Considered the contemporary Sartory, Stéphane Thomachot was born in 1959 in Bourg-la-Reine, France, and learnt his craft under Bernard Ouchard from 1975 to 1978 in Mirecourt. He established his own workshop in Paris in 1981, restoring fine old bows and perfecting his own models. After winning gold medals for a viola bow in 1982 and for a violin bow in 1984 at the VSA Competition, he devoted himself more and more to new making. Thomachot received a Meilleur Ouvrier de France in 1989 and the honorary title of Maître d’Art from the French Minister of Culture in 1994. Bowmakers from all over the world came to work at his workshop in Paris. This bow was made during a pivotal time in Thomachot’s life, right after his great success at the VSA competitions. It has a rich and articulate sound and is perfectly balanced.