The Original Hill Dark Rosin For Violin - Viola - Cello

This was a gift for a grandchild.

Great sound, and great value for money; it's rather weird when opening and closing it, but overall perfect for anyone looking for quality rosin.

I have never played a string instrument, but purchased this for my son, who has just started learning to play the violin at school (3rd grade.)Everyjoy Music was the seller for our cake of rosin, and the product was sent in an appropriately sized padded envelope. It arrived undamaged. Shipment was in the autumn, in case temperature plays a role with rosin. (I really don't know if it does.)My son, at first glance, told me I had purchased the wrong thing because it didn't look like the rosin that all his friends got with their violin rentals. (I.e., this product was not in a plastic case.) I told him my internet research suggested this was another viable form of packaging, and, furthermore, that this rosin appeared to be better for use in our climate as winter approached and the weather became very dry and cold. He was very suspicious and doubtful, but his teacher said I was correct and showed him how to use this type of rosin, so now he is satisfied.Since I, as a non-string-player, had simply been instructed to provide "rosin" and "a music stand", I relied entirely upon online reviews and blogs when making my purchasing decisions to support my son's new endeavor. It can be very intimidating to be in this position as there is clearly so much to be learned, which is a large part of why I am bothering to write this review.I have nothing useful to add as to how this product affects the quality of playing the instrument since my child is still working on Hot Cross Buns and Twinkle Twinkle Little Star, but he hasn't managed to destroy this rather-more-expensive cake of rosin in a few weeks, so it is perfectly meeting our needs. I have seen him zealously apply the rosin to his bow, and I don't notice any kind of dust flying about, so I'm happy about that (as housekeeper in residence.)

I'm primarily a cellist and have been using medium-dark rosins in the past, but never have I used such a powerful rosin before. I know they say it's for violins, violas, and cellos, but I'd never use this on my violin personally. Maybe if I was a fed up second chair who was tired of being overshadowed by some pompous concert master and just wanted to blow them out of the water with a wall of sound I'd use this rosin on my violin, but really I think it's best if you just stick to using it on cellos (perhaps for violas as well, as they tend to be covered up easily in orchestra playing).I wish I had this rosin back in my busking days when I'd play at crowded farmers markets and had to project over the background noise. Seriously, the magnitude of sound is really surprising. This does come at a cost though, the sound has a crunchy texture and clumsy handling compared to other rosins. Flawless, unnoticeable entrances and string initiations may prove more difficult to get perfect. For airy and light playing this may not be the best choice of rosin, or for louder cellos trying to blend into an orchestra. But if you're playing a concerto and have to sing out over a thick orchestral part, look no further.The rosin goes on well but leaves a thick, coarse dust. It comes off easily but be sure to clean your strings frequently, this rosin will build up if given the chance, so keep a rag on hand to clean your strings after every practice (a good habit for any rosin, but especially helpful here).Overall I'm quite please and am glad to add this rosin to my selection.

The Original Hill Dark Rosin for the Violin is probably one of the finest rosins in the world, and certainly the finest at the price through Amazon. Hill has been formulating the finest rosins in England since 1762. They arrive not in a box or other awkward container taking up limited room in your violin case, but a small pouch tied about with a looped ribbon which attaches to a button on the opposite side. Each time the rosin is used, the pouch forms its own rosin holder to protect the rosin from one's hands and clothing. After application, the pouch is closed, and ribbon is wrapped about the top, and seals around an attractive button. This is just the beginning. The Original Hill Dark Rosin for the Violin applies smoothly, uniformly, and leaves very little rosin dust on my violin after playing. It clings to the bow very well, and when compared to lesser quality brands which typically leave a visible pile of rosin below the bridge, Hill's leaves almost none. I have never had to reapply rosin with Original Hill Dark Rosin for the Violin, and it typically lasts through several sessions of practice and play. It is slightly more expensive than others on the market, but it is worth every cent per gram. I have found that the dark rosin is the finest of them all, and provides a larger "sweet spot" for contact while still offering great flexibility.

The rosin was easy to use easy to store and instantly effective.

This is truly one of the best rosins I've tried. This is a dark rosin most suitable for winter playing, but of such high quality that it is usable in all climates. There is minimal dust, and the sparse residue left on the strings of my violin is easily removed. There is virtually no caking, even after hours of practice. Hopefully, you clean off your instrument after each use. This rosin makes cleaning a breeze.I use this on my violin, a 19th Century copy of a 17th Century Albani instrument. Original Hill Dark Rosin is a perfect compliment to the Pirastro gut core strings. Bowing is far more responsive without sounding harsh. Tone is even and pleasant, with no raspiness or scratchiness.The rosin cake comes handsomely packaged. There is no box, but the velveteen padded shell is sufficient. In the spring and summer months, I also use the Pirastro Goldflex rosin. I would recommend both.