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Saturday, May 23, 2015

“The Necedah Wonderbows- Model X26, X28, X31”

Shakespeare Catalog May 1969


“The Necedah Wonderbows”
by Larry Vienneau
Before the Necedah X26, there was the Model X26-55

In the early 1960s, Ernie Root partnered with Shakespeare Archery to create their first bows. The initial models were the 1959-60 Model 100-600 bows, followed by the Wonderbow in 1961-64. The Wonderbow had a model number and an "X" designation and was succeeded by the Model X26-55 in 1963. This bow was almost identical to the Root Warrior and measured 55 inches from nock to nock. In 1964, the X26-55 was renamed The Necedah X26, but it remained essentially the same as its predecessor.


The Shakespeare Necedah model x 26 - 55# - 58" was the bow that took the current Pope and Young Non-Typical Mule deer, World Record in 1987, (now number 2 all time).  Ken Plank used a Necedah with Bear wooden arrows.

One of Shakespeare Archery's most renowned and beloved Wonderbow models is "The Necedah." It earned its name from the famous hunting grounds of Necedah National Wildlife Refuge in Wisconsin. This bow is highly efficient and was a formidable contender to Bear Archery. Its design bears the unmistakable influence of Ernie Root and closely resembles the Root Brush Master Model.


The Necedah bow is truly one-of-a-kind due to its many varieties, which can be confusing for both novice and experienced collectors alike. It holds a special place in my heart as my first Shakespeare bow, which I purchased on eBay for a steal because the seller had misspelled both "Shakespeare" and "Recurve". As an owner of Bear bows, I had assumed that all other vintage bows would be inferior, but I was pleasantly surprised by the Necedah's beauty and craftsmanship. Shooting the bow was a revelation - it was smooth, consistent, and simply amazing. I was instantly hooked! Upon further research, I discovered that there are actually five different varieties of the Necedah.
  1.  The X-26 at 55" 1964-65
  2.  The X-26 at 58" in brown 1966-71,  
  3.  The X-26 at 58" in Green Fiberglass 1972-73
  4.  The X-28 at 58" in Greenwood and green fiberglass 1974
  5.  The X-31 at 58" in Greenwood and other hardwoods laminated with green fiberglass 1974-76.   
   The Necedah was available in 40, 45, 50, and 55 lbs. weight options. However, the Super Necedah is not included in this discussion as it is typically regarded as a distinct model among collectors.

Ernie Root's Bush Master Game Master and Warrior 1966 Ad

My bow is 1964 55” AMO Necedah x26 @50lb.It is unusual because it has "X-25 55" under the Wonderbow logo. After 1964 Shakespeare stopped placing the model number lower right of the company logo. The Model Number is found under the model's name 1965.

my scarce 1964 X26-55 lefty
 
my X-26 58 inch, note the different logo. This logo was used in 1969 or later
Necedah X26, 1964-65 55 inch 1966-1973 58 inch
Necedah X 28, 1974, 58 inches
Necedah x 31 1974-76 58 inches
  • Recurve
  • Weights 35, 40, 45, 50, and 55 lbs.
  • Cinnamon Brown 1964-1971 or Forest green fiberglass 1972-76
  • Handle Imbuya Wood or Wonderwood - a green-colored impregnated hardwood, X-31was multi-laminated hardwood and Greenwood)
  • Sight window 4 1/2 inches 
  • Brace height 7 3/4
  • 2-inch-wide limb
  • Imbuya or Wonderwood tip overlay
  • arrow speed 12 shots avg. 410-grain arrow- 50 lb. Necedah 55” -187.74 FPS, 45 lb. Necedah 58"- 184.66 FPS  
X26 Necedah: 1964-73 The 55” AMO X26 bows were produced approximately from 1964-66. It has handsome cinnamon brown fiberglass with an exotic Imbuya wood riser. What is confusing about this X26 model is there are two different bow lengths 55” and 58”. I was confused by the dual size discrepancy. I later learned that Shakespeare changed the AMO to 58" in 1966.
 The profile of the X-26 remained identical to the Root Warrior until Shakespeare moved its operation to South Carolina. Ernie Root left Shakespeare in 1969. In 1970 the profile of the Necedah changed, and it resembled other bows in the Shakespeare Line. In 1970-71 the riser was modified, and green glass was used.

