I would like some opinions from you guys. Do you think it is an insult to a bowyer to ask them to change the script they write on your bow? I have some seen some very nice looking bows only to have huge or very sloppy or an overabundance of writing scribbled all over them or in very obvious places that really jumps out at you and really detracts from the bow itself. I realize this is their work. Blood sweat and tears go into some of these bows and they are proud....but? What do you think?
You are paying for it. I would ask if it was a concern for me. Insult, I doubt it.
I dont worry about it I look at as its their calling card and just as much part of the bow as their skill that went into making it but most probly would do what you want as they do want to please you #1 key to repeat bussness
Most bowyers will work with a client.But to ask someone to leave their trademark off a bow might be taken as an insult,after all it's their way of advertising the product.Myself I would not make such a request.
Leland
I have done that very thing--they can write the necessary specs in neat ways that don't detract from the bow's appearance.
I put the minimal amount of writings on my bows for id purposes only. And if they want more then ill add it. So to answer your question I would say no it's not.
Shawn
I know what you mean and believe it should not be an insult to request neatness and brevity.
I even placed a custom order a few years ago and the bowyer included a Bible verse from the Old Testament. The bowyer should notify the buyer before he presumes that's OK.
BTW, everytime I see a Silvertip it looks like too much scribbling on the riser.
I don't think it would hurt at all. You pay all that money you should get what you want. If it has to be on the bow how about inside limb pockets on your take downs. One piece under grip material. Just a thought.
Your paying the bill. Just like Burger King "have it your way"
No insult in asking and you should take no offense if he refuses.
I don't think it should be considered an insult, because, as so many have stated, you are paying for it. I think if I were a bowyer, I would develope 2 logos, one standard and one for the minimalists. Such a request should be somewhat anticipated as so many guys truly prefer something simple.
I didn't ask but my last custom came with just the bowyers logo and my specs on the edge of the lower limb. I love it that way!
it's a custom bow..that's what it all about.
I won't buy a bow that looks like a 4 year old scribbled on it.
I've seen some pretty sloppy script on some of the bows I've seen in pictures, and I wouldn't want it. I say, ask the bowyer before you place your order.
"No question's asked, no answer's given"
Froggy
I can't write very good on my bows lol. I just put the weight year and ID mark and thats it. I say just ask. No harm in asking.
My opinion...that's part of the meaning behind "custom"...it should include the writing on the bow just as much as it includes the riser wood.
Just ask politely.
The worst that can happen is that he'll say no.
Not a big deal either way.
I have made that request and the bowyer felt insulted. The bow was a work of art, the writing was gaudy white ink on a dark riser. It would be a good question on an order form. Seems like the script should match the bow. Subtle woods-subtle script.
I think it would be rather ridiculous for the bowyer to be offended, and if they are they must have enough business that they can do well enough without yours. I haven't ordered very many new bows, but when I have they have asked what I wanted on the bow.
I don't put anything on the bow except the model , poundage and sometimes the brace and all that very small. That is unless the customer requests something which many do/ A lot of guys don't want their name on the bow though.
God bless you all, Steve
Your paying so I wouldn't be afraid to ask. But at the same time would you ask an artist not to sign his paintings?
No problem here.We sign as most all bowyers do.In most cases a bowyers signing of a bow may bring up the value down the road(usually after we are gone).But always as the customer requests.If you don't want it just tell your bowyer your feeling,he will understand.
I think you should have the bow as you like it and that should be the starting point from the bowyer too.
I usually ask the Bowyer for nothing to be written on my custom bows other than the Bowyers signature to honer his Artwork.I like the writing to be small and unabtrusive.Nothing extra to detract from the bow.
Pretty much in agreement with those who say,it should be your way.The last thing that I would want is to own a Beautifull Bow, and have it look, like a Drunken Doctor run amuck with a Sharpie all over it.It's your Dime,it should be your call!
You are spending your money for a bow built for you! It is your bow. If the bowyer does not want to work with you there are plenty that will.
