New PFD Studios Paul Drexler Custom

[Type79]

For this cue, I sat down with Paul Drexler to discuss ideas for a new custom. To some extent it can be a difficult process because Paul is so talented that he can really do anything, so unless you are going to leave the design decisions up to him, you have to be specific and be able to convey your thoughts.

I appreciate the creativity and complexity of the most ambitious designs, but my tastes gravitate toward the more traditional and simple classic designs born in the 1960's.

So I decided to have Paul build a Purpleheart into Curly Maple four point cue with a matching Burgundy Lizard Wrap, 58", Maxx Radial pin, SS over Phenolic joint, 2 standard taper shafts 12 & 13, Kamui medium and Ivory ferrules. The cue will be heavy as I like a heavier cue and a handle that is .140, a tad larger than the norm today.

I don't push Paul for deadlines, pictures, nor updates as I would rather he work at his own pace without noise from me, but since I visit him occasionally for tips and work on my Palmers, I got to see the new cue in it's early stages of more or less just being "wood".

So attached are few pics of the cue in it's early stages. Watch this space for the finished pics.

Jay

 

[Busboy]

Can't wait too see more :thumbup:

 

[Type79]

Almost Ready For Finishing

I had no idea what to do with the butt and for the longest time was going to be totally traditional and only have Paul insert four diamonds. As much as that would have looked fine, it was uncreative and I wanted something different.

A few years ago I designed a piece of furniture that had an accent of a set of three bars of different lengths. I decided that this design in a different size might work very well on the butt.

I sent the idea to Paul and we traded thoughts on exact sizes and materials and Paul went to work.

The attached pics are bad pics but show progress nonetheless.

It is always interesting seeing his cues before the finish is applied because the transformation is just stunning.

Jay

 

[Jive]

I wanna clean that keyboard so bad...:frown::frown:

 

[Type79]

Voila

These aren't the best pictures, but they are representative of the cue. The wrap matches the purpleheart exactly and the cue plays like a dream. Now if I could only play like a dream.

The butt design was my own with advice from Paul and executed by Ellen. The bars consist of mother of pearl outlined with pure silver.

I have other PFD Studios cues including cues I would describe as customs, but this cue is the first that I spec'd out so thoroughly and I am more than pleased.

Jay

 

[Ken_4fun]

I would have never thought of the 3 bar design. Secondly, if someone explained it to me I would have passed on it.

Wow, looks great. You did a great job of visualizing it, and passing your ideas to Paul, (Elaine).

Keeping the cue simple, but unique IMO, is tough. You did it.

Best of rolls,

Ken

 

[snowmon34]

Paul builds a top-shelf, quality playing cue..
He's also one of the most professional, and one of the nicest people in the business!! :smile:
Congrats on your new cue..

 

[mel_smOg]

cool buttsleeve and rings

 

[vicieyem]

cool buttsleeve and rings

DITTO!


Congrats on your fantastic cue!:thumbup:

 

[Denny]

Very different and very nice.

Denny

 

[Busboy]

Very nice :thumbup:

 

[cuesblues]

Paul Drexler has amazing capabilities
Very nice cue, unique in every way

 

[ChrisOnline]

Tell us about the joint and the pin!

Chris

 

[Type79]

Tell us about the joint and the pin!

Chris

Chris, The pin is a Maxx Radial pin designed for maximum contact between the threads of the pin and the wood in the shaft(s). Given the smaller diameter of the pin (equivalent of a 5/16" pin) there is more contact across the face of the joint. The fit is extremely tight and solid.

It is my understanding the Maxx Radial pin was developed by Paul Drexler/ PFD Studios with Paul D. Costain who invented the Uni-Loc system.

The Stainless Steel joint collar/sleeve is bonded over black phenolic.

I might not be the best player to describe the feel and effect of this combination. I chose it because I have two sneaky pete PFD Studios cues which differ only in the joint material and pins and I prefer the hit and feel of the cue from that pair with the Maxx Radial pin and SS over Phenolic joint. It's mate has a radial pin and Elforyn joint.

Hope that helps.

Jay