Melos Rosin - Click on the image for a larger view.

Melos Rosin

Tell me about Melos Rosin

Melos rosin is made in Chalkidiki, Northern Greece. It is a high quality powder rosin that has found favour with a growing number of top professional musicians throughout the world.

It's certainly a very good name to call a rosin that has been made in Greece.

Yes - the Greek word Melos - literally translated means "song".

I didn't know that Greece was a good place for making rosin.

No nor did we. One normally associates the main source of supply of rosin as other Europe countries - particularly regions of France and Northern Europe - but the fact is that the beautiful area around Chilkidiki is full of pine trees (Pinus halepensis) that produce a very high quality resin. According to Greek archeologically findings colophony has be extracted and used throughout the centuries for a large variety of applications both specialized and in everyday life.

Why is it so good?

Not only are the ingredients that go into making the rosin incredibly pure - the exact formulae has been developed and extensively tested by Christios Sykiotis the founder and owner and of the Melos Company. Christos's advantage over other rosin produces is not only in the fact that has he been bought up in the area and understands the pine trees but in the fact that he was a professional freelance cellist and teacher for ten years. This has allowed him to test, develop and improve the rosin in live orchestral, solo performance and in teaching situations using a variety of instruments and bows by different makers and strings from different manufacturers.

I see that Melos rosin is available in two colours. What is the difference?

Yes that's right. Melos rosin is available in "light" and "dark". The light type is used more in high temperatures (spring or summer), for "smooth" playing or for solo and chamber music. The dark type is softer and more suited to low temperatures (autumn or winter), for full-tone playing, in an orchestra, or for demanding solo concerts. Obviously the choice also depends on the style, requirements and preference of the musicians playing.

Can I mix the "light" with the "dark" rosin if I want?

Yes the two different rosins can be mixed without cleaning the bow hair or strings. This will allow the player to produce a warm, full high quality sound at all times and in every rehearsal, concert and climatic situation.

I hear that the rosin is made in small batches?

Yes that's correct. The rosin is made in small batches - by hand - so as to preserve freshness. The small batch numbers also ensure that the end product is "balanced" as there is total control over the exacting standards of the rosin formulae.

I also hear that the rosin is chemical (glucose, sugar etc) free?

Yes that's also correct. Melos rosin is made only with pure ingredients.

A musician's technique of controlling the bow is certainly reduced without good quality rosin. So what have players been saying about Melos rosin?

Although Melos rosin is relatively new to the market (since 2002) it has rapidly found favour with a growing number of players. Here are some of the comments that we have heard;

1. "I am pleased to say that Melos rosin gives me a really precise feeling on the string".
2. "The sound is very strong and pure, with excellent grip but no scratch".
3. "The rosin is excellent. It has the necessary grip, but produces very little powder".
4. "The quality and purity of sound that it allows is terrific".
5. "The rosin has good "grab" without much dust".
6. "I just love the feeling and contact that Melos rosin makes with the string".
7. "Melos rosin certainly brings out a luscious tone in my instrument".
8. "It provides tremendous articulation, legatos are easy and my sound is more brilliant".
9. "The rosin is excellent. The quality is impressive and it's effective".
10. "I'm definitely going to recommend it to my colleagues"

How is the product packaged?

The product is nicely packaged. The actual rosin block is attached to a soft beige coloured dust cloth and there is a soft nicely made fabric pouch that provides protection. There is a small notice that accompanies the rosin that states; "The products of Melos are all handmade. The imperfections that you may find are the sign of craftsman's work, a symbol of the originality of each piece and evidence that the rosins have not been subjected to mechanical processes".

Thumbs up for Melos then. How about a final summary?

This is premium rosin. It guarantees a warm balanced sound without strange noises during all kinds of bow playing (legato, staccato, spiccato and ricochet). It also helps the player achieve forte with no special effect or piano with reduced difficulty.

Stats:
Weight including dust cloth: 34.0gms (ave)
Diameter of block: 5.3cm (ave)
Depth: 1.3cm (ave)

Melos Rosin Light Price: UK£12-00

Melos Rosin Dark: UK£12-00