Is JD Berry still making longbows?;often heard that he was the absolute best.Please show some pictures of various models.Thanks

Yes he is. I just received a North Star longbow from him last week. It is 62", 45# @ 28". It shoots as good as it looks.

Nice bows! He's got a nice following on $$$$trad gang$$$$ where you can see quite a few pictures .

http://www.jdberryarchery.com/index.html

absolutely one of the BEST!!

Arne

J D BERRY

J D Berry

Here's James working on one of is customers bows.

J D Berry

J D Berry

James of J D Berry at full draw.

J D Berry

J D Berry

Last one, I hope you enjoyed the photo's and now have a better picture on the looks of a J D Berry. In this photo shows James just after a release. Happy Shooting.

I cannot post pics here. Something with my photo bucket accoutnT. If you google JD Berry bows you will see me plastered all over the web and James bows. They are the tops to me and practically all I shoot. I do not think you can do better than anything coming out of James shop

James also has a web page http://www.jdberryarchery.com/

I have two of his longbows (Vixen and Serpentine) and have two taipans on order..... there is not a better bow out there IMHO.... and I have shot a few over 30+ years. James is a great guy and a lot of what you see mondern bowyers doing can be traced back to James.

I got a Serpentine as a gift. You don't hear much about these, but I can tell ya its smooth and quiet. Very slight R/D unstrung that takes a nice D profile when strung.

I wish James added a 2 pc version option. I've been wanting a 64" Taipan for a while now.

I've been trying to talk James into a two piece for almost 2 years

Sure making me want to try a longbow. Very nice.

Iordered a Morningstar and I have a vixen great bows by a Masterbowyer .

I had bought two bows ,one from James and one from Dan, Dan told me numerous times that I didn't need such heavy weight,but I didn't listen,now both bows have been sold,and I now shoot bows in the 40's not 60's.Those bows are a work of art,and a 42lb Taipan is on my hit list,How are ya Dan?

James has his 10,000 hours of Bow-building in and his bows now as beautiful as they are balanced, deadly and silent.

I own a number of his builds. Hard to pick a favorite.

My big Vixen

My Renaissance:

My New "Vixen". James does some amazing work, and his bows shoot as good as they look!

Iron man, That is just absolutely stunning!!!! What's the specs and woods used??

I had a reniassance and have been sorry for ever selling. I have another now I think its a Morning Star smooth and sweet don't shoot it much and was going to skin it too. Very good bows you can't go wrong with any models never herd any bad.

Brian, The core lams are Actionboo and the veneers are Koa. James picked out a Choice piece of Bacote for the Riser and then did a double encasement with a lam of Actionboo and a lam of Wenge, he also used the Wenge for the double tip wedge. The bow is 68" long and 62# @ 27". This is my second "Vixen" and I have another bow ordered, just not sure which model I want yet.

Outstanding choices!!!! James makes a " simple " American longbow into true classy works of art without removing the old world charm.

Gotta love it

Berry bows are works of practical art. Here are my Argos and Taipan (forward handle) bows. The Taipan has dyed curly and tiger maple limbs with bamboo sandwich. The Argos has Bocote over maple limbs with a Honduran Rosewood riser (I think). The Bocote limb face is spectacular. I am second owner for each. The photo does not do justice to the bows' beauty. JD's website has fine model photos. I don't detect a shooting difference between the bows! Both are 49@28. The Argos is 66" while the Taipan is 68". I believe they are made on the same form. There are many fine and talented bowyers. I have shot most of their bows. My Argos and Fred Anderson's "Genuine" longbow are the finest I have shot. However, I need to qualify my opinion when I know my two friends who are longbow shooters swear by their Bear, Montana longbows! Ray

i think i gonna look in to gettin the pit viper model,

I have owned a Vixen for a long time and got a Morning Star a couple of years ago. I am on the waiting list for another Vixen. I should be coming up soon. Aside from his bowyer skills, James is a great guy. I hope to get to Washington someday and fling some arrows with him.

I have a Morningstar, it is my standard for accuracy. I should have ordered two of them, but what would I do if one shot better than the other, or worse, what I do if they shot the same?

I love the nocks.

I'm on the waiting list to.Some real beauties in those pics!

I have his vixen and his morning star, both awesome bows! I reach for the morning star first for hunting but the vixen so far is the Best Hill style bow I have ever shot and I owned about 7 different hills by all good bowyers..

the vixen model for me just nailed it! no shock, accuracy, arrow speed, its super quiet me and that bow just click.... everyone is different there are many good bows but I won't be needing another hill anytime soon.

handsome bows by the worlds most handsome bowyer!

I have had my Vixen for 15yrs and have tried many ASL's too but none fit me as well as my Vixen. It is 57@28 and, since I am getting a little long in the tooth, I thought I better order a 50 pounder to take me through my later years. Also, I wanted to get one before James decides to retire.

To quote Brianlocal3 above: " James makes a " simple " American longbow into a true classy work of art without removing the old world charm."

He hits the nail on the head about the old world charm.

There is one facet of his design that I think many folks miss when they get captivated by the esthetics - that is the outstanding effeciency of the limbs. I found this to be especially true as I have been forced to drop 10# in holding weight or stop shooting altogether.

I have a 66" 40# @27 Vixen that beats the snot out of my closest ASL at 42#...there is no comparison.

Here is my go to bow a Morningstar and in my opinion you will not find a finer made bow than JD Berry longbows.Lou

Here is my go to bow a Morningstar and in my opinion you will not find a finer made bow than JD Berry longbows.Lou

Nice stuff! Great to see real American craftsmanship!

[img]http://i.imgur.com/UH3EMRB.jpg[/img]

Some beautiful berries there gents!!!

In an ASL the MorningStar will be my forever bow. Mine has been beat up, I broke a tip on a bad call on my part and it slammed into a frozen Osage stump, I glued on one ugly overlay and viola it's back in the game. My MS will never leave. It's the PERFECT ASL. My Taipan is the bow that fits me to a T and is my Perfect D/R bow. Between those two bows , my search was ended and I have the best of both worlds. There are many good bowyers but none better than JD Berry!! I won't say he is better than anyone, just none better than him. I love em

Got to agree with Brian... The Morningstar is a fantastic bow. Although my next bow is the Northstar, which should be slightly mroe forgiving. Alex

I have several of James's bows - and I like them all. My first one was a serpentine way back when..... I guess if I had to pick my favorite hunting longbow it would be my Taipan. This bows just takes over when a shot presents itself. I don't have to remember anything special I just look, point and fire - this bow is very forgiving of minor imperfections in form - something I direly need out in the woods. James is just a damn good bowyer, a heck of a nice guy and a fun person to spend time with.

Now someone needs to get him to make a three piece take down for us traveling weenies.

My search for a 1 piece hunting longbow ended the day I picked up a James Berry bow.

I'll keep this going... The problem I have with James Berry bows is.... all my other bows turn into dust collectors. Dead quiet, no hand-shock, easy to tune, fast, and hits where you look.

Notice in the picture of my Argos one arrow is a bare shaft, at 21 paces.

I just talked James into selling me his personal Vixen! That is a serious score. I believe it is the one pictured on his website for an example of a Vixen. I called James to congratulate him on winning a couple of contests with a couple of 80yd shots and the conversation turned to his Vixen. I was next on the list (finally) and was able to convince him that I am worthy of such a fine bow. Five minutes after our conversation I was at the bank getting a cashiers check to put in the mail. I will try to honor the manlaw thing if I can figure out how to post pics once the bow arrives.

James is a master at his craft and a great guy to talk to,If anyone is in the market for a longbow you should get on his list as you will not find a better made longbow.I have his Morningstar and hands down it is the most accurate bow I have ever owned.

I also have a Morningstar on order from James and hope to have it some time this summer.

I just made a call to Mr. Berry. On the list now for a Vixon. About 7 months.

Tracy, you won't regret it I have a Morning Star, a Vixen on the way and I'm about to pull the trigger and order a Misty Dawn.

Wish I had done this a long time ago.

James is one of the finest guys around. I have had a Vixen for many years and own a Morning Star and now a new Vixen. You just can't beat a Vixen for an ASL.

JD Berry "Heritage". Shelf less ASL. Next to my Vixen & Morningstar, it's got tone the smoothest and most natural longbows I've shot. James worked a little magic in this one.

[UR[URL=http://s1178.photobucket.com/user/chenryiv/media/JD%20Berry%20He ritage%20Longbow/IMG_6663_zpsenxa3k0o.jpg.html] [IMG]http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x363/chenryiv/JD%20Berry%20Herita ge%20Longbow/IMG_6663_zpsenxa3k0o.jpg[/IMG] [/URL]L=http://s1178.photobucket.com/user/chenryiv/media/JD%20Berry%20Heri tage%20Longbow/IMG_6665_zpsktittaxf.jpg.html] [IMG]http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x363/chenryiv/JD%20Berry%20Herita ge%20Longbow/IMG_6665_zpsktittaxf.jpg[/IMG][/URL]

Next to my Vixen

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[URL=http://s1178.photobucket.com/user/chenryiv/media/JD%20Berry%20Herita ge%20Longbow/IMG_6668_zps4pp0kg95.jpg.html] [IMG]http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x363/chenryiv/JD%20Berry%20Herita ge%20Longbow/IMG_6668_zps4pp0kg95.jpg[/IMG][/URL] [URL=http://s1178.photobucket.com/user/chenryiv/media/JD%20Berry%20Herita ge%20Longbow/IMG_6666_zpsdyfxio92.jpg.html] [IMG]http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x363/chenryiv/JD%20Berry%20Herita ge%20Longbow/IMG_6666_zpsdyfxio92.jpg[/IMG][/URL]

http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x363/chenryiv/JD%20Berry%20Heritage%2 0Longbow/IMG_6665_zpsktittaxf.jpg

James Berry all the way; and triple dittos on Brianlocal3's comments. My MorningStar was once James personal bow also, and I'll never part with it. The finest shooting longbow I've shot in 45 years shooting longbows, ASL's and r/d's. That said, earlier this year I had James make me a Northstar, and now I can 't decide which one to shoot first! I've come to really love my NorthStar; a very special feel. And as others have said; they're the epitome of craftsmanship, beauty and function. IMO, no one makes a finer looking or shooting longbow. But I still want his new HERITAGE. Thanks James!

A couple of years ago, when I got my Morningstar, I learned that I did not have near enough nocks. Then I learned that i did not have near enough feathers and wood arrow shafts. One needs to shoot a Morningstar at at least 24 yards and further, they are very expensive and time consuming to shoot at close range. With my second one I think that the PETBD folks are watching me. People for the ethical treatment of bunnies and doves.

Been trying to contact him emailed , wrote him postage and the guy hasn't put me on waiting list or confirmed such. That line must be long.

You think it's long when your not on the list, try being on the list, you get a real different perspective of time. "Time goes by so slowly, and time can mean so much, are you still etc. etc."

Great man to talk to, and you may want to give him a call. Was very interested in having a Taipan custom made a few months ago, so I gave him call and during the course of our conversation, he indicated that he was headed in a different direction (away from his current line of bows) with his custom bow making pursuits. Don't want to mis-quote what he articulated to me, but would suggest you contact him (call, don't email) if you're interested in one of his bows.

Sometime back James stated that he was not taking orders for anything but the heritage model. I think some already on the list got other models. My experiences with the prototype to the heritage line tells me that there does not need to be any other models than that one.

I have an older 'Serpentine". Received as a gift! ;) I don't shoot it enough. It has the older VERY SLIM nocks. Not sure of the woods other than the Yew veneers. 66"- 58lbs @ 28" Sorry, can't find a pic to add, but its a great bow as well.

trad47 Try calling James 509-299-3029.If need be take into account time zone difference.I ordered mine in March-arrived on 12/31.Well worth the wait!

I second Bernie's recommendation about calling James. He has recurring computer challenges that limit his ability to respond to emails and private messages, despite a pressing desire to do so.

Spent 6 months looking for a used Misty Dawn before I finally broke down and ordered a Heritage. Now I am the very proud owner of 2 of them. One is 52# with Bamboo core & yew veneers under clear glass and the other is 44# with Bamboo core limbs, brown glass back, and Black Locust on the belly under clear glass. My other bows are now mostly collecting dust on the rack.

When I get some money, I plan to be first to order a special J.D. Berry Chokecherry. That one should blow the socks off all shown here.

Joe

That's cherry on mine, Joe. If you ever dare to venture this way you can shoot it in my yard, with supervision of course. As in, I get to hold your car keys while you are holding my bow.

Dean- I've been through Iowa. I saw corn. Lots of corn. Nothing but corn.

Joe

I received my first JD Berry Taipan longbow about this time last year. It was my first longbow so it took me a while to get use to, but it's now my go to bow. 64" 47# @ 27" draw and smooth as silk. Surprisingly fast and quiet with little hand shock. Best of all, it shoots where you look. James is a true a master bowyer.

Correction. Make that two years ago and one buck. Time flies when you're having fun! Sorry to those who have seen this photo a time or two, but I can't help myself.

Is the "Apollo" modal still made by the bowyer? I have one that appears to have 7 or 8 laminations in the limbs. Each lamination is a different color.

My "Apollo" was refinished by Bow Doc. The bow hangs above my fireplace mantel. It is too beautiful to use.

Then you were not here we have tulips, lots of tulips.

I spoke to James a couple of weeks ago about a Taipan and he told me he wasn't making duo-flex bows anymore.

Very beautiful bows indeed! How do guys know what riser woods to ask for? Is there a photo archive that I can look at so I lnow what to tell him? Me, I like boo cores red glass on back, white belly. The misty day was my 1st interest but now I am wanting the Heritage with no shelf. I can only dream I guess.

Damn! I wish people would stop praising and showing off J.D. Berry Bows. I've been salivating over them for the past few weeks. But I have ENOUGH bows! don't need to add another to the Harem!

%^)

The site is not up to date so your only option is to call or hope James sorts out his computer situation.You can simply Google for pics of any bow by brand or bowyers name.Just follow the more pics link.Sorry to hear he's not doing R/D anymore.

The Heritage is the bow that he is now building (and shooting). It is my favorite bow. Fast, traditional, and so fun to shoot. Hope you can get him on the phone and have a chat.

Have been on the list for sometime. Can't wait to try one of Jame's masterpieces. This thread definitely wets the appetite!

Correction, that would be James'

My Vixen and Morningstar.

Reviving this one again. More pics please. Im on the list only a few days, already too long......

Anybody know what models he is currently offering? His web site isn't up to date as I know some of the models shown there are not made anymore.

Also, does anyone know what his wait time is?

I've always been a fan of his work and have recently been looking into longbows..

Thanks, Pat

Call him. He's up very early - and likes to talk.

Taipan (Bocote riser I think)and Morning Star (coco bolo?) I bought used here recently. Both are great shooting bows and very easy on the eyes. The Morning Star is going with me on my very first bear hunt in 2 weeks!

Morning Star

My first two new longbows I ever bought were JD's Yaweh and then the Renaissance. No new bow I've purchased to date has ever shot better than the Yaweh. Sending it to be refinished by James once he slows down a bit. Which begs me to question why he ever stopped making it. I understand new bows and designs comes along, but it was the Yaweh.

Wow! I have never seen such agreement and recommendation of any brand bow on the Wall. What is the advantage of the forward handle and does it affect draw length? I feel left out since I have never had a Berry bow. How ever at 75 I am hesitant to try to get on long waiting lists. I wouldn't know which to choose either.Might start watching for a used one around 40 Pounds.Thanks.>>-->Ken

I have a beautiful Yaweh..Just can't pull that much weight now. 64" 63@28

I"ll let u know in 4 months 3 weeks and 5 days 2 bears. Give or take.......

When I got on in February, James was estimating 4 mos. wait time. Sounds more like 5 now??

I just have to decide before he calls me - Vixen or Heritage??? It's a tough choice.

Placed order for Vixen but really feeling Heritage lately.

2 bears - the forward handle is said to reduce torquing of the bow.

Duckbill, I know how you feel. I have a Yaweh that's 64" 64#@28" and for the past 5years or more it has not come off the bow rack and I just look at it.

