Where do I purchase my rod blanks?

[BASSMACHINE]

I have been wondering where the best place to purchase rod blanks for bass rods would be. I want to start building my own rods! I'm just a little confused at where I should purchase the components. I will probably start with cheaper components until I have figured out the building process before moving up to the more expensive components. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

[flechero]

T_B_M,

Some good places to know about from the start are:

mudhole          http://shop.mudhole.com/

Lamar             http://www.lamarreelseats.com/

fishsticks4U     http://fishsticks4u.com/

RBO                http://www.rodbuilding.org/list.php?2

As of sometime recently, mudhole and fishsticks are carrying most Lamar products, but the personal service and help from Andy is worth dealing directly with him.

mudhole has just about anything you will ever need, Lamar and fishstick4U are top notch for personal service but limited in overall selection.  Also go to the RBO and look on the left side of the page at their sponsors list if you need more places.

But before you do any of this, read the sticky (and links) above for new builders.

Best,

-keith

[vtbassin]

I have had good luck with Mud Hole   http://shop.mudhole.com/  

There are many other places to purchase components.  Look on rodbuilding.org for more ideas.

[heathen]

I will probably start with cheaper components until I have figured out the building process before moving up to the more expensive components.

Cant add anything to the links given above as that pretty much covers them all. I try to deal with Andy Dear at Lamar and Robert Tignor at Fishsticks4u as much as possible. Those 2 guys are top notch people who will not do you wrong.

As for starting with cheaper stuff my philosophy is a little different than most. With the wealth of knowledge and information available today via the internet it makes starting out much easier. Sure your first couple might not be perfect in terms of fit & finish, but it will still fish well and work the same as if it did. If you do go with a blank from lower in a company's lineup, it won't be long before you are building the rod you really wanted. I understand that others will tend to disagree, but I still say build what you want right from the start!

[justtrying]

flech has given you guys some good advice ..and, he, & a few others on here will really be a big help to you if you'll ask them.

let me just add one thing that may help you. i've got wholesale accounts w/all of these companies(that require it ..some don't) & if you'll take the small amount of time needed to fill out paperwork, it will really help when you start buying.

ronnie

[MickD]

Jannsnetcraft.com is worth a look, also.  Order their hard copy catalog.  

I recommend checking around whenever you have a specific blank in mind, you might find some sales, clearances, or just someone who hasn't updated their price list to the latest higher prices.

Mick