Jerry Rauenzahn

AK-Stick

AzB Silver Member
Silver Member
OK can anyone tell me why Jerry's cues are such a hard sell in the secondary market. I know the economy is in the dumps and Xmas is right around the corner but still Jerry makes a damn good cue I have had two of his full splice cues that he made for me and they are faultless and play but if you want to sell them and change your haram its a tough sell. Jerry's has been building cues a long time and honestly can do anything if you have watched the various posts.
 
I have owned one of his cues and just special ordered another im waiting for in the mail. Jerry is one of the few cue makers left that can make a full splice cue. He' s been doing it for decades. That should say alot bout his ability as a master cue maker. Unfortunately i dont think many people are familiar with his work. Im from texas and have ran into quite few guys in pool halls that have asked me about my older Raz cue and when i say its a Rauenzahn cue, they say "who?" . It does suprise me hiw his fine work flies under the radar, especially for so many years.
 
Actually I don't think Jerry has been making full splice that long but he has been building quality ques longer than many of the current builders have been alive. One thing about Jerry's Full Splice that I like is that they do attempt to come to a point in the bottom rather than square.
 
OK can anyone tell me why Jerry's cues are such a hard sell in the secondary market. I know the economy is in the dumps and Xmas is right around the corner but still Jerry makes a damn good cue I have had two of his full splice cues that he made for me and they are faultless and play but if you want to sell them and change your haram its a tough sell. Jerry's has been building cues a long time and honestly can do anything if you have watched the various posts.


I think allot has to do with price. Like you said above it is close to Christmas and people do not want to spend a great deal of money for a simple Sneaky Pete. I think the cue you are offering looked nice, but to honest I thought the price was kinda high for a Sneaky Pete. I would say the same thing about anyone currently building cues so I do not mean to knock you or Jerry's cues. Because I do not think that the problem you are having here and on eBay has anything to do with how well Jerry's cues are built or play.

Just being honest, and good luck with your sale.
 
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It is almost Christmas, the cue is a interesting design. Tulip and the veneer color is unique for sure.

It looks like a simple sneaky style cue, though since he is doing the full splice it cost more than a full splice sneaky from almost anyone because its not a sneaky. I get it, but that doesn't change the fact it looks like one.

Probably be a tough sell.
 
I think allot has to do with price. Like you said above it is close to Christmas and people do not want to spend a great deal of money for a simple Sneaky Pete. I think the cue you are offering looked nice, but to honest I thought the price was kinda high for a Sneaky Pete. I would say the same thing about anyone currently building cues so I do not mean to knock you or Jerry's cues. Because I do not think that the problem you are having here and on eBay has anything to do with how well Jerry's cues are built or play.

Just being honest, and good luck with your sale.

I agree, a lot(two words) has to do with price. I'm not sure how you consider this cue "a simple sneaky pete"! Are you serious, Craig?
 
Well we all have our own opinions but the ring in the butt is Ivory, one ferrule is ivory , it is a full splice blank made by Jerry and in my opinion one of the nicest full splice blanks out there due to the bottoms almost coming to a point. The woods are Tulip wood which Southwest and others charge a premium for and Tasmanian Tiger Mertyl which I have never seen in a cue before. Yes it is unadorned and I have considered having a wrap installed by Jerry but to be honest I like the looks of the wood. It has 2 shafts and Jerry charges $1250.00 for a full splice Hoppe like it. Oh yes it PLAYS. I had it offered for a basement price and had alot of trade offers but no cash. I am now thinking of keeping the cue. I can take it to the bar without intimidating anyone, it has a stainless joint which isnt affected by flying or tempature change. The cue maynot be fancy but it is flawless, solid and plays. Not only that but I don't know Jerry's age but I don't believe he is a spring chicken anymore (niether am I) but I have seen some talk on this forum about trying to get Jerry inducted into the cue makers hall of fame. I doubt he will make it yet but it does speak to his ability, I'd give it to him for his longivity aside from the fact of what he can build. Look at this site for some of his one piece cues, his standard cues and his full splice cues. I actually think its the economy and Xmas around the corner as to why it didnt sell, I have seen other deals of late that haven't moved. If you get a chance to play one of his cues do so I doubt you will find fault with it.
 
