My JB Case experience

KAP1976

AzB Gold Member
Gold Member
Silver Member
In late August I was in contact with John and Matthew to have a 3 by 6 butterfly made for a cue I’ve custom ordered. I told them what I wanted in terms of colors and details and was told it would take roughly eight weeks.

I ordered the case and almost eight weeks to the day I contacted John just to see how it was progressing. Coincidentally, it had just arrived that day and they would be shipping it out, but first sent some pictures to make sure it was correct. Turns out they had included one of the chalk pockets at the top of the case that I hadn’t ordered. It’s a cool option but I feel it interferes with access to the handle. Karen asked if everything looked okay and I explained the dilemma. She said no problem – you could either have the case that was made or they would make a new one. I said go ahead with the new one.

I fully expected the remake to take eight weeks and was okay with it. Again, the cue that will be living in it probably isn’t even halfway done yet so what’s the rush? Well, roughly two-and-a-half weeks after communicating with Karen I get a message with two pics of the new case without the pocket – exactly what I wanted. Didn’t need to rush it, didn’t tell them to rush it and my exact words were “I’m in no hurry.” They did anyways. And you can tell by the build and materials the piece is sturdy and durable.

John gets his balls busted here a lot so I thought people should know about my experience. I’ll definitely be recommending people in the market for cases. In fact, anyone who wants the original case can purchase it on his site. Here's some case porn.

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cardiac kid

Super Senior Member
Silver Member
KAP,

Received my JB leather butterfly roughly two years ago. Same pocket configuration. Same backpack straps. Absolutely love it. Top quality for a reasonable price.

Went to the BCAPL Nationals this summer and purchased a Ultimate rugged 3 x 6 case to use while I'm in Vegas. Same backpack design. Mine has three pockets instead of two. Talk about great quality! Did you get the cell phone bag? At least I now know where my phone is at all times during an event.

John, Karen and Matthew are great people with a great product line to offer. Me and John have shared some war stories about AZ. Try to stay away from his conflicts. What ever other posters feel about John's musings, he is genuine in his beliefs. What you see and hear is what he is. Honored to call him friend.

Lyn
 

Chopdoc

AzB Silver Member
Silver Member
Darn nice.

Yes, JB gets picked on...and some people might have a point here and there, but nobody makes all customers 100% happy 100% of the time.

I have spoken to JB on a few occasions. He has been spectacular really. Taking time to chat with me a bout cases, case history, case construction, etc. The man is passionate about these things and knows more than most if not all. The man is damn serious about what he does.

Thanks for posting some case porn.

It seems that for some years JB has set the standard in general.

And I mean no insult to any other case makers nor am I taking any position on any of the controversies.

.
 

Superiorduper

AzB Silver Member
Silver Member
JB cases are bar none the best, anyone who doesn’t own one wants one(even if they can’t admit it) and everyone who already owns one probably wants another.
 

gregnice37

Bar Banger, Cue Collector
Silver Member
Great story. Unfortunately Mathew isn't there anymore but John & Karen are great. I've bought 11 cases from them & gave 5 away to people in need. Below is a pic of the 6 I still have & use.
 

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cardiac kid

Super Senior Member
Silver Member
JB cases are bar none the best, anyone who doesn’t own one wants one(even if they can’t admit it) and everyone who already owns one probably wants another.

Hey, I resemble that remark!!!! :thumbup: Love John's craftspeople's work. Incredible. Also have to add I've seen lots of Jack Justis' cases and they are of superior construction as well. Glad to see John and Jack are conversing again. Two of the best!

Lyn
 
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ROB.M

:)
Silver Member
Case

The cases John produces are great, the builds and designs keep getting better and better.
If John or Karen don't hit the time line they mention on producing the case be patient, they are not in the business of stuffing customers.
The wait is worth it, your not going to find his service and warranty anywhere.



Rob.M
 
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Coop1701

AzB Silver Member
Silver Member
I love my JB Case... I hated waiting that long. It was painful. But I wouldn't trade anything for my case and I get compliments all the time on it.
 

KAP1976

AzB Gold Member
Gold Member
Silver Member
KAP,

Received my JB leather butterfly roughly two years ago. Same pocket configuration. Same backpack straps. Absolutely love it. Top quality for a reasonable price.

Went to the BCAPL Nationals this summer and purchased a Ultimate rugged 3 x 6 case to use while I'm in Vegas. Same backpack design. Mine has three pockets instead of two. Talk about great quality! Did you get the cell phone bag? At least I now know where my phone is at all times during an event.

John, Karen and Matthew are great people with a great product line to offer. Me and John have shared some war stories about AZ. Try to stay away from his conflicts. What ever other posters feel about John's musings, he is genuine in his beliefs. What you see and hear is what he is. Honored to call him friend.

Lyn

Lyn,

Didn't get the cell bag because usually if I'm practicing I have ear buds in and the cell phone is in my back pocket.
 

