There is scant historical information concerning the rosin used on 16th and 17th century string instruments. We rely essentially on Hans Gerle’s treatise (‘Musica Teusch’, Nuremberg,1532) and Marin Mersenne’s (‘Harmonie Universelle’, Paris, 1636). These documents refer to the use of colophony in its pure state, i.e. not mixed with other resinous components and not subjected to specific technological treatments.
Before the mid 18th century we find recipes that give precise details of the delicate (and often laborious) processes for making the finest rosin: i.e. those best suited to contemporary instruments (which generally had higher working tensions than we find today).
Field of application
For those convinced that authentic criteria should be adopted where possible, this is rosin that scrupulously follows the indications of an Italian-recipe dating to the mid 18th century.
It functions well in all climatic conditions and its characteristics are such that it can be used on most stringed instruments. Players have found that it works particularly well for mid range instruments.
Rosin
Because USPS Ground Advantage takes a week or sometimes longer to reach the East Coast from Oregon, and summer weather seems to be getting hotter every year, I'm concerned that rosin might not survive the trip. I have been periodically waiting to send Ground Advantage packages that contain rosin at my discretion until it appears that the heat might not be (as) severe in the midwest but it's starting to look like summer weather is just going to be severe, and even out here it's hotter every summer.
I recommend that customers in the mid west and east coast choose USPS Priority when buying rosin in summer months. I pack rosin in bubble wrap for shock protection but there's nothing I can do to protect from heat. I haven't had a meltdown yet but it's just a matter of time as I'm selling more rosin all the time, so I'm stating a policy that I won't refund or replace rosin melted/damaged in transit. In the planning ahead dept. it would be best to purchase rosin in winter.
Thanks for giving it some thought.