Balabushka... "the quintessential apotheosis " of a career that launched an industry

40-1, 2, 3 and 4

Here is the complete set. It has been nothing short of a dream to do. I am glad we did it, I am glad we can show people who got into pool way after, what kind of artist George was.

Again, IOHO, George was the forefather of modern cuemaking, he was the first to really coordinate rings, colors, symmetry and most importantly playability into the total package.


Joe
 

Attachments

  • spain_all_lo.jpg
    spain_all_lo.jpg
    98 KB · Views: 654
  • black_red_lo.jpg
    black_red_lo.jpg
    22.3 KB · Views: 652
  • ll_low.jpg
    ll_low.jpg
    23.8 KB · Views: 638
  • golden_all_lo.jpg
    golden_all_lo.jpg
    25.6 KB · Views: 1,412
Last edited:
Double-Dave said:
Please do not make a tribute of the golden Balabushka, that's not right imo.

gr. Dave
Click to expand...

Sorry Dave, it was a tough call. But we did it for a few reasons. A- The challenge. B- This is a total appreciation to George and his contributions to cue making. Steve, Mark and I feel that in reality this cue is and would be considered his "art" cue. At the time, it WAS an art cue. As much folk art as pool cue. I would rather Steve do it, for the right reasons, before other people do it, just to do it.
People are entitled to their opinions, but when we show phase 3, it will make more sense. We are celebrating a man who's been gone 40 years, so it was a total package and combined effort.

JV
 
Again.. booth 313 where Steve is showing these, as well as others. Mark and I are bringing some very appropriate memorabilia, Bushka, and 1960's pool related. Hope everyone enjoys the education.

JV
 
They're all wonderful cues. Can't help but love the designs, including the point length on all the three with points. :-)
 
Double-Dave said:
Please do not make a tribute of the golden Balabushka, that's not right imo.

gr. Dave
Click to expand...

Tribute: 1.) an act, statement, or gift that is intended to show gratitude, respect, or admiration.


A lot of cue makers have made "Balabushka tributes", IMO none have done it with more gratitude, respect, and admiration of George Balabushka's work than Steve Klein!
 
Last edited:
It may be lighting of the camera and/or the true color of the wood. But I like the slight golden color straight grain maple in the Gold butt sleeve cue. The whole cue looks like a more aged cue imo (which is a good thing). My John Davis blank has the same darkened/aged patina look to it as well, in the forearm.
 
Last edited:
flyvirginiaguy said:
It may be lighting of the camera and/or the true color of the wood. But I like the slight golden color straight grain maple in the Gold butt sleeve cue. The whole cue looks like a more aged cue imo (which is a good thing). My John Davis blank has the same darkened/aged patina look to it as well, in the forearm.
Click to expand...

Agree with you, this may be my favorite as well. I think the blank might be a Spain, which could account for the age and patina look of the wood. Joe would know for sure. Classic Bushka look certainly.
 
That is because the blank is from 1965-8. Steve tried his best not to remove any patina... it is the real deal.

JV
 
Last edited:
classiccues said:
That is because the blank is from 1965-8. Steve tried his best not to remove any patina... it is the real deal.

JV
Click to expand...

If there's any doubt, Steve did it absolutely correct. Preserving the patina of the wood, as well as correct proportions of the cue. Great work.
 
It is just my opinion,but I love Balabushka tribute cues

I usually prefer close but not exact styles

They are among my favorites

Dean
 
Saw this and have a quest. for 'buska devotees: why did GB not make his own veneered points? Or did he? I've only heard of him using Titleist, Szam,Spain etc. Was it just easier to buy them already made? Just curious.
 
classiccues said:
40-1, 2, 3 and 4

Here is the complete set. It has been nothing short of a dream to do. I am glad we did it, I am glad we can show people who got into pool way after, what kind of artist George was.

Again, IOHO, George was the forefather of modern cuemaking, he was the first to really coordinate rings, colors, symmetry and most importantly playability into the total package.


Joe
Click to expand...
Why would someone put a modern looking wrap on that Diamond Bushka?
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top