arrogant, nicest cuemakers? how about the most helpful ????

[BHQ]

there's so many that have helped me, i just know i'll forget someone
if i do , i apologize in advance
it's just brain overload (not hard to do) :rolleyes:
arnot
sherm
dieckman
murray tucker
chris byrne
michael webb
joe baker
kevin varney
joey in cali
jer blackheart cues
geez, whoelse????? i'll think of more soon
oh yeah,
chris hightower for one

more:
eric c, sugartree, qbilder
dave barrenbrugge
jimmy lee
dickie neighbors

another:
john showman
and thanks to az for a place to meet and talk to all of these people
at least two of that list are responsible for me sticking with it
there was one particular point, when i was about ready to give up and start delivering pizzas!!!! :eek: prolly made more money :D
you know who you are , and thank you

added: BHQ
I can be helpful to myself sometimes too
especially, when i get my head out of my ass!!!! :eek:

added:
jim sickles from unique products


added:
jw petree
billy "spider" webb

[JoeyInCali]

MT
MW
DZ
Mase
Crisp
DB
ER
I just got back from lunch so I know I'm forgetting someone.

[Matt_24]

I talked to John Showman once on the phone for a few hours a couple of years ago and he is a super nice guy (and what a talent).

[Remy]

Jeff Olney. Super guy to deal with.

[BHQ]

wow! i expected lots more replies than this
oh well, maybe everyone is busy building cues today

[JoeyInCali]

wow! i expected lots more replies than this
oh well, maybe everyone is busy building cues today
Busy with their day jobs.
And/or finding flowers for tomorrow.

[BHQ]

Busy with their day jobs.
And/or finding flowers for tomorrow. whats tomorrow? thursday???? :D

[Hunter]

GOOD GUY LIST:

Bryan Mordt, Nubs Wagner, Steve Klein, Barry Szamboti, Dennis Searing, John Showman, Richard Black, Laurie Franklin, Joel Hercek, Dave Barenbrugge, Mike Gulyassy, Mike Johnson, Bill Mc Daniel, Jeff Olney, Dick Neighbors, Jerry Raunzahn, Fred Kohara, J. Dadivas, Kerry Zeiler, Brent Hartman, Craig Rittel, Chuck Starkey, Eric Crisp, David Jacoby, Kevin Varney, Greg Sirca, Jim Lee, and Bob Flynn... just to name a few (more will be added as soon as my memory does it's thing...) apologies to anyone that I missed!

A lot more makers on the good guy list than the a**hole list :) !

[manwon]

Jack Madden is great guy!!!!

[Drawman623]

The last time I posted positives about cuemakers, I just listed names. This time, I'll only mention 4 but give a reason for each.

Andy Gilbert:
My first Gilbert was a plain JB. I ordered it with presentation grade cocobolla. Even for an unknown customer on the cheapest cue he offers, Andy Gilbert made a special trip to his supplier and hand picked an insane piece of cocobolla. Gilbert treats his customers like VIP's.

Pete Ohman:
I ordered a matching JB to go with my beloved Schick playing cue. Pete executed the job exactly as promised...he remembered every detail and finished fast. When the cue arrived, it had an ivory butt cap and an old growth shaft (no extra charge). He said that he wanted me to be as proud of my break cue as my player. This is a guy who takes pride in his work.

Richard Black:
I bought one of his museum exhibit cues. When Black found out from the broker, he shipped me several articles, a calender and brochure that include my cue and even the display plaque from the original exhibit. Now 2 years later, he still remembers me and sent a dvd of his latest cue show. Mr. Black follows through with class.

Dennis Dieckman:
I bought an entry level 3 cushion cue from Dieckman. He has given me hours of personal instruction on billiards technique. Dennis keeps the 3C room open all night at the Derby City Classic so pool players can experience 3 cushion. Thanks to him I discovered a game I will never stop playing. Dieckman is a cue builder who is truly generous with his time.

[snowmon34]

Jeff Olney
Chris Byrne
Eric Crisp
Mason H
Joey B
Ron Haley

[itmc80]

Michael Webb.

