Gold Crown alternatives for a vintage table?

[midnightpulp]

Finally, after 20 some years, getting around to converting the garage to a game room. I currently have a 9 foot Brunswick Heirloom from the 80's. Nice table, with 1.25" 3 piece slate, but I'd really like to own a Gold Crown (budget doesn't allow for the latest and greatest Diamond).

Problem is, I can't find one, which is surprising being in SoCal. There's Gold Crown 3's available, but the average asking price is 3 grand or more, and I've read the 3's are of much lesser quality than the originals or 2's.

I don't want to wait forever for a GC to come up, so are there any other good price-to-performance vintage tables to look out for?

Budget is 1,500 to 2,000 (and then I'll hopefully have Ernesto set it up).

 

[Cuebuddy]

The harder you try to find a commercial table the better the chances it will happen. Your budget is well with in the Gold Crown range and I for one would never have a "home table " again. I spent years with Brunswick and Olhausen home tables and there is a big difference between competition tables and furniture tables if you are a serious player.

I was also not into waiting so I bought a new Diamond and had RKC set mine up and have never looked back.

Check again if the slate on your table is 1.25. That is a odd slate for a home box. Good luck in what you decide but I would suggest to buy what you know you really want...it will be cheaper in the long run.

 

[3RAILKICK]

Have you tried

Have you checked with AZ's Donny Wessels of WestStatebilliards the table mechanic?

I believe he/they are the area distributors for Diamond, and may have taken in some GC trade ins. In Fullerton, I believe.

Donny is good people.

 

[realkingcobra]

Finally, after 20 some years, getting around to converting the garage to a game room. I currently have a 9 foot Brunswick Heirloom from the 80's. Nice table, with 1.25" 3 piece slate, but I'd really like to own a Gold Crown (budget doesn't allow for the latest and greatest Diamond).

Problem is, I can't find one, which is surprising being in SoCal. There's Gold Crown 3's available, but the average asking price is 3 grand or more, and I've read the 3's are of much lesser quality than the originals or 2's.

I don't want to wait forever for a GC to come up, so are there any other good price-to-performance vintage tables to look out for?

Budget is 1,500 to 2,000 (and then I'll hopefully have Ernesto set it up).

Do me a favor will you, make a list of what you'd like to see in a GC1 , 2 , or 3 such as the condition of the rails, cushions, pocket castings, general overall look of the table if you will. Then how much you figure on paying to have the table delivered and set up. Are you going to want 4" corner pockets, seems like everyone in SoCal loves that set up for some reason, don't know why.

 

[midnightpulp]

Do me a favor will you, make a list of what you'd like to see in a GC1 , 2 , or 3 such as the condition of the rails, cushions, pocket castings, general overall look of the table if you will. Then how much you figure on paying to have the table delivered and set up. Are you going to want 4" corner pockets, seems like everyone in SoCal loves that set up for some reason, don't know why.

Basically, I'd just like a "nice pool room" quality GC (if that makes sense), setup like those at any good pool hall.

I'd go with standard 4.5" pockets (whichever cut is currently the standard, go with that) and Simonis 860.

For set up, whatever Ernesto (if he can do it) quotes me.

 

[realkingcobra]

Basically, I'd just like a "nice pool room" quality GC (if that makes sense), setup like those at any good pool hall.

I'd go with standard 4.5" pockets (whichever cut is currently the standard, go with that) and Simonis 860.

For set up, whatever Ernesto (if he can do it) quotes me.

Well, something for you to consider then. First of all, if you do find a GC in your price range, as yourself what kind of condition do you think it might be in, in all the places you don't get to see in the pictures when you're looking at that table for sale. If it's been in commercial use for years, what do you suppose the bottoms of the rails look like, you think the rails will be okay after someone has put 1, 000s' of staples in them? They were never offered with corner pockets tighter than 5" so there's going to be an expense to tighten them up be cause the cushion's are going to have to be replaced when that's done in order to tighten the pockets, but I guess someone could always just add a few more facings to tighten them up, but then how are the pockets going to play if a cheaper way is chosen instead of having the sub rails extended and done right. Better find out if all the parts are matching too, or you may just end up with a table made up with parts from who knows how many other Gold Crowns. Rails could have broke off rail bolts too that have never been repaired and while you're at it, check to make sure the slates are matching slates too. Good luck with finding a GC in that price range that don't need a ton of work done to it in order to bring it up to speed.

Glen