Leatherwood Amber Range Double Bass 40%

The Leatherwood Amber Range 40% has been a wonderful discovery. It sits perfectly in the middle: not too hard, not too soft, and incredibly adaptable to any season. This alone makes it a great choice for players who want consistency throughout the year without switching rosins.

In terms of playing feel, it offers a balanced grip that works beautifully for both orchestral and solo repertoire. The bow response is smooth, articulate and predictable. Legato feels warm and connected, while staccato and spiccato speak cleanly without excess noise. For orchestral passages where you need a bit more bite, the 50% version does provide stronger grip — but the 40% remains the most versatile option overall.

One thing I appreciate is how forgiving it is. Even after my rosin fell to the floor and cracked into pieces, I followed Leatherwood’s official instructions and melted it in the oven at 80°C for 10 minutes. It came out looking almost new — slightly drier, yes, but still performing very well. After nearly a year of use, a bit of dryness is completely normal.

The only downside is the high price, but given the quality, versatility and longevity, I would still buy it again. If you haven’t tried it yet, I genuinely think it’s worth giving it a chance.