Art Cantando, Pete Ohman, Joe Whitten

[Drawman623]

Art Cantando was kind enough to build the cue of my dreams. This is his interpretation of a design that tried to capture my favorite classic box cue elements. He is a great guy and I feel very fortunate to own one of his cues.

Pete Ohman has made several jump break cues for me. I prefer his forearm design for jumping more accurately and his attention to every detail is exellent. Pete made this jump break and in cooperation with Joe and Dan Whitten, also provided the ebony and ivory inlay templates for the matching case.

The case is a new 2X4 design that offers a good surface for custom work.

Joe Whitten added a stylized "W" emblem underneath that he uses for special customized projects.

 

[Worminator]

Great package!!! Was the Cantando and the case in Whitten's booth at VF? I thought I remembered seeing this combination there.

I have a new Whitten coming to match my Kikel. Joe has been great to work with on the project.

 

[Drawman623]

VF Display

Joe and Dan were pleased with the outcome of the project and I couldn't be more proud of the effort by Pete and Art. I offered to share the set at that show and they were on display at the Whitten booth.

 

[alpine9430]

I did not expect you to post pictures of your avatar so soon.
The larger images are great and I am sure that the cue looks so much better in person.
That is an awesome set that compliments one another very well with an inspiring design.
Was the initial design captured from one cue or was the design all your own creation?

Thanks,
Myron

 

[Drawman623]

I did not expect you to post pictures of your avatar so soon.
The larger images are great and I am sure that the cue looks so much better in person.
That is an awesome set that compliments one another very well with an inspiring design.
Was the initial design captured from one cue or was the design all your own creation?

Thanks,
Myron

I designed the cue Myron. It took about 7 hours to get my thoughts drawn up. Most of the influence came from Szamboti cues but I also used some ideas from Tim Scruggs work.

I'm really proud to have had a hand in the design concept, but the proportions were determined by Art Cantando. He had final say as to what would work and what needed tweeking. My goal was to show him what I liked. He made the vision actually work.

 

[alpine9430]

I designed the cue Myron. It took about 7 hours to get my thoughts drawn up. Most of the influence came from Szamboti cues but I also used some ideas from Tim Scruggs work.

I'm really proud to have had a hand in the design concept, but the proportions were determined by Art Cantando. He had final say as to what would work and what needed tweeking. My goal was to show him what I liked. He made the vision actually work.

The design is incredible and the execution is awesome.
Your ideas and the vision came together very well.
The work is more than likely flawless after seeing some of AC's work.

Thanks for pictures and I appreciate it immensely,
Myron

 

[Panhdlce]

I'd have to look at that cue every night before bed & upon rising in the A.M............. unreal!

 

[alpine9430]

I'd have to look at that cue every night before bed & upon rising in the A.M............. unreal!

I just found myself doing the same thing but I only have access to this thread so pictures will just have to do it for now.
Unreal does not even explain the work in that set.

Myron

 

[FAST_N_LOOSE]

I Love That Cantando...... I Still Regret Not Buying He Other One. If That Cue Ever Needs A New Home, I Have The Perfect Spot For It.

Awesome Set, Built By Very Talented Craftsmen. Awesome.

 

[Drawman623]

Thanks Marcus
I appreciate the compliment. I admire Art a great deal and I know that he worked really hard to complete this cue. Over the years I've failed to appreciate the work of some great cuemakers. Those missed opportunities have taught me to see that some cues are more than art or investment. Like your Tascarellas, they speak to the great effort of a master craftsman. When I consider that the effort in this case was made for me, the cue becomes priceless.

 

[Drawman623]

Try High End Cues

If you want a Cantando, I know Kenny Carfagno has them from time to time. I have dealt with highendcues.com several times and always been treated well.

 

[FAST_N_LOOSE]

When I consider that the effort in this case was made for me, the cue becomes priceless.

AGREED 100%, AND PERFECTLY STATED BY YOU. I WISH MORE PEOPLE HAD AN APPRECIATION FOR THESE WONDERFUL CUES. TOO MANY PEOPLE ARE ONLY BUYING CUES FOR PROFIT. OH WELL, I GUESS THAT'S LIFE.

 

[itmc80]

Very nice set and you should be proud of creating that idea of a design in your head and being able to translate it so the right maker(s) could make your idea come to life. Excellent works of art.

 

[wyld78]

The all black & white look here is classy,,,,,,,,,with a capital "C",,,,,,,no, all capital letters. Beautiful set you have there. Is this package for play or strictly collecting?

 

[Drawman623]

Oh yes

The all black & white look here is classy,,,,,,,,,with a capital "C",,,,,,,no, all capital letters. Beautiful set you have there. Is this package for play or strictly collecting?

I had to put the cue down to write this response! Art built the cue with 3shafts so I can keep a pair reserved and really enjoy the cue with the third shaft. He kept the weight down and the cue shoots very well. The Omen was constructed with an ebony butt section but the forearm jump handle is a lighter material. That cue plays great too.

I know use can sometimes lower a cue's value, and for me, the cost of owning a super high end cue is difficult, but they were built to play. If I ever go into an ivory handled cue, I will just keep it for display. Everything else needs to get worked out on a regular basis. That is the reason why I approached Pete Ohman for the break cue. I knew he could do the job of matching the Cantando, and I knew his price would be within reach...but I bought it because his break/jump cue performs the best. (IMO)