Hey All,
General question about cue collecting and hopeing someone out there can give me some sound advice.
I've played pool for years, was forced to take a break for a while, and started playing again, but at the same time I've always admired the different designs of people's cues, and wanted to start a modest collection. I've looked at literally THOUSANDS of different cues and am haveing one made for me.
Question is - What is the best way to start a collection, and what cue makers are worth collecting, buying/trading, and just holding onto w/o any play time (for investment purposes)?
I would appreciate any and ALL advice on this..... Thanks in advance.
There are many ways to start a collection, and it all depends upon your Bank Roll but the following may be very helpful.
1. Make a budget that you can spend annually for cues.
2. Research cue trends and do not be deceived by the SECONDARY MARKET. In many cases the market can be influenced by cue dealers throughout the community. These gentleman have customers always looking for the next great cue maker, so these gentleman are always on the lookout for new talent in the Cue Making Community. Does this mean that they are always right certainly not, however, their recommendations can have short term influences on their market so I would be careful buying high end products from new Cue makers. However, if you like what a new guy is building I would recommend buying directly from the cue maker, this way you will get the best bang for your buck. Next what many people do not realize is that the market is broken down into Antique Cues, Great playing Cues and Beautiful cues that are built from an artistic stand point. Collector cues fall into one of the three categories above but do not be deceived great collector cues do not have to be great playing cues, in fact many famous Collector cues will never really be used. If I started a collection today I would try and stay with a particular theme, such as, Antique cues, Butterfly Cues, Full Spliced cues, and on and on. I would also buy cues that are collectible but that are also known to be great players, this way you hedge your bet, because if the collectible side of the market is weak some one is always looking for a great player by a known cue maker.
3. Once you have chosen your collecting theme, I would place orders directly with the cue maker when every it is possible. First and foremost collector cues on the secondary market will cost you more, and second many cue makers only offer a warranty to the original owner. Buying from the cue makers directly also allows you put the funds away during the build period if you do not have unlimited funds, because most cue makers only require a deposit. While some will certainly disagree with me on the above you will get the best bang dollar for dollar buying directly from the cues maker.
4. Buy cues that you really love, this way you will always be satisfied with your purchase. No one can predict the future of this market, however, doing good research and by not buying into hype you should do very well long term. Again I can't say it enough, research is the key to collecting anything without being educated on this subject and by relying only on what others tell you can be a very expensive mistake.
Good Luck Collecting:smile: