Custom is very approrpiate when the cue-maker makes the cue the way you want and not the way they want.....
You don't want a 19 or 9.5 oz cue... (18.4 is the target).....You don't want 13 mm shafts (12.65mm is the target) or standard taper (17-18" is the target).....You want a special wrap.....(Cortland Linen or maybe elephant ear).
Does the above make the cue a custom rather than one the cue-maker knocks out?
What about when you pick the veneers? Maybe specify the inlays or rings? Is that enuf to qualify as a custom?
How about if you provided the actual design or specified the use of ivory as a joint, ferrules and/or buttcap?
Is that enough to qualify as a custom cue?
The problem is too many people think when they order 12.75mm shafts instead of getting 13mm shafts their cue qualifies as a custom. The term is abused by incorrect references made to cues that aren't really custom cues. People that are in the know understand what a custom cue really means and unfortunately, zealous marketing has led to misuse of the term when it comes to pool cue sale threads.
Matt B.
