How to Clean your Violin & Rosin the Bow Properly TUTORIAL

[@TheOnlineViolinTutor]

Hi, no, try not to touch the hairs at all. The hairs are very susceptible to picking up dirt and oils etc from hands which is not good for them. You only need to rosin the bow as i mention in the video. If you avoid touching them, they wont ever need to be cleaned. Hope that helps. Alison

[@thithaibinhhuynh8697]

@Flower8 No rosin is to give texture to the bow so that it can grip on the string. Without rosin the bow will not produce any sound

[@donnahollifield6944]

So excited I found you!!! I just inherited a Electric fiddle from my momma's husband who passed away about a month ago. One of the things we shared was the love of music. He had several violins/fiddles, and he always wanted me to learn the electric one that he purchased and he never used. I never tempted it but now that it is given to me I have it in my heart to learn it. So I am excited I found you :-)

[@Tink2127]

I just have to say that I've learned soooo much watching your videos! I've been watching for a few weeks over and over and when I picked up my violin from the music shop last night, my teacher was quite impressed that I could hold it and play open notes without scratching!!! Thank you for sharing your knowledge with all of us! I've been playing clarinet for 25+ years and just started on violin and I'm super excited! Hopefully this time next year I'll be able to play at my sister's wedding! :)

[@TheOnlineViolinTutor]

@MrAdamWayneGistarb Start on any open string - take the A string for example and then each time you put down a finger it gives you the next note up. So you will have open A string, then finger 1 will give you a B, finger 2 will be a C and finger 3 will be a D. Finger 4 will give you and E which is exactly the same note as the open string above the A string which is also an E. Does that make sense? Alison

[@generalzova921]

That noise you hear when you wipe your violin strings

[@youaretotallyright3686]

i fully just felt that

[@momounscripted]

Is it normal or does that mean the strings need to be cleaned properly?

[@anonymoususer6683]

My new violin arrived today and thanks to your videos I’m getting a head start, thank you.

[@catemef6963]

I’m delighted to have found this video. I’ve been having bow bug issues. AND, I know Buddy Huthmaker. I met him in 1970 at GA Governor’s Honors Program. We played Bach Brandenburg 3 and 6 with him that summer, one of my favorite memories.

[@PdxNative83]

Thanks, I'm going to be getting my very first bow for my birthday next month and I'm super excited! I'll be coming back here frequently for more of your wonderful lessons. Love your voice, very pretty as well :-D

[@philiphairgrove7812]

Nicely done! easy to watch and listen to. Just about to pick up my grandfather's violin for the first time in 30+ years, and got excellent tips on how to rosin the bow. Thanks

[@GregoryJonestheII]

You're fantastic. I appreciate your attention to detail and making even the most mundane (often completely overlooked; my fiddle teacher didn't really mention I was applying rosin to my bow incorrectly) things important. Keep up the amazing work, and I'll start sending you my money instead of my current teacher. Also, I really appreciated your vibrato video; Thanks for telling me it's going to suck for 6 months. I was feeling like I was not ever going to get it. I'll be good to go by October!

[@erneldelacruz6705]

I have a new violin and thankfully I found this video. Very helpful.

[@kakoliguharoy6402]

I'm cleaning my violin 1st time in 3 years.... Actually my teacher does it for me😅....he isn't coming bcoz of corona...so I'm cleaning...ur video helped me a lot... Tnq u❤

[@largesatsuma]

I don't even own a violin. Yet I'm enthralled.

[@masonmarleau491]

its the accent i think haha

[@endoalley680]

It's high time you got yerself a fiddle.

[@aybeljohn]

Yes, that's true. The same goes with me. What a coincidence Mr. Slim.

[@ImNewbeh]

I bought one because of these videos ^^

[@trode3630]

My gramps had one that he doesn't pay anymore and I play instruments so I gave these videos a try and she helps a lot. Now I wanna buy my own

[@GregoryJonestheII]

You're fantastic. I appreciate your attention to detail and making even the most mundane (often completely overlooked - my fiddle teacher didn't really mention I was applying rosin to my bow incorrectly) things important. Keep up the amazing work, and I'll start sending you my money instead of my current teacher. Also, I really appreciated your vibrato video; Thanks for telling me it's going to suck for 6 months - I'll be good to go by October!

