Tourte

François-Xavier Tourte (1747–1838) was a French bow maker whose work in Paris during the late 18th and early 19th centuries helped shape the modern violin bow. He is widely regarded as the inventor or principal developer of the contemporary bow design used across the violin family.

Tourte’s contributions centered on refining the bow’s form and construction. He developed a long, gently cambered stick made from pernambuco wood, which provided the balance and flexibility needed for a wide range of dynamics and articulations. He also standardized several features that became the norm, including a better frog and a mechanism to adjust hair tension with a screw at the end of the bow. His attention to weight and balance—bow weights around 60 grams for violin bows and a balance point near the grip—made the instrument easier to control and capable of producing a broad spectrum of tones.

The impact of Tourte’s designs extended beyond the violin, influencing bows for viola and cello as well. After his death, his specifications served as the foundation for most subsequent bow making, and his bows remain highly valued by players and collectors for their craftsmanship and playing characteristics. Today, the term “Tourte bow” is often used to describe a modern-style bow that follows his principles of camber, weight distribution, and adjustable hair tension.