Amazing Cue from China...

[Jive]

I wish i could provide more info about this cue maker but that's all i know about him. Even the pictures were leeched from a Chinese forum, but i'm sure guys like poolchady would be able to chime in. I'll be making a trip to Shanghai soon, and hopefully i can take more pictures then and be able to furnish the forum with more pictures of his shop and his cues.

I'm not a promoter of his cue, nor do i know the cuemaker personally. I've exchanged a couple of instant messages with him in regards to some finishing work and that's all. I'm simply trying to show the rest of the world what China is capable of and how pool is evolving here. Likewise with my earlier thread on Tooled Chinese Cases, i hope the pool community can see where China is heading with pool and the potential it holds.

For those that can understand and communicate in mandarin, here's Mr Ren's contact info.

ZEN CUES STUDIO (SHANGHAI)
上海市松江区洞泾镇洞舟路8号2栋3楼 201619
Mobile: +86 158-0059-6167
QQ Instant Messenger ID: 2389364676

Hi Jive,

I took these pics for him before. His name is R.Zen, not R. Ren. He is one of my old friends in Taiwan. Now, we both are living in Shanghai China. Just make a phone call with me when you arriving Shanghai. We can pick you up from airport and lead you to R.Zen's shop.

Regards,

Paul:smile:[/QUOTE]

Hey Paul,

Yeah i know you and chady are real tight with Ren, i figured you guys might have better pictures to boast. Was talking to Ren on QQ just now, i should be heading to his shop next weekend. You're gonna be in Shanghai too? Thanks for the offer on the pick up, no worries buddy don't wanna trouble you i'll be in Shanghai for work anyway and will steal 1 day to skive. I'll drop Ren a line when my itinerary is more concrete.

See ya.

Jive

 

[Jive]

Hey guys,

More pictures...i know they aren't the clearest...nothing i can do now since these are the only ones provided to me. I checked with Ren and the only cue that i might be able to photograph personally would the the Chinese Scripture Cue...and apparently that this is the most challenging inlayed cue he has made to date and i can see why...

I'll be in his shop next week and will try to get better pics to share.

 

[Hidy Ho]

Dude, you basically admitted to stealing R. Paul's photos from another site. If you haven't done already, I think at least you can do is to his permission and/or apologize to him.

This thread might be more appropriate after you met the cue maker, seen the work and take your own photos. Right now, everything is based on cyber-review.

 

[Jive]

Dude, you basically admitted to stealing R. Paul's photos from another site. If you haven't done already, I think at least you can do is to his permission and/or apologize to him.

This thread might be more appropriate after you met the cue maker, seen the work and take your own photos. Right now, everything is based on cyber-review.

What crawled up ur back alley?? I spoke to the Cue Maker about this posting. Seriously what is wrong with you?
If Paul felt that i violated his rights to the picture i'm sure he would tell me since we have prior communication via other forums. Also in my first post i mentioned that these were from another Forum, and last few pictures were sent to me from the cue maker himself.

When you don't know what's going on i suggest you don't make any accusations such as me stealing. If you're a lawyer and would like to help Paul out you should contact Paul. If you can read please check out Paul's reply in the thread, he was friendly about it and he offered me a ride to the workshop from the airport.

To add, this is a Cue & Case Gallery. I'm sure there is no rule into posting Cues and Case that i don't own or have witnessed personally. If i had posted in the Cue Review Section then i'd understand why you're being pesky and annoying however i believe where i'm posting is in the right area.

Still don't like what you see? Move along, Dude.

 

[Jive]

Added the cuemaker's email address:
azenbilliard@hotmail.com

 

[sengkun108]

damn. if this cue playability is as good as my sugartree or my barnhart or my Mobley....i will definetely buy it:grin-square:.....what a great looking cue...any body can give me a hint how much it cost....and JIVE ....do you already test it...how does it feel

 

[ShaunTanYK]

I really love the cue with the lotus designs!

 

[poolfool1957]

This was very well stated and comes pretty close to what I was thinking as well...


