Casting a Spell: The Bamboo Fly Rod and the American Pursuit of Perfection - George Black

This book was discussed on this NG several months ago

I am finally getting around to reading it
(almost finished)

I am enjoying it VERY much.
It is well written.
The only problem now is that it I have a stronger desire to fish w a bamboo
fly rod and they are expensive!

If my wife found out how much...
She would probably have me committed.
I am having a hard enough time trying to convince her of my need for another
mandolin and fiddle.

--
Fred

If my wife found out how much...
She would probably have me committed.
I am having a hard enough time trying to convince her of my need for another
mandolin and fiddle.
Fred


Hey Fred, I just finished Casting a Spell too, and I really dug it. I
wasn't sure how exciting a whole book on the history on bamboo would
be but it was a good read for sure. Very informative, the best part is
gives a nice narrative around the different builders, so now when you
look at the Boo catalogs, and dealers, I feel like I have some idea of
who and what each rod REALLY means. Which is a lot better than not
knowing.

But I think Bamboo is fairly affordable compared to a mandolin. Custom
Bamboo rods can be had from a bunch of smaller builder in $1000, rage
but you can't touch a custom mando for less than $2000. High end
colectable mint condition rods from the the best makers in the best
eras, are probably still under $10,000 for the most part. But Gibson
Loars are in the $150,000 range. Sadly I know people who actually
collect loars, but not Boo...

On 3 Mar 2007 12:12:59 -0800, "Ethan" wrote:


If my wife found out how much...
She would probably have me committed.
I am having a hard enough time trying to convince her of my need for another
mandolin and fiddle.
Fred


Hey Fred, I just finished Casting a Spell too, and I really dug it. I
wasn't sure how exciting a whole book on the history on bamboo would
be but it was a good read for sure. Very informative, the best part is
gives a nice narrative around the different builders, so now when you
look at the Boo catalogs, and dealers, I feel like I have some idea of
who and what each rod REALLY means. Which is a lot better than not
knowing.

But I think Bamboo is fairly affordable compared to a mandolin. Custom
Bamboo rods can be had from a bunch of smaller builder in $1000,

Perfectly fishable South Bends, Montagues, H-Is, etc. can be easily and
readily had for under 500USD - typically $200-300.00 and even less with
some shopping and luck. And it would likely be a more
economically-neutral purchase than spending 1000.00-plus from a
relatively unknown maker - IOW, if you decided bamboo wasn't for you,
you'd likely be able to get all or most of your money back out. Not so
with most customs from "small" makers. If you are interested in doing a
little work, you can find lots well under 200.00.

rage
but you can't touch a custom mando for less than $2000. High end
colectable mint condition rods from the the best makers in the best
eras, are probably still under $10,000 for the most part.

There are VERY few $10,000.00 bamboo rods. I have quite a collection of
rods, from both Paynes, Garrison, etc., and no single rod is worth that
solely as a rod (i.e., without any provenance). In fact, even if one
simply wanted to spend that, they would be hard-pressed to do so, and
chances are it would be a rod better suited to a museum than a stream.

TC,
R

But Gibson
Loars are in the $150,000 range. Sadly I know people who actually
collect loars, but not Boo...

If my wife found out how much...
She would probably have me committed.
I am having a hard enough time trying to convince her of my need for
another
mandolin and fiddle.
Fred


Hey Fred, I just finished Casting a Spell too, and I really dug it. I
wasn't sure how exciting a whole book on the history on bamboo would
be but it was a good read for sure. Very informative, the best part is
gives a nice narrative around the different builders, so now when you
look at the Boo catalogs, and dealers, I feel like I have some idea of
who and what each rod REALLY means. Which is a lot better than not
knowing.

But I think Bamboo is fairly affordable compared to a mandolin. Custom
Bamboo rods can be had from a bunch of smaller builder in $1000,

Perfectly fishable South Bends, Montagues, H-Is, etc. can be easily and
readily had for under 500USD - typically $200-300.00 and even less with
some shopping and luck. And it would likely be a more
economically-neutral purchase than spending 1000.00-plus from a
relatively unknown maker - IOW, if you decided bamboo wasn't for you,
you'd likely be able to get all or most of your money back out. Not so
with most customs from "small" makers. If you are interested in doing a
little work, you can find lots well under 200.00.

rage
but you can't touch a custom mando for less than $2000. High end
colectable mint condition rods from the the best makers in the best
eras, are probably still under $10,000 for the most part.

There are VERY few $10,000.00 bamboo rods. I have quite a collection of
rods, from both Paynes, Garrison, etc., and no single rod is worth that
solely as a rod (i.e., without any provenance). In fact, even if one
simply wanted to spend that, they would be hard-pressed to do so, and
chances are it would be a rod better suited to a museum than a stream.

