Big G Gandy

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kidflemingo

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I am still searching for a table and found a 9' Big G Gandy that seems to be in good shape. I could not roll a ball against the rails because the cloth was not attached but they felt firm. The guy wants $1400 plus $300 to install but he wants to reuse the Simonis 860 cloth. Can you reuse the same cloth? Is Gandy a good table for home use and is the price right?
 
Don't know about the cloth issue, the one bowling alley I hung out in had them. They sure played looser than the Gold Crowns in another alley I played in, also. I think it depends on what kind of shape the table is in as far as price goes. Why don't you ask over the "Talk To A Mechanic " forum?
 
kidflemingo said:
Is ask the mechanic on the AZ Billiard site?

Thanks
Click to expand...

Although these tables were good tables they can have a few issues due to there age. The price seems a bit high to me in this market. As for re-using the
old cloth.....that can be done but it would depend on a few things like the condition and how it was installed the first time. I for one would buy new cloth.

Heres a link to the Mechanics forum.
http://forums.azbilliards.com/forumdisplay.php?f=54
 
I got a Big G for a steal ($350) from a desperate seller that he got from a pool hall. Very heavy, solid, flat, level, commercial quality table. Pockets were too big for my liking (4.75+) and had them tightened to 4.5- and it plays a lot like a Gold Crown. I'm very happy with it. You may want to consider tightening the pockets, though it'll cost a bit extra. Re-using cloth? Maybe, depends on condition I guess and the rails will be real tricky. You might want to ask on the mechanics forum. Moving, setup, new Simonis, new cushions (needed if extending rails to properly tighten the pockets), tightening, etc. is about $800-1,000 around here (near Chicago). You could probably save some if you can move, partially setup yourself and then have a pro finish it.
 
For Sale

I think the asking price might be a little out of line. There's a 9ft gold crown II for sale at Back Pocket Billiards in Tuckahoe, NJ 609 628 3337 for 1200. Excellent shape and simonis cloth. Give them a call.
s
 
kidflemingo said:
I am still searching for a table and found a 9' Big G Gandy that seems to be in good shape. I could not roll a ball against the rails because the cloth was not attached but they felt firm. The guy wants $1400 plus $300 to install but he wants to reuse the Simonis 860 cloth. Can you reuse the same cloth? Is Gandy a good table for home use and is the price right?
Click to expand...

Reusing the cloth is a bad idea. One big problem (not the only one) is getting the ball marks where the balls used to be racked back in the same spot. You will likely have problems getting a tight rack.
 
No matter what table you buy, everyone will tell you that you should have bought something else. My experiences on older Big Gs is good. I agree with others that the price seems a bit high. I would want new cloth and to get the pockets right from the beginning.

Best of luck,
Greg
 
Do Not restretch/reuse Simonis cloth. Once your restretch it, your unable to get proper draw, plain and simple, the rails probably are ok as long as there's no separation between it and the top rail, I'm sure a table mechanic can be more specific. If its cheap Rag cloth, it could possibly be reused. There was a pool room in Denver called the Pool Hall that was there for yrs, the subframe on these commercial Gandy tables developed a lengthwise movement when you put body weight from either direction end rail to end rail. If its Never been used commercially then its probably ok, but I would assume few commercial Gandys went into homes during those yrs of production.
 
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I had a Gandy 'Big G' for several years. I eventually had new cushions installed and the pockets tightened to 4.5 inches along with having it recovered with 860. What I didn't care for with the table was the ball return. It was loud and balls would hang-up even after adjustment.

I agree with the others posters that the price seems a little too steep considering that a Gold Crown can be purchased in the same price range and that the cost of reconditioning the 'Big G' will run you at least $800. I paid about that over 15 years ago.

Good luck in your search.

Gerry S
 
Big G

Bought one for three hundred. Saw one Wednesday for eight that was perfect. The price seems a little high. Good luck.
 
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Big G is a good table. But the price is way too high in this ecomomy and wtf with the used cloth. I'd walk from this guy fast. Seems like a fast shufflel to me. Johnnyt
 
Thanks for all the advice. I will keep looking. I want a table bad and dont know if I will ever find the right one. I live in a small town so good tables dont come along too often.
 
If you can, talk him down on the price and see about new cloth. I grew up playing on big G's. I really liked 'em, no serious complaints. They're solid, and heavy, and I think the black'n'chrome looks great. There are only a few potential issues I remember:

- Big pockets (not a drawback to me, but they're very easy pockets).
- It's possible somehow for a rail to be installed too low. Maybe that's not specific to a gandy, maybe it happens on other tables. But the result is a rolling ball (even at lag speed) can hop when it hits the rail.
- I played on ones with no ball return and the plastic pocket inserts were quite cheap and seemed to have a hard time staying in there, no matter how you try to nail them down. I'd look for alternatives if they exist.
 
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