I'm tring to develop a "check list" to ask customers that will give me the information needed to build a customer's rod and thought; "I wonder if a list has ever been published in any of the back issues of "Rod Maker"?"

More thinking led me to the possition -- this is most unlikely because each builder most likely uses information that is unique only to them and they would most likely be unwilling to share as it is something they learned over the years.

Nonetheless, I thought I would ask the question -- Anybody know if there is a checklist that can be used for gathering information from a customer that will serve as a guide for this purpose?

thanks
Darby MP Nelson

Darby,
There is an "order list" or a sorta "check list" on the photo page if you search it. Tom Kirkman posted it I believe. /s/Bob

What I had in RodMaker was more of a "build sheet." No checklist yet, but I think that's an excellent idea for something that would certainly be useful.

...........

Darby...I feel that almost everybody that contributes to this forum is here to help their fellow rod crafters in one way or the other...your "check list"
is an example of finding out information on this forum. You seem to have started the ball rolling and now we can sit back and read about all the ideas that will be coming in. [at least you got the attention of Tom and he is like a bulldog ,when he latches onto something he doesn't let go] When I first started rod building better than 30 years ago the only people I had to go to were Dale Clemens and Gene Bullard who were the "Gurus" of rod building back then and they were of great help. Then along came "Rod Crafters Journal" by Dale Clemens which to the novice was "heaven sent", BUT if you asked a fellow rod builder back then -they wanted to keep all their knowledge to themselves- That is why after the invent of these machines we sit at now and are able to talk to each other the "rod Crafting" has taken off and info abounds from all that contributes to this forum...I Love It...only wish I was back in my 20's again. I thank you for this thread Darby and anyone else out there that can come up with these type questions, fire away as we can always learn more in the love of Rod Crafting.





Tight Lines
Tight Wraps
Fishin'Stix by Fred

Below are some things that should be known when ever possible.

1) species targeted?
2) desired presentation method to be used?
3) reel type & size to be used?
4) type of line to be used?

Then you can get into the customer's physical attributes. ( Especially when considering ergonomics)

1) measurements : a) from palm to elbow? to best determine distance from seat to butt.
b) wrist to tip of middle finger ? to determine optimum grip/seat diameter
c) preferred balance point? (if any)

After those questions are answered then the discussion regarding ascetics and grips/seat materials
can begin.

1) Preferred style & materials of grip(s) & reel seat? The builder can offer their knowledge and in-site as
to the most optimum types of materials and configurations suited for the customer's need(s)

2) What colors (if any) are requested or preferred?

3) a)Cross-wraps, b) Weaves, c) Inlays, d) decals, e) theme??

Also,
Is the rod a gift? How much $$$ are they looking to invest? ( didn't say SPEND!)
A frank discussion regarding ANY expressed or implied WARRANTY (in any) should take place and presented
IN WRITING!

The greater the understanding between the client and the builder and the greater the ability of the builder to
see to the client's requirements the greater the satisfaction for all parties concerned.


Raymond Adams
Eventually, all things merge, and a river runs through it..



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 06/27/2007 11:07PM by Raymond_Adams.

Thanks for the responce. The article in the last RM got me thinking that there are a lot of questions that should have and answer to. Grip size is just one. Type of fishing to be done would be another etc.

Thanks again for the responce.

darby

Thanks for the responce. The article in the last RM got me thinking that there are a lot of questions that should have and answer to. Grip size is just one. Type of fishing to be done would be another etc.

Thanks again for the responce.

darby