TC,
R

But Gibson
Loars are in the $150,000 range. Sadly I know people who actually
collect loars, but not Boo...



After finishing the book - which I thoroughly enjoyed! - I still do not
know enough about bamboo rods to search and buy with confidence.
Could someone direct me a little further?

I do feel more confident and competent buying an instrument and I have NO
desire to buy a Loar .

Didn't we have Gorge Black himself submit a comment on Roff?
If so - Thanks George - real good read!

Sincerely
Fred

"Fred Lebow" wrote in message
et...

There are VERY few $10,000.00 bamboo rods. I have quite a collection of
rods, from both Paynes, Garrison, etc., and no single rod is worth that
solely as a rod (i.e., without any provenance). In fact, even if one
simply wanted to spend that, they would be hard-pressed to do so, and
chances are it would be a rod better suited to a museum than a stream.
Sincerely
Fred

Pretty well said Fred,
Have you read Garrison's book, A Master's Guide to Building a Bamboo
Fly Rod? Everett was quite an interesting fellow, structural engineer before
rodsmith.
I see the last Winston rod from the boo boys is up for sale with a $15k,
asking price.
I was wondering what you think of the Payne tapers as opposed to the
Garrison Tapers? I have a Gary Howells 8'6" 4oz. and really enjoy casting
the soft action.
btw, also thought Black's book was well done.
fwiw,
-tom

On Wed, 7 Mar 2007 09:34:15 -0700, "Fred Lebow"
wrote:


If my wife found out how much...
She would probably have me committed.
I am having a hard enough time trying to convince her of my need for
another
mandolin and fiddle.
Fred


Hey Fred, I just finished Casting a Spell too, and I really dug it. I
wasn't sure how exciting a whole book on the history on bamboo would
be but it was a good read for sure. Very informative, the best part is
gives a nice narrative around the different builders, so now when you
look at the Boo catalogs, and dealers, I feel like I have some idea of
who and what each rod REALLY means. Which is a lot better than not
knowing.

But I think Bamboo is fairly affordable compared to a mandolin. Custom
Bamboo rods can be had from a bunch of smaller builder in $1000,

Perfectly fishable South Bends, Montagues, H-Is, etc. can be easily and
readily had for under 500USD - typically $200-300.00 and even less with
some shopping and luck. And it would likely be a more
economically-neutral purchase than spending 1000.00-plus from a
relatively unknown maker - IOW, if you decided bamboo wasn't for you,
you'd likely be able to get all or most of your money back out. Not so
with most customs from "small" makers. If you are interested in doing a
little work, you can find lots well under 200.00.

rage
but you can't touch a custom mando for less than $2000. High end
colectable mint condition rods from the the best makers in the best
eras, are probably still under $10,000 for the most part.

There are VERY few $10,000.00 bamboo rods. I have quite a collection of
rods, from both Paynes, Garrison, etc., and no single rod is worth that
solely as a rod (i.e., without any provenance). In fact, even if one
simply wanted to spend that, they would be hard-pressed to do so, and
chances are it would be a rod better suited to a museum than a stream.

TC,
R

But Gibson
Loars are in the $150,000 range. Sadly I know people who actually
collect loars, but not Boo...



After finishing the book - which I thoroughly enjoyed! - I still do not
know enough about bamboo rods to search and buy with confidence.
Could someone direct me a little further?

I can direct you right to a rod: call Len Codella at Codella's
(www.codellas.com), explain your situation, and ask him what he'd
recommend in something fishable under 500USD, preferably under 300, and
if you feel OK with some rewrapping, etc., ask about "project rods."
Talk with him and _listen_ to what he has to say. If something he
recommends fits the fishing you intend, give him your CC number and wait
for a package. Will this be the absolute least-expensive way to go?
Nope. But I'd offer that what you'd get in both rod and knowledge will
be worth it. And for the record, I have nothing whatsoever to do with
or gain from anyone buying from him. By the same token, I don't offer a
guarantee on his behalf either. IME, he simply has a good reputation
and knows his gear. IMO, you'll not find a "sleeper," but you'll get a
fair dealer/market price on an accurately-represented rod.

If that isn't an option with which you're comfortable, maybe Wayne K.,
Charlie Wilson, or another ROFFian bamboo'er might agree to make a
recommendation/selection on your behalf on eBay or such. I would not
agree to do so because I've suggested it.

TC,
R

I do feel more confident and competent buying an instrument and I have NO
desire to buy a Loar .

