Looking for a mentor in Michigan?

[BassBow]

Greetings,

I am writing with a question for the Bowyer's Bench.

I have made a few board bows with some success. I am very interested in the craft of bow making. Self, laminate, longbows, recurves. The whole gamut. I am wondering if anyone knows of somebody who would be willing to mentor, or needs an apprentice type person at their shop in west Michigan? I am 38, not a spring chicken, but have a great desire to learn the craft and a desire to do it well and understand it. I know I could research online to some extent and become proficient, however nothing can replace a great teacher.

As I said earlier, I am located in west Michigan and am more than willing to pay for time and expenses. It would be my pleasure. So, if anyone knows of someone who might be able to help me out, I would appreciate it if you could pass my info, or this post on.

Thank you very much!

Sincerely,

Mike D.

[PEARL DRUMS]

Mike, Im in central Michigan, but far from a whiz bowyer.

My suggestion would be to hang out in Marshall at the rendezvous over Memorial weekend. Most of the best self bowyers in the state, and other states,  show up there and work wood. Its 3-4 days of self bowery. I believe we made 7-9 bows from start to finish this year. I lost count. Me and four of my buds all shot a round on the 3d course with the bows we made that weekend, good fun and knowledge galore that is eagerly shared with anybody that will stand still and listen!

[BassBow]

Thanks Pearl!

So why Pearl...Not Gretsch..DW...Tama??? I have always been curious : ).

[PEARL DRUMS]

Dont forget Yamaha!

I've owned them all and Pearl rules the field. Truth be told, they are all good. Its the person playing them that matters most.

[BassBow]

Well said.

I'm just playing with ya. Pearl is going to sound like Pearl on any drum kit. A concept most young guys and tone-searchers don't get. It comes from you and your fingers, not the instrument....

[Black Mockingbird]

Whatever ya do stay away from that pearl drums dude...      

Jus kidding....there's pearly..there's a couple guys in perry just outside of lansing...a few grand rapids area guys...Gary Davis is on the other side of the state but he has a excellent video on making an osage self bow....tons of guys in Michigan...I'm a exodused Hollander myself