KAP1976

AzB Gold Member
Gold Member
Silver Member
That is a sweet case. If I see it out and about in Las Vegas in a couple of weeks I'll come introduce myself.
 

cardiac kid

Super Senior Member
Silver Member
That is a sweet case. If I see it out and about in Las Vegas in a couple of weeks I'll come introduce myself.

KAP,

I'll have my black ultimate with me. The leather 3 x 6 doesn't leave the east coast. I'll be at the US Bar Box Monday and Tuesday for sure. Probably be wearing my VNEA All Star jacket.

Lyn
 

Warrant G

New member
I ordered my case back in October 5 and asked for status twice and never receive any reply. So it's almost ten weeks and counting.
 

Ched

"Hey ... I'm back"!
Silver Member
Meh - I'll go ahead and throw my 2 cents in here. I've never met John, and only talked to him once on the phone, but I did buy 2 of his cases this year - and will be ordering a true "custom" after the holidays. We've exchanged a few emails/texts/discussions on threads - but the truth is I can't lay claim to actually "knowing" John - so keep that in mind as you read my views. As mentioned, John has faults - but face it, we all do.

OK, first the cases:
Cons (to some):
The bulk of the work is done outside the US. At first glance they seem a bit high priced. Ordering a true "custom" can take a while (2-3 or 4 months seems to be a fair average.) If you purchase his standard fare - or specialty so to speak - those cues are really tight to get in and out. (see pros)

Pros:
Once you actually get the case in your hands, you'll understand the costs. And if the work were being done in the US, it would likely be double what it is now. The quality is second to none, and I have some nice cases. The cues are really in the cases tight (see cons) - so they are not going to rattle around, or fall out for no reason. It's not just a sales gimmick - it's fact. John is willing to do damn near anything in the line of "custom". If you can imagine it - John will put everything into making it happen.

Ok - now as far as John himself, (and this is where I'm going out on a limb).
Cons:
He can come across as being arrogant, crude, rude, and a bit rough around the edges. To be honest though - I've only see that side when someone is short with him, insults him or his integrity, or finds fault with his product. (he really does need to grow a bit thicker skin on that last one, not everyone has the same tastes.)
He has a tendency to spread himself pretty thin at times IMO. John's a helluva business man, but he has so many "lines of communication", that sometimes communications slip through the cracks. This can be frustrating to some folks (especially new customers). All I can say is that if he doesn't respond to one - try another venue. Facebook, text, PM here, phone, email, etc. Once you have his (or their) attention - you'll get 100% effort to make you happy.
Like I said, John can appear to be a bit thin skinned at times, but my guess is that even with all the experiences he's had - there's still a touch of insecurity there. There is certainly a ton of pride. After seeing how he defends his product and reputation - heaven help anyone insulting his family.

Pros:
John appears to be extremely passionate about his livelihood. I get the impression he truly loves what he does. He's the kind of man /ANY/ businessman wants working for a company. After many years of self-employment myself, there are qualities of Johns that I truly envy. He does put his heart and soul into making the very best product possible, and gives 100% towards satisfying a customer.
Regardless of what you read from disgruntled customers (some legitimately - that is unavoidable), John has a ton of integrity. John is an honest man. If he, or one of his employees, screws up - he admits it. Not just in an email, or a PM, but he comes out and owns his mistakes in public forums. He also does anything within reason to make amends for his screw-ups too.

Now if all this sounds like some sort of testimonial, perhaps it is. Maybe I feel a bit guilty about pointing out short-comings in the past. Or perhaps just talking to him face to face (well - on the phone) really impressed me.
I called last week and John answered the phone himself. I was window shopping, looking for an idea on prices for what I want - and he didn't make me feel rushed. (and I am aware of the value of a person's time). He asked if I wanted to order right then, but I also got the impression that waiting til after the holidays would be better. Seems he's busting his but to get current orders out in time for Santa. So after a 2x3 Rugged, and a 3x6 Ultimate Rugged in 2017 - I'm looking forward to ordering a truly "Ched's custom" 4x8 butterfly. (sadly - I won't be able to justify the cost of a full leather one, but it will be nice.)

Whew - most I've typed at one time in ages. But - been tossing those thoughts around for a while.

Anyway - my very best, kind regards, Merry Christmas, and Happy Holidays to all. (including John).
 
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trob

AzB Silver Member
Silver Member
JB gets his balls busted because he’s more then a bit crazy.. I had to block him from everything due to harassing messages over a simple political discussion he went crazy about and sadly I won’t even go into his stand at the expo and say hello. Which is sad because overall he’s a genuinely nice guy.

He DOES NOT get harassed by the quality of his work. His cases our top notch and stands behind what he makes and even though I had to block him I’m always the first to recommend his cases when someone is looking for the best cast to protect their cue.
 
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