Well....I took the plunge....finally, and ordered a custom bow

I had been in talks with Jim Gainey of Black Creek bows, and with the help of John from Sipsey River, I dove in head first.

While John was "not working" at his recent visit to Denton Hill, he brought a couple of Jim's Banshee longbow models for me to shoot at the practice butts at ETAR.

First arrow, just a bit off the mark...all the rest of them......right in the boiler room!

I was thrilled, and John graciously took some precious moments of his vacation time to take my order, trace and customize the grip adjustments I wanted, and pass it along to Jim Gainey.

The riser will be a solid piece of highly figured Brazilian rosewood that was given to me by my Dad. The cores will be action boo with curly maple veneers under clear glass. The tip laminations will be ebony which also came from my Father.

60" Banshee, with a target weight of 50#.

I am so excited I just about can't stand myself.

Here is a picture of the block of wood it is coming from. The top left hand section is the "chunk" it is being made from.

 



I'll keep you all posted with some pictures when I get it.

That's cool Jim. Especially the parts Dad gave you.

Jim,

Nice wood choices, but have you considered having another wood glued up in the riser for both contrast and additional strength -- especially strength? Some curly maple and/or ebony strips or flairs in the riser would make it stronger as well as tie together the limbs with the riser. I only suggest this since it is your first custom and you may not have thought of this.

Allan

Can't wait to see it    is it done yet?  :D

Thanks Kenny.

Allan, I have put a lot of thought into this....about a year and a half's worth. We talked about radius' and other accents. The wood is so nice, I don't want to interrupt it.

Brent.....my thoughts exactly..  :D

Jim,

It is beautiful wood, so I don't blame you for wanting it to be a single piece riser. I just wanted to make sure you had thought it out, and obviously you have. It will be a superb looking bow and you will enjoy it even more knowing where the wood came from.

Allan