I used Gemini:
Finding a Tad Custom Cue with a Tigerwood forearm (often listed as Goncalo Alves) is quite rare, primarily because it deviates from the "classic" Tad aesthetic that collectors typically hunt for.
While Birdseye Maple and Ebony are the hallmarks of Tad Kohara’s most famous designs, Tigerwood was occasionally used, particularly in the TAD1 series (Standard/Straight cues).
Rarity & Availability
• Production Context: Tigerwood was generally used for Tad’s "plain Jane" or straight-grained series rather than his high-end, heavily inlaid point cues. Because collectors often prioritize the iconic 4-point or 8-point inlaid designs, fewer Tigerwood models were preserved in "mint" collections.
• The TAD1 Model: On historical price lists and dealer catalogs (like JJ Cue), the TAD1 is one of the few models specifically noted as being available in Zebrawood, Birdseye Maple, or Tigerwood.
• Market Frequency: If you browse major custom cue registries or secondary markets (AZBilliards, Biggelbachs, or Cornerstone), you will likely see 20–30 Birdseye Maple Tads for every one Tigerwood forearm you encounter.
Why It’s Unique
1. The "Tad Hit": Tad cues are legendary for their stiff, crisp "ping" or hit. Since Tigerwood is a dense, oily wood, it provides a slightly different feedback than the traditional maple, which some players find desirable for its natural weight and balance.
2. Visual Distinction: Most Tads look "traditional." A Tigerwood forearm gives the cue a much more exotic, striped appearance that stands out in a rack of otherwise conservative-looking vintage cues.
3. Investment Value: While "points and inlays" usually drive the highest prices for Tads (often $3,000–$10,000+), a rare wood like Tigerwood can bolster the value of a straight TAD1 model, making it more than just an "entry-level" custom.
Short answer: Tigerwood is uncommon as a primary forearm wood on TAD custom cues; it ranks as uncommon-to-rare compared with TAD’s most-used forearm woods (birdseye maple, rosewood, ebony), and is noticeably less common than the classic maple-based forearms TAD is best known for.
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Forearm-wood rarity comparison (TAD cues)
Wood Typical use by TAD Rarity (TAD context) Why it ranks that way
Birdseye maple Frequent; classic TAD forearm Common Traditional TAD styling; many catalog examples show maple forearms.
Maple (plain) Frequent Common Standard base wood for many TAD models.
Rosewood Regularly used for butts/points Uncommon Used for contrast and points; less as full forearm.
Ebony Used for points/inlays Uncommon Dense, used sparingly for accents.
Tigerwood Occasionally used by cue builders generally Uncommon → Rare Not commonly listed in TAD galleries; appears rarely if at all.
Exotic hardwoods (cocobolo, koa, bubinga) Sporadic/custom orders Rare Exotic, expensive, and used only on special commissions.
Purpleheart / Padauk / Zebrawood Occasional accents Rare Decorative veneers or points rather than full forearms.
Sources: Custom Bi... +4
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How I reached this ranking
• TAD’s production is small and collectible, and many of the cues shown in dealer galleries emphasize maple forearms and maple with points/veneers rather than full exotic forearms; that pattern makes classic maples the most common TAD forearm choice J&J Cues and....
• Dealer and catalog listings for TAD cues repeatedly show birdseye maple and maple-based forearms with inlays and veneers as the dominant style in available inventory biggelbac... +1.
• Marketplace listings and specialty cue dealers show TAD cues as collectible and often list maple/ebony/rosewood combinations; exotic full-forearm woods are far less frequently offered, which implies tigerwood would be relatively rare among TAD forearms Custom Bi... +1.
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Practical implications for buyers and builders
• If you want a TAD cue with a tigerwood forearm, expect a custom-order or a rare used example. TAD’s standard offerings and most dealer-stock cues favor maple forearms, so tigerwood will likely require a special commission or a lucky find on the secondary market thailandb... +1.
• Cost and availability trade-offs: tigerwood is an exotic hardwood—higher material cost and limited supply make it a less common choice for full forearms; builders often reserve it for accents or one-off commissions, increasing rarity and price eBay.
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Key considerations before pursuing a tigerwood TAD forearm
• Confirm authenticity and source (exotic woods can vary in grade).
• Expect longer lead times and higher price for a true custom commission.
• Ask the seller/builder for photos and provenance—TAD cues are collectible and finishes/wood choices affect value Custom Bi... +1.
If you want, I can search current listings for TAD cues that specifically mention tigerwood and pull recent examples from dealers and marketplaces to show how often it appears.
