There has been much discussion on the boards lately about "simple" cues, and cues that let the wood speak for itself. Here are two cues that I had built that fall into that category. After 9/11, when they banned taking your cues on-board the plane, I was faced with a dilemma. I travel a fair amount for my job. Principally to our two regional offices in Ontario, CA and St. Louis, MO. I hated to be without a personal cue, but didn't wish to entrust them to the baggage handlers (we've all seen/been permanently traumitized by the gorilla - American Tourister ad), so I decided to have cues built to leave at those offices. Mike Capone built the California cue of some of the blackest Gabon ebony I've ever seen, with some very nice birdseye maple. Jim Buss built the St. Louis cue, following the same design theme, of tulip wood and curly purpleheart (yes I said curly). Jim & Mike communicated on dimensions and weights, so the cues would be as alike as possible. Each maker contributed their own thoughts on ringwork.
