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Main Boards => PowWow => Topic started by: Clint B. on April 02, 2014, 03:13:00 PM

Title: does Bubinga change color?
Post by: Clint B. on April 02, 2014, 03:13:00 PM

Is bubinga one of those woods that changes color over time and exposure to sunlight? The reason I ask is that the bubinga risers on vintage bows I've seen appear to be darker and less red. I realize that the color of fresh cut wood varies greatly, so maybe its just a "pigment" of my imagination.  :)

Title: Re: does Bubinga change color?
Post by: Matty on April 02, 2014, 03:18:00 PM

"Pigment"
Oh that's a good one.

Title: Re: does Bubinga change color?
Post by: Fletcher on April 02, 2014, 04:51:00 PM

It doesn't seem to change much if any.  It was a common riser wood in the 60's and those bows look the same as when new.

Title: Re: does Bubinga change color?
Post by: joe skipp on April 02, 2014, 05:04:00 PM

I have never seen it change. My riser on the Groves looks the same today as it did 15 yrs ago. Now Osage will darken and get a nice honey color.

Title: Re: does Bubinga change color?
Post by: FerretWYO on April 02, 2014, 05:17:00 PM

I like it. I have not seen bubinga change but that does not mean it doesn't.

Title: Re: does Bubinga change color?
Post by: Clint B. on April 02, 2014, 05:49:00 PM

Yeah, the osage orange changes to a better color over time in my opinion. I've seen purpleheart lose its purple and change to a dark brown that I also like better. I've noticed my cocobolo riser lose its bright yellow & orange streaks over time. I liked the original coloration best.

Title: Re: does Bubinga change color?
Post by: Matty on April 02, 2014, 05:53:00 PM

I THINK anything that gets hit with UV RAYS will color or discolor over time.

Title: Re: does Bubinga change color?
Post by: Clint B. on April 02, 2014, 05:54:00 PM

Perhaps the bow finish "darkens" or "yellows" over time and makes the vintage wood look darker??? I know vintage white fiberglass sure doesn't look white to me.

Title: Re: does Bubinga change color?
Post by: damascusdave on April 02, 2014, 08:56:00 PM

I have a 1963 Kodiak Special and had two 1963 Polars and a 1964 Kodiak...I would guess the bubinga in them has changed very little in tone in those 51 years...sorry I cannot do pictures but if you check out Wade Philip's Kodiak Special identification thread in Trad History/Collecting both the 1963 and 1964 are bubinga with Brazilian rosewood "horns"

DDave

Title: Re: does Bubinga change color?
Post by: damascusdave on April 02, 2014, 09:10:00 PM

Correction...1963 and 1965 are bubinga and look pretty red tone to me

DDave

Title: Re: does Bubinga change color?
Post by: damascusdave on April 02, 2014, 09:18:00 PM

I bumped that thread to the top and then I remembered something else...bubinga sometimes has a reputation for lacking grain character...if you check page 3 you will see a great picture of a 1963 KS with some amazing character...you can also see a picture of my 63 KS on page 11 of that thread

DDave

Title: Re: does Bubinga change color?
Post by: lbshooter on April 03, 2014, 09:27:00 AM

I have several bows with Bubinga, a couple , 50 years old,  no change at all.

Title: Re: does Bubinga change color?
Post by: wingnut on April 03, 2014, 09:37:00 AM

I've not seen the wood change color but have seen the finish darken and yellow with time.  Today's finishes will hold the clear a lot longer.

Mike