Bruno, Are you looking for a classic taper or modern taper? Making the jump Hex, Quad or Penta. Normally Quad and Penta tapers are a bit faster than the typical Hex tapers (depending). Normally the bells and whistles are extra (agate, upgraded reel seat and engravings). If you don’t want to wait a year or so Tim and Bob would probably be your best bet. Tim has a few blanks on Ebay at an excellent price right now but who knows how the bidding will windup in a few hours. When Bill Harms book is released early next year, I’m sure he is going to have an increase in his wait list. Should be an excellent read and rod-building book (I know I’m waiting for it). Bill Taylor also makes a nice rod. Quads and Penta’s are going to cost a few extra dollars just because they are a little more difficult to build because of the angle you have to watch out for tear outs, believe me I know, I always have to plan out a few additional strips. If I were in a hurry, I would go with a Zietak blank and finish it myself it will save you a few dollars.
Some PA Rod Builders:
Bill Harms, Shermans Dale (Quads and Hex) Rods
Tim Zietak, Pittsburgh (Quads, Penta and Hex) Blanks and Rods.
R. W. Lancaster, Pittsburgh (Hex) Rods
W.R. Taylor, Boiling Springs (Quads and Hex) Rods
The list goes on there are a lot of good PA rod builders so don't overlook them.
Joe E.