If you decide to change rosin what do you do about the build-up on your bow? Can bow hair be cleaned?

I'm not planning to chuck my bow in the bath with the dog-shampoo but it must have my current horrid sticky rosin well rubbed into the hairs by now.

Or does it all really matter and wouldn't I be better off eating strawberries in the rain instead of worrying about my violin for the millionth time.....

Some people say that you should clean your bow hair before using a new rosin (they recommend using a light shampoo, protecting the stick, and cleaning he hair thoroughly before combing it straight and leaving it to dry for a day or so - then combing it again before use).

On my luthier's advice, I've always just taken a clean, lint-free cloth and wiped the bow hair a good few times (gently and avoiding touching it with my fingers) until the hair leaves no more white streaks on the cloth. Then I put my new rosin on. Seems to work for me, although my new brand of rosin is staying forever because I love it so much!

Which brand is that?

I'd be too scared to shampoo my bow

Eventually the hair will want replacing anyway, and I wouldn't want to risk damage to the stick. Maybe I'm just a coward!!! LOL!

I have never given my bow a shampoo but I believe you are supposed to be careful not to let water get into the ends of the hairs where they are attached or the whole lot can suddently just fall out at one end.

Yes, which brand do you love so much - is it one of these gold-fleck ones? (They sounds soooo pretty )

Nope, it's not! It's a French brand which is primarily produced for sale in the States (it's green and apparently they like green rosin there... odd), it's a little stickier than pure violin rosin, but not as sticky as cello rosin, so I use it on violin and viola with no trouble and it gives a nice round tone.

it's called Jade and you can get it in the UK from Dance of Delight http://www.danceofdelight.co.uk/catalog/pr...products_id=109

I like it lots! But them I am a dirty big fiddler...

Allan

BWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA

You, Miss Priss, have a gutter mind....

(tee hee)