Anyone had a cue made for them?

I just wanted to say thanks to everyone who shared their thoughts on the subject.
I knew I am so glad I joined AZ. Can’t believe I never hear of it until recently.
I have taken a few notes down on what I want to do here.
I am going to take shot at it. How the cue looks to me is not nearly important as it plays. I think that is why I might keep the costs down and get a plane Jane type of cue.
I always feel bad in taking up the cue makers time to work out these details. But it sounds like this is normal. I guess I don’t want to get him pissed at me with all the questions.
I do think even something simple I will probably love and from there on I will be a custom guy from there forward.
 
twal said:
I just wanted to say thanks to everyone who shared their thoughts on the subject.
I knew I am so glad I joined AZ. Can’t believe I never hear of it until recently.
I have taken a few notes down on what I want to do here.
I am going to take shot at it. How the cue looks to me is not nearly important as it plays. I think that is why I might keep the costs down and get a plane Jane type of cue.
I always feel bad in taking up the cue makers time to work out these details. But it sounds like this is normal. I guess I don’t want to get him pissed at me with all the questions.
I do think even something simple I will probably love and from there on I will be a custom guy from there forward.
Click to expand...

If he gets pissed at all the questions, you need to find another cue maker!
 
maybe Start with lower end?

I like the idea of starting with a lower end cue from a custom cue maker. That way you can still pick your preferences when it comes to joint type, tip size, shaft preference, wrap or wrapless, and not be out a ton of $$$. I have done this with several cue makers and was overly pleased at the result every time. My theory was to try out how their cues played with the first cue and then if I liked the cue I would order a true custom or fancy version spending only approx. $1,000. In all three instances I loved the cues but was too cheap to spring for the big bucks, so I just continued to play with the plain janes & sneakys. One guy I ordered another cue the same as the first one. I also like the fact that I have a great hitting cue for under $400 and I can go to tournaments and not worry about my cue all the time. The nice part about this approach is you get to be a customer while YOU learn what goes into building cues and what your preferences are, without getting in his way.. Then each year another cue better and better if you want... Good luck,

Gordon

PS IMO always get at least two shafts with any cue you order, also IMO if you have the $$$ dont ever sell custom cues that you have made for yourself, I've always regretted that move. I know you can only play with one at a time but you'll wish you had them in ten years!!! JMO
 
That's the best deal you can get.

sr 9ball said:
come to daves whos inn. and u can have my cue. im taking up golf. pools not my game.
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I would take this guy up on his great offer, and that would get you a cue to shoot with to start your trial period of different cues.

You can play with it, and trade around and try different makers out.

That is how I got started - start with one cue, and keep moving/trading around until you need a bigger case.:thumbup:

Good luck on your search.

BTW - what is your price range to start with?

Michael
 
I'm in the process of having Dave Jacoby make me a butt-only order. I have a Predator and an OB Classic shaft that will fit the butt he is making for me. I saved a few bucks having just the butt made to order and not getting a shaft.

Maniac
 
twal said:
I am in the process of getting a cue made from a custom cue maker.
I am pretty sure who I am going to go with and there are a few decisions that I had to made that I did not expect, like sized of the butt and that sort of thing.
It is really coo and exciting, but I am worried that I am screwing something up.
I have not place my final order yet.

I guess I am looking for any pointers from those who have gone through this process before. Any recommendations, things may I should account for?

What realistically can I expect?

Here is the subjective question: Do custom cue makers make a better cue than a production model like Schon, Pechauer, or Joss?
Click to expand...

To a certain extent, a custom cue maker should be able to counsel you on your needs. That's the beauty of a custom. The better the cue maker, the more they can ascertain what type of cue you like, and build it accordingly.

The more you know about what you like, the better the cue maker can communicate. The problem is a lot of players haven't experimented enough to find out what type of cue suits them best. If you have a cue you really like, like a Schon or a Joss - tell the cue maker - that should give them a starting point.

For example, I found out that I like a cue 1" longer than average, on the stiff side, with a thicker than average handle, and low squirt. I like a cue between 18 and 18.5 ounces with a nice neutral balance. I like a shaft at least 12.75 mm thick in the bridge area. I like a firm hit. I would want wrapless or a Tiger stack leather wrap. I like the look of ivory joints. I like classic inlay patterns and points and gabon ebony.

An experienced cue maker will have no problem with these specs and could build a cue for me suggesting a design.

Chris
 
Dpk

I had Dave Kersenbrock make a cue for me back in 1977. I wanted it a certain way and he talked me into a couple of modifications. He was right! Still have it and many have offered to purchase.
Get rid of it >>>No way ! If you want it custom for yourself... go in with your info and talk to the builder! Many good makers out there.
 
custom cue

I have recently had a custom cue made for myself. Mike Gulyassy made mine. you can see his work at www.babysproshop.com. He is a well known cue maker.

My suggestion is design the butt and forearm with what you want, know whether you prefer wood or steel joint, and be specific on what weight you want.

The most important part is the shaft: Do you want specific taper, deflection, tip, ferrule, etc. Gulyassy has several types of tapers and new low deflection shafts. I use the relaxed taper and the parabolic. Both are more stiff playing shafts, which have improved my cue ball control tremendously as well as my accuracy. You do not have to compensate for english as much and you can feel the contact.

Gulyassy also puts a coating on the shaft called shaft freeze which prevents the shaft from warping and getting all nasty with chalk and dirt. But some people like a shaft that is seasoned.

Good luck to you with your new cue purchase.. Custom cue is the only way to go.. You get what you want and it is a one of a kind, only you have this cue.. I love my cue.. Gulyassy is a genius!!!!!
 
ajrack said:
I had Dave Kersenbrock make a cue for me back in 1977. I wanted it a certain way and he talked me into a couple of modifications. He was right! Still have it and many have offered to purchase.
Get rid of it >>>No way ! If you want it custom for yourself... go in with your info and talk to the builder! Many good makers out there.
Click to expand...

Yes, a good cue maker is like a good barber. You tell him what you want, if a configuration is no good they will tell you and steer you in the correct direction. A good cue maker will work with the buyer to produce the desired product within reason.

Like a family doctor they will listen and do whats best for you. Like was said before if your requests are reasonable and they get mad then theres no need to do business with them.

Your paying for a service and they make a living b/c of thier ability to accomplish the specific work laid out.

And like was said always be patient, I would never complain about a cue taking to long. I'm not going to wait ten years when it was supposed to be 6 months but a few extra months or so is fine by me. Patience is a virtue when building cues, so I'd be happier them not having to rush anything on a custom for me.

And never be afraid to ask if you have questions on here, if you ever have any doubts or need info then one of us is sure to help. So if you don't know ask and you shall recieve lol....its costs too much money not knowing and just making blind decisions.
 
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