Good Bowyers/Ugly Bows?

[Bow man]

Mike the wood choice it totally up to the person with the money. We may ask the person are you sure if they say yes we build the bow the way they ordered it.
Maybe I missed it what woods to you want?

[Ric Anderson]

"Mike the wood choice it totally up to the person with the money. We may ask the person are you sure if they say yes we build the bow the way they ordered it."

I agree. That's where the word "custom" comes into play.

I once had a customer who requested a bow and told me to just make it "pretty".  I quizzed him on wood colors, etc but he said to just make it "pretty" and left the wood choices in my hands.  I agreed and made a bow that I thought definately fitted the definition of pretty, as did other who saw the bow.  I shipped it off and a few days later recieved a call from the customer.  He stated he loved the way the bow shot but it wasn't "pretty", so I took the bow back.  I learned a lesson there.

[Sixby]

Good point Ric and exactly what I was talking about. One thing I definately try to do is get a handle on the (Look) the customer wants.
Talk about pretty. You live in the prettiest place in the world Bro. God Bless you all, Steve

[Jedimaster]

I don't say this to conflict with anyone as I believe the whole matter is one of individual choice.  The customer has a choice in what he wants and the bowyer has a choice as to wether he accepts the job.  That's the disclaimer, now my opinion ...
I don't build bows but I have come to a place where my personal identity is not caught up in my work.  I provide a service, to the customers needs/desires.  Some other person may view it and say "I don't like it" but what matters is a satisfied customer.  I attempt to satisfy each customer the same and I'd rather have that reputation than be known as an artist.  
I do understand some bowyers reservations because the world is full of morons that don't truly know what they want and can never be satisfied. However, when dealing with a reasonable person with odd tastes I say "go for it".

[2treks]

SIXBY, I Agree. Whitefish is Pretty.

[owlbait]

I didn't mention any wood combo's yet except to one bowyer. I'm going to keep it to myself until I decide the exact bow I want to have built, and then find someone to build it. It is funny, but I saw part of this combo years ago on 2 different bows, and it has just stuck with me. Part of the "Frankenbow" has just recently came to me as I've seen new work and wood that is avaiable. I sure do appreciate everyone's input. It wouldn't be art, but it would be part like me, just a few degrees off center.

[horatio1226]

To me a bow is sculpture. Blood, sweat and inspiration. Different perspectives I guess.

[owlbait]

I have the inspiration, practice and tuning will provide the sweat, some critter will provide the blood.

[Andy Cooper]

Originally posted by Sixby:
Marblecake English Walnut is not plain wood (grin) I did build a couple of bows with some. Buttttt its so hard to find. Very Very expensive when you do too. Butttttttttt, Talk about a class bow. English walnut MMMMMMMMMMM

Heavily marbled English walnut is the only wood that can make me salivate when I look at it!