JJ vs. JB Case review:

Let the company's product do the talking, not the name on the company. Its shouldn't matter who in the company builds the case, or if multiple people make multiple parts, as long as its from that company. I own a custom car business, I could do all the work myself, but I know that somebody is better at painting then me, someone is better at sewing then me, etc, etc. I use multiple people to build 1 car for both quality of work done, and time it takes to do. But at the end of the day, its my stamp of approval, its my name on it.
 
D-Rock said:
Let the company's product do the talking, not the name on the company. Its shouldn't matter who in the company builds the case, or if multiple people make multiple parts, as long as its from that company. I own a custom car business, I could do all the work myself, but I know that somebody is better at painting then me, someone is better at sewing then me, etc, etc. I use multiple people to build 1 car for both quality of work done, and time it takes to do. But at the end of the day, its my stamp of approval, its my name on it.
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Not the same thing, at all. Most everyone GETS this, but not everyone gets my real point. My point is that, like a car consumer, for example, the end consumer is the final judge of what constitutes vlaue to him, and it's for him alone to decide.

For example, I used to lease BMW's many years ago? Why? A lot of reasons, but ONE of these was that at the end of the lease, I could sell the car outright for much more than the original cash value that was computed at the time of taking possession. Was $500 a month too much? Not if you took into account that I got back at least 5K more that I paid new at the end of the lease..........Which is another reason I recommend used cues for those that can play with standard specs........

Some guys don't care about this, and I don't either........for some items.

A case or cue, or car may fit this, but that's not for the builder/seller to say to an informed public.

That's all I have to say about that..........(Forrest Gump said some mighty fine things):grin-square:
 
Misha said:
Well, on this one point, I think we are both right. However, I will concede that you are responsible for the finished product, but not for their eventual resale or desirability to the public.
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Well I think that I am responsible for desirability certainly. I wouldn't get too far making cases that only appeal to 1 person out a million. As for resale value no manufacturer has control over that except in special cases where they control all the supply and artificially suppress it.

I don't build for resale purposes. I build for current use. Obviously Jack's cases now have more of a "name" in certain circles and the supply is limited to what he can make and he himself has driven up speculation by telling everyone he will only make 70 cases this year and then no more.

However, if that gives your cases more bang for the buck, and thus a better value this is a business decision best left to you, and your customers. Is this fair?
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Sure. I don't build for prestige. My shop is here because it's where I live not because it's cheaper.

I'll see what kind of rep your guys have and if they have what I want, and what they can give me price wise. If not what I need, then I'll deal directly with you, and will disclose that, too. Again, fair enough?
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Of course. Since this is your deal that you are taking on yourself I don't have anything to say about it. Of course if I know that I am selling you a case that will be reviewed then I am going to make sure that I inspect it extra carefully. That's just human nature. Like when a restaurant knows a food critic is in the place.

Since I will be paying for all this work out of my own pocket, and time, etc, I'm not interested in a free case, however, I would like to see your normal retail prices, street prices, and "family" prices for comparison:grin-square:
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Well, this I won't do. As with every person who sells things there are sometimes different prices but with me it's on a case by case basis. There is no price list that I would publish which would account for all the factors why I would give someone a discount off my website stated price guides.

You can PM me those, and I won't disclose any of them EXCEPT what you permit.
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The best thing to use is the stated prices on my website. $325 for a J.Flowers 2x4 is a good benchmark to use.

One of my questions will be: "On a scale of 1-10, please rate this case on a bang for the buck."

Fair question?
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Sure. I guess the best way to think of it is that if a person rates the case as a good value for $325 then obviously if they are able to get it for less than that then it's even better.

I don't really know what you will be doing for this test. I guess you will disclose your methods so that each answer can be weighed properly by those who read the results later.

From my perspective I have no control or influence over what you do and nor do I want any.
 
OK, fair enough. I WILL however, disclose my entire comparison survey questions for you, or anyone else to comment on, before I go with it.

And thank you for being so honest and forthright in this thread. Unfortunately, I can't buy all your cases, or JJ's, so it is what its.

I'll do my best here, taking into account everything and everybody's input.

Still, IF this stops the bickering among people I really do care about, then it will have been worthwhile.........Take care and thanks, again.

I'll post my questions, soon.
 
Case closed.

Sorry if I angered anyone in the forum by either starting this thread or ending it, but this review will not take place. I have a very good reason, but I will say nothing further.

And, BTW, my next case will be a JB. I already have it picked out, too!:wink:
 
I knew that would not take long. JB is the best person to deal with as far as getting a custom case goes. He will take care of you and make you the case that protects your cue the most. But that is already a known fact
 
Yup, although it's not my ass:grin:

Next time I'll listen a bunch better to you guys that have been around the block here a few times.
 
I have a great idea....I am thinking of doing an "Official" Rubber Bumper review....:cool:
 
ftgokie said:
hmmmm :poke:

Sung, we on for thurs night?
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Ya, just as long as you don't stand me up for the third time, ya bastard........ I'm getting my lathe in Friday. I'll tell ya all about it. Check it out in the ATC 'wheels to roll around my lathe thread'
 
SK Custom Cues said:
Ya, just as long as you don't stand me up for the third time, ya bastard........ I'm getting my lathe in Friday. I'll tell ya all about it. Check it out in the ATC 'wheels to roll around my lathe thread'
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Never know about me, as far as I know, nothing planned thurs eve after 6:30. We are going to look at another house to buy as a rent house but should be finished by 6:30. Maybe I can trade one of the rent houses for a cue :grin:


And what time thurs?

Nevermind, read his email, he said he would be there around 9-10pm Bring your camera, mine died and new one Kodak Rebel is on the way but wont be here till friday
 
Apples and Oranges.. I'll take both please.

I'd like to throw in my two cents here since I'm new to making cue cases. I majored in art in college and some of my greatest inspiration and challenges came from fellow students in my classes. Their work inspired me to do better, to study more, to strive for the best work I could possibly do. I find the same goes with both Jack Justis and John Barton (and the other case makers on this forum as well).

I've personally talked to John about his beginnings as a case maker and make no doubts about it, the guy can physically make a case from start to finish all by himself. We talked about dying techniques mastered by Al Stohlman and Peter Main, tooling work, finish work, and artistic inspirations. He has been a great source of encouragement for me. After 20 years in the biz he continues to push the envelope.

And so has Jack. His elegant style and craftmanship has set the bar high for anyone who is going to do pool cue case work. I've known about Jack's work back when I used to make custom fishing poles. Jack's custom thread work and designs are a still a standard today amongst custom rod makers. His attention to detail and design have always been top notch in everything he's done. You can easily recognize a Justis case from across a room. There is a reason why they command top dollar and hold their value incredibly well. They are the Cadillac of cue cases.

Both casemakers have strived to constantly improve their designs. I guarantee both of them have searched the earth for the best materials, dyes, and fasteners they could possibly get.

The Bartons', Justis', Stohlmans' of the world were simply born craftsmen. Whether it's cue cases or duck calls they are driven to create things from scratch. And do it to perfection! Like an artist creates a beautiful image from what was a blank canvas. To me, the 'challenge' between case makers, or any craftsmen for that matter, is going on every day. But not in a negative way. It's more of a challenge to inspire yourself and eachother to create. To do what they were born to do.

To both case makers I would like to say thank you for that inspiration. Apples or oranges, it doesn't matter. I'm enjoying the view of the whole awesome forest beyond the trees.

Just my .02.
 
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