I put this in the gallery forum, but i guess i probably should have put it here. Apologies for the double post:
Hey All - just joined and started playing again after about 20 years. (had to pay for beer in college somehow, now looking to play again). Wanted to share my new and old:
-Harry Richards break-jump from 1996. I knew Harry from when i went to college in Daytona from 93-97. He even let me do some shop work for him to ear a little extra cash or pay for a new tip, etc. This was supposed to be my break jump but ended up being my player since 96 (even though i didn't really play after college). When i moved to Greenville in 98, the finish had started flaking (he had tried a new mixture which was too hard) so I brought it to Baby's pro shop to get re-finished. I also had Mike Gulyassy make another shaft, since i had outgrown the 12.25mm i originally had.
Flash forward to today. I bought a Schon STL-9 as my player. I re-united with Mike and he re-wrapped it in white-black linen (blue mountain, and awesome job). I also had him make me another shaft for the schon, as well as a 13mm break-taper shaft for the Harry Richards. Played them both today and they are frickin' amazing. Exactly what I wanted.
I have a cue design that I want Mike to make, but that's going to be a bit so i got the Schon in the meantime, I've always been a fan, and I knew i would get the hit i wanted even ordering it online.
Finally, in doing a bunch or reading on this forum i did just find out last weekend that Harry has since passed away. Rest in peace sir.
Here's the pics: