I just completed my very first Bamboo rod build from scratch, from flaming the bamboo culm, splitting, straighten, rough planning, hand planning, ferrules, cork handle, varnish dip and wrapping guides. What a blast it was building this rod, most enjoyable part was casting it for the first time. The tapper is a Martha Marie (Paul Young) 7' 6" 5wt 2/2 and does it cast beautiful. Never built a bamboo or graphite fly rod nor had any desire to build one until now and I am hooked, the hands on and process of building a bamboo rod from start to finish is what fascinates me. I was fortunate a good friend showed me the step-by-step process of making bamboo rods; he has over 40 plus years building them. I have started on my second rod; Perfectionist tapper (Paul Young) 7? 6? 4wt 2/2, can't wait to zing the fly line through the guides.