Custom Cues from Conversions or Blanks

LHP5

AzB Silver Member
Silver Member
Hey guys what's your opinions on cues made from blanks or converted from house cues? Do they have the same hit as a cue made directly from the cue maker? Worth less in the aftermarket and in general? I'm about to pick up a cue made from a blank and it is starting to weigh in on my mind if the cue will play the same as a cue made entirely from the maker.

Any help or opinions is greatly appreciated. Thanks.
 
AFAIK George Balabushka never made his own blanks. He converted from Brunswick Titlists or bought blanks.
 
GB used full-splice blanks from Brunswick Titlists, then from Burton Spain (made by John Davis), then from Gus Szamboti. I personally prefer the solid, smooth full-splice hit to any other method of construction. Some cuemakers can make a good full-splice and others cannot, so they use "blanks" or cut-down house cues. I have had more than a couple cues made using John Davis blanks, and they are all unique as each cuemaker uses different tapers on his cues creating his own individual feel.
 
The "hit" comes more from the tip, shaft and joint. The blanks don't have much to do with the feel.

Just my opinion,
randyg
 
The "hit" comes more from the tip, shaft and joint. The blanks don't have much to do with the feel.

Just my opinion,
randyg

That's debatable. I agree that the tip and shaft contribute to the hit, but the joint configuration, especially, is indistinguishable from one to another. Seems like there was a test of some sorts about that, but I have never seen one of full-splice vs. A-joint. The hit of full-splice is my personal preference, and also of most of the greatest cuemakers and players in history. I think there must be something to it, but I'm not an "expert".
 
very big disagree

Originally Posted by randyg
The "hit" comes more from the tip, shaft and joint. The blanks don't have much to do with the feel.


you might want to rethink that statement. there is a LOT of difference in the hit of a short splice, a one piece butt and a full splice cue. i will agree the construction, taper, shaft, tip, joint, pin. etc etc etc have a lot to do with the way a cue plays. it is not just one thing it is the sum of all the parts. but the full splice butt is the king.


i have done dozens of titlist conversions, and dozens and dozens of old brunswick and dufferin house cue conversions. they make GREAT players, they do not have tremendous resale value. but for a player they are hard to beat.
 
They had a test that used a bunch of different cues with different joint configurations and taped the joints and had people guess... High science that LOL... I am sure if Bob Jewett is around we might get feedback on this from him personally so I will go short answer... Joint material effects the feel ie. hit..... different materials dampen the wave forms more than others....

Chris
 
The wood used, the diameters and tapers, the joints, and the tip will effect hit more than anything. I had a couple of conversions in the past and thought the hit was as good as others cues by same maker. Feel confident that you bought a good playing cue.
 
Originally Posted by randyg
The "hit" comes more from the tip, shaft and joint. The blanks don't have much to do with the feel.


you might want to rethink that statement. there is a LOT of difference in the hit of a short splice, a one piece butt and a full splice cue. i will agree the construction, taper, shaft, tip, joint, pin. etc etc etc have a lot to do with the way a cue plays. it is not just one thing it is the sum of all the parts. but the full splice butt is the king.


i have done dozens of titlist conversions, and dozens and dozens of old brunswick and dufferin house cue conversions. they make GREAT players, they do not have tremendous resale value. but for a player they are hard to beat.

Well said. Couldn't agree more.
 
The wood used, the diameters and tapers, the joints, and the tip will effect hit more than anything. I had a couple of conversions in the past and thought the hit was as good as others cues by same maker. Feel confident that you bought a good playing cue.

Depends what your considering the hit if the hit is the reaction of the cue ball you are correct if the hit is the feel you are wrong


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