QuoteOriginally posted by Jerry Jeffer:
You are paying for it. I would ask if it was a concern for me. Insult, I doubt it.
X2
Just a custom request as I see it!
no, it is a custom bow to your spects. You should be able to specify your info
I agree. I like to keep the writing as small as I can get, and still be legible. I like the woods to be able to "speak".
Java Man
Most custom bowyer's wouldn't take offense asking to minimize the writing on the bow. Some folks like their bows personalized, and some do not.
Now asking a bowyer to remove his trade mark, specs, or any ID numbers used completely might be a bit much to ask, But i doubt any bowyer is going to be insulted over it.
The key is talking to the bowyer at the time of your order, or before the bow is completed, and ask him about it..... kirk
Very well said Kikll the key is communication,I'm sure a comprimise can be had.
Nobody can be great at everything. I personally think my handwriting stinks. I don't like writting on bows, but if a customer wants me to do it I'll do my best. But it's definately handwritten and it's obvious too. But if a customer wanted it sanded off and refinished I wouldn't care too much, I'd gladly do it.
(Have you seen some of the signatures on paintings in an art gallery? Some very good artists can write very well)
All of my bows have "inscriptions" on them, they have great meaning and is MY way to honor my family members that I cherish. I came up with them myself and have not copied them from anything . I would think that the bowyers would be honored that I choose to do this and pick their bow as my canvass instead of insulted.
Thanks for all your comments guys. I appeciate them.
wow I had a Earth longbow before and it was a nice bow but dang the writing on it was so aweful looking...
I write nothing on them, I just dont like to see any thing on them. Just the beauty of the wood.But will admit I have to remember the weight, or put it back on the scale. I think iam going to write that under the limb pad(three piece)from now on.
The worst I ever saw was done with a gold Sharpie and looked like my 3yr old granddaughter did it. One of the best is on my Brackenbury, beautiful addition to a beautiful bow.
I've heard of bowyers with poor handwriting getting their wives to do it for them.
Hey, if you write like slop you already know it. You shouldn't be offended if a customer requests you not scribble on your new bow.
I don't know...an Owl bow, by Ed Scott, for example...a work of art three ways from Sunday, but the signatures and specs, while primitive, really fit.Never seen one of his unsigned, either.
My 2cents is spent.
I would think most bowyers wouldn't mind leaving off some of their standard script or even put specs where you'd like to have them.
I can only think of one bow I've owned that had a lot of sloppy writing on it though.
I don't like the Truck Dealerships logo on my tailgate!
I like art work on self bows and that is it. Mike Yancey does some really cool work as do others.
There are bows that I do not own because of the poor attention to finish. I classify this issue in that category.
I don't think the question you are asking is an insult, but I think there are plenty who would take it that way.
To me the bowyers script is like his signiture. Each is differnt but represents an artist's work. But an artists work is very subjective and you are the customer so they should be able to "try' to accomodate you. I say "try" because they may not come up with exactly what you want.
If you had a custom guitar made from Martin you could never get them to change their script. Just the way it is with some artists. In most cases the bow will be around a lot longer than we will and it will pass through many hands. Just something to think about.
Two of my favorites are Toelke (Montanabows) and Great Northern. You can spot them a mile away by the writing on the bow.
(http://www.pbase.com/twistedlim/image/146799546.jpg)
Can't hurt to ask.I Don't like alot of writing on my bows either. I used to have my name put on the bow,but the last few,I've picked a name for the bow and had that put on. My last bow was "Blackwood" I've passed on used bows before because they had long personal inscriptions on them that didn't mean anything to me.
If a bowyer loses his cool after a simple question, it raises a new question......
I think most bowyers are decent people and fine craftsmen.
If you cant find one,build your own bows and write as little or as much as you want :campfire:
QuoteOriginally posted by Cyclic-Rivers:
If a bowyer loses his cool after a simple question, it raises a new question......
I think most bowyers are decent people and fine craftsmen.
If you cant find one,build your own bows and write as little or as much as you want :campfire:
Really more than cool. They are some of the finest gentlemen I have met. True nice guys, and outdoorsmen.