Best
Overall Cello Rosin
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Overall: Resin is extracted from living pine trees to be as fresh as possible.
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Best Feature: Available in a light and dark rosin colour.
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TedScore™: 8/10
Best
for Beginner Cello Rosin
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Overall: Tonal complexity and crisp articulation
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Best Feature: High-quality cake rosin at an affordable price.
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TedScore™: 7/10
Best
Budget Cello Rosin
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Overall: The first few years of playing
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Best Feature: The recipe for this rosin combines wax and resin which makes it long-lasting
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TedScore™: 6/10
Are you searching for the best cello rosin? It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the many brands and varieties available when buying cello rosin.
That’s why we’ve provided this overview which guides you through the best cello rosin available so that you can pick the right type of rosin that is perfectly suited to your playing level and musical instrument.
What is Rosin?
Rosin is hardened tree sap. Natural resins are extracted from pine trees and are then purified and solidified.
This creates a sticky substance which sets into a cake form, or if it is of a stickier texture it is poured into a plastic box. You can then apply this substance to the hair of your cello bow.
Why Use a Cello Rosin?
It’s easy to overlook how important rosin is for string instruments! The right type of rosin which is perfectly suited to your individual musical instrument and playing needs can really improve your performance.
Rosin works by creating enough friction on the hair of your cello bow to grip the strings better, causing them to vibrate and make a resonant sound.
While beginner cellists might look for basic rosins which can help them to make a consistent sound, a more advanced or professional cellist might like to experiment with premium brands of rosin which can help them to enhance a specific tonal quality on their instrument, increase resonance for solo playing and refine their cello bow grip and articulation.
Which is Better? Dark Rosin or Light Rosin?
Light and dark shades of rosin are suitable for different stringed instrument from the violin family- violins, violas, cellos and double basses.
Usually, light rosins are most suitable for violin and viola while medium and dark rosins are suitable for cello and double bass.
How to Choose the Best Cello Rosin
The first factors to consider when choosing the best rosin for your cello are your playing level and budget.
If you are choosing a budget rosin, some important considerations are the packaging and form of the rosin and whether the rosin has dust-free adhesion. If your rosin is well protected in a protective satin-like cloth pouch or a plastic container, it will last for years and will be better value for money.
Low dust rosins are easier to clean and won’t affect the varnish on your instrument.
More advanced cellists and professional cello players might want to upgrade to an expensive rosin.
Some important considerations when choosing the best cello rosin for your needs would be your instrument’s tonal requirements, which string type you are using and even the climate.
7 Best Cello Rosin to Buy
Hidersine AB Cello rosin
If you are a beginner cellist, then you don’t need to worry too much about subtle differences between various types of rosin. At the earliest stages of learning it’s most important to use a reliable brand which will help your bow to better grip the string and create an even and consistent sound.
DESIGNED FOR: The first few years of playing
FEATURES: The recipe for this rosin combines wax and resin which makes it long-lasting. Dark cello rosins provide suitable richness in sound.
OTHER INFO: Packaged in a cloth wrap.
Hidersine AB Cello Rosin
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Inexpensive, long-lasting, clear and consistent tone
- Packaging isn't very protective
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
D'Addario Kaplan Artcraft rosin
This rosin is a step up in price point, and quality and beginners and intermediate string players alike can use it. It is manufactured in the US using an original recipe which was created by the violin maker Ladislav Kaplan.
DESIGNED FOR: Tonal complexity and crisp articulation
FEATURES: High-quality cake rosin at an affordable price. Wrapped in a soft cloth and packaged in a flannel pouch.
OTHER INFO: A soft rosin with a balanced thickness when applied helps you create a balanced sound with crisp articulation.
D'Addario Kaplan Artcraft rosin
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Easy application.
- Soft rosin that works particularly well for synthetic or gut strings and in cold climates.
- Low dust residue which is easy to clean.
- If you prefer a smooth glide with the bow then their lighter rosin would give better results.
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Pirastro goldflex rosin
Pirastro strings are a reputable German brand that produces excellent cello strings, and they also make a great range of rosins. Their Goldflex rosin has small flecks of gold inside which help to produce an extra smooth grip on the string. It is harder and drier than other cello rosins from their range such as the Pirastro Cellisto Cello Rosin, and it is more suited to steel strings.