Thanks Darkarcher and zonic. >>>----> Ken

JD Berry bows are in the top tier of longbows made today. I really like his approach to the Heritage, a nod to the designs of the old masters but with the performance of modern materials. Hats off to you James.

Can'T say enough about James's bows. I got my first one many years ago when him and he bother were making them, a Yahweh . And I just got a new morning star last year, he still makes a great looking and shooting bow.

I have the prototype to the Heritage, it has done well for me and I have made good use of the ambidextrous capabilities.

I'm up. Spoke to James today. Went w/ the Heritage. Feeling really good about that choice. Should be shipping in one week! Thanks OE - can't wait!!!

This baby's seeing a lot of action in the meantime.

I've owned one or another for years. I really love the fancier ones. Current favorite is a Renaissance and I'd love to find another just a few pounds lighter than this 51 pounder. They are special longbows, without question. I wish I could still order a Renaissance.

How do I go in and see these embedded photo?

Maybe PM the original posters, but if they are all on abandoned photo accounts that may eliminate some.

I have not seen a post from him on the wall in a while, HOWEVER, Crispin has killed many a deer with his Vixen. Lots of good words from him on the feel of the bow.

-Bones

Heritage II w/ wenge riser.

Here's a couple...

I have wanted one of his bows (morning star/north star) for a long time. But I have been fighting neck disc problems and been hesitant to order one. So I have been watching the classifieds for a lefty in the 50 to 55 lb range. I would go lighter but I am still able to hunt elk and believe that 50lb is near the bottom of acceptable range. If I new my neck problems would go away I would pay the price for a new one, but right now I can only justify a used price. If anyone know of a LEFTY available, shot me a message. Thanks

Never handled one but from the pictures I can't tell them from my Howard Hills.Are there major differences? >>>----> Ken

2 bears. There is a huge difference between a berry and a howard hill. I have both. Both are great bows. But the Berry's have always been more refined and finessed. I can't explain it very well. But if u would see one in person and shot one u would see a large difference. I love my hill, and won't sell it. But imo. My Berry's shoot better, no handshock and much better cast. That's my experience. I am a big berry fan and have had several berry' s and haven't been disappointed once.

If one were to shoot my lefty 53@26 Morningstar, you would say there was a difference. That feather ripping nock busting thing is a real pain, I hate fixing arrows. I generally shoot all over my target, 4' by 4', but when we get two or more people shooting, we are forced to try to out shoot each other even when there are multiple targets pinned on the 4 by 4.

Thanks. Sounds like I have been missing out.>>>----> Ken

I have both HH and JD's bows and would have to agree with Shawn. Both are good shooters but there is a difference in finesse and cast. This is of course just my opinion.

James makes really nice, kinda different type longbows, they are very artful, you can tell he puts his heart and soul into them! They are also smooth, quiet, and very fast and accurate. His bows are a part of his spirit if you know what I mean! My Scorpion has really cool, small tips! Wyatt

I am thinking about a Taipan or a Valor! Tring to figure out which one.

I am thinking about a Taipan or a Valor! Tring to figure out which one.

They are nice Jink I always kicked myself when I sold my JD's. They are 2 bows I wish I didn't. One of them I sold a 44 weight and begged the guy to sell it then shot it for a while then sold because I had 2 new bows coming. That I should not have done but felt can't keep them all and I couldn't with way to many bows.

I placed my order for the new Taipan II 50lb @ 27" amo 64 With so many folks ordering lately I hope I get mine. If we wait too long I may have to lower the weight a little...Ha!Ha!

I asked James to use what ever wood he wants.

I have wanted a valor since he started building them. For the last few years however I went crazy on English longbows. But now that I have a few amazing English longbows I feel the pull back to a glass bow. And my top pick would be a valor. I have a misty dawn, vixen, and an original tai pan in the house. Think it's about time to add a valor to the line up.

Still my favorite. JD Misty Dawn.

I have been looking for a used Tiapan in the 55-65 lb range. I realize this is an old thread, but if anyone has a Tiapan that maybe they no longer shoot because it’s too heavy, maybe we can strike a deal for $ or maybe another bow. Actually any of James’ duo flex bows are of interest to me. Viper, Yawhe, Serpentine, etc. thank you. My number is 978 580 6672 if you want to send a text,

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