[@kiarahboughen9377]

If you are practicing violin for quite a few hours a day, you really should rosin your bow every hour or two that you practice.

[@soundnicetome]

A Superb tutorial...executed by a very delightful young lady. Look forward to learning more from you...keep it coming??

[@lenwolfneedstime5291]

Thank you for making this Tutorial, I may be getting a new violin soon. Now that I know how to clean it, I will be able to care for it in a more proper manner.

[@aybeljohn]

I wish you the best for your determination and indeed your innate talent of fascinating people towards this instrument.

[@rajivkrishnatr]

oh... but i can listen to it every time i watch your videos... it's sort of catchy and very bright to hear... and very good videos, i'm a beginner, too... thank you.

[@TheOnlineViolinTutor]

is it a cheap bow? On very very cheap bows the synthetic hair wont always 'take' to the rosin so well and also if the rosin is new also, you may need to scratch up the surface first to get the rosin flowing if you see what i mean?

[@technick1601]

Hi Alison, I've just recently began to learn Violin but I don't know how to change / replace Violin strings? Do you by chance have already have a tutorial posted on how to do this? Thank You 😊 Your tutorials are excellent - You are so clear & specific and easy to understand! Thank You so much! 😊

[@TheOnlineViolinTutor]

I have videos on how to change strings.

[@jameslocke2785]

Thank you all the suggestions. I am an old beginner(64). Played for 9 months now. This is an opinion question for you. My instructor is # 1 violinist and concert master. She wants me to remember the score without looking. In fact flips the music over when I try to remember where I got lost. The pieces learned are Jesus Loves Me, Holy Holy, and now, Joyful, Joyful We Adore Thee. Is this too demanding? Plus, she doesn't want me to write the notes and finger number on the music. I feel as I search what note is represented and what finger I press helps me. Keep up the grand tutorial! Summer is coming and I need a break from this demanding instructor.

[@pranavankush8533]

i recently got a new violin and the strings are not tuned properly...they were but they untuned themselves. i would find it really helpful if you upload a video as to how the strings should sound like and how to properly tune them. thankyou for all other videos. they are really helpful.

[@Sorthious]

Ah ok..ty for the prompt reply...I norm find the ingredients in them and use a cheaper alternative. I am very new at violin and cant afford, nor do I want to invest, in to many frills till I get better at the instrument. I figure with cheaper equipment that I can't go wrong. So, when I do decide I'm ready to upgrade to better gear, that it will be a much better transition for me. Anyway, I really, really appreciate all the help from you, and those like you!!

[@TheOnlineViolinTutor]

hi, Not every time you play, just depending how much time you spend practising will determine how much you rosin the bow. On average I would say once a fortnight is fine. Alison

[@technick1601]

Excellent Tutorials! Thank You Alison 😊

[@AGDLover124]

Omg thank you I have a circular rosin too,and I didn't know how to use it.that was a very helpful video!:)

[@HelloMusic42]

I just purchased a new beginner's violin. Should I rosin the bow right away or should that be taken care of already? Thank you so much for your videos!

[@alfredramsay3455]

I love your tips and videos....thank you so much for educating me

[@Sorthious]

Hi Allison(I appologize if this isn't how you spell your name.) Thank you very much for these videos. I'm coming from playing guitar and these videos are very helpful with getting started. Just playing over a week now and a bought a cheap Mendini by Cecilio violin($113US w/shipping) I've spent more time watching the videos than actually practicing so far, but I wanted to be well informed before I began in earnest. I did have to carve a ower bridge as the action was way too high...

[@TheOnlineViolinTutor]

i have a video coming soon that may help....

[@SoraCiel323]

I love your accent! Thank you for this video...helped me a lot!