Lavi Niv's nice X26 Green Glass

X28 Necedah:1974
Necedah Model X-28 was produced for one year in 1974. Unlike the X-26, this bow had Green "Wonderwood" and green fiberglass Its length at 58” and there were also slight modifications to the riser.

Lewis Kent's beautiful Wonderwood X28 with stabilizer


X 31 probably 1974-76
This variety is unusual. It is similar to both the Necedah X 28 and Super Necedah. It is 58" AMO and has green glass.  It uses Green Wonderwood in the riser, but it also has multi-lamination, rare for a Shakespeare Bow. 

my rare left-hand Necedah X-31
 
I've always been a fan of the Shakespeare Archery line of bows, and the Necedah was one of their best workhorses. Not only was it the first Wonderbow, but it was also one of the last bows they ever produced. The Necedah is a reliable, durable, and hard-shooting bow that I've personally owned several times. Recently, I acquired my Necedah X-31 and was initially skeptical due to the quality decline that occurred after Shakespeare relocated to South Carolina. However, I was pleasantly surprised by its performance. Although it's not as fast as my older Necedah (a 1964 model), it's incredibly consistent, and I even achieved a high round score with it. The Necedah is one of my favorite bows to use because it's lightweight, resilient, and consistently shoots well. You can often find Necedah bows available in auctions at a very reasonable price.

thanks to 
Lavi Niv and Lewis Kent


BOW AND ARROW MAGAZINE REVIEW
November December 1965
pp 48-51
written by Jim Dougherty



November 1965 Ad
 This 1965 ad is a very early Necedah. It is a 55"-inch bow and it is $49.95, by 1969 it was $69.99- that's high inflation!



© Copyright, 2013. Larry Vienneau Jr. All rights reserved.

78 comments:

  1. I've been bidding on some super necedah lately, they usually go for around $100-$120 range. Do you chat on the leatherwall? George D. Stout on there is pretty good on Shakespeare bows.

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  2. I do visit the Leatherwall. I will contact him, he contributed to Vintage Bow II by Rick Rappe. Thanks for the heads up!!!!!!!

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  3. I see in the article that it says the brace height is 7 3/4, but your description says 8 1/2 to 9". Which is correct?

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  4. you are right!! before I found this article I was basing the brace height on online chats, auctions and blogs. The higher brace might be for the X31. so yes, it is 7 3/4. thanks for letting me know, time to re-tune my bow!!

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  5. I have been looking for some information on this bow for some time and was glad to find this web page.
    I have a NECEDAH x26 that is in mint condition. It was given to me and has been in my dry basement for the past several years. I am not sure of it's usage history prior to getting it, but would say based on it's condition it has had minimal useage. No condition issues at all. With this bow I also received some broadhead arrows with the original feathered fletchings. They are in the original Shakespeare box. Don't think they have ever been nocked.
    I would be willing to part with them if anyone is interested???

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I am interested in your Necedah x26. What is the draw weight on her?

      Delete
    2. My bow is 45#, but it is not for sale, it is my baby!!!

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    3. I have an x 26 in good condition # 50

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    4. I have a Necedah model x-28 45# 58" how much do u think it is worth it is in great shape has sat on it's box for 30 years unuesed..

      Delete
    5. Odd how your message ended up here with 2013 messages. Unused in original box...$200
      Right or left handed? Do you know what year?
      shakespeare.archer@aol.com

      Delete
  6. I own a Super Necedah X-30. Any specs available for that model?

