Well, I have enough vintage recurves now and want to look into getting a nice longbow. What is the usual process for placing an order with a bowyer? A percentage down, paid in advance of manufacture? Or, are they all different?

thanks,

Dan

In my experience you first call the bowyer and discuss what you are looking for. You would then make a down payment with the rest being due upon completion. Hope this helps! Btw what bowyers are you looking at?

There's a lot of info to cover other than just price and deposit: length, weight, RH/LH, 3 under/split, type of lams and veneers, any special things like horn limb tips or snake backing, some bowyers have more or less expensive models, and get some idea of when it might be ready.

When I ordered mine I had to contact the bower and was put on the wait list and had to put down a deposit (cant remember how much, think $200). When it was my time we discussed woods,length, weight, tiller, limb tips etc...  then I had to pay it off when finished before it would ship.    

Other guy I used you payed full up front and he would send updates while building.

The waiting sucks lol

Thanks for the replies.

VH, haven't settled in to anything in particular just yet, but it will be one of the sponsors.

McDave, Yeah that makes sense. I need to get busy if I want something by thanksgiving or Christmas, I guess (I'll think positive about the completion date).

QuoteOriginally posted by sawtoothscream:
When I ordered mine I had to contact the bower and was put on the wait list and had to put down a deposit (cant remember how much, think $200). When it was my time we discussed woods,length, weight, tiller, limb tips etc...  then I had to pay it off when finished before it would ship.    

Other guy I used you payed full up front and he would send updates while building.


The waiting sucks lol

Waitlist? I'm ADHD   .

Bowyer Brian Wessel usually ask for $250.00 as a deposit to get the ball rolling. You can call him to discuss what exactly what you're looking for. You can take a look at talltines.com or call him at (319)795-6220. Brian is a great guy as well as bowyer.
But there are numerous custom bow makers out there that do amazing work. You just have to do some homework to find the bowyer that suites you as well as meets your needs. Best of luck!!

When you order a custom bow from Black creek   Jim wants a 100.00 deposit. His wait time is usually around 3 to 4 months . Jim makes some of the best longbows out there. If you decide to go with jim you won't be disappointed with anything about the bow.

You should take a look at Maddog. Mike is a heck of a nice guy, makes a great bow, and has very reasonable prices.

Thanks for all the great suggestions, I've been looking at some beautiful bows as a result.

Selection is made, order placed. I'll post pics in a few months...,

The WORST thing you can do is keep changing your mind, and/or keep bugging your bowyer.

I know a guy who changed his mind regarding bow style, weight, length, etc. 5 times during the waiting period. Sadly, I had refered him to the bowyer...bowyer told me he was afraid to start the build, just KNOWING a change was coming...

Once that was finalized, the "how is it coming along" calls started coming. I was embarrassed that I referred the guy.

I recently received a custom bow from Steve Turay from Northern Mist Longbows.
My first custom bow experience was a real pleasure and the bow is literally my dream bow. I wouldn't change one thing about it.I was pretty open to suggestions and tried not to bug him during the waiting time.
I think I sent him a $150 deposit and made another payment(my choice)later on and then the final one when it shipped.
Steve is as good a bowyer and as genuine a person as you'll ever meet.
I've found bowyers to be down to Earth,top-notch individuals. When I can afford it I'm going to order another from Steve.
Good luck.

By the way, there are some other amazing bowyers out there. St Joe River Bows(Tracey and David Balowski), Steve Jewett(Bushman Bows), Bob Rousello(Kohannah Bows), Ryan Gill(self bows)and many others.

I just received a Northern Mist also. Steve is absolutely a high quality person. If a fellow was looking for his first "custom"...you couldn't choose better.

If you can find a way to shoot different brands/models of bows before you order, you'll be miles ahead.  Go to one of the many Classic shoots and try bows from the vendors there.

Try and demo as many bows as you can-several bowyers who are sponsors will even send you a demo. Preferences vary a lot-mine may be completely different from yours-that's one reason there are so many bowyers.

If possible go to a big shoot like Denton Hills or Kalamazoo,etc.. and check out every bow/bowyer there.

Every bowyer is different w/ regards to deposits, wait times, build process, etc. pretty much all of the well known bowyers who've been around are top notch as far as integrity and customer service, thats why they are still around. you can get alot of info off their websites (if they have one) or just call.