I agree, a lot(two words) has to do with price. I'm not sure how you consider this cue "a simple sneaky pete"! Are you serious, Craig?


The gentleman asked for an opinion I gave one, I can't be anymore serious than that. Thanks for correcting my Grammar, I always can use advise in that department, but unless the spell check is wrong it can also be spelled like I used it in my post above.

Have a great evening.
 
Well we all have our own opinions but the ring in the butt is Ivory, one ferrule is ivory , it is a full splice blank made by Jerry and in my opinion one of the nicest full splice blanks out there due to the bottoms almost coming to a point. The woods are Tulip wood which Southwest and others charge a premium for and Tasmanian Tiger Mertyl which I have never seen in a cue before. Yes it is unadorned and I have considered having a wrap installed by Jerry but to be honest I like the looks of the wood. It has 2 shafts and Jerry charges $1250.00 for a full splice Hoppe like it. Oh yes it PLAYS. I had it offered for a basement price and had alot of trade offers but no cash. I am now thinking of keeping the cue. I can take it to the bar without intimidating anyone, it has a stainless joint which isnt affected by flying or tempature change. The cue maynot be fancy but it is flawless, solid and plays. Not only that but I don't know Jerry's age but I don't believe he is a spring chicken anymore (niether am I) but I have seen some talk on this forum about trying to get Jerry inducted into the cue makers hall of fame. I doubt he will make it yet but it does speak to his ability, I'd give it to him for his longivity aside from the fact of what he can build. Look at this site for some of his one piece cues, his standard cues and his full splice cues. I actually think its the economy and Xmas around the corner as to why it didnt sell, I have seen other deals of late that haven't moved. If you get a chance to play one of his cues do so I doubt you will find fault with it.



I also doubt that anyone can find fault with it, and I am sorry if my comments have offended you. But I thought this thread was asking for opinions why this cue has not sold, and I offered mine according to what I believe.

Again, sorry if my comments offended anyone but we have opinions and thats all my comments were.
 
Hey i took no fault I appricate the thoughts of others and I meant no disrespect all is well. I do understand that we are all attracted to beauty and functionality. I know id gravitate towards my Hercek over my -R- cue.
 
I would have bought in at your initial price had the veneers been a different color, that was my only reservation.
 
Well we all have our own opinions but the ring in the butt is Ivory, one ferrule is ivory , it is a full splice blank made by Jerry and in my opinion one of the nicest full splice blanks out there due to the bottoms almost coming to a point. The woods are Tulip wood which Southwest and others charge a premium for and Tasmanian Tiger Mertyl which I have never seen in a cue before. Yes it is unadorned and I have considered having a wrap installed by Jerry but to be honest I like the looks of the wood. It has 2 shafts and Jerry charges $1250.00 for a full splice Hoppe like it. Oh yes it PLAYS. I had it offered for a basement price and had alot of trade offers but no cash. I am now thinking of keeping the cue. I can take it to the bar without intimidating anyone, it has a stainless joint which isnt affected by flying or tempature change. The cue maynot be fancy but it is flawless, solid and plays. Not only that but I don't know Jerry's age but I don't believe he is a spring chicken anymore (niether am I) but I have seen some talk on this forum about trying to get Jerry inducted into the cue makers hall of fame. I doubt he will make it yet but it does speak to his ability, I'd give it to him for his longivity aside from the fact of what he can build. Look at this site for some of his one piece cues, his standard cues and his full splice cues. I actually think its the economy and Xmas around the corner as to why it didnt sell, I have seen other deals of late that haven't moved. If you get a chance to play one of his cues do so I doubt you will find fault with it.

