First Custom Cue Order
- Thread starter krelldog
- Start date
Do your homework, know what characteristics you want in your cue. What kind of hit, taper, balance point, tip diameter etc. The best thing you can do is to hit several cues from the same maker and do this for as many makers as possible. Each cue and even shaft will have a nuanced hit, but you can get a feel for those makers who's cues give you the feedback and action you're looking for with your stroke.
Draw up some plans for your design particularly if you're wanting something that is non standard. Make up your mind about what woods you want in your cue, what kind of inlays etc. Determine how thick you like the butt of the cue. If possible go to a big event with lots of cuemakers like the Super Billiards Expo and try out as many cues as you can. You might just find one you like there out of the thousands for sale.
Once you're narrowed your choices down to 2 or 3 cuemakers, call them up or talk to them in person show them your drawings, discuss what your preferences are and "LISTEN" to what they tell you. Some may not want to build the cue with YOUR design or they may suggest different woods. Some will not want to build your cue if it is too far removed from the type of work they are doing. Others will love the challenge.
Do your homework, check out the cuemaker, get references, do research and buy with confidence.
Finally, my personal experience has nearly always been dealing directly with the cuemaker as opposed to a dealer or cue flipper. There's different ways to do everything but I've been the happiest when I had a direct relationship with the cuemaker with no middle man.
Good luck in your quest.
Rufus
P.S. You can't stop at just one, or two or 13 or....
Good information! I have had good luck working with Jamie (Worminator is his handle here at AZ), his website is http://www.new2youqs.com
Jamie is a straight up guy and has a lot of experience in the business. It is more of a hobby to him than a business though as he has a very nice professional job/position. That's good news IMHO as he doesn't need to make a living at it. Cue Makers are a bit of a different breed for sure. I'd just as soon let someone else, that understands them, handle that interface.
I think understanding the woods you want is perhaps the first step. Go to the cue gallery and the wanted/for sale forums. Check out all the cues and cue makers. If you see a few you really like, get a screen capture of the cue and make a not of the cue maker. It's easier for me to take something I see and like, then make some modifications to get exactly what I want, than to start from ground zero and try to conceptualize an entire cue.
Only if you're ordering an Eddie Wheat.
Always visit the Cue Maker
Dr9bBall is right on.
Always visit so you BOTH understand what you want.
Put everything in Writing that you want.
Choose your wood.
Dr9bBall is right on.
Always visit so you BOTH understand what you want.
Put everything in Writing that you want.
Choose your wood.
Decide on the shaft length 29, 29.5 or 30". Get an extra shaft?
Weight, wood type. Wrap or wrap- less. Color wrap. I like a bumper-less cue. Inlays or rings.
What are you thinking of buying? Have fun and enjoy building your cue. Buy a nice one. They last a lifetime if you take care of it. It becomes a Keepsake in time.
Weight, wood type. Wrap or wrap- less. Color wrap. I like a bumper-less cue. Inlays or rings.
What are you thinking of buying? Have fun and enjoy building your cue. Buy a nice one. They last a lifetime if you take care of it. It becomes a Keepsake in time.
Thanks for all the above suggestions.
Dr9ball- I am planning on visiting the cuemakers shop. He's about an hour and a half away. I do have an idea of what I want..in fact I've saved a few pics off this forum of some cues that resemble the same woods/points/style I'm looking to create.
I am toying with the idea of doing a 60" cue. I'm wondering if that is going to be that different than the standard 58" in terms of playabililty and balance.
Dr9ball- I am planning on visiting the cuemakers shop. He's about an hour and a half away. I do have an idea of what I want..in fact I've saved a few pics off this forum of some cues that resemble the same woods/points/style I'm looking to create.
I am toying with the idea of doing a 60" cue. I'm wondering if that is going to be that different than the standard 58" in terms of playabililty and balance.
I have 30" shafts and a 31" shaft. I shoot best with a 29" so the others are in mothballs. Experiment but stick with what you shoot best with....or buy a few shafts. Once again...have a fun putting it together.
And...
When ordering the Cue from the CueMaker,
order the Matching Joint Protectors at the same time...
The cuemaker makes the best Matching Joint Protector.. :wink:
He has the correct woods and joint rings to make the perfect matching protectors when doing the cue...
Ordering the Correct Matching set of Joint Protectors will make your cue look "Complete", and, add more value..
If anything, at least get the matching butt side Joint Protector, if price matters...(Or the cuemaker hates to make them.. :frown
" It's easier to be the 1st guy, than, the 2nd guy trying to copy the 1st guy "... - Alton :wink:
When ordering the Cue from the CueMaker,
order the Matching Joint Protectors at the same time...
The cuemaker makes the best Matching Joint Protector.. :wink:
He has the correct woods and joint rings to make the perfect matching protectors when doing the cue...
Ordering the Correct Matching set of Joint Protectors will make your cue look "Complete", and, add more value..
