Rosin

Which kind should I use? The answer really depends on your cello and strings, what will sound best. In fact rosin can affect your sound dramatically. But some rosins are better in humid climates, some are better in dry climates. If you have questions about rosin I would be happy to help. Here are some of the rosins I have tried. (Keep in mind these reviews are for Rosins that are used in a dry, Utah climate.)

I use "grab" to describe how easily the rosin starts the string vibrating. More "grab" is usually better as it will take less effort to start the string to vibrate, although too much "grab" sometimes leads to a harsher sound in my experience.

Cello:

Andrea (Cello Orchestra). Probably my favorite for my cello. It is a little brighter than Hill and Sons, more like Kolstein. It does, however have great "grab" to the strings allowing my cello to have a greater range of dynamics than any other rosin I have ever tried (brash fortes, extremely quite pianos, etc.) I prefer it for orchestra playing as it gives me a great blend into the orchestral sound. Its bright sound also matches Steinway piano's bright sound for soloing. I have not tried the cello solo rosin but I understand it has an ever brighter sound so the soloist can be heard over the orchestra.

Hill and Sons (dark). Nice mellow tone. One of my favorites for the tone quality on my cello and has fairly good "grab". I used this for many years and still keep it on my backup bow.

L'Opera Jade. Nice smooth tone--mellows out harsh strings. Not a lot of "grab" though, so if your cello doesn't speak very easily then this may not be the best. On the other hand a harsh sounding cello that does speak easily will sound much better with this one. Also it is synthetic, so for you who suffer from rosin allergies, its hypoallergenic formula and little to no rosin dust makes it a great choice.

Kolstein (Cello). Brighter sound than Hill and Sons with a little better "grab" to the strings. Tends to produce a bit of rosin dust though.

Bass:

Pops. Probably the best all around, certainly for jazz players although I know orchestra players use it as well. Great "grab" and bright sound.

Kolstein All Weather (Bass). Warmer tone than Pops but still has good "grab." Nice blending sound for orchestras. Produces quite a bit of rosin dust mess though so be sure to wipe of the bass after playing.

Ever wondered how rosin is made?

Here is a Strings Magazine artile on the topic.