[qbilder]

I think I have liked all cuemakers I have met. But a few really were great people, and a few actually offered advice & freindship. Of those who genuinely offered advice &/or freindship:

Wes Hunter
Joey B
Mike Bender
Barry Szamboti
Edwin Reyes
John Davis
Jeff Olney
Greg Sirca
Masonh
Jerry from Blackheart
Dick Neighbors
Bob Flynn
Jack Madden

If I missed you, I am very sorry. I have had a lot of support & made some great freinds. I appreciate all cuemakers.

[tlcff8]

Well being only 22, and just now buying my first lathe tomorrow, I can't consider myself a cue maker. But I have been buying wood for the past 4 years here and there. Anyway, there have been a few who have looked at me and laughed, which I won't mention, and then there are those that have been more than helpful that I will mention, and I'm sure I will forget some. Just listed in order of talking to, or that I remember.

Paul Huebler
Billy Webb
Jeff Olney
Jerry Terbrock
Ron Haley
Joey B
Eric Crisp
Dzuricky
BHQ

And then the rest of the people who have asked questions, and answered them such as RHN, Murray Tucker, masonh, etc. I too appreciate the guys that I have met in my journey, and I only hope I can someday return the favor to someone. I know that I have missed quite a few I'm sure, but these are the few that come to mind right away. Thanks everyone I appreciate it.

[BHQ]

Well being only 22, and just now buying my first lathe tomorrow, I can't consider myself a cue maker. But I have been buying wood for the past 4 years here and there. Anyway, there have been a few who have looked at me and laughed, which I won't mention, and then there are those that have been more than helpful that I will mention, and I'm sure I will forget some. Just listed in order of talking to, or that I remember.

Paul Huebler
Billy Webb
Jeff Olney
Jerry Terbrock
Ron Haley
Joey B
Eric Crisp
Dzuricky
BHQ

And then the rest of the people who have asked questions, and answered them such as RHN, Murray Tucker, masonh, etc. I too appreciate the guys that I have met in my journey, and I only hope I can someday return the favor to someone. I know that I have missed quite a few I'm sure, but these are the few that come to mind right away. Thanks everyone I appreciate it.
hi ya tony
i wish i would have discovered this fun wayyyyyyyyyyyyyyy back then when i was 22,
hell, i'm 51 now ( i think) :confused:
you'll have a blast, even when you got nothing to show for it except a pile of sawdust
good luck buddy
anything i can help with, don't hesitate to ask

[Michael Webb]

Here's an important one that I don't think has been mentioned, well not nearly enough anyway.
Tom Migliore who has offered the kind of machining services that we Cue makers have been in need of for a long time,

[JoeyInCali]

Here's an important one that I don't think has been mentioned, well not nearly enough anyway.
Tom Migliore who has offered the kind of machining services that we Cue makers have been in need of for a long time,
True that.
Props to Tony.
Gotta get some of those titanium pins soon.

[cuesblues]

I've heard a lot of good stuff about a lot of cue builders. Listed below are the nicest cue builders that I have had contact with, not necessarily in any order. Chris and Ernie are here in Denver, so I see them often. Those guys are very helpful, and will spend a lot of their own time just trying to help out. I wish Jerry -R- was local. I also like the way that Meucci handled a couple of problems I had 6 or 7 years ago;

Chris Byrne
Ernie Martinez
Jerry Rauenzahn
Rick Phillippi
Eric Crisp
Steve Klein
Scott Gracio
Ned Morris
Terry McFadden
Dave Kikel
Mike Stacey
Paul Rubino
Herman Rambow

What about the nicest case makers?

The Whittens
Jack Justis
John Barton
Steve Price

[snowmon34]

I've heard a lot of good stuff about a lot of cue builders. Listed below are the nicest cue builders that I have had contact with, not necessarily in any order. Chris and Ernie are here in Denver, so I see them often. Those guys are very helpful, and will spend a lot of their own time just trying to help out. I wish Jerry -R- was local. I also like the way that Meucci handled a couple of problems I had 6 or 7 years ago;

Chris Byrne
Ernie Martinez
Jerry Rauenzahn
Rick Phillippi
Eric Crisp
Steve Klein
Scott Gracio
Ned Morris
Terry McFadden
Dave Kikel
Mike Stacey
Paul Rubino
Herman Rambow

What about the nicest case makers?

