South Bend bamboo rod

Question
QUESTION: I have a 3-piece (2 tip) model 59 9' rod. Can you tell me what size modern line I should use, Southbend's original stated use for this model (trout, bass, wet/dry fly?), whether the 2nd tip is merely a spare or has an intended purpose, and your opinion of this, admittedly economy class rod?

ANSWER: Joel,
The number is a model number.
South Bend rod model numbers are a bit confusing, but there is logic to the system. Each rod was made in three actions; Wet Fly or Trout Action, Bass Action, and Dry Fly Action. The model number designates the rod's grade, or quality and the series number represents the type of action. For example, #159 is Trout Action, #59 is Bass Action, and #359 is Dry Fly Action. All of these Model 59 rods have the same wraps, hardware and other specifications -only the taper is different.
So you have a Bass action.
If you are interested in history  , local library
Antique & Collectable Fishing Rods: Identification & Value Guide Homel, Dan. 1997
Bamboo Rod Restoration Handbook -Michael Sinclair
The 8 1/2 rod model #59  has an extra tip  $35, 90 and $165 for poor, good, excellent respectively. The nine footer would be worth slightly less maybe $15.
The 2nd tip should be identical - SB didn't make really expesive rods with different tapers . You could verify by comparing taper - measure flat to flat every 5 inches.
Line size is problematic - they had smaller dimension silks - even in the 50s but expecially before . A modern line is going to be a little large to shoot line. I often put 1 size larger  guides on them,when restoring. But a good guess would be a 6 weight. Take it down to the f;ly shop and test cast 4- 8 weight, they usually have reels they will let you try.
Good Luck,
Mac
Please provide feedback, nominations are appreciated.



---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thank you for your excellent response.
  Relative to silk/modern lines--I see that Phoenix offers current production silk fly lines, and claim that they're not difficult to maintain. Would that be an option to improve line shooting performance?
  I think I read, some time ago, that fly rods should balance at about the grip area--if so, in order to make that happen with this rod, would an older, heavy, or weighted reel be a good idea?

Answer
Joel,
I have tested modern and refurbished slk lines- - plan on learning how to cast all over again. Some guys love them. I also see line for sale as well as modern line made for bamboo rods. Silk is thinner and shoots nice but very expensive. Silk does help with shooting line.
My solution  worked for a long time and that is to cast with modern plastic lines without shooting very far. I catch fish and after all that is the bottom line. I could do long casts but I like small streams anyway. Then I began to restore them and could put 1 size bigger guides and it shoots well with modern lines.
Rods should balance and a standard reel should balance that SB. What I have read is there should be equal weight in front and behind you hand. They did use metal reels back then. I have had a number of graphite reels with line weights 3-9, to test with, I never noticed the balance that much . I do give you this advice - it will cast slow.
Luck with your rod
And thanks for the positive feedback
Mac