"Don46" wrote in message
oups.com...

I'm thinking I might treat myself to a new rod this winter and am
considering building my own. . . . is the final product going to look
like the
factory made rod? Or is it likely to look home made?

Flash is the key word.
Flash_1 is the overall shininess of the factory-made rod,
usually done by immersion in shiny varnish. This adds
nothing to the rod's performance or protection, except that
it makes the windings last longer, perhaps for ever. So far
as the factory-made rod reflects light, it is likely to spook
skittish fish.
Flash_2 is the selection of coloured windings or figured
woods for cosmetic affect. A rod decorated to your taste
can add to pleasure and confidence on the water, so long
as its Flash_1 is also acceptable.

The most expensive rods are called "hand-made" as
distinct from "factory-made." Some makers deliberately
avoid Flash_1 by using no varnish or matt varnish, some
make an aesthetic virtue of their plainness and sober colours.
--
Don Phillipson
Carlsbad Springs
(Ottawa, Canada)