Now Jive:

On several occassions, you have introduced us to new craftsmen from China - both cases and cues...and you've caught some slack at times in so doing...I wanted to extend my appreciation for what you've done with regards to showing us (me in particular) items which we would have otherwise likely never come into contact...

A craftsman isn't geographically bound...and I truly thank you for taking the time to remind us of that... :smile:

Well said Jason.....love the cues Jive!

 

[JAMSGOLF]

I think this one's my favorite of the bunch...I think it's because I stared at the very first picture posted for so long trying to figure out what the design was (without scrolling down for the other pictures), but to no avail...then when I saw what the design actually was, I thought it was pretty cool!

 

[cuesblues]

Probably another controversial thread since most Made in China pool related stuff turns out that way

The logo gives it away, I think it's a knockoff...:smile:

Actually the controversy will start when this design starts showing up on cues from American cuemakers.

 

[Jive]

Well guys, i''m planning to heading up this week to Shanghai. Hopefully i can squeeze in sometime this Friday or Saturday to visit the maker and try out his cues by then i should be able to give you some feedback.

Fret not, i'm gonna be posting more photos when i have them! Can't really be bothered with annoying haters these days.

 

[SplicedPoints]

Just noticed this thread.
I've been to Zen Cue's shop a couple times. I had them refinish a cue for me (perfect work) and I own a shaft they made for Chang Jung Lin's old South West cue (which I own, great playing shaft, i prefer it over real SW shafts).

Some info about Zen's cue:
a) Ren was the founder of 39 Studios in Taiwan. He got out of cue making for a couple years and sold the 39 operations to one of his helpers. He started Zen about an year ago in Shanghai with some money invested from friends and investors. 39 Studios still exists in Taiwan and is a separate operation from Zen.

b) Zen Cue's shop has 5 people. Ren is the main cue maker. His wife does the cue designs and some of the intricate inlays. He's got a real good craftsman working for him (his nickname is Ameow, he made the shaft for Chang). Another younger guy and his girlfriend are also working in the shop. Not real sure about the delegation of duties, but they've got a full staff of people.

c) Zen cues has some of the best cue making equipment money can buy to do their jobs. This includes lathes, CNC and anything else you can imagine.

d) Zen cues play real well, on the stiff side. They've developed their characteristics to suit the preferences of Taiwanese players, who tend to favor stiffer cues (a la SW). But they aren't "dead". Zen's really good at picking out good shafts.

e) A merry widow with fancy rings in all positions and 2 shafts retails at ~4000 RMB (~600USD). They're all sold out and is on back order. They can't keep up with the demand (from what Ren told me). Custom work can be discussed with Ren.

Jive:
I'll be in Seoul this weekend, so unfortunately can't hang out. I heard the Zen crew will be playing at a tournament this weekend. If you'd like to meet them in person, see their cues (they'll play with their own cues) and maybe see some high caliber play in Shanghai, I can PM you the name and address of the pool hall.

 

[Jive]

Just noticed this thread.
I've been to Zen Cue's shop a couple times. I had them refinish a cue for me (perfect work) and I own a shaft they made for Chang Jung Lin's old South West cue (which I own, great playing shaft, i prefer it over real SW shafts).

Some info about Zen's cue:
a) Ren was the founder of 39 Studios in Taiwan. He got out of cue making for a couple years and sold the 39 operations to one of his helpers. He started Zen about an year ago in Shanghai with some money invested from friends and investors. 39 Studios still exists in Taiwan and is a separate operation from Zen.

b) Zen Cue's shop has 5 people. Ren is the main cue maker. His wife does the cue designs and some of the intricate inlays. He's got a real good craftsman working for him (his nickname is Ameow, he made the shaft for Chang). Another younger guy and his girlfriend are also working in the shop. Not real sure about the delegation of duties, but they've got a full staff of people.

c) Zen cues has some of the best cue making equipment money can buy to do their jobs. This includes lathes, CNC and anything else you can imagine.

d) Zen cues play real well, on the stiff side. They've developed their characteristics to suit the preferences of Taiwanese players, who tend to favor stiffer cues (a la SW). But they aren't "dead". Zen's really good at picking out good shafts.

e) A merry widow with fancy rings in all positions and 2 shafts retails at ~4000 RMB (~600USD). They're all sold out and is on back order. They can't keep up with the demand (from what Ren told me). Custom work can be discussed with Ren.

