Copying someone elses bow and being "fancy"

[K. Mogensen]

Hey, I have a few quick questions on custom bows. They may sound stupid but please bear with me.

First, it seems that every wood combo I come up with, has already been done. Is there anything wrong with copying what someone else has done, or should I try to come up with something all my own?

Second, I've contemplated sticking with Brown (if I can) or black glass to keep things simple, and maybe even classic. Would this make the bow look too "stock"? Or should a person try to be fancy and go with clear glass and some kind of veneer?

Thanks, I may have more later...

[Chris Surtees]

It is custom and you can do whatever you want within the limitations of the bowyer. As long as you like the bow that is all that really matters.

[K. Mogensen]

Thanks for the quick reply. I was up till 1 last night thinking about it, and I ended up thinking that I'd really like to go with brown glass. Just wasn't sure.

[gudspelr]

Looked at a LOT of pics of bows to get ideas and I haven't seen too many newer ones with brown glass.  Personally, I really liked them-very classy looking.  Good luck with whatever you choose and I agree completely with Chris-make it something that YOU like.  After all, you're going to be the one looking at and shooting it.


Jeremy

[K. Mogensen]

I've seen one so far, it was a Griffin.

Thanks guys, feeling like the brown if I can get it.

[MSwickard]

Here is my Griffin that I had made up with Black glass back and Brown Glass Belly.

Mike

   Black/Brown Griffin

[gudspelr]

Oooooh, Mike....that's one purdy bow!  After seeing that one, find some brown glass, Kiefer!  I say take little pieces from what you like and put it all together to make your bow.  Oh, and post pics-gotta steal some ideas, myself   .


Jeremy

[K. Mogensen]

Well, after talking to Chad Francis, I've flipped around to Tamo Ash...    Now what to put on that riser...

[ckanous]

Not many people into brown these days it seems like, I like the classic look of it myself. I have a Ben Pearson with brown back and belly. Sweeeet!!  Do It the way you want it, its your bow!!!

[18thcentman]

Even if you copy a bow, it will still not look exactly alike. You can never go wrong, as long as you like the bow.Just my two cents.

[Dick in Seattle]

the last two bows I finished I used brown and black glass.  Previously I had only used clear with veneers or fancy woods.   I was surprised by how much I, and others, were impressed with the black and brown.   You can see these bows at:

 http://oldpharttsarchery.com/bowbuilding/gallery/bowsmade.html

Scroll down to "Sweet Georgia Brown" and "Le Chasseur Noir"

[flinthead]

Only drawback in solid color glass I've seen is every tiny scratch shows. But choose what you like. Roy

[jsweka]

Nothing wrong with copying someone elses wood combo.  Every time I plan to make a new bow, I study professional bowyers web sites for hours trying to decide what woods look good together.

The brown glass question....I had always been a fan of clear glass, but after making a black glass bow for a friend of mine, seeing Dick's brown glass bows, and seeing everyone's response to brown glass here, that's the way I'm leaning for my next personal bow - at least until I go to Denton Hill and see a pile of other pretty wood/glass combinations  

[zipper bowss]

Even if you choose the exact same wood combination as someone else.The bow WILL look different.No two pieces of wood are exactly alike.THANK GOD!
If colored glass tickles you,go with it.
Bill

[Cyclic-Rivers]

Nothing wrong with inspiration.  Every artist is inspired by something or someone. You will add your personal touch by default.

Good Luck

[Red Beastmaster]

I've had three bows with brown glass including a Brackenbury. I prefer it to black or clear.

[owlbait]

Why not brown glass on one side and clear glass over a nice veneer on the other side?

[Ragnarok Forge]

Dick made up "Le Chasseur Noir" for me in trade for a knife I am making him.  I can tell you it is a beauty. It is my first hill bow and having shot the bow, I love it.  I am working up some arrows that will tune perfectly to the bow. I plan to hunt deer with it this fall.  I am not sure about the hand shock issues I hear about with hill bows..  I didn't notice any when shooting "Le Chasseur Noir".

[ckanous]

I like Owlbaits idea!

[Diamond Paul]

I've found that every time I buy a really fancy, beautiful bow, I'm afraid to hunt with it for fear of scratching it!  I really wish I could find a plain actionwood bow that I liked so I could actually take it into the woods!