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CECILIA Rosin

CECILIA Rosin — premium, low-dust formulas for violin, viola, cello & bass

Crafted in New York by Peter Bahng (Cremona in America). A small amount goes a long way — designed for clarity, grip and tonal colour with minimal dust. All CECILIA rosins are plant-based and suitable for vegans.

Low-dust Long-lasting (use sparingly) Hand-poured in New York Professional formulas Vegan ANDREA → CECILIA (formulas unchanged)
Joshua Roman and Stefan Jackiw performing — CECILIA Rosin artwork
Joshua Roman & Stefan Jackiw

Does rosin really make a difference?

Yes. Rosin creates the friction that lets your bow draw sound — shaping attack, sustain and colour. Without rosin, bow hair produces only a whisper. The right formula for your instrument, bow and repertoire absolutely matters.

About the name change

In 2020, the brand name changed from ANDREA to CECILIA. The formulas were not altered — the performance you know stayed the same.

Usage & care

  • Apply lightly — CECILIA is concentrated; a few strokes are usually enough.
  • Wipe strings and bow stick after playing to remove rosin dust.
  • Contact us if you would like our experience based advice

“CECILIA rosin has a unique quality that enables me to expand the ranges of tone and bow articulation. Its consistency in various performance environments makes it second to none”

Joshua Roman, cellist

“I love the clarity, power and grip that CECILIA rosin gives me. It’s brought out new possibilities in my sound production.”

Stefan Jackiw, violinist

Compare the CECILIA rosin range

Pick your instrument to see the formulas comparison.

Key characteristics of CECILIA rosins by tone, projection, articulation, dust and sizes.
Formula Instruments Tone Projection Articulation Dust Sizes Recommended for
Signature Violin, Viola, Cello Rich • Full • Warm Strong Rounded, controlled Low Full, Mini All-round use, powerful sound without excessive bite. Enhances bow contact.
Solo Violin, Viola, Cello Clear • Focused Maximum Immediate, crisp attack Low Full, Mini Soloists, concerto, attack and clarity with bite.
A Piacere Violin, Viola, Cello Warm • Round • Silky Moderate Blended, smooth Low Full, Mini Orchestral blend, lyrical chamber repertoire.
Sanctus Violin, Viola, Cello Smooth • Focused (ring) / Extra power (centre) Strong → Very strong (on demand) Smooth with grip when needed Low Full Smooth bowing with focused sound, plus extra power when needed.
Bass Bass only Powerful • Grippy High Secure traction Low Softer (≤ 11 °C), Firmer (≥ 17 °C) Softer and Firmer options tuned for temperature — orchestral & solo bassists.

All CECILIA rosins are professional-grade and designed to use sparingly (low dust, long-lasting).

FAQs

Is CECILIA rosin still made by hand?

Yes it is. Every single block of CECILIA rosin is made in the traditional way, and hand poured by Peter Bahng.

How much CECILIA rosin should I apply?

Only a small amount is needed. Start light; add a touch more if you need extra bite or projection. We cannot stress how important this is. You may be used to swiping rosin up and down your bow many times. You do not need to do this with CECILIA rosins.

What’s the difference between Signature, Solo and A Piacere?

Signature = rich tones, versatile without excessive bite. Solo = projection, bite, and with clear articulation. A Piacere = warmer, blended response and good with gut or synthetic strings if you are a cellist.

When should I choose Sanctus?

When you want a smooth bowing experience and then extra power when your playing demands it. This rosin can make a big sound! Two distinct responses in one cake: focused outer ring and a grittier centre for power.

Which Bass formula is right for me?

Use Softer in colder rooms (≤11 °C) for power and grip; Firmer in warmer halls (≥17 °C) for crisp response.

Important information

Product identifier: Rosin; Colophony (CAS 8050‑09‑7).

  • H317: May cause an allergic skin reaction.
  • P261: Avoid breathing dust/fume/gas/mist/vapours/spray.
  • P280: Wear protective gloves/clothing/eye protection/face protection.
  • P302+P350: IF ON SKIN: Wash with plenty of water/…
  • P333+P313: If skin irritation or rash occurs: Get medical advice/attention.
  • P362+P364: Take off contaminated clothing / Wash before reuse.
  • P501: Dispose of contents/container to an authorised waste collection point.

Recycling: Base: 100% Polystyrene (PS). Lid: 100% PMMA. Please recycle responsibly.

Download Safety Data Sheet
The history of Cecilia Rosin — from inception to the present day

Cremona in America · Peter Bahng

The history of Cecilia Rosin — from inception to the present day

From an inspired workshop experiment to a trusted professional staple, here’s how Cecilia Rosin grew into a modern collection loved by string players worldwide.

1998 · The idea

Where curiosity met craft

In 1998, a young Peter Bahng was practising violin in his father Andrea’s workshop. Andrea was immersed in varnish research—often sap-based—while Peter began testing rosin variations, exploring shared ingredients and refining formulas to make playing easier and sound better.

2001 · Making the rosins available

The first launch

After many small-batch experiments, Peter found a compound that enhanced both ease and tone. While he returned to the Cleveland Institute of Music, his parents helped bring the original Tartini rosin to market in 2001—and a legend was born.

2001–2007 · What happened next

Growing pains & lessons

Subsequent business changes led to a rename from Tartini to Andrea, with production happening at two companies using different formulas. Quality inconsistencies followed, and by 2007 production of Andrea rosins ceased for a time.

2009 · The rebirth

Back to the original feel

Peter—then a professional violinist in New York—founded Cremona in America and, with his mother Cecilia, revived the original Andrea formula without compromise for professional players. Over the next decade he expanded the range, ultimately producing 200,000+ Andrea rosins.

2019–2020 · From ANDREA to CECILIA

A name that honours a legacy

Following Cecilia’s passing in 2019, Peter renamed the brand CECILIA in her honour—aptly sharing a name with the patron saint of musicians. From early 2020 onward, production moved entirely under the CECILIA name. Formulas did not change.

Note: Orchestra rosin has been discontinued; Solo, A Piacere, and Sanctus continued alongside the flagship Signature Formula.

Today · The collection

Signature sound, consistent performance

Today’s CECILIA range focuses on expressive, reliable response across climates and playing styles, including Signature Formula, Solo, A Piacere, Sanctus, and dedicated Bass rosins.

Essence: refined grip, long life, and musical clarity—engineered in New York with a player’s ear.

"True Artist" by Cecilia Rosin Collection