The Whittens
Jack Justis
John Barton
Steve Price


Herman Rambow??????? :D

[Fast Lenny]

Here's an important one that I don't think has been mentioned, well not nearly enough anyway.
Tom Migliore who has offered the kind of machining services that we Cue makers have been in need of for a long time,
I agree,he is an awesome cuemaker also and a nice guy,if you can get your hands on his cues they are certainly precision players. :)

[Poke N Hope]

Mark Bear and Tony @ Black Boar

[Dakota Cues]

My pick 3 would be:

Joel Hercek
Dennis Searing
Jeff Olney

I have spent many hours on the phone with these guys, and they are more than gracious with time and knowledge. We've shared pictures, ideas and opinions.

In the end though, time and time again they came across as true professionals and ambassadors of their craft.

If there were more cuemakers like this in the world, then EVERYBODY would own a custom cue!!!

[BHQ]

hopefully someday,
i can be of some help with some young up and coming kid
met a guy last week as a matter of fact that is currently laid off, wants to come help me out and learn a little something
seems like a nice enough kid, so i agreed
told him for his help, we would throw together a sneaky for his efforts
now i have to make up a list of "dirty jobs" just for him to do!!! LOL :D

[JoeyInCali]

told him for his help, we would throw together a sneaky for his efforts
now i have to make up a list of "dirty jobs" just for him to do!!! LOL :D
That's what I did ( dirty jobs ). You have to give to receive.
And turned countless woods.

[nyjoe14.1]

hopefully someday,
i can be of some help with some young up and coming kid
met a guy last week as a matter of fact that is currently laid off, wants to come help me out and learn a little something
seems like a nice enough kid, so i agreed
told him for his help, we would throw together a sneaky for his efforts
now i have to make up a list of "dirty jobs" just for him to do!!! LOL :D




sh*it i've been fired :D

[itmc80]

Here's an important one that I don't think has been mentioned, well not nearly enough anyway.
Tom Migliore who has offered the kind of machining services that we Cue makers have been in need of for a long time,

It is to bad that he does not make a lot of cues. I have owned one and it played great. Nearly every one of his cues that I have seen, I have wanted to own :D

[KCarson1]

........... the nicest cue builders that I have had contact with;

Chris Byrne
Ernie Martinez
Jerry Rauenzahn
Rick Phillippi
Eric Crisp
Steve Klein
Scott Gracio
Ned Morris
Terry McFadden
Dave Kikel
Mike Stacey
Paul Rubino
Herman Rambow








Ted-you are an amazing guy. I thought Rambow was had gone to that big poolroom in the sky

[BHQ]

sh*it i've been fired :D
for poor attendance ;)

[Toughcues]

Barry Szamboti
Bryan Mordt,
Nubs Wagner,
Steve Klein,
Barry Szamboti,
Dennis Searing,
John Showman,
Richard Black,
Laurie Franklin,
Joel Hercek,
Dave Barenbrugge,
Mike Gulyassy,
Mike Johnson,
Bill Mc Daniel,
Jeff Olney,
Dick Neighbors,
Jerry Raunzahn,
Fred Kohara,
J. Dadivas,
Kerry Zeiler,
Brent Hartman,
Craig Rittel,
Chuck Starkey,
Eric Crisp,
David Jacoby,
Kevin Varney
Joey B
Mike Bender
Edwin Reyes
John Davis
Jeff Olney
Wes Hunter
Masonh
Jerry from Blackheart
Dick Neighbors
Bob Flynn
Jack Madden
FEEL THE SHAKE------ YOUR ALL SUCH GOOD BOYS------NOW WERE IS ALL THE BAD BOYS

http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p158/JME_LUCKY/devil.jpg

[classiccues]

Herman Rambow??????? :D

Some of us are signed if from a senior center... :D

JV

[The Beginner]

Michael Webb >>>Very nice Guy, Honest and a great father ..the nicest words that came out from him was "Send me your Cue and I will take care of you"
Barry Szamboti >>> A great friend and love to eat sushi ;)
John Showman >>> Great guy and a class act i have too much respect for this individual
Pete Tascarella >>> A respectable person
Paul Mottey >>> Very nice guy to talk to

[powerlineman80]

I know I sound like a walking billboard, but Jim Lee and J&D Customs has been really helpful with me, even before I bought anything from him. Thats what I liked, he didnt blow me off even though he had no money from me yet. I didnt even tell him I was going with him and he STILL wanted to help out.