[@TheOnlineViolinTutor]

yes. pretty much in the middle - if a little more towards the fingerboard than dead in the middle. Too close to the bridge will give you a thin screetchy sound. Does that answer the question?

[@amnareba9364]

Ur videos are so helpful my mum also likes ur videos

[@TheOnlineViolinTutor]

just use a clean yellow duster (or cloth of some sort) and rub it off. Thats it! its good to do that often so you dont get too much build up that wont come off and could start to interfere. It makes a horrid scratching sound similar to fingernails on a backboard - so if you can bear that....lol Alison

[@poe_the_hoe873]

Thanks for the help Alison now I know how to clean the bow and rosin

[@Lauriabrisson]

thank you so much for your videos, you are a great teacher! I have not touched my violin for many years and am going to give it a go again. I learned quite a lot from your classes.Could you please write down the name of the rosin and strings you use? I have a bit of hard time making it out.

[@lunnhtarmoe]

Thank u so much. This video is really helpful for me

[@angiejohansen3490]

And now I'm just imagining you happily rosining your entire violin (and you're humming)....

[@jaktheknife]

You kno? I been playing n making excellent progress for three months now n I personally can't believe how easy it has for me in particular to incorporate the world of the violin and it's discipline into my life but now that I've had ample time I think its time to perhaps invest in a better bow w better balance? mind ya that's considering that perhaps it is I that need better bowing technique yes but perhaps a better bow can aid me as well. I've really nothing to ask you just wanted to share : )

[@TheOnlineViolinTutor]

hmm, i think it depends on what strings you are using and the type of bow you have - its almost out of my jurisdiction really bit something i will be incorporating in a video coming up soon...

[@TheOnlineViolinTutor]

there will be a lot of white stuff collecting on the strings and under them and you may sound a little scratchy. Dont panic, just dont apply any more for a while and keep wiping the violin and strings clean with a plain cloth (dont put anything on the cloth)

[@jrm8970]

You are awesome Alison!!! Thanks!

[@TheOnlineViolinTutor]

yes, if it looking very white and dusty. Use a clean cloth with nothing on it and gently rub away. Nothing too drastic

[@TheOnlineViolinTutor]

yes, just buff with a soft CLEAN cloth. it should do fine. you can get some string cleaner, but if you wipe regularly with a soft cloth, it should suffice nicely.

[@TheOnlineViolinTutor]

thats great! thanks for recommending it!

[@TheOnlineViolinTutor]

i probably wouldnt worry too much, but if it bothers you that mush you could get some special violin cleaner like 1880 polish and that should do the trick

[@TheOnlineViolinTutor]

correct. You need to scratch the surface of new rosin a little with sand paper or knife etc otherwise it wont adhere properly.

[@alndeem8888]

Thank you very much for this very important information. My question is, are furniture cleaning materials not to be used to clean all violins or for a specific type of violas, I mean those violas that are made of certain wood?

[@TheOnlineViolinTutor]

please do feel free to answer to anyone else's questions as sometimes I cant always answer myself such as in this case as i dont play guitar so thank you :)

[@emilycannon7386]

Thank you so much, this was so helpful.

[@bontje51]

i was wondering when you rosin the bow , hom much presure do you ad when you indeed do rosin the bow? and your a wonderfull teacher i might add . no problem to understand what you mean throughout the whole video . (srry for my grammer im dutch )

[@ivonnemartir505]

Hi Alison, I have being watching your videos lately and I love the way you teach. I have a quick question, do the strings get clean? Also if they do, how? And do the part of the strings where we use the bow get cleaned as well? Sorry but the bunch of questions. Hope you can reply and give me advice. Thanks again.

[@TheOnlineViolinTutor]

Cassandra Martir I dont personally clean the strings. I put new ones on when I want/feel like they need replacing. By the point you think the strings need cleaning, they usually need changing as they have gone dead/flat. You can buy specialist string cleaner from Amazon.

[@Eternaldoomkitty13]

Honestly you inspire me so much. I had been debating if I should start learning, and now I will be learning in the summer! Also I am a first year in highschool gr8, do you think that's too old of an age to start?

