohoo ever again.

its animals in general,honest! i want my woooooohooo!!

Honestly....?

Can I join the society against cat organs, Nicki?

honestly, iwant my woohoo and honestly i dont like animals!

Can I join the society against cat organs too, Nicki?

QUOTE (Rainbow @ Jan 15 2005, 11:26 PM)

Can I join the society against cat organs too, Nicki?

lol, that sounds like you're a society which is against cat hearts and livers and stuff....!

QUOTE

Can I join the society against cat organs, Nicki?

QUOTE

Can I join the society against cat organs too, Nicki?

Of course you can!

QUOTE

lol, that sounds like you're a society which is against cat hearts and livers and stuff....!

Oohh, well I'll have to think of a new name!!

QUOTE

Founder of "Society Against Cats As Musical Instruments"

I changed my signature to the above
Now, I am sure I am going to get some puns fired in my direction *puts up umbrella*

I love animals too...

And I'm against the cat organ as such...

But the concerto I'm writing is for a beginner violinist making a noise like a cat.

Cats are not involved unless they are in the audience.

However, I must state that I am not going to join your society as I do not wish to change the name of my "Woohoonded Cat" concerto.

can i have my woohoo back now pleeeease?

QUOTE

Cats are not involved unless they are in the audience.

Well that is alright. I don't mind things imitating cats, but not cats being played like a musical instrument in a cruel way.

Nat, you can have your woohoo back.

QUOTE (nicki_flute @ Jan 16 2005, 02:27 PM)

Nat, you can have your woohoo back.

yipeeee woooooooooooooooohooooooooo!

thanks!

QUOTE (nicki_flute @ Jan 16 2005, 08:21 AM)

QUOTE Founder of "Society Against Cats As Musical Instruments" I changed my signature to the above Now, I am sure I am going to get some puns fired in my direction *puts up umbrella*

SACAMI. Nice

Speaking of cat, I heard that there are cat that is made into Bonsai kittens.

I've seen that site... pretty horrible

Yup.

Not to sound heartless but I heard that the Bonsai Kittens thing was just a hoax. And I really hope it is.

To get back to the original topic:

If you get too much rosin dust on the body of the violin it can stain it black. Make sure you always rub it off with a duster. If it has stuck, use a little olive oil on cotton wool and dab at it - it produces an absolutely fabulous shine and looks good as new!

I don't think it is, I heard an programme on the radio about it a while ago...

I just can't believe that anyone would be that immoral. Oh well. Perhaps not everyone's as nice as the people I know.

Ergh...ahh wait, I remember there is something on the RSPCA site about it...*goes to investigate*