Irene Posted October 2, 1999 Report Posted October 2, 1999 What's the best way to get rosin off a bow stick? I always wipe my bow stick with a cotton cloth after playing, but it doesn't get all the rosin off.
Strings Posted October 3, 1999 Report Posted October 3, 1999 To do a good cleaning you can use alcohol wipings, though it sounds like it is not safe to use this liquid, but my teacher told me that it is completely safe, and a great way of getting the rosin off especailly at tip and frog. Hana
Guest Posted October 3, 1999 Report Posted October 3, 1999 : What's the best way to get rosin off a bow stick? Hi Hana - two weeks or so back I was in the workshop of a Luthier who had been in the business for over 40 years. He used motor car rubbing compound. A small dab of it on a rag and then he softly rubbed the bow from frog to tip several times. The resin disappeared and after a more vigorous rub with a clean dry rag the stick was as good as new. This makes more sense than using alcohol, acetone or any solvent. After all if you dissolve resin in a solvent you have produced a lacquer - which you are then spreading all over the place. Never mind the chance that the solvent might affect the original varnish. Rubbing compound is a fine abrasive carried in a oil base which somehow seems a kinder way of treating the finish. Come to think of it for years I've used brass polish to remove the glue that stays behind when you try remove price tags from birthday presents - similar product to rubbing compound - only more liquid. Pick up a clear plastic 35 mm film canister from a photo-developing place and visit a panel shop - they'll probably donate some. happy playing - edi
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