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  7. Yup I have a post on the Super Necedah:
    http://shakespearearchery.blogspot.com/2012/09/super-necedah-review.html

    SUPER NECEDAH: X30, X32 introduced 1968
    Limbs 2 inch wide
    54” AMO
    X30 Seduha and Zebra Wood riser
    X32 Multi-Laminated riser
    Overlays triple ply laminate
    Black Glass
    Sight window 3 ½
    Draw weights 35 lbs – 60lbs
    Brace Height 9 inch

    Chronograph test: tested with 1 dz. 410 grain, three 3 inch fletched arrows,
    shot from #45 bow --169.11 fps

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  8. i buy one for 25 dollars. will it break?

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  9. Might be a perfect bow or it could break. It is hard to say without seeing the bow.

    If you are concerned then you should take it to a qualified bowyer.

    ReplyDelete
  10. I have a question about a shakespeare bow I found. Its a model B I Hunter 55". I was wondering if anyone knows anything about this. thanks!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Ethan, the B1 Hunter was a a Shakespeare Parabow from the late 1950s to mid 1960s. It was only made as a right handed bow. Draw weights 30-65 lbs. Very durable bows!
      We have a post on the solid fiberglass bows that might be helpful
      http://shakespearearchery.blogspot.com/2013/02/shakespeare-parabow-solid-fiberglass.html

      Delete
    2. I have a question about a Shakespeare B-1 bow I picked up at an auction. It says 51" string length but what is the the actual length I need? I'm new to bows so any help would be appreciated!

      Delete
  11. I have an x26 #50 in good condition any idea of worth

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    Replies
    1. Hi Bobby
      The Necedah X26 is one of the most successful and popular bows made by Shakespeare, it is also the most common. There isn't the collector interest compared to Bear bows but that is changing. I bought my first eBay(3 years ago) Necedah for $45. It was a #55 1966 model which uncommon. that bow is selling for $100-$120. Condition and poundage is also really important. My bow had lots of wear. A pristine bow is much higher value.
      see- http://shakespearearchery.blogspot.com/2013/01/how-to-buy-vintage-bows_12.html.

      I suggest that you go to eBay an do a search for "Necedah" then look in "completed auctions" it might give you a better idea on monetary value. You might try trading it too on some of the traditional chat-rooms and forums. Or you could hold on to it because the prices are rising.
      see- http://shakespearearchery.blogspot.com/2013/03/how-to-sell-vintage-archery-bow.html

      Delete
  12. Larry,
    I wanted everyone to know the stabilizer on the X-28 is not original to the bow. I bought this vintage stabilizer on ebay. So it is not a Shakespeare. I'd love to find a few originals for my bows. Hope this helps and thanks for a great blog.

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    Replies
    1. I just bought a vintage Saunders 6 inch Stabilizer to try with my bows with the right insert adapters. The Shakespeare adapter don't always work with all stabilizers, correct? The stabilizer they sold was a "M16" 1968- 71 and I found that they used a 1/4-20 brushing. My Saunders seems to work well on most of my bows. The Shakespeare had a 26 inch long stabilizer for competition shooting.

      Delete
  13. I bought a Shakespear wonderbow Necedah x26 at an auction for $8.00. wow I couldn't believe it no one knew what it was.... I will never part with it..

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  14. Thanks so much for all of the information on Shakespeare Archery. My son, who has been into archery for a few years now, just bought me a beautiful Necedah X-28. From what you've posted above, there seems to be two different versions of this bow, one from 1972 to 1973 and the other from 1973 to 1975. Is there really any difference? If so, how can I tell which one I have? Also, what type of arrows do I use with this bow? I'm new to archery so any information would be greatly appreciated. Thanks....Wayne.

    ReplyDelete
  15. Hi Wayne
    The difference is in the shape of the riser and color of the fiberglass. Send a photo to shakespeare.archer@aol.com
    Arrows depend on your draw length and the bows' draw weight. Have someone measure you. extend your hand out as far as you can . Have someone measure from the center of your chest to the end of you fingers, that will give you some idea of your draw length. If you have a archery pro-shop near by they can measure you too. You will also need a string which is 4 inches shorter than you bows AMO (distance from nock to nock)

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  16. i got a necedah x26 from my friend that found it in the back of an old car that he bought off of a guy. it has the old logo, 55# 58", it is in pretty bad shape. the guy that had it before spraypainted it camo colors. it is infuriating how ignorant some people can be.