[leehayes]

I just got back from two days at SBE....lot's of great cuemakers there. Personally have to add the following names to this list. They were all helpful and extremely nice people. Not in any particular order.
1.Mike Stacey
2.Jeff Prather
3.Richard Hsu
4.Dan Dishaw
5.Richard Chudy
6.Jerry Olivier
There were others there who I talked to but these were all people I'd never hesitate to buy cues from. In fact plan on buying one from at least two more of these guys.

[steveinflorida]

Hands down, Chris Hightower.
Honorable mention, Dave Jacoby and Harry Richards.

[leehayes]

Hands down, Chris Hightower.
Honorable mention, Dave Jacoby and Harry Richards.

I met Chris at SBE...he was nice but we didn't talk much about cues...I did buy two of his cues at that time...so...it wasn't a bad meeting.

[desmocourtney]

Bob Frey
Timmy Scruggs
Mike Cochran

Its a pleasure to know them.
Courtney

[jdsons]

MT
MW
DZ
Mase
Crisp
DB
ER
I just got back from lunch so I know I'm forgetting someone.


Joey,
If this is your personel roll call then maybe you should add: Kerry Zieler. What do you think????

jdsons

[JoeyInCali]

Joey,
If this is your personel roll call then maybe you should add: Kerry Zieler. What do you think????

jdsons
Absolutely, Kerry's given me almost all my knowledge.
But, I thought Brent was mentioning makers who helped him in this board only.

[CocoboloCowboy]

Thought we went down this path before.

[JoeyInCali]

Thought we went down this path before.
WHo's we?
Deja vu?

[SPINDOKTOR]

I second that!

Id also like to add, BHQ and Dave Albrecht Jerry powers as Well as J&D Customs!

Nice guy's and alot of help..Thanks Guy's




I know I sound like a walking billboard, but Jim Lee and J&D Customs has been really helpful with me, even before I bought anything from him. Thats what I liked, he didnt blow me off even though he had no money from me yet. I didnt even tell him I was going with him and he STILL wanted to help out.

[cueman]

We have already had a nicest cuemaker thread. But now to comment on the most helpful in no particular order it would be:
Leonard Bludworth
Donald Bludworth
Jerry Powers
Kevin Wright
Danny Tibbitts
Thomas Wayne
Bert Schrager
David Kersenbrock
Mike Webb
Andy Gilbert
Dale Hoke
Israel Hightower
Dennis Dieckman
Billy Schick
I know I have helped some of these cuemakers on things at times, but they have all helped me at times also. None of us know it all.

[BHQ]

Absolutely, Kerry's given me almost all my knowledge.
But, I thought Brent was mentioning makers who helped him in this board only.
yes, that is what i meant
and those who have helped out others
as what chris stated in his post
i don't care who you are or how long you have been doing it,
everyone can learn something from someone

back when i was a rookie plumbers helper, mid 1970's, i worked for a small well known shop with 7 plumbers. there was one guy, the other 6 dogged like you wouldn't believe. he was a lazy sorry ass drunk!!!! would come into work reaking of booze.
i always hoped i never got stuck working with him, BUT, it happened.
he hurt his back, prolly falling off a barstool!!!! :rolleyes:
he was the only one that didn't have a helper assigned to him
but, low and behold, he actually taught me some pretty cool little tricks of the trade. he told me he wasnt smart, just lazy. :D

[Purdman]

yes, that is what i meant
and those who have helped out others
as what chris stated in his post
i don't care who you are or how long you have been doing it,
everyone can learn something from someone

back when i was a rookie plumbers helper, mid 1970's, i worked for a small well known shop with 7 plumbers. there was one guy, the other 6 dogged like you wouldn't believe. he was a lazy sorry ass drunk!!!! would come into work reaking of booze.
i always hoped i never got stuck working with him, BUT, it happened.
he hurt his back, prolly falling off a barstool!!!! :rolleyes:
he was the only one that didn't have a helper assigned to him
but, low and behold, he actually taught me some pretty cool little tricks of the trade. he told me he wasnt smart, just lazy. :D

I have come to realize that our most important life's lessons come from adversity. Weather people or situations. ;)
Purd

[pharaoh68]

I'm gonna give this thread a free bump because I HAVE to differ with one of the more popular responses.