[@TheOnlineViolinTutor]

you can get dedicated string cleaner if you search google. I have never cleaned my strings so I cant really comment, as I usually change them before i need to clean then and dont over rosin, so its not an issue. If you want to clean then, get proper string cleaner.

[@1oldgit]

Alison can you tell us some more about your 200 year old violin and why can't you put spray polish on the wood ? I can only think it affects varnish or the ground used in some way. btw...You are the best dressed cleaner with great makeup I've ever seen lol!!!

[@khalidal5842]

i clean my violn everyday with just a cloth with nothing on the cloth because my violin is one those that are very shiny and has a smooth surface

[@jennifermoeller7579]

Thank you for your lessons. They really help. I am taking lessons for "Fiddle" or Mountain Music (USA). In spite of that, there are times when I need to use vibrato. Other teachers emphasize wrist movement, but you emphasize finger movement (one side of the nail to the other). How often should we be practicing vibrato the way you describe?

[@TheOnlineViolinTutor]

+Jennifer Moeller There are 2 main types: wrist (my way) or arm. BOTH are perfectly legitimate but depends on the player or teacher who teaches it. I dont do arm vibrato and therefore cant do it, so i dont teach it.

[@athenaquick4200]

The Online Piano and Violin Tutor i would like to know what's the difference between reading piano music and violin music

[@TheOnlineViolinTutor]

depends on how much you play, but perhaps weekly, or fortnightly or every 3/4 days. Like i said depends on how much you play and how long for. There isnt a definitive answer

[@alicenirvana]

At the beginning in the "you will need" section you mention violin polish and also a duster spray product. Would I use the wood duster spray and then use polish, or are they interchangeable? Also thanks so much for all of your violin videos, I don't yet have a violin but for a while I've wanted to learn to play just because it's such a beautiful instrument but I had no idea where to start and you provide excellent information :) Thank you!!

[@TheOnlineViolinTutor]

Hi, its a new violin, then the bow may not have any rosin on it at all and you will know because when you try to play, there wont be any sound, or be very little. It wouldnt hurt to put a little on anyway....Alison

[@grcanbo]

Hi my new teacher, im a new student, I just got my answer on how to rosin the bow:) Should i start watching lessons 1 to 10 since im new to the violon or do you recommend watching some other videos of yours first? Please help:) 270$ canadian and i got a stentar 2 and im ready to roll..:)

[@technick1601]

"Silly question" from me now Alison as I am a complete beginner, but may I ask - the strings on the Violin are namely, E, G, D, & A, with the E string being the one at the top of the fret board & the A string being the one at the bottom? (the A string being the narrowist string and the E string being the widest). And just to clarify the correct order in which the strings are placed on the violin fret board / finger board (is that the correct term also?) Apologies for very basic & possibly confusing questions!) but as mentioned, I am a complete beginner. Thank You Alison 😊

[@MHScrat]

hey, Im not sure if you're commenting on something else or if youve just got wrong information from somewhere, but either way that's fine :) it's ok to get these things wrong :P and they're not stupid questions. the strings are GDAE And the G is the thickest and deepest while the E is the thinnest and highest pitched. they ascend in pitch from E to G. It's called a finger board as the violin has no frets and also the wooden bit, where the strings all sit in a row at the bottom of the violin (nearest chin rest), is the bridge :P hope this helped :)

[@SAWOK12]

@@MHScrat Memory device: "Good Dogs Always Eat." (from top string to bottom)

[@ayasadik8521]

Thank you for the tips

[@Samstraysongs]

This was a big help...thank you so much!

[@jcammon1]

if you think you have too much rosin on your bow, how do you clean it off. OR. If you've had cheap rosin, how do you clean it off so you can put better rosin on it?

