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The Chinese string maker and founder of For-Tune Strings, Dan Meizhen, has died aged 81. Although she never studied music formally and did not play a stringed instrument, she dedicated her life to making strings and was connected to the musical instrument industry from a young age.
From 1972, Dan worked as a string maker at the National String Company of China, where for 20 years, she developed a close understanding of the craft and needs of musicians.
When the political situation in China changed and private businesses were once again allowed, Dan saw an opportunity to follow her own path. Despite limited resources, including a few pieces of old equipment, and widespread skepticism about whether a laid-off female worker could succeed in such an ambitious endeavour, she decided to focus solely on strings and started her own small workshop.
Abiding by her mantra ‘You will never regret anything you love,’ Dan persevered through her workshop’s early years. Her strings were eventually chosen by some of China’s top stringed instrument manufacturers, helping cement her reputation as a skilled and trustworthy string maker.
Dan formally founded For-Tune Strings in 1992, dedicating the first four years of the company to research and development not only for classical stringed instruments, but also for traditional Chinese instruments.
By 1996, For-Tune expanded into the design and production of violin cases, including its CC Case. From 1999 onward, Dan worked closely with renowned performers from Europe, Asia, and the United States to develop strings for violin, viola, cello, and double bass. This collaboration helped shape the Opal and Charm string series, combining For-Tune String’s technological expertise with the specific needs and preferences of professional musicians.
On the development of her business, Dan once said: ’My dream was to manufacture the best strings in China. Now I am very happy to have achieved my dream thanks to the people who have joined the same path.’
Dan was the mother of For-Tune Strings’ CEO Jin Ran, and financial manager Jin Song.
For-Tune Strings said in a statement: ’We will miss her presence, wisdom and strength, but her spirit remains with us. Her ideas, energy and commitment to excellence will continue to inspire every string we create.’
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