Are you ready to try a new brand of violin rosin? Are you looking for a new chromatic tuner to help tune your violin? Other helpful violin products include metronomes, peg compound, violin cleaner, violin fingering tape, and heavy practice mutes so you can practice more quietly. Learn more about these useful products in the overview section at the bottom of the page.

Violin Rosin and Extras Overview

Rosin gives the bow hair friction so it can grip the violin string and produce a clear sound. Without rosin, the bow will slide across the string and produce a faint whispery sound or no sound at all. Rosin is generally shaped in round or oblong cakes. A good rosin helps the bow grip the string without sounding overly rough or coarse. Although many violinists use a light-colored rosin, some prefer darker rosins, which are softer and often feel a bit grippier. You may want to try several brands until you find one you like best. For more on how to use rosin, visit our Rosin & Sound page.

Fingerboard tape is often used by beginning violinists. Some teachers use thin strips of colored tape to temporarily mark where students should place their fingers on the violin fingerboard. Teachers use a variety of tapes, including pre-cut graphic arts tape, auto detailing pinstripe tape, commercial instrument tape, or thin hand-cut strips made from other tapes. For pictures and additional fingering help, visit our Finger Placement page.

If tape leaves a sticky residue after removal, an instrument cleaner may be used to clean the fingerboard. If the residue is difficult to remove, isopropyl alcohol can be used very carefully on the fingerboard only. Do not let alcohol touch the instrument varnish, or it can cause significant damage.

Violin polish and cleaner are not needed often, because most of the time a dry, lint-free cloth is enough to wipe rosin from the strings after each playing session. Although polish is rarely necessary, there may be times when you need to clean your violin. Commercial violin polishes are formulated for stringed instruments and are safer choices than furniture polish or water, which can damage both the varnish and the acoustics of the violin. For more suggestions, visit our Instrument Care page.

Peg compound and peg drops can help with sticking or slipping pegs. Peg compound can lubricate sticking pegs while still providing enough friction to keep them from slipping. Some violinists also use peg drops, though others avoid these products because residue can build up over time. Before using them, you may want to try a few simpler approaches: for sticking pegs, pull the peg partway out and rub pencil graphite on the sticking area; for slipping pegs, some teachers use a little candle wax. If pegs continue to cause trouble, a violin repair person may need to reshape or replace them.

Mutes are devices placed on the violin bridge to dampen the sound. Violinists commonly use two types:

1. Mutes for passages of music that call for a softer, muted sound.
2. Practice mutes that significantly reduce sound so violinists can practice more quietly. Heavier metal practice mutes often muffle the most, though they should be handled carefully to avoid scratching or stressing the bridge.

Tuners and metronomes are also helpful accessories. Many violinists use a tuning fork to tune the open A string and then tune the other strings by ear. Many beginners find a digital tuner easier. Some tuners also include pitch recognition that helps show when the note matches the target pitch. A metronome can be useful for keeping a steady rhythm and experimenting with new tempos. For more tuning help, visit our Tuning Page.

Humidifiers can help protect a violin from excessively dry conditions. Many violinists monitor humidity with a hygrometer in the case or practice room and use a humidifier when needed, because both excessive dryness and too much moisture can damage musical instruments.