Pete Tascarella - Correct Information

Cornerman

Cornerman

Cue Author...Sometimes
Silver Member
Maybe this belongs in another forum, but I wanted to put answers to the good questions that Craig (Manwon) and Adam (Ribdonor) put forth. Importantly, I wanted the opportunity to put the rumors to bed. I've been given permission by Pete, so here it is. You might want to print it or something ;)

The question in a round about way is, did Pete Tascarella use Adam/Helmstetter blanks in his cues? Answer is "NO." Simple. So, on to the questions that Manwon (Craig) asked:

1) Did Pete Tascarella run the cue repair operation state side for Adam / Helmstter cues during the late 1970's through the Early 1980's. Then after Pete stopped working doing this Job did his son not take over the position for a number of years, even after the company Competition Sports took over as the wholesaler for these cues?
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He's fixed plenty of Adam cues. Adam was in Japan. Pete was one of the few repair guys in NYC area. Was he the official US repair guy? I guess one of them. Pete says that he spent two days a week using their (Adam) shop and supplies to repair cues. And this is the major point: REPAIR. There were no partial or rough supplies. The cues came in from Japan and mostly needed tip and ferrule work. Sometimes, the cue would need a new shaft. Sometimes, the finish would have to be redone. But, no, he didn't build cues at that shop. When his own cues got to have too many orders, Pete Jr. took over for Pete Sr. doing Adam repairs when he was either still in or just out of high school. The money was good for two days of work, so why not? But, again, finished cue repair is what they did. And they did this until the late 80's. Pete Jr. would be 18 in 1989. Pete Jr. joined Pete Sr. full-time in the Tascarella shop in 1991.

2) When Adam / Helmstetter started making the Balabushka series reproduction cues in the 1980's, was Pete Tascarella not the go between for the right to use the Balabushka name? In addition was Pete also not consulted on the designs of these cues for Adam / Helmstetter?
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He was the connection to Josephine Balabushka to get the rights. People were always trying to steal the equipment from her before he bought it, and I'm sure he thought it only right that she get something out a "Balabushka Series" idea. When David Forman of Adam Cues asked to be introduced to Josephine, Tascarella obliged. When Pete first saw the designs, he discussed with the GM of Adam Cues, Don Spetkar that the cues weren't accurate reproductions. Pete believes that the designs were a conscious decision by Dick Helmstetter and David Forman to pay tribute to the Balabushka Legacy, build what they hoped was an even better cue, but not to knock off the designs. In short, Pete wasn't the consultant on designs and had nothing to do with the designs or production. He had nothing to do with the business.

3) During the 1980's Adam / Helmstetter in cooperation with Competition Sports did Pete Tascarrela not design a line a cues for them called the Karella series which are still being made today?
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No.

He absolutely had a business dealing which resulted in Karella, but separated himself when the quality wasn't to his standards. Don Spetkar (GM of Adam Cues) and Pete Tascarella came up with the idea to try to make production cues. They partnered with Chen Cues (Falcon Cues) not Competition Sports or Adam/Helmstetter.

The early samples from Ernie Chen of Chen Cues were the quality they were looking for, but subsequent production wasn't. So, Pete and Don got out of that business partnership. Maybe 10 years later, Don came back to Pete and asked if he could use the Karella name again, and Pete gave the okay. Pete has nothing to do with the latest Karella Cues. Are Karella Cues version #2 made by Competition Sports? I think so.

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So, these are the reasons why Pete Tascarella's name always gets associated with Adam/Helmstetter. He's had business dealings, phone calls, and indirect association with the company. But, the answer is still "NO," he didn't use their blanks in his cues. He had his own setup for making blanks early on, made by his late brother-in-law. Pete Jr. does most of that today. They also have been making their own full-splice blanks for many years.

I hope that answers all the rumors.

Regards,

Fred Agnir
 
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Fred..... What Thread Did These Questions Come From, I've Been Away For A Few Days.

Thanks For Getting Good Information Ot There

Marcus<---loves When People Talk Without Having Good Information
 
When those inexpensive 'Competition' cues came out in the 90's some were about $25 wholesale-meant to sell for $50-$60. This creepy guy who owned a pool room was talking them up and selling them for $250-$300. He didnt get much repeat business but he sold a few.
 