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  17. I have similar fps numbers using the iphone chrony app. 45# kaibab my draw 27". B50 average 175fps. Blended string I call fat fast average 185 with a 430 grain arrow. I checked this against two other bows which makes sense to me. 48# game master skinny string average 190 with 470 grain arrow and a 50# k mag with shinny string average 195 with same 470 grain arrow

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I am interested in your settings and process of the Chrono Connect Apps. Thanks!

      Delete
  18. Mmk I found an x-28 when cleaning out my grandparents attic but there was no string, any ideas of what kind of string and what length to buy it? the length is 58" and 45# draw weight if that helps.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Nice find!!
      You will need to buy a string made of Dacron-50, no fast flight string just to be safe. Your bow is 58" so you will need a string that is 54". There are lots of string vendors on eBay and I always have a good experience buying them there. When you buy, let the seller know that you have a vintage bow that is 58 inch and 45 lbs. He will make you the rights size string with the correct string count. Enjoy!!
      one more thing, make sure you buy a bow stringer.

      Delete
  19. I have a bow that I am 99% sure is a Shakespeare. It looks almost exactly like my Necedah except that the black glass is continuous across the riser. The odd thing is that the serial number is PS698 which is shorter than the serial number on my Necedah. The only markings are 45#, PS 698, 58" and a small x. I would appreciate any info.
    Thanks,
    flyingcowboy

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. hi flyingcowboy
      I have not seen a Necedah with black fiberglass. send photos: shakespeare.archer@aol.com
      we also have a Facebook group with some amazing bow experts:
      https://www.facebook.com/groups/Vintagebowcollectors/

      Delete
  20. Gentlemen, I have a #40 / 58" Necedah that has been in the basement for many years. It was my grandfathers and I learned to hunt with it. I have taken numerous deer but it hasn't seen the light of day for over 35 years. I am going to take it up to a cabin I have in Maine and want to get a new string and arrows. Can anyone tell me what to buy for arrows and string?

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  21. Gentlemen, I have a #40 / 58" Necedah that has been in the basement for many years. It was my grandfathers and I learned to hunt with it. I have taken numerous deer but it hasn't seen the light of day for over 35 years. I am going to take it up to a cabin I have in Maine and want to get a new string and arrows. Can anyone tell me what to buy for arrows and string?

    ReplyDelete
  22. hello Walter
    You should buy a Dacron-50 string 12-14 strands, it should be 4 inches shorter than you bow length, so it should be 54 inches. As far as arrows you want a arrow spined or matched to your draw length and the bow's weight (40#) . You can choose from wood, aluminum or carbon arrows. You might want to go to an archery shop to have someone check the bow and they can help you with string and arrow selection.
    enjoy!!!

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  23. Selling a necedah x-31 and a kodiac glass bows
    300 for both or bo
    Tpsullivan44@verizon.net

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  24. I just bought an X26 in 58"/55# configuration. Though the seller allowed it tested 52# for him. Well w/in normal range of variation I'd expect, especially after all these years. I most confess the information posted here greatly influenced my purchase. I really like the idea of picking up a bow that was made under the influence- of Ernie Root that is. It sold to me for $70 though shipping put it up to $99.
    Jim on my wife's account (thus the name Jillian)

    ReplyDelete
  25. Hello
    With your experience, what do you think about use "BCY B55" string instead of "Dacron 50"? Sadly I haven't found Dacron in my country but BCY, and as far I have read this strings are pretty similar and aren't fast flight

