Fresh bass rosin is the most important performance accessory for Arco Bass Play. The bass bow must be rosined for optimum grip of the bass string. The amount of rosin applied is the personal preference of each arco player. Fortunately, there are many formulas of rosin for bass bowing so everyone from beginner to seasoned orchestra professional can find just the right formula.

We entered the many different names that each rosin goes by so you can have the most broad search field possible: Rosin, colophonium (French), Kolophonium (German), Swedish Rosin, All Weather Rosin, Red Rosin (Pop's), etc. If you cannot find what you are looking for, give Lemur's Customer Service Reps a call at 800-246-BASS (2277) or email lemur@lemurmusic.com.

A quick reference guide is included in each Rosin Description to fully describe the rosin and how to use it; CLICK THRU to learn more and to compare one rosin to another.

How-To Clean a String Bass, to remove rosin residue from the bow, and suggestions for string instrument cleaner and polish products are shown below. Don't leave dried rosin dust on your bass or bow; it will ruin the finish, dampen tone, and gum up hair and strings.

Professional bass Lutherie services including cleaning & refurbishing bows are offered in our San Juan Capistrano Shop. Bow Rehair and Refurbishment is also offered by mail. Thanks so much for your time. Please contact us if you have any rosin or bow questions, no matter how small.....

Occassionally - Use a product made specifically to remove dried rosin from the wooden parts of your bass, from the underside of the bow's stick, and wooden frog.

Here are some HOW-TO's and Product Suggestions for rosin removal:

Petz Rosin Remover (Lemur Product A1386) comes in a small bottle that will last for a long time. Keep it tightly closed and use in a nicely ventilated space.

• Apply a small amount of the fluid to a soft cloth or cotton pad to soften the rosin residue and then wipe it away. Use a second clean cloth or clean cotton pad to wipe up any remaining rosin remover.
• Be Careful Not to Drip Rosin Remover on the Strings or Bow Hair. Rosin Remover is too oily and will actually thin rosin the next time you apply it to the bow hair.
• Rosin Remover (and other solvents) will also damage the inner wrap of bass strings if too much gets into the windings. Just Wipe your strings down after play each time with a clean, soft cloth. It's easy, fast, cheap, and effective.

Kolstein's Cleaner (Lemur Product A1388) works in a similar way as Petz Rosin Remover. You can also use Kolstein's Polish (Lemur Product A1389) to remove really hard rosin residue. It has a very mild abrasive that can help lift stubborn rosin schmutz that seems to be permanently adhered to the top. A Cleaning & Polishing Kit is sold as Lemur Product A1387.

Avoid furniture cleaners and polishes that contain silicone. It is not good for the wood or the finish. It's build-up can cause damping of vibration, changing the tone of your bass or bow.

For goodness sakes, Do Not Leave any Bass or Bow in a hot car, locker, or out in the sun. The heat and UV will melt rosin into an immovable, globby mass that will require the services of a professional luthier to remove or a bow rehair technician to replace the hair.

Do Not Use Polish on the bow unless you know exactly how it was finished. Delicate French Polish (Finishes) are easily damaged. It's better to keep the bow wiped down every time you play, so that rosin does not build up on the stick, frog, and bow hair.

Chemical solvents should only be used by a trained luthier. There are several on the market but please let a trained technician apply these fluids to your instrument. You DO NOT WISH TO DAMAGE THE FINISH thru lack of experience using these strong chemicals on the strings, the wood, the metal fittings, or the bow hair.

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Full Service Bass Repair, Adjustment, & Refurbishment

Restoration Services taken by Appointment

Bow Repair & Bow Rehair Services Available by Mail