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Fred, I hope you understand that the reason Rumors occur in the first place is a lack of information, whether intentional or for the sake of privacy. The questions that I asked were nothing more than questions, I am only interested in geting the facts straight. I have had dealings with Competion Sports, and Adam Cues for a number of years, and on occasion Pete's name has been mentioned in conversation on certain subjects.

Thanks for your time Fred
 
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FAST_N_LOOSE said:
Fred..... What Thread Did These Questions Come From, I've Been Away For A Few Days.

Thanks For Getting Good Information Ot There

Marcus<---loves When People Talk Without Having Good Information
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Marcus<---loves When People Talk Without Having Good Information[/QUOTE]

It is very good to be in love, unless it keeps you up at night, then it is a bad thing.:wink: But, the only way to stop misinformation is to ask questions, that is how the so called GOOD INFORMATION is obtained so that questions can be put to bed forever.:)
 
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manwon said:
Marcus<---loves When People Talk Without Having Good Information

It is very good to be in love, unless it keeps you up at night, then it is a bad thing.:wink: But, the only way to stop misinformation is to ask questions, that is how the so called GOOD INFORMATION is obtained so that questions can be put to bed forever.:)
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QUESTIONS ARE QUESTIONS..... GUIDED QUESTIONS ARE NOT.

THE QUESTIONS ABOVE WERE WORDED MORE LIKE STATEMENTS WITH QUESTION MARKS AT THE END.

OF COURSE IT'S GREAT TO HAVE AND POST ACCURATE INFORMATION, BUT IN MOST CASES IT'S BETTER TO GET GOOD INFORMATION PRIVATELY THAN IT IS TO ASK IN A PUBLIC FORUM, ALREADY LOADED WITH BAD/INNACURRATE INFORMATION.

IT WASN'T PERSONAL TOWARDS YOU, I JUST HATE SEEING POSTS LIKE THIS ABOUT ANY CUEMAKER, AND EVEN MORE SO, WHEN THE INFORMATION IS INACCURATE.

I ALSO KNOW THAT BECAUSE IT'S PETE THAT IS BEING TALKED ABOUT, I GET MORE DEFENSIVE, BUT I'VE HAD DIRECT CONVERSATIONS WITH HIM, AND HAVE THE CORRECT INFORMATION.
 
FAST_N_LOOSE said:
QUESTIONS ARE QUESTIONS..... GUIDED QUESTIONS ARE NOT.

THE QUESTIONS ABOVE WERE WORDED MORE LIKE STATEMENTS WITH QUESTION MARKS AT THE END.

OF COURSE IT'S GREAT TO HAVE AND POST ACCURATE INFORMATION, BUT IN MOST CASES IT'S BETTER TO GET GOOD INFORMATION PRIVATELY THAN IT IS TO ASK IN A PUBLIC FORUM, ALREADY LOADED WITH BAD/INNACURRATE INFORMATION.

IT WASN'T PERSONAL TOWARDS YOU, I JUST HATE SEEING POSTS LIKE THIS ABOUT ANY CUEMAKER, AND EVEN MORE SO, WHEN THE INFORMATION IS INACCURATE.

I ALSO KNOW THAT BECAUSE IT'S PETE THAT IS BEING TALKED ABOUT, I GET MORE DEFENSIVE, BUT I'VE HAD DIRECT CONVERSATIONS WITH HIM, AND HAVE THE CORRECT INFORMATION.
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Marcus....chillax my friend. :grin-angelic: In all seriousness...I do not believe that Craig was questioning your information, but given your bias toward Pete, and rightfully so, that there was any further information that would back up or refute the information you had presented. I have certain cue makers I am biased towards myself, and I would hope that someone would not take what I have to say as 'gospel'...because every now and again, I suspect I get it wrong. :yikes:

I know Craig to be pretty intensely into gathering up as much good historical information on not only billiards/pool cues, but as much good information with regards to the history of the game and it's players. He has been amassing a rather extensive memorabilia collection for quite some time....so is very keen to get it, and get it right.

I think he well took your information to heart, however when the source is biased, then one must look for an impartial source with which to validate the information from the biased source. Fred did exactly that, and a great job of it, I might add. It now allows Craig the ability to trust the information from both sources now, and that what he now knows of this particular subject to be true and correct.

Being a former journalism student, that is how I perceived the entire exchange, since we were often told to find a corroborating sources to back up initial sources. Beyond that, we all know how often what we are trying to say (or ask) is often 'lost in translation' when it makes it to the net...for whatever reason.

I do not think for an instant that Craig meant Pete any wrong...but was merely trying to clear up perhaps some information/misinformation that was passed along to him. I truly think his heart was in the right place...and have no doubt that he will make sure that it gets corrected whenever he encounters misinformation on this subject again. In fact, I have no doubt he has already cataloged it for future reference. :yeah:

Lisa
 
ridewiththewind said:
Marcus....chillax my friend. :grin-angelic: In all seriousness...I do not believe that Craig was questioning your information, but given your bias toward Pete, and rightfully so, that there was any further information that would back up or refute the information you had presented. I have certain cue makers I am biased towards myself, and I would hope that someone would not take what I have to say as 'gospel'...because every now and again, I suspect I get it wrong. :yikes:

I know Craig to be pretty intensely into gathering up as much good historical information on not only billiards/pool cues, but as much good information with regards to the history of the game and it's players. He has been amassing a rather extensive memorabilia collection for quite some time....so is very keen to get it, and get it right.

I think he well took your information to heart, however when the source is biased, then one must look for an impartial source with which to validate the information from the biased source. Fred did exactly that, and a great job of it, I might add. It now allows Craig the ability to trust the information from both sources now, and that what he now knows of this particular subject to be true and correct.

Being a former journalism student, that is how I perceived the entire exchange, since we were often told to find a corroborating sources to back up initial sources. Beyond that, we all know how often what we are trying to say (or ask) is often 'lost in translation' when it makes it to the net...for whatever reason.

I do not think for an instant that Craig meant Pete any wrong...but was merely trying to clear up perhaps some information/misinformation that was passed along to him. I truly think his heart was in the right place...and have no doubt that he will make sure that it gets corrected whenever he encounters misinformation on this subject again. In fact, I have no doubt he has already cataloged it for future reference. :yeah:

Lisa
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I UNDERSTAND, AND I LIKE CRAIG. MY POSTS STATES THAT I WASN'T ATTACKING HIM, JUST THAT I HATE WHEN MISINFORMATION IS SPREAD.
 
FAST_N_LOOSE said:
QUESTIONS ARE QUESTIONS..... GUIDED QUESTIONS ARE NOT.

THE QUESTIONS ABOVE WERE WORDED MORE LIKE STATEMENTS WITH QUESTION MARKS AT THE END.

OF COURSE IT'S GREAT TO HAVE AND POST ACCURATE INFORMATION, BUT IN MOST CASES IT'S BETTER TO GET GOOD INFORMATION PRIVATELY THAN IT IS TO ASK IN A PUBLIC FORUM, ALREADY LOADED WITH BAD/INNACURRATE INFORMATION.

IT WASN'T PERSONAL TOWARDS YOU, I JUST HATE SEEING POSTS LIKE THIS ABOUT ANY CUEMAKER, AND EVEN MORE SO, WHEN THE INFORMATION IS INACCURATE.

I ALSO KNOW THAT BECAUSE IT'S PETE THAT IS BEING TALKED ABOUT, I GET MORE DEFENSIVE, BUT I'VE HAD DIRECT CONVERSATIONS WITH HIM, AND HAVE THE CORRECT INFORMATION.
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Marcus I totally disagree that questions like this should be asked privately. That is the problem in the first place, by this information not being public only leads to nothing but speculation. If this information was included in the Blue Book of Cues, it would also help stop the speculation, but there is very little concerning Pete written anywhere.

The problem in this industry is everyone has their little secrets, information is not freely give and published so if this is what it takes to bring it out, in my opinion it is a great thing.

You should also be happy this has been put to bed, instead of being upset that questions were asked. Most people on this site know I rarely beat around the bush, if my intent were to make an accusation it would not have been worded in a question format, it would have been direct.

You have a right to your opinion and I have a right to mine, but allowing anger to effect your thinking and wording has little to do with getting the correct information out there.
 
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FAST_N_LOOSE said:
I UNDERSTAND, AND I LIKE CRAIG. MY POSTS STATES THAT I WASN'T ATTACKING HIM, JUST THAT I HATE WHEN MISINFORMATION IS SPREAD.
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Well, I am glad it all got worked out. :kiss: And, I now know more about Pete's cues history than I did before...which is always a bonus for a history geek like me...LoL!

Lisa
 
manwon said:
Marcus I totally disagree that questions like this should be asked privately. That is the problem in the first place, by this information not being public only leads to nothing but speculation. If this information was included in the Blue Book of Cues, it would also help stop the speculation, but there is very little concerning Pete written anywhere.

The problem in this industry is everyone has their little secrets, information is not freely give and published so if this is what it takes to bring it out, in my opinion it is a great thing.

You should also be happy this has been put to bed, instead of being upset that questions were asked. Most people on this site know I rarely beat around the bush, if my intent were to make an accusation it would not have been worded in a question format, it would have been direct.

You have a right to your opinion and I have a right to mine, but allowing anger to effect your thinking and wording has little to do with getting the correct information out there.
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GETTING ACURATE INFORMATION PRIVATELY, AND THEN POSTING IT PUBLICLY IS THE BEST WAY TO GET/SHARE INFORMATION.

WHAT IF.....YOU ASKED THOSE SAME QUESTIONS, AND SOMEONE WITH NO FIRSTHAND/GOOD INFORMATION WAS THE FIRST TO ANSWER, AND MADE A 10,000 WORD POST FULL OF BAD INFORMATION? IT WOULD TAKE 10 PAGES OF POSTS TO THEN PRIVE HE WAS WRONG/INACCURATE. IS THAT BENIFICIAL TO ANYONE?


ANGER HAS HAD NOTHING TO DO WITH MY POSTS, I'M NOT ANGRY...... I JUST WANT GOOD INFORMATION TO BE SHARED.

P.S. THERE ARE LITTLE SECRETS IN EVERY INDUSTRY, NOT JUST CUEMAKING.
 
FAST_N_LOOSE said:
GETTING ACURATE INFORMATION PRIVATELY, AND THEN POSTING IT PUBLICLY IS THE BEST WAY TO GET/SHARE INFORMATION.

WHAT IF.....YOU ASKED THOSE SAME QUESTIONS, AND SOMEONE WITH NO FIRSTHAND/GOOD INFORMATION WAS THE FIRST TO ANSWER, AND MADE A 10,000 WORD POST FULL OF BAD INFORMATION? IT WOULD TAKE 10 PAGES OF POSTS TO THEN PRIVE HE WAS WRONG/INACCURATE. IS THAT BENIFICIAL TO ANYONE?


ANGER HAS HAD NOTHING TO DO WITH MY POSTS, I'M NOT ANGRY...... I JUST WANT GOOD INFORMATION TO BE SHARED.

P.S. THERE ARE LITTLE SECRETS IN EVERY INDUSTRY, NOT JUST CUEMAKING.
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If you are not angery why are typing in CAPS:smile: I really do not want to agrue because I think we want the same thing. Let me refrase this another way then, information on this subject is not readlily availible, and again in my opinion, if it takes 10 pages to get it published and it is worth it to me. I am a big fan of Tascarella cues, and have the upmost respect for the tradition Pete is carrying on, with his construction techniques, IE only traditional methods, no epoxy.

I also have a great deal of respect for your knowledge and Freds on this subject, thanks for your information.

Oh and by the way, I have a friend who is also a collector of Tascarella cues. His name is Mike McDermottt, I do not know for sure but, I would bet you two know each other.

Take care Marcus.
 
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Just in case anyone didn't understand, these answers are from Pete Tascarella himself, not from me. I rewrote his emailed information such that the questions were answered in an understandable organized manner without much ballyhoo.

Fred
 
Cornerman said:
Just in case anyone didn't understand, these answers are from Pete Tascarella himself, not from me. I rewrote his emailed information such that the questions were answered in an understandable organized manner without much ballyhoo.

Fred
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Again thnks Fred for taking the time to do this.

I certainly appreciate it!
 
Fred, thanks for taking your time to get this information out here and dispell this. Solid write-up....makes perfect sense. Take care and enjoy the weekend....Sean
 
Tap Tap Tap

Cornerman said:
Maybe this belongs in another forum, but I wanted to put answers to the good questions that Craig (Manwon) and Adam (Ribdonor) put forth. Importantly, I wanted the opportunity to put the rumors to bed. I've been given permission by Pete, so here it is. You might want to print it or something ;)

The question in a round about way is, did Pete Tascarella use Adam/Helmstetter blanks in his cues? Answer is "NO." Simple. So, on to the questions that Manwon (Craig) asked:

He's fixed plenty of Adam cues. Adam was in Japan. Pete was one of the few repair guys in NYC area. Was he the official US repair guy? I guess one of them. Pete says that he spent two days a week using their (Adam) shop and supplies to repair cues. And this is the major point: REPAIR. There were no partial or rough supplies. The cues came in from Japan and mostly needed tip and ferrule work. Sometimes, the cue would need a new shaft. Sometimes, the finish would have to be redone. But, no, he didn't build cues at that shop. When his own cues got to have too many orders, Pete Jr. took over for Pete Sr. doing Adam repairs when he was either still in or just out of high school. The money was good for two days of work, so why not? But, again, finished cue repair is what they did. And they did this until the late 80's. Pete Jr. would be 18 in 1989. Pete Jr. joined Pete Sr. full-time in the Tascarella shop in 1991.

He was the connection to Josephine Balabushka to get the rights. People were always trying to steal the equipment from her before he bought it, and I'm sure he thought it only right that she get something out a "Balabushka Series" idea. When David Forman of Adam Cues asked to be introduced to Josephine, Tascarella obliged. When Pete first saw the designs, he discussed with the GM of Adam Cues, Don Spetkar that the cues weren't accurate reproductions. Pete believes that the designs were a conscious decision by Dick Helmstetter and David Forman to pay tribute to the Balabushka Legacy, build what they hoped was an even better cue, but not to knock off the designs. In short, Pete wasn't the consultant on designs and had nothing to do with the designs or production. He had nothing to do with the business.

No.

He absolutely had a business dealing which resulted in Karella, but separated himself when the quality wasn't to his standards. Don Spetkar (GM of Adam Cues) and Pete Tascarella came up with the idea to try to make production cues. They partnered with Chen Cues (Falcon Cues) not Competition Sports or Adam/Helmstetter.

The early samples from Ernie Chen of Chen Cues were the quality they were looking for, but subsequent production wasn't. So, Pete and Don got out of that business partnership. Maybe 10 years later, Don came back to Pete and asked if he could use the Karella name again, and Pete gave the okay. Pete has nothing to do with the latest Karella Cues. Are Karella Cues version #2 made by Competition Sports? I think so.

-----------------------------------------------------------------

So, these are the reasons why Pete Tascarella's name always gets associated with Adam/Helmstetter. He's had business dealings, phone calls, and indirect association with the company. But, the answer is still "NO," he didn't use their blanks in his cues. He had his own setup for making blanks early on, made by his late brother-in-law. Pete Jr. does most of that today. They also have been making their own full-splice blanks for many years.

I hope that answers all the rumors.

Regards,

Fred Agnir
Click to expand...

Fred

Taps and rep for you.

Thanks

Kevin
 
I'm with you

FAST_N_LOOSE said:
QUESTIONS ARE QUESTIONS..... GUIDED QUESTIONS ARE NOT.

THE QUESTIONS ABOVE WERE WORDED MORE LIKE STATEMENTS WITH QUESTION MARKS AT THE END.

OF COURSE IT'S GREAT TO HAVE AND POST ACCURATE INFORMATION, BUT IN MOST CASES IT'S BETTER TO GET GOOD INFORMATION PRIVATELY THAN IT IS TO ASK IN A PUBLIC FORUM, ALREADY LOADED WITH BAD/INNACURRATE INFORMATION.

IT WASN'T PERSONAL TOWARDS YOU, I JUST HATE SEEING POSTS LIKE THIS ABOUT ANY CUEMAKER, AND EVEN MORE SO, WHEN THE INFORMATION IS INACCURATE.

I ALSO KNOW THAT BECAUSE IT'S PETE THAT IS BEING TALKED ABOUT, I GET MORE DEFENSIVE, BUT I'VE HAD DIRECT CONVERSATIONS WITH HIM, AND HAVE THE CORRECT INFORMATION.
Click to expand...

Marcus

Absolutely. There's a political trick called "push polling" where its not the response that is important, but rather the "information" disseminated through the questions. ie "Would you vote for Candidate XYZ if you knew he was a homosexual and a killer?"

It's often the questions that are damaging themselves. Guaranteed someone will be looking at a Tasc cue some time from now with some dim memory of the "fact" that Helmstetter made the forearm.

Kevin
 
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