François Tourte

(b Paris, 1747; d Paris, 1835). Fr. maker of violin bows, one of a family, and known as 'the Stradivari of the bow'. Developed between 1782 and 1790 the modern bow, known as 'Tourte bow'. Selected Pernambuco wood which he set in permanent curvature by subjection to moderate heat. Determined true length and curvature, tapered it towards point, and determined height of point and nut. Invented method of fixing hairs on face of nut by means of movable metal band.