I ordered a cue through Eric Crisp a while back and offered a desposit, to which I was told, no deposit was necessary. And my cue would be ready in three months.

That was more than two years ago. I still have no cue. I contacted Eric several times and was told things like:

"Its coming along nicely"
"The wood moved. I may need to start over"
"I have to start over again"
"I'll send some pics"

...and a slew of other things. I never saw pictures. And I never saw a cue. Other people's cues have been delivered and mine is... well, it ain't in my hands or my case. Thats all I know.

Now I post over in JimBo's and Murray's forum quite frequently. And I once posted this saga to get reactions from some of the posters there. I was kind enough to leave Eric's name out of the picture out of respect for him. Still, he saw it and identified himself. The irony of the situation was, he basically said he was giving me the run-around and playing "peek-a-boo" with me. He was more or less saying that if I was more obnoxious and pushy, I'd have my cue. Its all there in black and white and they are words from Eric himself.

Eric is known for filling dealer orders first. He promises one thing and frequently does not deliver. And when questioned, he pretty much admitted to lying to me.

So I ask you... HOW IS HE ONE OF THE NICE GUYS?!?!?!

[desi2960]

the guys at schmelkes, prathers, and my #1 guy chris hightower

[The King]

Leon Sly ... The guy is awesome to talk to and builds a even better cue I'm kind of surprised his name has not been mentioned on here already...

Jeff Eason - We formed a great friendship out of this cue business ... He has helped me out in more ways then I could list.

Jimmy Lee - Again he is right up there with Leon and will go out of his way to do what you want done ...

Doug Patrick - Super guy easy to get a hold of and like the two above knows his stuff...

Brent Hartman ... Very upfront and honest ... very funny he is right up there with Leon when it comes to making you laugh.

Joe Baker - Very serious about his work and product ... Super nice guy ...

Eddie Wheat this guy is very passionate about his work and has some nice looking work to show for it ... Again surprised he has yet to be mentioned.

Kevin Varney ... Again builds a great product and loves his work... He has always been super nice to me ...


I'm sure I have missed a couple but as I set here these are the guys that pop into my mind right off...

[BHQ]

Leon Sly ... The guy is awesome to talk to and builds a even better cue I'm kind of surprised his name has not been mentioned on here already...

Jeff Eason - We formed a great friendship out of this cue business ... He has helped me out in more ways then I could list.

Jimmy Lee - Again he is right up there with Leon and will go out of his way to do what you want done ...

Doug Patrick - Super guy easy to get a hold of and like the two above knows his stuff...

Brent Hartman ... Very upfront and honest ... very funny he is right up there with Leon when it comes to making you laugh.

Joe Baker - Very serious about his work and product ... Super nice guy ...

Eddie Wheat this guy is very passionate about his work and has some nice looking work to show for it ... Again surprised he has yet to be mentioned.

Kevin Varney ... Again builds a great product and loves his work... He has always been super nice to me ...


I'm sure I have missed a couple but as I set here these are the guys that pop into my mind right off...
thanks gary
sometimes laughter is better than sex!!!
unless you get laughed at while having sex :eek:
will get you some "in progress" pics soon
been really busy

[Varney Cues]

Leon Sly ... The guy is awesome to talk to and builds a even better cue I'm kind of surprised his name has not been mentioned on here already...

Jeff Eason - We formed a great friendship out of this cue business ... He has helped me out in more ways then I could list.

Jimmy Lee - Again he is right up there with Leon and will go out of his way to do what you want done ...

