Brackenbury/Bill Howland Closing Up Shop!?

[nineworlds9]

Was doing some random bow browsing on the net tonight and was saddened to see Bill Howland announced that Brackenbury Bows will be closing.  He posted a statement on the Brack' website homepage, goes into effect as of 4/15.  Warranties will still be honored but bow building will stop.

This line really struck me:
"I honestly feel that we will not be missed much."

That sucks!  Always hate it when I hear of a bowyer having to stop, though I'm sure Mr. Howland has important reasons.  

Snagging an original Jim bow or a Howland Brack' in desired specs is still on my bow bucket list.

[M60gunner]

I have read this same thing on a couple other sites. Lots of speculation on his stopping business. But his statement you quoted is dishearting. I also do not know if bow making was his only lively hood.

[SlowBowinMO]

Maybe he was just referring to how many great bows we have available these days.  But indeed they will be missed.

[Jack Hoyt 75]

I dont think Bill meant no one cares or his bows are not desired anymore rather there are other great bowyers out there to fill the void he left.

I hatted to hear this and I was on the build list.  Only about 20 names on the list but it was a 3 year wait time!

I am now on Wes Wallace's list and excited!!  Sure hope I get to own or shoot a Brack some day though...

[Blackhawk]

Wow...he only made 7 bows a year?  That sounds like he was already retired.

He does make a great bow and I hope he enjoys retirement...which reminds me of a line in a song:

"I've never seen a tombstone that says, 'I wish I had spent more time at work'"

[ron w]

That's to bad......I had a Brackenbury for a bit. It was a great bow. I would add that if I had to wait 3 years to get one.......I might pass. Still a shame to hear.......hope things go well for him.

[Danny Rowan]

The wait was longer than 3 years, when I got on the list it was supposed to be 2 years, then it changed to 3 after I was on it for a year, waited over 3 1/2 years then he closes shop. Wanted a Peerless real bad, wish I would have kept my Quest instead of selling it but thought I was getting a Peerless so sold it.

[Keith Zimmerman]

So you arent getting a bow after waiting YEARS??!!

[Bill Turner]

Might of made a great, bow but if he could only produce 6 or 7 a year, he is probably right in his assumption. Wish him well and move on. Obviously not worth his time and effort to continue.