[@MegaPrincesspeach]

well im sorry for answer something that was not meant to me, but if you play guitar then this would be easier for you, but you also must really like the instrument, this instrument it's really easy but it works with your feelings i am also learning violin i've never touched one before just a couple of weeks ago and now i know to play twinkle twinkle little star, but it's because i love it and also i can play guitar but it's harder than violin i can say for sure :) good luck and i hope you learn

[@TheOnlineViolinTutor]

pirastro Gold flex rosin and Evah Pirazzi strings

[@TheOnlineViolinTutor]

yes, clean dry cloth

[@TheOnlineViolinTutor]

you are welcome

[@julieflournoy8489]

Thank you! So it's not necessary to have any violin cleaner, just a dry cloth?This may sound repetitive, but I just wanted to double check.Thanks!

[@TheOnlineViolinTutor]

yes so like i said you can get specific violin polish and string polish or just use a soft dry clean cloth

[@TheOnlineViolinTutor]

links are under the video

[@ibraloskingdom211ibibralos4]

thanx a lot teacher..

[@keren6583]

Love the accent, ur amazing! Love the Turials! KEEP DOING WHAT YOU DO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :) have a nice day!

[@prophetofthesingularity]

Brand new to violin, should you wipe off the rosin from the strings after each use? I notice the bow left some on the strings and since it is brand new violin and bow I rosined bow for quite a while.

[@TheOnlineViolinTutor]

Yes with a dry clean cloth

[@TheOnlineViolinTutor]

No problem. Please do be aware that although you do not want to invest in better equipment now until you are better, the equipment might just be so poor that it stops you learning as you may end up scratching or hitting strings etc, or not sounding great and it might not be you, but the instrument itself. Its the lesser of 2 evils, but I just thought it worth a mention....

[@TheOnlineViolinTutor]

my violin isnt a brand as it over 200 years old. I havnt played and Enrico im afraid, but as long as you are happy with the sound then its good as violins are totally unique to the individual and where you may hate the tone and sound of my violin but really like yours, I may hate yours and prefer mine - do you see what im saying? If you want something with a different tone to what you have then you need to go and try some others out to see what you like.

[@TheOnlineViolinTutor]

you should use special violin polish called 1880. dont use anything else. You may never get it off by yourself and if you are that bothered, take it to a violin specialist, but that may cost more than your violin is worth if you only have a student quality one,

[@TheOnlineViolinTutor]

I have a video on this coming very very soon....

[@technick1601]

Hi Alison, can you please tell me, what is the recommended thickness of each of the four strings on the violin? Beginning with say, the E string? (the widest one) and can one decide to use very thin strings as opposed to heavy thick strings, or is there an optimum recommended string thickness for Violin strings? Thank You Alison 😊

[@TheOnlineViolinTutor]

A violin string is a string. You cant choose the thickness.

[@MHScrat]

thank you! Ive never really cleaned my violin before....which im guessing is bad as Ive had it for a few years xD but this is very helpful thank you :) I was just wondering if there are any effects of not cleaning your violin or the strings? because I was always told when I was younger to leave the rosin on so the teacher knew wed been practicing, and I was just wondering if that could be bad for the strings or just affect the sound? thank you :P

[@TheOnlineViolinTutor]

That was very incorrect information im afraid - rosin left on the body of the violin goes hard over time and therefore affect the sound as well as the strings causing a lot of scratch etc on them.

[@MHScrat]

+The Online Piano and Violin Tutor oohhhh ok, thank you! I was cleaning it up while watching your video :)

[@s.a.1651]

Awesome tips

[@TheOnlineViolinTutor]

yes, from what i have heard on here it will help. I dont play guitar so i cant comment directly, but it should....:)

[@jamesw890]

I doubt I'll get an answer as your so busy but I purshased som D'Addario dark rosin that came in a block with a plastic grip on it (no cloth). Would it be a good idea to cut or grind a small trough in the center to track the bow better as the hair's seem to get caught between the plastic holder and the rosin it self. PS- Love your Video's.

[@TheOnlineViolinTutor]

James W Hmm, im not sure i would start 'grinding' anything away if it were me. I know what you mean and I understand whats happening, but I wold just take my time and be steady when rosining and just gradually let it wear through the course of time.