Jive:
I'll be in Seoul this weekend, so unfortunately can't hang out. I heard the Zen crew will be playing at a tournament this weekend. If you'd like to meet them in person, see their cues (they'll play with their own cues) and maybe see some high caliber play in Shanghai, I can PM you the name and address of the pool hall.

Hey Peter,

Nice of you to chime in, i guess you're the best person to comment on Zen's cues since you've first hand experience.

Dam..i was just gonna sms you after i book my flight about shooting pool this weekend..Guess i won't be bringing my cue to shanghai then. Let me know where they'll be shooting this weekend, i'll drop by and have a look. Thanks!

 

[SplicedPoints]

Additional info about their cues.
Zen cues use the SW pin. They're typically cored with purple heart. Most cues you'll see are made from Ebony, purple heart, and maple. The cues are joined using wood threads. I felt the shafts I've tried have longish pro tapers. But they don't play soft of whippy. Ren likes to keep cues below 20ozs, with the shaft lighter than 4 oz. They do have ivory, but would prefer not to use them.

 

[manwon]

Probably another controversial thread since most Made in China pool related stuff turns out that way, but i can't give a crap since this cue maker in china deserves much accolade.

A new cue making workshop named Zen Cues Studio has recently surfaced in China, Shanghai headed by cue maker Mr Ren.
Mr Ren, a Taiwanese, was one of the co founder of 39 Cue workshop in Taiwan before coming into mainland China to setup the new shop. With 10 years of experience behind him, he definitely isn't a new kid on the block.

For those familiar with Asia pool, his name or his previous shop 39 might ring a bell to others i reckon the following pictures would give you a better idea of what he is capable of.

Please scroll threads for moe pics that i will update along the way...

I wish i could provide more info about this cue maker but that's all i know about him. Even the pictures were leeched from a Chinese forum, but i'm sure guys like poolchady would be able to chime in. I'll be making a trip to Shanghai soon, and hopefully i can take more pictures then and be able to furnish the forum with more pictures of his shop and his cues.

I'm not a promoter of his cue, nor do i know the cuemaker personally. I've exchanged a couple of instant messages with him in regards to some finishing work and that's all. I'm simply trying to show the rest of the world what China is capable of and how pool is evolving here. Likewise with my earlier thread on Tooled Chinese Cases, i hope the pool community can see where China is heading with pool and the potential it holds.

For those that can understand and communicate in mandarin, here's Mr Ren's contact info.

ZEN CUES STUDIO (SHANGHAI)
上海市松江区洞泾镇洞舟路8号2栋3楼 201619
Mobile: +86 158-0059-6167
QQ Instant Messenger ID: 2389364676
azenbilliard@hotmail.com

Hello Jive thanks for sharing, I love Asain cultural designs. My wife is Korean and our entire home is decorated with Traditional Korean designed furnature, painting, and lamps. The designs on thise cues are certainly traditional designs that go along both Korean or Chinese Culture.

Now I am not a fan of CNC inlay, but the quality of the inlays, the figure of the woods, the taper used really looks great, I personally love the work.

Thanks for sharing!!

 

[Jive]

More Pictures...

Unfortunately due to work reasons my trip to Shanghai keeps getting postponed so i never got a chance to photograph the shop or cue personally nor have i tried his cues yet. I definitely need to be there within the next 2 weeks as i need to collect my new passport at the embassy so until then enjoy these pictures supplied to me by Paul.

First, here's the picture of the cuemaker R.Zen.

Here he is again on the left.

Pictures of the rest of the shop - Wood Stock:

To be Continued...

 

[Jive]

Continued

More Pictures of the Shop and @ Work Pics:

 

[Jive]

More...

 

[Realizm]

225349ws25c55wihwz4wh1.jpg[/IMG]

[/QUOTE]

Dam great cues ,,, Jive if you get one ,Bring it with you when you come back to the states...

 

[sengkun108]

Jive...

What a great cue now ...someone please give me the price list...please....:smile: