Thanks for the advice.
To answer a couple of your questions (highlighted in RED:
1) Asking Meucci to build 61" cue seemed like it would already be well beyond my budget. That and time was a factor, I waited a while to finally pull the trigger on my cue purchase after researching what I wanted, I didn't want to wait for anyone other than Schmelke to build it since I knew he could do it in a reasonable amount of time for a great price. Plus they are local to my state so I wanted to support that. All-in-all the cues total price was $412. Not bad for a 31" LD shaft that I researched found to be the one I want along with a custom to my specs 30" butt. From order of the shaft to the whole cue on my doorstep was less than 8 weeks.
2) I called Schmelke and they said they roll all cues to test for straightness before they leave their facility. Now maybe I am being too critical and maybe they saw what I did and they let it slide considering the circumstances. I will never know.
3) Oh I know the difference. But IMO beyond paying for expensive inlays, or veneers and whatever else that makes a butt expensive makes the cue no more solid and play better, all major brand cues should roll straight after only 6 days of play, don't you agree?
I understand.
I would say it isn't just fancy inlays and veneers that make a cue expensive.
"All major brands of cues should roll straight after only 6 days" Yes, I agree. That's why the makers often immediately ask questions when that's not true.
I bought one cue cheap that was sold as warped. It hopped around like a rabid kangaroo if you rolled it. I wiped off the joint face with a paper towel and it rolled straight.
I have a Russ Espiritu cue from the early 90's that went through Hurricane Katrina. It was actually in the flood waters. Stunk like you wouldn't believe. But guess what? It was straight. Seriously straight. Still is.
I have a 110 year old Brunswick, ivory joint, 4 points with veneers. It is laser straight.
Your situation is frustrating. But no matter what IMHO the cue needs to get in the hands of the one who made it and put on a lathe to check it out.
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