The following details my brushes with absolute greatness. This cue is a roughly 1990-era Barry Szamboti that has seen daily play for its entire 20-year life. I appluad (and envy) its owner for using as it was intended: to usher object balls on their way to the pocket. 
I am pleased to say I have not only oggled this masterpiece for 15 years, I've had the extreme pleasure of playing with it on multiple occasions. It pays to have friends with excellent taste in your local room. :grin:
This cue proves without any doubt that Barry Szamboti makes the finest cue I have ever held in my hands. The hit is firm & positive with the perfect balance of vibrational feedback. Speaking of balance, it's as expected...perfect.
I should mention that I've been fortunate over the years to audition a variety of high-ends cues, so when I say Barry crafts the best cue I can imagine...I can say that in all honesty.
The owner gave me permission to take photos to share on AZB, but I did not ask if I could list his name with it. Therefore, I will not discolse that at this point...it doesn't really matter anyway, the pics will speak for themselves.
At this point, it would seem ludicrous if I were to mention that the owner's uncle let me test-drive his Gus. Yep, it really did happen. When he heard I'd auditioned the Barry, he said: "Well, you should try my Gus then."
You may be saying...wait, the son out-classes the father? Not so quick partner, the Gus did not have the original shaft so the comparison is not fair. Plus, I only shot 4-5 shots with the Gus.
Please note that these photos were taken under available light as we played. I apologize that there are random glares, reflections, and such, but I can assure you that if you interpret any of those as flaws or dings...you are being mislead. The cue remains in perfect condition in accordance with the owner's extreme care.
Can a more perfect peacock or diamond be made? Look how thin the ivory is at the neck of the peacock! Yet it IS one piece & remains intact (hasn't cracked in 20 years).
The points are razor sharp, even, & beautifully veneered. The same veneers are used in the body of the barbells.
I am pleased to say I have not only oggled this masterpiece for 15 years, I've had the extreme pleasure of playing with it on multiple occasions. It pays to have friends with excellent taste in your local room. :grin:
This cue proves without any doubt that Barry Szamboti makes the finest cue I have ever held in my hands. The hit is firm & positive with the perfect balance of vibrational feedback. Speaking of balance, it's as expected...perfect.
I should mention that I've been fortunate over the years to audition a variety of high-ends cues, so when I say Barry crafts the best cue I can imagine...I can say that in all honesty.
The owner gave me permission to take photos to share on AZB, but I did not ask if I could list his name with it. Therefore, I will not discolse that at this point...it doesn't really matter anyway, the pics will speak for themselves.
At this point, it would seem ludicrous if I were to mention that the owner's uncle let me test-drive his Gus. Yep, it really did happen. When he heard I'd auditioned the Barry, he said: "Well, you should try my Gus then."
You may be saying...wait, the son out-classes the father? Not so quick partner, the Gus did not have the original shaft so the comparison is not fair. Plus, I only shot 4-5 shots with the Gus.
Please note that these photos were taken under available light as we played. I apologize that there are random glares, reflections, and such, but I can assure you that if you interpret any of those as flaws or dings...you are being mislead. The cue remains in perfect condition in accordance with the owner's extreme care.
Can a more perfect peacock or diamond be made? Look how thin the ivory is at the neck of the peacock! Yet it IS one piece & remains intact (hasn't cracked in 20 years).
The points are razor sharp, even, & beautifully veneered. The same veneers are used in the body of the barbells.
