The one and only... GTB "George - Tascarella - Balabushka".. the ultimate tribute v.1
This year 2015 marks the 40th Anniversary of George Balabushka’s untimely death on December 5, 1975. In recognition of the numerous contributions and inspiration George supplied to the Billiard Industry, players, cue makers, and fans, Classiccues.com began a collaborative effort to remind the Billiard World of the Greatness George Balabushka achieved.
Classiccues.com, aka Mark Kulungian and Joe Van Buren proposed a 6 cue GTB series honoring George’s 40th Anniversary. The idea and enthusiasm was well received and after numerous conversations and meetings with the Tascarella’s , it was decided to build only 1 GTB. There was only 1 George Balabushka and there will be only 1 GTB.
This cue features Gus Szamboti forearm that George assembled the rings and handle in 1975. We chose this blank specifically because it featured the red and green veneer colors of Christmas…… recognition of the month George was born and died. We provided original red and black acrylic rings. Ivory joint and ivory inlays were chosen, realizing George began using ivory joints and ivory inlays soon would follow. This cue began its’ life in Gus Szamboti’s shop, delivered to George Balabushka’s shop, rested for 40 years, and finally completed in the Tascarella shop this month.
As Steve Mizerak worded it so well in March 1976,… “ A great man is gone, but every time you see a Balabushka cue his memory and greatness as the best cue maker that ever lived will linger on. Pool was his life and the memory of his masterpieces will always secure a place in my Hall of Fame.”
This cue is the first to Honor George Balabushka. The collaboration continues next month when Classiccues will unveil 5 exceptional cues and 1 spectacular Holy Grail of cues……. The spirit of George Balabushka will live for eternity…………..
Mark and Joe
This year 2015 marks the 40th Anniversary of George Balabushka’s untimely death on December 5, 1975. In recognition of the numerous contributions and inspiration George supplied to the Billiard Industry, players, cue makers, and fans, Classiccues.com began a collaborative effort to remind the Billiard World of the Greatness George Balabushka achieved.
Classiccues.com, aka Mark Kulungian and Joe Van Buren proposed a 6 cue GTB series honoring George’s 40th Anniversary. The idea and enthusiasm was well received and after numerous conversations and meetings with the Tascarella’s , it was decided to build only 1 GTB. There was only 1 George Balabushka and there will be only 1 GTB.
This cue features Gus Szamboti forearm that George assembled the rings and handle in 1975. We chose this blank specifically because it featured the red and green veneer colors of Christmas…… recognition of the month George was born and died. We provided original red and black acrylic rings. Ivory joint and ivory inlays were chosen, realizing George began using ivory joints and ivory inlays soon would follow. This cue began its’ life in Gus Szamboti’s shop, delivered to George Balabushka’s shop, rested for 40 years, and finally completed in the Tascarella shop this month.
As Steve Mizerak worded it so well in March 1976,… “ A great man is gone, but every time you see a Balabushka cue his memory and greatness as the best cue maker that ever lived will linger on. Pool was his life and the memory of his masterpieces will always secure a place in my Hall of Fame.”
This cue is the first to Honor George Balabushka. The collaboration continues next month when Classiccues will unveil 5 exceptional cues and 1 spectacular Holy Grail of cues……. The spirit of George Balabushka will live for eternity…………..
Mark and Joe
...what a tasty treat this cue is!!!