Sorry may sound like a dumb question, but what cue are we talking about here? Di I miss the pics or posting?
 
Sorry may sound like a dumb question, but what cue are we talking about here? Di I miss the pics or posting?

http://forums.azbilliards.com/showthread.php?t=293047&highlight=Rauenzahn

No argueing that Jerry R makes a great cue, but they are difficult to sell on the secondary market just like many ofther makers.

DSC04291.jpg
 
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An observation that I see on this forum specifically is that the cues that hold value are the big makers and big cues.

Seems like "players" cues only move if they are a great deal. Perfect example is the -R- cue that is the same style as your except it has more traditional wood and colors. That cue sold in under a day for $700.

For what it is worth, if I was in the market for a new playing cue I would have offered you the $700 that was the starting bid on the original eBay listing. I really like your cue. Had you agreed I would have felt like I got a great deal.
 
It is a mystery why some cuemakers hold their value more that others, Jerry makes an excellent cue and his point work is terrific. As far as this full-spliced cue looking like a sneaky, I don't think so especially with the veneers. And with Jerry doing all the work himself, I think it is a fair price.

Here's a completely custom full-spliced made entirely by James White and is one of like 6 he has done. Without the veneers this looks like more of a sneaky than Jerry's work, but this cue originally sold for $2k and I got it for $1750. Yes it has a little more inlay work and an ivory sleeve joint, but I don't feel like I got ripped off - it's a great cue and one of the very few JMW had made full-spliced from scratch.

Cues007.jpg


Dave
 
I don't think it's an -R- thing...the market sucks, and that cue is unique and will appeal to a smaller audience...

To Craig's point, it looks a little sneaky...ish,
And tapping on the door of a grand, in my opinion, I could take my pick of ANY maker, for a cue without many thrills.

Near a thousand, I'm looking for ringwork, leather wrap, some ivory, inlays, ...much of what is missing with this cue.

I think the original price of around 700 was in the ball park, but don't think it was a giveaway, just my opinion, hope it helps, good luck with sale-

Hell, keep it if it don't sell, looks like a great shooter.
 
Increased number of cue makers who keep turning out new cues
Decreased interest in the sport
Increased interest and improved quality in production cues
Broad belief that new technology shafts are special

Each time I buy a cue, I assume that I might own it for a long time. As others have noted, a substantial number of cue makers produce excellent cues that do not appreciate in value.
 
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Each time I buy a cue, I assume that I might own it for a long time. As others have noted, a substantial number of cue makers produce excellent cues that do not appreciate in value.

You mean to say I might lose money on my new Eddie Wheat ? Why I also have an extra 304 extra wheatbucks. I know those wheatbucks will keep interest high in this cue. Seriously there are many good cuemakers at this time. Less and less people getting into pool. Leagues are doing good, but how many league players shoot with a thousand dollar cue. Jerry R makes a hell of a cue. A man could do a lot worse than an "R". GLWS
 
Good comments gentlemen all valid and I appricate the feedback. For now I am holding on to the -R- cue, the only reason I was attempting to sell it was to fund he cue Joel had completed for me, but I sold a rifle instead. In 3-4 months I may test the waters again with the -R- cue and another cue I have and will probably have to do so at what I consider bargin prices but will probably be market rate. I am coming up on Southwest's list and I don't intend to miss my spot. After all is said and done I will probably end up with just two cues a Southwest and a Hercek.
 
I don't really know what to say here because I think he makes a great cue but whenever I am at tournaments like the DCC I see a ton of his cues. Many of which are still for sale a year later.

I owned one of his cues briefly and thought it played fantastic. I dig the classic looks as well.

A lot of cues are going through a repricing now to align with the market which is painful :( I just sold a franklin six pointer in mint shape with a George Case for $2500 with free shipping and insurance if that tells you anything.
 
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