I shot two out of your choices 2 months ago .. wasn't even looking for a new bow as I had a Hummingbird on order.
I shouldn't have shot the Liberty Edge. But I did.  
And due to it I ended up with two new bows coming in the same week. I'll probably have him build me a Contender next year. Plus like others have said, he's a great guy to work with.

Thanks everyone for all the input! I know everyone has a different feel for all the different kinds of bows, but I was just hoping to see if anyone had any experience with the bow and/or the bowyers. I really enjoyed everyones comments, I am also open to any other suggestions. Those are just th three that seemed the best to me.

Also, out of all these bows, does anyone have any thoughts on whether yew or bamboo makes a better limb? I cant seem to find a straight answer about that. Since it's going to be my first high quality trad bow, I want something that will last the longest and produce the lease handshock.

BBrakke, I have owned 3 Abbotts and now own a Liberty Contender. There's some magic in that bow.

I have 4 of Alan's Liberty bows under my roof. I shoot a 54# 66" english with a bamboo core and a 58# 60" chief with a yew core. My draw is long, I shoot full length shafts and the back of my broadheads just touch the shelf. Both bows shoot well, and do not stack. I can't see an advantage over either core, talk to Alan though.

My 19 y/o daughter shoots. 52# 66" contender, my 14 y/o son just bought a 53# 66" edge they both love their bows. I shot a 60" edge at the longbow safari and almost brought it home.

Cant go wrong with a liberty!

I doubt you would find any difference between yew and bamboo.  I sure can't tell any difference.  Pick the one that you like the looks of best--or, get one of each!  

When in doubt, see what the pro's are using.

Dave Wallace uses bamboo
Howard Hill used bamboo.

That's a very good point! Thanks so much everyone for your words of wisdom. Definitely helping me with my decision!

You would be hard pressed to find much difference in yew and bamboo, but the yew seems smoother to me. It's a prettier wood than bamboo, if you're going for clear glass.

Why not ask the bowyer what he prefers, and go from there? His design may favor one over the other.

Allen is as good of a guy as they come. And his bows are right therwe with him. You can't go wrong with the Liberty  

Agree, Allen and his bows are great. Have a Contender & 2 Edges, very smooth/fast designs, especially the Edge.

I feel the yew limbs draw smoother than boo and have a very pleasent release, worth sacrifcing a couple FPS. Just my humble opinion  

I've had Liberty English in boo and yew. I prefer the boo seems to have a little more snap but the yew draws nicer. I saw Allens new string folloW last spring didn't get to shoot it as it was a customers bow. Ebony riser carmelized boo limb core black glass. Stunning. The carmelized boo had color that resembled yew which contrasted beautifully with dark riser and glass.

I have 2 Contenders and one Liberty "Tiger" Bow (From the past) I'm a firm believer in staying with what works for you. I would contact the bowyers and see if any of them have a trial policy.

Shooting the bows will assist in your decision.

Good Luck!

Allen usually has a try before you buy bow or two. Better yet drive up to Brownsville, Or this week end for our annual Traditional Archers of Oregon Pope & Young shoot.  He is usually there.
Clout, Wand, 50 3d's on Sunday and novelties as well.
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I cannot complain about my Liberty English.  The design is excellent if not for everyone because of the straight limbs.  I like the semi reverse handle design about his bows the most.  Best of bowth (haha) worlds as far as riser design goes.

I think Liberty represents an excellent value as well.  You get a lot of bow for the price paid.

I have shot the liberty and the condender andyheyboth are faster than My hill bow. Both are great bows. Fine craftsmanship tight glue lines exquisitely crafted nocks. If you are a longbow nutcase you should have both. Imho.

i've got three abbott longbows,one saxon, one fred anderson skookum,one bighorn, one howard hill,one dick palmer,and one karluk, all longbows,the abbotts are the best, smooth ,acuurate and hardhitting, most of all well balanced and comfortable.

Wow, thank you all for helping me with this! I'm going to try and make it to a shoot, but I leave in 2 weeks to go back to college in Montana. I will definitely inquire about the try before you buy policy, because that would be very helpful.

I shot Abbott before Abbott was cool!

I'm on my third one now. I have shot lots of other longbows but nothing has compared to the quality, feel, and value of the Abbotts.

I have no experience with the other bows.