Balabusnka copy
- Thread starter dondix
- Start date
Made by Adam Custom Cues. If I remember correctly, Richard Helmstetter, who is the brains behind the company, contracted with the family to make a production cue as sort of a tribute to George Balabushka. They started in the early or mid '90s, I believe, and still produce them today. There are several different models.
These cues have actually been passed off as originals by some unscrupulous people and bought by people ignorant enough to not know better.
I'm sure there are others here who know more about it than I do but that's it in a nutshell. By the way, as far as I know, George never signed any cues, at least not where his signature could be seen. I heard a rumor/legend years and years ago that he signed a few {read less than half a dozen} under the wrap but I don't think that's ever been proven one way or another.
These cues have actually been passed off as originals by some unscrupulous people and bought by people ignorant enough to not know better.
I'm sure there are others here who know more about it than I do but that's it in a nutshell. By the way, as far as I know, George never signed any cues, at least not where his signature could be seen. I heard a rumor/legend years and years ago that he signed a few {read less than half a dozen} under the wrap but I don't think that's ever been proven one way or another.
Balabushka GB-13
I just purchased a Balabushka GB-13 off eBay (brand new) and it arrived in the mail the other day. I've been able to shoot about 50 racks with it in the last two days. I have numerous cues including Schons, several Joss, Carolina Customs, a Slamstone Custom Cue, a Coker, a MCdermott, Dale Perrys, JD Customs. And now a Balabushka from Adams. I have to admit this Balabushka plays very well...as well or better than most of my other cues. I put my Tiger X-Ultra on the Balabushka and it hits unbelievably SOLID. I like the weight which seems to be more forward than several other cues I have.
If you're looking for a production cue (that in my opinion rivals the Joss and Schons that I have) this might be the way to go.
I just purchased a Balabushka GB-13 off eBay (brand new) and it arrived in the mail the other day. I've been able to shoot about 50 racks with it in the last two days. I have numerous cues including Schons, several Joss, Carolina Customs, a Slamstone Custom Cue, a Coker, a MCdermott, Dale Perrys, JD Customs. And now a Balabushka from Adams. I have to admit this Balabushka plays very well...as well or better than most of my other cues. I put my Tiger X-Ultra on the Balabushka and it hits unbelievably SOLID. I like the weight which seems to be more forward than several other cues I have.
If you're looking for a production cue (that in my opinion rivals the Joss and Schons that I have) this might be the way to go.
Are they as thick in the wrap area as the old time cues were?
Can anyone give an example of how thick they are compared to other cues?
Can anyone give an example of how thick they are compared to other cues?
Just a bump to see if anyone can answer my question.
I haven't seen one in person in quite a while but I believe they are a good deal smaller, not sure of the dimensions, though. Sorry.
I don't have my calipers handy but thy are indeed bigger in the butt than other cues. I have a sterling hard case with the tubes and it does not slide in on it's own compared to my other break cue with a "normal" sized butt. When other people use my cue thy do note that it is a bit larger in the butt than other cues. I'll caliper them when I get home.
OP - I personally really like mine, but I have not hit with very many high quality cues as this is my first cue. I have the GB-04. The hit is very solid, I've played with a kamui black soft, medium, and a milk dud. I really liked the hard hit of the milk dud and I'm thinking of switching to a kamui black hard after the medium is done. I get complimented on the cue all the time.
Update - Measurements
Buttcap - 32.2mm
Bottom of wrap - 30.25mm
Top of wrap - 26mm
Joint - 21.2mm
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I have a GB 2 that I have played with for about 4 years now and really like it. It has my kinda hit. I'm still using the orginal shaft.
I feel the only reason to get another would be just for looks cause this one does the job for me.
Also, you can design your own cue for them to make.
My GB2 butt measurements are:
top of joint(not the pin) to bottom of butt cap(not including rubber bumper)-28 9/16
FYI I believe the GB 2 butt is shorter than normal. I say this cause my GB2 is shorter when compared to other cues.
Widths:
at joint-7/8"
start of wrap-1-1/16"
end of wrap- 1-1/4"
at end of butt cap- 1-5/16"
FWIW
I feel the only reason to get another would be just for looks cause this one does the job for me.
Also, you can design your own cue for them to make.
My GB2 butt measurements are:
top of joint(not the pin) to bottom of butt cap(not including rubber bumper)-28 9/16
FYI I believe the GB 2 butt is shorter than normal. I say this cause my GB2 is shorter when compared to other cues.
Widths:
at joint-7/8"
start of wrap-1-1/16"
end of wrap- 1-1/4"
at end of butt cap- 1-5/16"
FWIW
I think Adams cues are solid, even outside the Balabuska line. I owned a Adams cue and it played great. My buddy has been using one of the Adams Balabuskas for at least 10 years and he swears up and down its the best cue he has used.
When I started playing seriously in the early '70s Adam cues were considered to be pretty good. Remember, there weren't a lot of custom cue makers at that time. My first cue was an Adam with a ramin wood shaft. I got a Palmer a few months later, first good cue that I owned. The more expensive Adam cues were on a par with Palmer, as I remember them.
And, it's Adam, not Adams.
GB13 Measurements
Sorry, I didn't get back to this thread sooner.
Widths on my GB13:
Joint: 21.44mm (0.84in)
Start of Wrap: 26.55mm (1.047in)
End of Wrap: 31.18mm (1.23in)
End of Butt Cap: 32.20mm (1.27in)
The length of my GB13 is considerably shorter than all my other cues (comparitively speaking). The butt measures 28.375 inches compared to 29 or 28.875 inches on all my other cues.
Sorry, I didn't get back to this thread sooner.
Widths on my GB13:
Joint: 21.44mm (0.84in)
Start of Wrap: 26.55mm (1.047in)
End of Wrap: 31.18mm (1.23in)
End of Butt Cap: 32.20mm (1.27in)
The length of my GB13 is considerably shorter than all my other cues (comparitively speaking). The butt measures 28.375 inches compared to 29 or 28.875 inches on all my other cues.
I hit with two different GB line cues a couple of years ago and didn't like them...could have been the thicker butt and shorter length, but really something just didn't "feel" right to me. Don't want to say they felt cheap, but...something just felt "off" about them. Nothing like an old (70s or 80s)Adam hit, totally different specs and build. They weren't terrible, just didn't like them. Joss and Schon cues (comparing SS 5/16x14 jointed cues) feel much more "substantial" to me than these, but to each his own!