[@TheOnlineViolinTutor]

you can use polish as it will help clean it up, but you must use violin polish.

[@navaneethswaminathan6731]

Is it ok to use alcohol wipes to clean the fingerboard alone?? While changing strings to clean the dust and grime?

[@KERO1650]

hi Alison I started learning a month ago how long do you think I'll take till i become a good one ??!!!

[@TheOnlineViolinTutor]

hmm, can you post a photo on my facebook page (link on my channel home page) and show me as im not sure and cant really see to comment properly?

[@Sorthious]

it was around 8mm for G and 6mm for the E string. I'm all set now though. Have learned a few beginner songs(sketchy but recognizable.) Anyway, I was wondering if I should clean the rosin buildup off of my strings. It seems to me that this would inhibit the sound of the violin with all the rosin caked on the strings. Was having a problem with the G string sounding a little weak and thought maybe cleaning the strings would help. If this is advisable, is alcohol ok? Linseed Oil?

[@maxibazze]

Is it ok or common to use window/furniture polish if used by the same method that you apply? It seems as it would be ok since window polish is a gentle substance.

[@MegaPrincesspeach]

no problem at all! ^^ and you're welcome

[@TheOnlineViolinTutor]

true

[@guiltyalchemy]

i just got my violin but I need the rosin cause I haven't got any. and me and my mum know that it is harmful when taken into the body, but how dangerous is it towards you if it was taken in my mistake? I need to know please :3

[@miawscratch]

Great channel, i swear!

[@DeemOh_Music]

Hey, could i still get the gold flaked brand of rosin regardless if i have the same brand of strings? I now it would be a better combination with same brand products being used together but would it negatively affect something if i used the gold flaked type for a different brand of strings?

[@TheOnlineViolinTutor]

its not normal, but is with a student quality violin and not unexpected. I would not worry too much unless hairs re coming out left right and centre and there is an obvious problem.

[@TheOnlineViolinTutor]

Do i not mention this in the video?

[@mihaipredescu]

06:37 ...put the rosin on the bow, not "on the violin" ... You were so concentrated on the job that this escaped! (Don't mind, i'm a violinist, too, from Romania). Really useful, though! Congrats! Really loved watching this!

[@TheOnlineViolinTutor]

+DJ REDSQ Yes, slip of the tongue - thinking about too many things lol.

[@mihaipredescu]

+The Online Piano and Violin Tutor . Thank you anyway... these days I''m thinking buying myself another bow...carbon fiber. And Watching your video even made me feel a bit more protective than I already am with my sweet violin and bow. Congrats again for the video. Very instructive for everyone.

[@TheOnlineViolinTutor]

+DJ REDSQ I would try out some CF bows before you commit to buying anything. I personally dont like CF bows as they are too light and also dont have a nice interchanging weight balance at certain points/places of the bow. This is of course, my mere humble opinion based on experience and it shouldn't put you off them, I would just advise trying them against some pernambuco (wood) bows to see if you like or dont like them. I would ALWAYS recommend you try a bow before you buy regardless of what make or brand it is, what the wood is etc etc. I dont care about those things, only if it feels and plays right for me and can perform to the standard I need it too.

[@mihaipredescu]

+The Online Piano and Violin Tutor Thank your for your concern !! Very kind of you to warn me. Yes, I first try them. The CF bow will be as a second role bow for me, not the main one. I already bought the perambuco one and all changed for me (the old classic wooden bow had to head to the trash byn although i was so upset that I should've throwed it into the fire hahahaha. Thank you! Respect!

[@TheOnlineViolinTutor]

+DJ REDSQ You are welcome - its what im here for :))

[@TheOnlineViolinTutor]

difficult question to answer as it depends on loads of factors. It could take you anywhere from 2 weeks to 2 years. I just couldnt say. Sorry - its the one question i just dont have an answer to im afraid

[@mereSwamp]

1)How often should you clean your violin? 2) Is cleaning the same for an electric violin?