Hi. I'm new to this forum but from what I have seen there are lots of friendly and knowledgeable people who have given me lots of good information/advice and I was hoping people would offer me even more of their opinions on my next issue. I am researching the purchase of my very first custom built cue and I need your help.
I want the purchase to be from a respected cue builder and have done some looking around but woulfd like to know what some of you guys/gals think of a couple of the cue makers I was considering.
Let me give you at least a little info that may be useful to you in order to form an opinion:
1. I don't want to get terribly specific about my budget (I think that would be something I would want to reserve for once I decide who I am going to work with), but for the sake of being able to ballpark it to help me find the right person let's set $1500 as a ceiling.
2. I want an experienced and respected cue maker that the fine posters of this board would not necessarily all agree as the best choice (I have been around long enough to know that's a pipe dream :wink
, but the majority would agree was a solid choice.
3. I want someone who is accessible and easy to work with and builds a solid player.
4. While I want it to look good I want it to pocket balls too. Equal parts quality/playable/practical I guess is what I'm trying to say.
5. Would want 1 of the shafts to be a production "techie" (i.e. Predator 314-2/Z2, Mezz WX 900, etc.).
6. I don't need it to be crazy elaborate, but it will require at least a little finesse. Looking for a 4 pointer with veneer work on points and some "windows"/inlays on the butt sleeve, etc.
7. I want it in a reasonable amount of time. I am willing to wait 2-3 months for the cue to be built but I would go somewhere else (or find an "on hand" custom I like from a cue maker I respect) vs. sitting on a waiting list for 2 years. I don't care how good you are or what kind of deal I'm getting, I'm not waiting 2 years.
Lastly, if you look at the thread title I have 3 names listed for makers that I have seen and like (Jerry Price, Jim Pierce, or Andy Gilbert). What do you guys (and gals) think of their work and would you strongly prefer any one over another. Also, if there are others you would recommend (for a "yay" or "nay"), let'em fly.
Thanks in advamce guys, I really appreciate your help!
I want the purchase to be from a respected cue builder and have done some looking around but woulfd like to know what some of you guys/gals think of a couple of the cue makers I was considering.
Let me give you at least a little info that may be useful to you in order to form an opinion:
1. I don't want to get terribly specific about my budget (I think that would be something I would want to reserve for once I decide who I am going to work with), but for the sake of being able to ballpark it to help me find the right person let's set $1500 as a ceiling.
2. I want an experienced and respected cue maker that the fine posters of this board would not necessarily all agree as the best choice (I have been around long enough to know that's a pipe dream :wink
, but the majority would agree was a solid choice.3. I want someone who is accessible and easy to work with and builds a solid player.
4. While I want it to look good I want it to pocket balls too. Equal parts quality/playable/practical I guess is what I'm trying to say.
5. Would want 1 of the shafts to be a production "techie" (i.e. Predator 314-2/Z2, Mezz WX 900, etc.).
6. I don't need it to be crazy elaborate, but it will require at least a little finesse. Looking for a 4 pointer with veneer work on points and some "windows"/inlays on the butt sleeve, etc.
7. I want it in a reasonable amount of time. I am willing to wait 2-3 months for the cue to be built but I would go somewhere else (or find an "on hand" custom I like from a cue maker I respect) vs. sitting on a waiting list for 2 years. I don't care how good you are or what kind of deal I'm getting, I'm not waiting 2 years.
Lastly, if you look at the thread title I have 3 names listed for makers that I have seen and like (Jerry Price, Jim Pierce, or Andy Gilbert). What do you guys (and gals) think of their work and would you strongly prefer any one over another. Also, if there are others you would recommend (for a "yay" or "nay"), let'em fly.
Thanks in advamce guys, I really appreciate your help!
