Dave Johnson Longbows....Anyone Have One or Has Got One Recently?

[Nala]

Hey all,

I've kinda been out of bow shooting for a few months and haven't kept up with much of anything in the TRAD world.  One of my ABSOLUTE FAVORITE Bowyers is Dave Johnson.  He makes Hill Style longbows in Red Cedar and they are some of the most beautiful bows you'll see, if you like that style of bow.  I think they are GORGEOUS and have been wanting one for a while.
I'd like for owners of them to speak up and talk about their bow(s) and post pics if you have them.  I never get tired of seeing beautiful bows that you guys have.
Also, has anyone got one recently from him or on his list to get one soon?  I'm just curious to see if he's still building like he was or he has maybe slowed down a bit or so?

Let's see and hear about your DJ Longbows!!

Thanks all,
Nalajr

[alex321]

I spoke to him recently.  He has a draw weight limit, due to his age, of 50 lbs at 28".  

Alex

[Centex]

Light and fast.  Bombproof finish. Needs a heavier spine and gpi arrow than other hills.

[East Coast archer]

After waiting a year, I got a call from Dave this spring only to find out that he does not make any bows heavier then 50# @ 28 anymore and with my short draw my order was too heavy for him to make    

[Green]

Lucky to have snagged this one from Bluegoose as my second one.  Like Centex said above....the cedar limbs make for a bow that's very light in the hand, and very fast.  

[bsv]

I love mine,call her "sweet 66" 50@28 Dave is a GREAT GUY..... Burt

[tippit]

I have several Dave Johnson longbows.  As a matter of fact it was his bow that got me hooked into traditional archery back in 1980.

[Nala]

BEAUTIFUL BOWS!!

I have been wanting one for a while.  I love those white bellys and maroon colored backs.  I guess I'm ok, my weight is 45 pounds...
His prices did go up a bit in the last year.  They are now $575.

Nalajr

[Centex]

They're worth the wait.  He only builds one design, but each bow is so unique...true artist.

[Bill Turner]

"Ric O'Shay" has a couple but he is out of pocket. I'll tell him about this post. His bows are beautiful. The last time I spoke to Mr. Johnson I got the impression that he was no longer interested in making the heavier bows but I would definitely recommend speaking with him directly. I'm not sure what he considers heavy.  

[toddster]

Mr. Johnson made me one two years ago, and it is one of my favorite bows.  The grip is custom and it sends and arrow with athority and still gentle and sweet on the hand.

[Mudd]

Here's my DJ "Trinity"

[Hatrick]

I would highly suggest that you give Dave a call. He is very responsive by phone and wants to make sure you get a bow you'll like. Here's a link to a review I did on my Dave Johnson back in April of last year.

http://tradgang.com/noncgi/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic;f=31;t=001193#000000

[akbowbender]

Mine looks very much like Roy's. It's 66" 51# @ 28" and is named "Whitetail Magic". I don't know who the original owner was, but I bought as much for the name as for the fact that it is a Dave Johnson. I has a 2 1/4" inch deep grip. It is very light in the hand and is a joy to shoot.

BTW: I specs read 43# at  27", so they are a little off from what the last two owners measured. I haven't checked it myself, but it feels about right compared to my 51# Misty Dawn.

[Nala]

Hey all,

The Dave Johnson longbows are some of the most beautiful longbows out there, I think.  That white belly with the maroon colored back is just awesome.

Since last year or so I have been communicating with Mr. Johnson.  I first emailed him to ask about his bows and now I email him about every month to say HELLO and see how he and his lovely wife are doing.  He's such a good man, there aren't many more like Mr. Johnson.  I've talked to him about wanting one of his bows, but he has a list of people that have been on it for a while and I wouldn't dare try to worm my way ahead of anyone, Mr. Johnson wouldn't do it anyway.  He's got too much integrity.
Anyway, he told me he is slowing down and just cannot devote the time he once could to his bow building.  He is a caregiver to his wife, I think, who was injured in a car accident not that long ago and he takes care of her, as anyone would do with their mate, especially when you've been with her or him for 50 years or so.

So, I don't know if I'll ever get one.  If he is not able to get one for me, that'll be ok.  I'll wish I would've been able to get one, but I'll understand why and not be upset about it.

I might end up having to get a USED one, if one ever pops up in my 45 pound draw and in my price range.

I sure would love to have had that one that MUDD sold last year named RED DRAGON.  That would've been perfect, but alas it's gone, never to be heard from again as I think the owner doesn't frequent the boards....

Thanks for the pics...keep 'em coming.

Nalajr

[Friend]

Purdy!

[Russ Clagett]

I have a Dave Johnson Longbow....it is 81 pounds at 27 inches. Wonderful....

Mr Dave was gonna build me another one but he has some shoulder issues and that keeps him from stringing and unstringing bows all day...

It may be the only Dave Johnson Longbow I ever have....but I do have the one....

Dave is the man.

[tippit]

Back surgery has forced me to look at a few older heavier bows for the chopping block...litterally as I'll probably reduce some weight on a couple.  For a starters, my favorite HH style longbow...Dave Johnson Red Cedar longbows.  I found five of them this morning and that's after starting to move around from surgery four days ago. They range from 47#@28 to 60#@28