If anything, at least get the matching butt side Joint Protector, if price matters...(Or the cuemaker hates to make them.. :frown
" It's easier to be the 1st guy, than, the 2nd guy trying to copy the 1st guy "... - Alton :wink:
Last edited:
Communication is key....on both sides. Make sure you are clear as to what you want. Start a list of what you would like to see in your cue...that way you have notes when you talk with the cue maker, and are less likely to forget something. Even if you are ordering in person...send the maker an email with the discussed items, and cost and projected timeline. The cue maker should then send a return reply confirming your email content, or with any corrections. Be sure, if you are having the cue shipped to you...that you clarify as to whether the shipping is included in the total price quote, or additional. Basically.....CLARIFY EVERYTHING! Only in this way can you assure that there will be no 'surprises' on delivery.
DO NOT pre-pay for the entire cue before delivery!!! Honestly....once a cue maker has all the funds up front...there is very little incentive for them to complete your cue in a timely manner....if at all. No, not all cue makers are guilty of this....but there is a small segment that are. Many makers will request a 25%-50% deposit before starting your cue...this is to protect themselves from getting 'stuck' with a custom ordered cue that they may not be able to sell as easily as they might be able to sell one of their standard cues. Some makers will only apply this deposit requirement with new customers, and will often waive the deposit on subsequent orders for loyal customers.
Be really clear with the cue maker as to your playing style...this can help them to make a cue that you will be happy with.
Wood selection isn't just about color and character. A maker may suggest certain woods to help to manage the weight and balance point of any given cue. Also, some woods resonate the vibrations of striking the CB differently than others. Also, some woods may need to be cored in order to 'stabilize' them....amboyna, for instance.
Quite honestly...there is a lot to think about when ordering a custom cue. Do you prefer a cue that is more forward-weighted, or back-weighted? Do you like a crisp 'hit' or a more muted one? What type of joint/pin do you prefer, and of what material? Do you prefer wraps, and if so....linen, leather, or an exotic? Shaft taper is very important...do you prefer a pro taper, or perhaps a European conical taper, or even a parabolic taper? Do you want the maker to make the shaft from an aftermarket blank, (think Predator, OB...etc), or do you prefer a 'standard' maple shaft? Do you prefer the typical 1" ferrule, or a 3/4" to 1/2" ferrule....or possibly even ferrule-less? What material would you prefer the ferrules be made of? What tip do you prefer...hard or soft, or somewhere in-between?
As you can see, there is a lot to consider. The more you know about what goes into a cue, the better you can communicate with the cue maker. That means asking lots of questions, and doing some research on your own. If you are interested in particular woods....make a post in the Ask the Cue Makers section inquiring as to each wood's characteristics...most will be more than happy to help you.
Lastly....if something feels 'off' before placing your order....find another cue maker. There are many many many talented and trustworthy cue makers out there. While everyone loves a bargain...don't try to use a maker who will do it on the 'cheap' to save a few bucks....it may cost you more in the long run. Research the maker...which is typically easy enough to do here, see what their customer service is like...do they stand behind their product once it's left their shop? KNOW who you are dealing with before you hand over your hard earned cash!
Lisa
DO NOT pre-pay for the entire cue before delivery!!! Honestly....once a cue maker has all the funds up front...there is very little incentive for them to complete your cue in a timely manner....if at all. No, not all cue makers are guilty of this....but there is a small segment that are. Many makers will request a 25%-50% deposit before starting your cue...this is to protect themselves from getting 'stuck' with a custom ordered cue that they may not be able to sell as easily as they might be able to sell one of their standard cues. Some makers will only apply this deposit requirement with new customers, and will often waive the deposit on subsequent orders for loyal customers.
Be really clear with the cue maker as to your playing style...this can help them to make a cue that you will be happy with.
Wood selection isn't just about color and character. A maker may suggest certain woods to help to manage the weight and balance point of any given cue. Also, some woods resonate the vibrations of striking the CB differently than others. Also, some woods may need to be cored in order to 'stabilize' them....amboyna, for instance.
Quite honestly...there is a lot to think about when ordering a custom cue. Do you prefer a cue that is more forward-weighted, or back-weighted? Do you like a crisp 'hit' or a more muted one? What type of joint/pin do you prefer, and of what material? Do you prefer wraps, and if so....linen, leather, or an exotic? Shaft taper is very important...do you prefer a pro taper, or perhaps a European conical taper, or even a parabolic taper? Do you want the maker to make the shaft from an aftermarket blank, (think Predator, OB...etc), or do you prefer a 'standard' maple shaft? Do you prefer the typical 1" ferrule, or a 3/4" to 1/2" ferrule....or possibly even ferrule-less? What material would you prefer the ferrules be made of? What tip do you prefer...hard or soft, or somewhere in-between?
As you can see, there is a lot to consider. The more you know about what goes into a cue, the better you can communicate with the cue maker. That means asking lots of questions, and doing some research on your own. If you are interested in particular woods....make a post in the Ask the Cue Makers section inquiring as to each wood's characteristics...most will be more than happy to help you.
Lastly....if something feels 'off' before placing your order....find another cue maker. There are many many many talented and trustworthy cue makers out there. While everyone loves a bargain...don't try to use a maker who will do it on the 'cheap' to save a few bucks....it may cost you more in the long run. Research the maker...which is typically easy enough to do here, see what their customer service is like...do they stand behind their product once it's left their shop? KNOW who you are dealing with before you hand over your hard earned cash!
Lisa
Last edited:
Lmao! Didnt think anyone remembered him!