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I found a forum discussion that might help. Most feel it is safe-

      http://www.archerytalk.com/vb/showthread.php?t=2072540

      Delete
  26. Hi,
    I just purchased a 58" 55# Shakespeare X-28 in really nice condition. It has some scratches and scuffs but doesn't look to have been shot a whole lot in it's 42 years. I had to bring a 54" string with me since the seller didn't have one to fit it. I was struck with how light and smooth drawing the bow is. The string seemed to lay dead center of the string grooves and I couldn't notice any twist when sighting down the limbs or string; so the bow came home with me. Do you happen to know what the factory recommendation was for brace height on on a 58" 55# X-28? With my spare(new and unused) 54" endless loop style string the brace height is 8.5"(no twists in the string).

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Congratulations on the bow!
      Brace height 7 3/4 but tweak it until it is right for you

      Delete
    2. Thank you for the quick reply, I really appreciate it. Looks like maybe I should pick up a 55" string and start from there. The more I handle this bow the more I really like it. I love the skinny limbs and the thing feels like holding a feather. I also really, really like the green riser and green limbs. Hopefully it will quit raining/snowing this week and I can get out and shoot.

      Thanks again

      P.S.
      Thank you for a really well done and informative site. If I hadn't found it, I probably wouldn't have given Shakespeare bows any thought(well, not serious anyway). Hopefully most people continue to pass them over like I used to, that'll leave more for us. :-)

      Delete
  27. Just won a 1964 Neceda practically unused!! Original clipped calf hair and feather rest are barely worn. One of the most BEAUTIFULLLY figured shedua (Imbuya...?) risers I've ever seen! Just need to get a string made for it. Really curios to see how she compares to my 1964 54" Drake Hunterflight and my 50" Cascade.

    FANTASTIC WEBSITE BTW! :-)
    Jason DuLac

    ReplyDelete
  28. One other note bout this bow.

    You posted above that Necedas with "model x-26 55" printed below "Wonder bow" (as mine has) were 1964 production years but mine also has a serial number of "F52700M" which indicates June 1965 production year according to your serial number decoders. Hmmmm... Anomaly...? Any thoughts...?

    Again, thanks for a VERY cool blog!!!
    J.

    ReplyDelete
  29. I have a Necedah Model X-31, serial # a6077a, 55#, Amo Standard Bow available for sale. It has been seldom used and it is strung. I bought when I was working in a Sporting Goods store in NJ in 1975 while in College. I have used it for target only a few times and the rest of the time it has sat in my closet. So it is in very good shape. Anyone interested in buying it please contact me. torstinn@gmail.com. Thanks!

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  30. Anyone interested in buying a neceda x26 50#

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  31. Anyone interested in buying a neceda x26 50#

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    Replies
    1. RH or LH
      you might try our Facebook page
      https://www.facebook.com/groups/Vintagebowcollectors/

      Delete
  32. Thanks to vintage root and Shakespeare archery for know about Ernie Root archery.i am very interested to know Shakespeare archery.

    ReplyDelete
  33. I found a shakespear wonderland yukon x-24 60". Can anyone tell me anything about it?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Here is the post on Yukon

      http://shakespearearchery.blogspot.com/2013/01/shakespeare-wonderbow-yukon-x24.html?m=1

      Delete
  34. My father was a proud owner and user of a Shakespeare Wonderbow, Laminated Fiber Glass, The Necedah, Model X26, #50, D62074M, 58" When he used to hunt, he brought home a deer every year using this bow. He even made his own strings. Dad has passed away and it's time for this bow to have a new home and bring down deer for a new owner. If you are interested in this bow, please contact me at SLTahoemiss@aol.com It a beautiful bow in good condition for its age.