DESIGNED FOR: Cellists who wish to have a smooth and silky sound without too much grip or grittiness.
FEATURES: Gold flecks are mixed with the rosin for an extra smooth grip.
OTHER INFO: Suitable for all string types but might match particularly well musical instruments with steel strings.
Pirastro goldflex rosin
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Extra smooth consistency.
- A hard rosin which works particularly well with steel strings, in warm climates or on instruments with a very bright tone.
- Not much crunch to the articulation.
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Melos cello rosin
Melos cello rosins are handmade in Greece and are made from the finest fresh pine tree resin.
This is a professional quality rosin that is handmade from completely natural ingredients in Greece.
DESIGNED FOR: Earthy, warm and bright tone
FEATURES: Resin is extracted from living pine trees to be as fresh as possible. Available in a light and dark rosin colour.
OTHER INFO: All natural ingredients.
Melos cello rosin
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Easy to apply.
- Fresh ingredients.
- Light rosin is recommended for warmer climates and summer weather, whereas the darker formula is recommended for cold climates.
- While it is good to have the option of a lighter or darker colour, you might prefer a medium cello rosin which is more suitable for year-round application.
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Kolstein Cello rosin, medium
This is a top quality brand that is manufactured in Germany. It is often used by professional cellists and is seen as a quality benchmark.
DESIGNED FOR: Smooth and even sound with a good amount of grip.
FEATURES: Packed in a fabric bag and a storage box.
OTHER INFO: Medium formulation
Kolstein Cello Rosin
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Minimal rosin dust residue, beautifully smooth performance with good grip.
- Excellent with all string types.
- Handy pouch for storage.
- Cost; above average price
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Leatherwood baroque cello rosin
One of the few bespoke cello rosins available which have been specially designed for gut strings
DESIGNED FOR: Bringing out the resonant qualities and the response of gut strings
FEATURES: Sustainably sourced ingredients from Australia
OTHER INFO: Boxed rosin in a case made from Australian timber with an Australian deer leather outer wrap.
Leatherwood baroque cello rosin
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Excellent projection and response, all ingredients are sustainably sourced
- Cost; very expensive
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Hill premium dark rosin
A premium rosin from W. E. Hill and Sons
DESIGNED FOR: Advanced musicians and professionals
FEATURES: Handmade
OTHER INFO: Encased in a solid maplewood box.
Hill premium dark rosin
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Extra grip and controlled release.
- Low dust.
- Excellent projection.
- Cost; above average
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Tips on How to Use Rosin on Cello
Over time you will develop a feel for how much rosin is necessary for your bow. The more you play, the more often you need to apply rosin!
Tighten the bow hair before application and then hold the bow in one hand and rosin cake in the other. Glide the rosin down the hair of the bow from frog to tip. Start with 3-5 swipes, and if you feel you need more, you can repeat the process. It’s better to start with too little rosin rather than too much rosin and reapply as necessary.
Some rosins will have relatively dust-free adhesion while some powdered rosin creates quite a lot of residue. Remember to clean the rosin from your strings when you’ve finished playing with a dry cleaning cloth or a microfiber cloth to prevent dust residue from building up.
Best Cello Rosin
Summary
Rosin is an important tool for cellists, along with other accessories such as a good bow, strings and a cello case! Choosing the best cello rosin for your needs is a very individual process.
If you are a beginner, look for a rosin which will help you to make a consistent and smooth sound. It is also important that the rosin is well packaged and that it doesn’t create too much dust.
If you are an advanced cellist, you may wish to consider a rosin which will match your specific instrument and its tonal needs.
A light rosin will be harder, and it will create a smooth sound. This suits a very bright instrument, steel strings, or hot tropical climates. A dark rosin will be stickier, and it will provide tonal complexity and articulation, making it suitable for gut or synthetic strings and cold weather.
Some premium brands of rosin will also contain tiny metal flakes, which will bring out various tonal qualities, or they might have a bespoke formula which is suitable for gut strings.
