The Original Hill Dark Rosin For Violin - Viola - Cello

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.

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.

In the course of my career I've tried many many different rosins, borrowing from friends or even from violinists (gasp!) but I keep coming back to Hill Dark. For my cello it has the perfect balance of warmth and brightness, and I can play a 3-hour rehearsal without re-applying. Absolutely the best in my book.

Applies evenly and allows for smooth playing

I was trying to re-order the same rosin that my band of fiddlers had been using for the last five years, but this is not the same as the older W. E. Hill Dark Rosin. I contacted the company, and they said what we had been using (exactly like the picture) was a "much older rosin" than what they are selling now. The stuff we bought was not as grippy as the older stuff and greatly affects tone, as it takes more downward pressure on the bow to get the same sound.

The rosin itself is good quality for a beginner or intermediate player. It has a green tone to it unlike the picture, but it is strong and gives your bow a nice bite. Great for winter practices/performances and will give older strings a richer sound even as they tend to dull with age.The product arrived partially melted, but is still usable. The rosin also easily came off the foam/cloth cover it was set in. However, the button tie is nice and very protective. Overall, i’d like to see an improvement in quality control and quality of protective material if I decide to purchase another.

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.