hey guys, looking for a used longbow, it'll be my first.  found one of these for sale locally and am interested in it but i wanted to get your opinion on the company, the bowyer(s), and most of the all the bow.  its the traditional longbow model.  the gentlemen has sent me a pic and i'll try to post it.  looks like its 695 new, based on whats on the site.  if its possible to suggest what a fair price would be for this based on this model and the sellers description of it being in excellent shape, that would be helpful. thanks! here is the link.
  http://www.gnbco.com/
 

As far as the price I won't go there, as far as the bow....Great Northern is a stand up company with an excellent product with a loyal following. Great customer service and just good folks to deal with! Good solid hunting bows    !!

thank you ron

Jerry Brumm makes a great bow.  I shoot one every day.  When it comes time to buy another bow, it will be a Great Northern as well.

this is a pic, if it works
http://i554.photobucket.com/albums/jj426/aarongreen123/bow.jpg

I'm not sure what a fair price is but I have seen similar bows sell for $300-375.

Jerry makes a first  class bow, and is a heckuva good guy!

Eric

It seems that typically bows sell used for around 50-60% of new price if they are in very good to excellent condition.  I'm not sure why they don't bring more, but that seems to be about the ceiling unless they are a highly sought after bow.  Some will be posted above that range on the classifieds, but they tend to hang around a long time.  The bow and the bowyer are outstanding--no worry there.  GN bows have a solid reputation.

The others have pretty well summed it up, GN and Jerry are both great.  Price is something that both parties will have to be happy with.  Good luck on your purchase.

There is a reason they have been around a LONG time. The "broom handled bow" has a very nice shooting reputation back then (late 80's was my first) and still today. 66" 54# @ 28" That's a nice one.

I have one and it's a great bow! Shoots a heavy arrow whisper quiet and fast for a straight limbed bow. It's named correctly as it is traditional in style.

JCJ if you see anoother one for $300-$375, let me know will you? I doubt very seriously you can find such a high quality handmade bow for that.

Biggie:

A 64" Gritter Gitter just sold for $325 over on Stickbow. The one that Double A is considering is listed for $375. Last month a new condition Bushbow with Spalted Pecan veneers sold for $325. IF you are a lefty, the Footed Shaft had an Original and may still have it, for $295.

So, they are out there if you keep your eye's peeled.

JCJ

If you find a bow that looks as basic as a GN but performs better than any fancy bow, let me know.

Guys thanks a ton.  What are the characterostics of this model from a design perspective? I have been told that other bows from gn are more sought after, which ones and how come?

For my money the Critter Gitter Special is a smooth hard hitting longbow.

QuoteOriginally posted by JCJ:
Biggie:

A 64" Gritter Gitter just sold for $325 over on Stickbow. The one that Double A is considering is listed for $375. Last month a new condition Bushbow with Spalted Pecan veneers sold for $325. IF you are a lefty, the Footed Shaft had an Original and may still have it, for $295.

So, they are out there if you keep your eye's peeled.

JCJ

What JCJ said. I've only been on here a couple years but they seem to pop up often and around the $300 mark.

Good bows. I don't own one but shoot the same style and spent a lot of time at Kzoo with all of their models. I'm set for longbows but wouldn't hesitate to pick up a used one. I love a good broom-handled bow.

Have you ever shot one?

Are there distinct disadvantages to this model?

Negatives, none but it may be perceived as being too simple in looks, trust it lives up to KISS principle perfectly. Keep in mind you have to enjoy shooting longbows with broomhandle grips.

Jerry makes a great bow.  I had a super ghost, and let it go.  I wish I had it back sometimes. Smoooooth drawing bows.
How reasonable the price is, is between you and the seller.

The only real negative might be that the Traditional design requires a longer bow for the same draw.  My Bushbow is 62".  With the Traditional I would have ordered 66".  They tend to be a little slower in cast compared to a more r/d design, but that is not always the case.  The plus is they are a very stable, consistent, and forgiving. There is just something addictive to shooting straight limb or very moderate r/d designs.  

Jerry makes great bows that are solid, functional, and bomb proof. Can't go wrong with one new or used.