Didn't we have Gorge Black himself submit a comment on Roff?
If so - Thanks George - real good read!

Sincerely
Fred

On Wed, 7 Mar 2007 08:49:35 -0800, "Tom Nakashima"
wrote:


"Fred Lebow" wrote in message
news:ydOdnYTs5_cNdHPYnZ2dnUVZ_h2pnZ2d@centurytel. net...

There are VERY few $10,000.00 bamboo rods. I have quite a collection of
rods, from both Paynes, Garrison, etc., and no single rod is worth that
solely as a rod (i.e., without any provenance). In fact, even if one
simply wanted to spend that, they would be hard-pressed to do so, and
chances are it would be a rod better suited to a museum than a stream.
Sincerely
Fred

Pretty well said Fred,

Tom, you are a real hoot...

TC,
R

Have you read Garrison's book, A Master's Guide to Building a Bamboo
Fly Rod? Everett was quite an interesting fellow, structural engineer before
rodsmith.
I see the last Winston rod from the boo boys is up for sale with a $15k,
asking price.
I was wondering what you think of the Payne tapers as opposed to the
Garrison Tapers? I have a Gary Howells 8'6" 4oz. and really enjoy casting
the soft action.
btw, also thought Black's book was well done.
fwiw,
-tom

wrote in message
... On Wed, 7 Mar 2007 09:

I can direct you right to a rod: call Len Codella at Codella's
(www.codellas.com), explain your situation, and ask him what he'd
recommend in something fishable under 500USD, preferably under 300, and
if you feel OK with some rewrapping, etc., ask about "project rods."
Talk with him and _listen_ to what he has to say. If something he
recommends fits the fishing you intend, give him your CC number and wait
for a package. Will this be the absolute least-expensive way to go?
Nope. But I'd offer that what you'd get in both rod and knowledge will
be worth it. And for the record, I have nothing whatsoever to do with
or gain from anyone buying from him. By the same token, I don't offer a
guarantee on his behalf either. IME, he simply has a good reputation
and knows his gear. IMO, you'll not find a "sleeper," but you'll get a
fair dealer/market price on an accurately-represented rod.

If that isn't an option with which you're comfortable, maybe Wayne K.,
Charlie Wilson, or another ROFFian bamboo'er might agree to make a
recommendation/selection on your behalf on eBay or such. I would not
agree to do so because I've suggested it.

Thanks very much


--
Fred

wrote:

I can direct you right to a rod: call Len Codella at Codella's
(www.codellas.com)

FWIW, that should probably be "www.codella.com".


Chuck Vance (librarian to the stars)

On Mar 7, 11:34 am, "Fred Lebow" wrote:

After finishing the book - which I thoroughly enjoyed! - I still do not
know enough about bamboo rods to search and buy with confidence.
Could someone direct me a little further?

I do feel more confident and competent buying an instrument and I have NO
desire to buy a Loar .

Didn't we have Gorge Black himself submit a comment on Roff?
If so

I read the book last year. Around Christmas I was in a local antique
shop and found an original Edwards Quadrate in pretty poor condition.
Rather than send it where I normally send that kind of stuff (does
good work tho), using information from the book and a fly shop in New
Hampshire, we tracked down a former Edward's disciple who is doing the
restore work. Gonna cost me more than the rod but I can't wait to re-
baptize it.

Mr. Black writes of the history and development of the American cane
rod makers. Most of what he writes about now is not readily available
without busting the bank or having someone do restorative work. At the
same time there were/are lots of bits and pieces of those old
companys' work around with a little luck and detective work.

For example, I have cane rods from Leonard and Payne but they are not
marked as such and don't have collectible value. The Leonard is all
original Leonard components but was assembled from blanks from three
other rods and the cork/reel seat from a fourth. The Payne is from a
matched set of blanks but it was assembled by someone else and is
marked as such.

There are so many choices in cane today, outside of the Winston (yes
still making a fine bamboo), T&T, and Scott there are folks such as
George Maurer, Bob Summers, FD Lyons making superb sticks for a lower
price point. Below those three there are even more chocies. Add to it,
we are starting to see imported asian rods. Cortalnd/Diamondback is
showing a $599 two tip rod in the fly fishing shows.

Unlike Richard, I wouldn't start with Codella. I would start with
builders in my area if at all possible. Visit the rodmaker's
website,lurk awhile, and then start asking questions. Personally I
would stay away from parabolic rods. Impregnated rods (Orvis) tend to
cost less than varnished rods (T&T). Bear in mind that anything you
try will more than likely be slower than your slowest graphite rod

Above all, whatever you end up getting and whatever you end up paying
is not important, fish it and enjoy it.