I'm getting ready to fininsh a blank and trying to decide on the wrap colors and seat style. I've heard some of the old masters had trademark wrap colors, etc. and am curious if anyone can point me to a source that discusses them.

I'm thinking of a copper colored wrap with rust tipping and a Bellinger burled maple nickle silver slide band seat. Does that scheme match any old classic?

I'm not neccesarily trying to match anybody, but if I'm close, I'd like to know.

Thanks

Hi John,

Just curious, have you seen or tried this Copper/Rust thread combo anywhere? I just wonder if there is enough contrast between the copper and rust when they are finished and transparent. I'm assuming that the rust colour must be fairly dark? Is the copper metallic?

Please understand that I am not criticizing your choice, I too am trying to figure out a combo for my rod and I'd love to see an example of this combo if you have one.

Thanks,
Mark

In the catelogue (Angler's Workshop) , there's definitely a contrast - on the spool. It's their "Copper" and "Rust Red" silk threads. I plan on doing a test wrap and varnish on a dowell before committing on the blank. The copper does not appear to be metallic.

I know the look I'm trying to achieve, and have snafed some jpgs from various maker's sites. I'd be happy to share them but they're at home so it would be later in the weekend.

John

John
The best source for bamboo fly rods that I've found is Michael Sinclair's book "Bamboo Rod Restoration Handbook" I got my copy (and a few gift copies) from Darrell at URL:

[]

He has lots of other books and catalog reprints as well from the "classic era"

Ken

John...
Update 4U ... @#$%& Item: []
Book as above currently $6.00 . Retail is $25.00
Ken

John;
The copper from Angler's will turn a medium brown/cinnamon when finished clear with varnish, it will also transfer the color of the blank thru, so if you are using it on graphite it will get very dark. I wrap most of my bamboo rods in this color, with a medium brown tipping, it comes out very nice and the darker brown shows off against the lighter very well. This was the color scheme used for a while By Heddon on their top of the line model #1000. The rust will darken also, but will still be visible against the copper. Copper also looks good color preserved with Varathane 900.
john

John - thanks for that input. Sounds like what I'm looking for. My blank, I believe, is a medium caramel color. Actually, I'll insert a link:

[www.codella.com]

This link approximates the look I'm going for on the wraps - maybe just a shade lighter on each would be better for me.

[www.codella.com]

Am I in the ballpark?

John;
That's about what the copper turns out like with varnish on it, the color might change a little bit depending on the color of the blank beneath it. I think what Simroe has used on this rod is java brown Pearsalls Gossamer, I suggest using the copper instead, gossamer is a real pain to work with, it si so fine it breaks very easily and the thread has to be laid down perfectly for the color to come out evenly.
john

The 2 volume set "Trout" by Ernest Schweibert, has great information on the wrap colors used by many of the old cane rod manufacturers. (He lists the wrap color variations used in each individual line). Also has some great info on he old glass rod masters like Russ Peak, as well as the beginnings of graphite, (most notably Fenwick and Orvis). It's an expensive book, but has great information on classic cane.