I'm newer to the forum and have been building rods as a hobby for about a year. I posted some of my rods last week, which I considered the first ones that were fit for public sharing. (my first builds were a struggle).
Well, one thing that has helped TREMENDOUSLY in my build quality is the good fortune I have to live close to Shane Gray. He's been kind enough to let me come visit his shop from time to time, and I've learned a ton.
Here's one that I built on one of his troutsmiths s-glass blanks. He did the custom shaped grip, as well as the script (I'm write left handed and fountain pens don't like me). I did the wrapping and the epoxy.
RL Reel seat with snake brand chrome guides. Wrapped in prowrap Beeswax with Ghost Grey. Also worked in some navy blue accent stripes, which mostly look black but in the sun take on a navy tint.