Doug Patrick - Super guy easy to get a hold of and like the two above knows his stuff...

Brent Hartman ... Very upfront and honest ... very funny he is right up there with Leon when it comes to making you laugh.

Joe Baker - Very serious about his work and product ... Super nice guy ...

Eddie Wheat this guy is very passionate about his work and has some nice looking work to show for it ... Again surprised he has yet to be mentioned.

Kevin Varney ... Again builds a great product and loves his work... He has always been super nice to me ...


I'm sure I have missed a couple but as I set here these are the guys that pop into my mind right off...

I tried to give The King some rep...but have given out too much lately...so I'll do it here in public. REP for you sir...and not for mention of my name...but for your entire honest post! Great job my friend!:)

[frankybeanz]

1.the tascarella's-alway's helpfull and great friend's!! thank's for the constant help!!
2.paul mottey-alway's nice and has no problem answering question's and spending time with you!
3.joel hercek-nice guy and has no problem's talking about your order!
4.bryan mordt bcm cue's-nice guy nice work!
5.chad mclennan cam cue's-nice young cuesmith and nice work!
6.eddie wheat-nice guy answered all my question and can't wait for my cue!
7.tony zinola-nice cue nice work!! putting in my order in a few day's!!
8.mike cochran-awesome guy great work and a sweetheart to talk too!
9.dennis searing-nice guy nice cue's!can't wait to get my cue!
10.ned morris-really nice guy alway's helpfull and does nice work and will give you more cue for your buck!

[KillerBee69]

1.Leon Sly.....2.Leon Sly...3.Leon Sly...4.Leon Sly...5.Leon Sly!!!!!!!!!!!

[KillerBee69]

awsome cuemaker,,,,,,just as great in person!A class act to deal with! Hey KING,did I mention Leon????

[Rift]

I've only really dealt with two cue makers my first was Rick Howard, I told him I needed a Mace customed in two weeks and it was there in a week and a half with his amazing quality.

The second is Mike Cochran. He's great to talk to and I'll be calling him up on occasions long after my cue is done I'm sure. He's been a big help in my first step towards higher end(for myself at least) cues.

[matta]

Mike Webb: Just a nice guy and not afraid to share.

Keith Josey: He was very helpful getting started with inlay work.

Tim Lilek: He's not exactly a cuemaker but... Super guy. Full of good "insider" info. He's worked with so many well known cuemakers. Tons of knowledge about the industry.

Ron Haley: Cuemakers, if you haven't taken the time to get to know this guy, you should! Holy crap his cues are so bad ass. Yet he acts like it's nothing and has nothing to hide. It's as if nothing he does is a secret. Just ask.

Andy Gilbert: I guess I just like Andy's personality. Makes me think, "Man, I bet he'd be fun to grab a beer with." haha...

[DiamondDave]

I've talked to Dieckman a bunch of times and he's not only very polite and helpful but hilarious. I've called Paul Dayton a number of times as well for advice and he's been nothing short of an absolute gentleman to deal with. Pat Diveney is one of the best guys to deal with too. He went above and beyond any expectations on a repair job he did for me. But like with most people, the winner would be Chris Hightower. His "call anytime" demeanor, friendly attitude and ability to translate his knowledge into words that makes sense to you is something you don't find very often in ANY field.

I noticed 1 person had good things to say about Dan Dishaw. I wish I could too but I can't. I was at the SBE a few years back at his booth and I said I had a few grand to spend and he wouldn't even look at my face. All he wanted to do was look at all the other people walking by. I guess my money wasn't good enough for him. I have a friend who tried to talk to him at his booth in Vegas and got the same treatment.

Joe Porper blew me off in the middle of a conversation about possibly purchasing one of his Model B lathes. I couldn't believe it! I was so angry and offended that I wrote a professional but unhappy email to them, which is something I never do. In less than 8 hours I had a reply and an apology from Joe himself. He gave an explanation for what happened and while I didn't agree with the explanation, I thought it said a lot about him that he would apologize himself and try to clear the air. So while I still feel a little bit of a sting about the incident I would not let it stop me from doing business with him again.

That gives my thoughts on the good, the bad and the in between.

Regards
Dave