I just sent in my deposit to John McDonald for a hill style big river longbow. RH, 68", 50#@ 27", cocobolo riser, five lams of bamboo, with black glass on back and belly. I was wanting a different combo, but Mr. McDonald didn't have the wood I wanted. I was thinking osage riser, osage back and belly with three lams of bamboo in the core with clear glass. I use to own a five lam bamboo McDonald and it was one of the best hill styles I ever owned. At least it shot consistently for me.

What is that small piece of leather installed on the edge of the sight window to keep the arrow on the rest called? I requested that to be added to the bow, but didn't know the proper terminology.

Thanks to Brian, Bigriver, for helping me with the contact info.

I have a hearing disability and between my southern accent and Mr. McDonald's northern accent, we had a spotty conversation. But, we got the job done. He says he's been crafting bows since 1957. I guess he knows how to do it by now.

As long as you know you like a hill style bow, you will Love John's Creation!

I have not shot one of his bows I have not liked yet.

Also, he has a 68", RH, 58#@ 28", with white glass belly for sale if anyone is interested. I almost opted for that bow, but I wanted a five lam bow and the new one for sale is a four lam creation. Plus, I wanted something a bit closer to 50#s.

Has anyone been crafting bows for as long as John McDonald? 1957?

QuoteOriginally posted by foxbo:
Has anyone been crafting bows for as long as John McDonald? 1957?

Bob Lee???

Bob Lee started crafting bows in 1951 and has more or less turned the business over to his son and grandson?

I guess my question should have been has any one man shop been crafting bows for as long as McDonald?

Cyclic-Rivers, we need more interaction in this thread than just you and I!

Where are all the hill fans?

LOL Edward,  John has a cult following here, I am only one of them.  I am surprised no one else has jumped in.

John is a top notch fellow and Bowyer.  I laughed when I heard how your conversation went.

John is a fine gentelman (read crotchety old fart). Who builds an excellent bow, you will be pleased with the new bow.....

I have a very nice Big River Hill style, but it sits dormant most of the time because it is too heavy for me. But it is a extremely well made. I just wish it was 10 or 15 pounds lighter.

I have three of John's bows including a Hill style.  I've had several other Hill style bows from other bowyers and John's is at least as good as the best and may be the smoothest I've shot.  I'll be seeing him this week - just to drop off a couple of moose steaks - after all he built the bow that took it.

I had one once with five lams of bamboo and it was the deepest core, narrow limb bow I've ever seen.

Does anyone know what that tiny piece of leather is called which is installed on the edge of the shelf to keep the arrow on the shelf? I'v seen lots of hill bows with this option, but can't remember what it's callled.

John is hard of hearing anyway and getting up there in age 80-something...83 maybe?  He's gotten quiet in his age and I have a hard time hearing him standing right in front of him.  My brothers and I have a number of Big River's and enjoy them immensely.

John typically carries a limited inventory of wood so orders are typically influenced by what he has on hand.

Hope you enjoy your new bow!

Kris

My first longbow was a 66" 21 Century copy 43#@28.  I got a great deal from a board member here.  I love the bow and while not fast the bow's draw is super smooth and hits where I look. I'm looking for another in the near 50# range to go with it.

"John typically carries a limited inventory of wood so orders are typically influenced by what he has on hand."

I believe you hit the nail on the head. Still, I'm looking forward to receiving any bow from Mr. McDonald. He wasn't too keen on the five lam bamboo limb construction, but I talked him into it. Can you imagine crafting bows for 57 years? That's pretty incredible.

Mine is in line and nearing completion.  I told Mr. McDonald that I was in no particular hurry and he should not worry.  He said the Zircote riser with Bird's eye maple laminations should be real pretty.  Also asked for horn tips.  Typical bamboo cores should make it a screamer.  I have a recurve by Mr. McDonald that is a thumper.(67#@28")  My bows normally take a bit longer cause I like them @65#.

         
Michael

John makes great bows.  I shot one of his hill style and it didn't shake my brain loose after:)

Ed just walk toward the light and join us.    

I recently was fortunate enough to pick up one of Mr. McDonald's Hill style bows off the classifieds here on TG. Great bow. If you like a Hill style, you'll love a Big River Hill. I love every Big River I have. Big River Bow Cult!!!

I asked him how long it would take to complete the bow, six to eight months? He said, "Something like that.". :)As old as he is, I feel lucky that he's still taking orders. I just hope he has good health to follow.

Anyone have any pics of the hill style McDonald? I'd love to see some. Thanks...