    ReplyDelete
  35. I commented above but didn't think to post some pertinent (I hope)
    I have the all in Brown 58" X26 Necadah. Written in white on the back limb face below the grip, vertically is "55-" "H93123M" (serial #?) and "58"(in.)"
    This is rated at 55# and the seller said it tested at 52# for him but, the difference between this and my 50# bow is shocking. Actually, I had 'Magyar, Asian type bow rated at 55# and it wasn't nearly as hard a pull as this one. I guess it's the design difference. Any way, I had to pass this one on to my son.
    Anyhow, does the serial number mean anything to anybody?
    Posting on my wife's (Jillian) listing.
    Jim

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    Replies
    1. Hi Jim
      Thanks for the comment.
      The serial number translation August 1969, 3123 bow producted

      Delete
  36. hi! super stoked to have a model X-26
    "50# 58' "

    i need a bow string!!!

    where is the best place online to purchase one as well as arrows (i dont know the proper length)

    thank you!!!

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  37. Can anybody help me find a Necedah X26 X45 x58. My husband and father are currently in a stalemate about who owns the one at my house so to stop the problem I am trying to locate a second one.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi
      We have a Facebook group were you may find a Necedah

      https://www.facebook.com/groups/Vintagebowcollectors/

      Delete
  38. I bought 2 bows at a second hand store one says root field master the other just has hand written numbers. Can anyone help identify??

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I might be able to help. Measure both bows andvsend me each measurement. Photos are very helpful too. Take a photo of each full profile and then shots of the riser and the serial numbers of each bow.
      shakespeare.archer@aol.com or

      Delete
  39. I was told my bow is a prototype from the mid 60s cannot find a model number on it.40- B8448H 60" M24is on the front.if anyone could help me with information on it I would feel less stupid thank you all in advance

    ReplyDelete
  40. Just got my Necedah X26 58" left hand, I see these listed as 40,45,50,55 and so on mine in inscribed 40+ so does that mean it's over 40 but not enough to be called a 45? If I am figuring out the serial number right mine was made March 1967 2794th bow made #C72794M the arrow rest and side piece look original and in good shape. However the bottom tip overlay is missing or worn away? The area where it came from is smooth and undamaged in appearance, is it safe to shoot like this, and what is done to fix this,and what kind of money am I looking at to fix it, if it can be fixed

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  41. Just found a 50# 58" X-26 in my brothers bro she'd. He has no recollection of it, and I just found it this past week. Looks in good shape, but I plan on taking it in to my local archery shop to get tested and restrung (if it tests good).

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  42. I purchased a Necedah at a pawn shop for 5 dollars. serial# A9913M 58" 45lb draw weight. All other markings have worn off. Still shoots great

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  43. Great information!! I am looking for LEFTIES in the 40-55 lbs range. Please reach out to me at 901 619-8377 or buck@leftiesrus.com.

    Thank You!

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  44. Hi, I’m hoping I can get some information about a bow I have that came with a house I bought. It’s green with no label, only a serial number, etc., which is 58” E43517N 40# II. Any help would be appreciated. Thank you!

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  45. Hello I recently have obtained a shakespeare model x 26 45- c9194dm 58" it needs to be re-stringed other than that it's in great condition if anyone is interested in this bow you can send me a message to pcc.services.rz@gmail.com please title in all caps SHAKESPEARE BOW thanks

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  46. Hi,I have a necedah X-26 58" 55# green glass brown wood 1 1/2" wide limbs.Everything I have read says limb width is 2"? Rick

    ReplyDelete
  47. Great Site .... I have a mint Necedah LH Model X26-55
    55" - 55# Serial# G41573M
    I have two questions:
    1. Recommended Brace Ht.?
    2. What does the serial number tell us?
    Thank You!

    ReplyDelete
  48. Great site! I just picked up a Root Warrior 58" with green glass. The serial number is C6xxx...40#+. I believe this to be a 1966 bow. Am I close?

    ReplyDelete
  49. I love the information that you have posted here about this bow. I like how you put multiple pictures and a lot of explanation. This blog gave me a better understanding of what the bow is all about. However, it is a little hard to follow because of how long the blog is.

    ReplyDelete
  50. this might help https://shakespearearchery.blogspot.com/2020/10/table-of-contents-visual-aid-to-blog.html

    ReplyDelete