Cello Basics 03: About Your Bow & Rosin

Your bow is as important as the cello itself. To produce a clear sound, you need to know how to set it up, care for it, and apply rosin correctly.

The bow is made of a wooden stick (traditionally Pernambuco) strung with horsehair.
The screw at the end of the bow adjusts the tension. Turning it left loosens the hair, turning it right tightens it.
When tightened correctly, the bow hair should be far enough from the stick that the wood and hair do not touch while playing.
Avoid over-tightening. You should still see a gentle curve in the stick. If the stick becomes completely straight, the bow loses flexibility and the sound suffers.

Never touch the bow hair with your fingers. Oils and dirt transfer easily and reduce grip on the strings.
Keep the hair clean and avoid contact with anything but the rosin and the strings.

Rosin creates the necessary friction between bow hair and strings. There are many types available; some are stickier, others smoother. Experiment to find what you like.
Hold the rosin carefully, it breaks easily if dropped. Keep it in its case when not in use.
Place your thumb lightly over the silver part of the bow while applying rosin. This helps protect both the bow and the rosin.
Move the bow hair back and forth along the rosin, from frog to tip. Apply evenly so the whole length of the bow grips.
If you see clouds of rosin dust while playing, you have applied too much. If the bow slips or “skates” across the string, you need more.

After playing, wipe rosin dust gently from the stick. Avoid touching the hair.
From time to time, a bow maker can clean the stick thoroughly during a re-hair.
Always loosen the bow before putting it away to preserve the natural curve of the wood.

A light application every time you practise is usually best.
Adjust according to how much you play. More frequent practice may require more frequent rosin, but a little goes a long way.

By keeping your bow well maintained and rosined, you will get the best sound from your cello and avoid unnecessary wear on your instrument.