photo by turtledoc |
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 gypsy |
Steffen 7'9" 3/4 wt |
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Master Guide
Posts: 523 (06/16/09 06:51:31) |
Finished this one up a recently for a Gentleman in Texas. Chinese red YLI silk thread tipped with gossamer claret, Mildrum srmc stripper and Perfection brand
snake guides. Reel seat insert I turned on the lathe with a subtle piece of Amboyna that I think compliments the rod nicely. The nickel silver cap and
band hardware comes from REC.
Last Edited By: gypsy 06/16/09 09:05:20.
Edited 3 times.
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HouzeHead |
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Guide
Posts: 191 (06/16/09 07:15:43) |
Wow- Excellent!
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Golfswithwolves.clarksclassicfl... |
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Sport
Posts: 19 (06/16/09 11:19:57) |
That's beautiful! I am just now wrapping a Diamondglass blank using that kind of silk thread (your photos inspired me) and it is not easy to come out with
such uniform and perfect wrappings as yours. It must take a lot of practice, but I hope my wrappings will look half as good!
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Darrin Terry |
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Sport
Posts: 49 (06/16/09 12:09:52) |
Wow. That is just…gorgeous. Simply that. Very nice indeed.
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gearboy |
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Master Guide
Posts: 368 (06/16/09 12:39:36) |
Beautiful work Gypsy on a very cool blank. Is that a decal or writing ? If it's writing then it's some of the nicest I've seen.
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jrb78 |
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Guide
Posts: 90 (06/16/09 13:07:42) |
Another beautiful build man! What color thread did you use on the ferrules? I'm about to finish a Steffen blank soon and I've been looking for a nice
brown.
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archfly |
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Sport
Posts: 35 (06/16/09 14:44:13) |
Gypsy, that is a beautiful job! And I like the length. Did you lawn test it, or maybe the lucky owner will comment on how it casts?
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Spencer DT |
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Master Guide
Posts: 243 (06/16/09 14:58:07) |
Gypsy,
Stop posting these rod pics, you are killing me... I will be ordering one up as soon as I can, we'll be in touch. |
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 Duff |
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Master Guide
Posts: 546 (06/16/09 18:40:27) |
Gypsy, your builds are simply elegant and that one has to be the definitive Steffen build. I particularly like the understated Ambonia insert which is a
perfect compliment to the blank. As always, thanks for the great photos.
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gypsy |
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Master Guide
Posts: 525 (06/17/09 09:01:07) |
Thanks for the good words guys. I did have a chance to lawn cast it a bit before the rod was mailed off and was so jazzed by how the rod cast I immediately
messaged scud dog (who has the same rod) to share my excitement. Like Mark Steffen's 5/6 wt rods the 3/4 wt felt "just right" to me.
Ha! I wish my penmanship was that nice but it isn't so I have water slide decals made from a unique font. It's not my ideal but it's preferable to sloppy penmanship on an otherwise fine looking fly rod. jrb78 the ferrules were wrapped with Pearsall's Gossamer chestnut and tipped with claret. Other brown toned silk threads I've used/experimented w/ on the Steffen blanks are YLI beige and YLI med brown. The Beige tends to be a little frosty looking on the ferrule wraps but looks spectacular on the guides Beige is probably my favorite of the 3 because it contrast well with black tipping. |
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jll |
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Registered Member
Posts: 1 (06/17/09 20:04:13) |
I'm fortunate enough to be the Gentleman in Texas who received this lovely rod from Gypsy. First let me say what a pleasure it was to deal with Gypsy - he
is as nice to work with as his rods are beautiful. If anything the rod is nicer in person than the pictures suggest - the craftsmanship is flawless.
Like Gypsy I have only had the chance to lawn cast the rod for a short time. I tried it with both WF3 and WF4, which both work fine, and I want to do some more casting to decide which I prefer. Given the enthusiasm on the forum for DT lines I may try a DT3. The action is smooth and precise, and it loads evenly. It feels lively and I expect it will be easy to cast all day. My highest compliment for a rod is that it just disappears, which this one does. As a fiberglass newb I have limited context from which to draw. It does remind me of the old Winston IM6 8.5/4, which has been my favorite 4 wt (it that isn't too heretical). I'm going to cast those side-by-side this weekend to see if I'm imagining things. It will be several weeks before I can get it on the water and I'll be happy to post my thoughts then. For now, I'm very happy. |
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scud dog |
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Master Guide
Posts: 1415 (06/17/09 21:06:35) |
jll,
You now can spend a lot of time sampling other glass rods but be warned: very few will measure up to what you already have. As far as lines go; I like an Airflo DT3 best with an Airflo longbelly WF4 running a close 2nd. We'll be interested to hear what you settle on. For a balanced rig: I like the Hardy Featherweight/ Islander IR1, which both weigh the same. |
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jgestar |
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Posts: 3764 (06/18/09 00:07:57) ezOP |
jll,
Welcome to the Fiberglass Flyrodders! If you are going to start at the top, that rod is a great way to get there! It really is a looker. Of course, being built on a Steffen blank makes it more than great looking, it will cast well too. Please do post more about it as you get to know it. Tom |
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archfly |
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Sport
Posts: 36 (06/18/09 04:50:55) |
Welcome to the Fiberglass Flyrodders jll, and thanks for the comments. I have found IM 6 graphite to be softer and more like glass when compared to the IM 7
and higher evil stuff. But, wait until you see how fiberglass behaves on the water!
I am going to have to build one of these even though I know it will not look as good as that rod. John |
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BH Spey |
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Master Guide
Posts: 262 (06/18/09 08:58:41) |
Yet another spectacular build from Gypsy Rod Works, way to go Mark!
jll - welcome to the board!
-- This Space For Rent --
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Loudog99 |
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Master Guide
Posts: 543 (06/18/09 12:00:28) |
Seriously amazing rod work Gypsy. That is pure class all the way.
Lou |
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jll |
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Registered Member
Posts: 2 (06/18/09 15:03:43) |
Thanks for the welcome, and scud dog thanks for the line recommendations. If this gypsy/steffen rod is any indication I can see why folks are so passionate
about glass.
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mdwwhw |
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Master Guide
Posts: 575 (06/19/09 14:27:46) |
Welcome to the forum jll! You've got our attention.
Spectacular Gypsy!
"Everything's better when wet...."
Steve Miller Band |
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nativebrownie |
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Master Guide
Posts: 396 (06/20/09 07:52:22) |
Definitely at the top of the heap. I have seen none better as to finishing work. Must be beautiful when the sunlight patterns through the trees on a stream...
Whew... NB |
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Frank Longcast |
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Master Guide
Posts: 203 (06/20/09 15:37:55) |
Very nice Mark. Very nice.
Welcome jll! |
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