Rosin Courtesy of Kathy Smith
Photo Courtesy of Ken Aschliman

Rosin is a resin collected from one of 110 different types of pine trees throughout Europe, Asia, North America, and New Zealand. The resin is drawn directly from living trees in a process that is not harmful to the tree. After the resin is collected, it may be mixed with tree saps (larches, spruces or firs) to create a specialized formula that is purified by straining and heating until the resin is completely melted. Once cooked, the resin is poured into molds and allowed to set for about 30 minutes. It is then smoothed down and polished. This cake of rosin is used by violinists to increase the grip their bows have to their violin strings, which creates the instrument’s sound.