Carolina Custom Cue - worth $1350?

[John Barton]

I'll bite on this one !!
1. Is an American made cue a cue that is made by an American or one that is made on United States soil?
Yes. It's made with U.S. moneys spent on wood, metal, machines and labor.
Adams cues were setup and made in japan by American Richard Helmstetter. There considered imports

2. If a foreign cuemaker were to set up a shop in the USA would their cue be American made?
Yes. One of the most famous makers in cues Is Gregory Balabushka (pronounced grigory) russian immigrant .
Bill

Ok. Are they disqualified if they use foreign machines, like German, Chinese, Korean, or Japanese lathes or parts. What about raw materials like wood and ivory? Should all the parts be of US origin as well.

Does it still count if the immigrant is not a US citizen? I don't know if Balabushka became a citizen but I a fairly sure he did. If he didn't, do his cues still count as American cues?


I would love to to see the day when cuemakers could be celebrated for their cues and not what flag they were made under.

It would be awesome if all the factories and all the small cuemakers could display their wares without any bonus or stigma attached based on "where" something is made. I'd like to see the factories competing for the collectors respect as well because that will raise the level for everyone.

Anyway that's my take on the "made in" subject. I much prefer the respect earned with "made by".

 

[John Barton]

JOHN,
SEAN ALREADY SAID HE CONSIDERS A TAD AMERICAN MADE EVEN THOUGH HE WAS AN IMMIGRANT. I CAN'T BE CERTAIN, BUT HE WOULD PROBABLY FEEL THE SAME IF EUROWEST CAME OVER.

I WOULD CONSIDER EUROWEST AMERICAN MADE, IF THEY CAME HERE OPENED UP SHOP AND HIRED AMERICANS, OR EVEN CONTINUED TO USE THE CREW THEY HAVE NOW.

Well now we are getting somewhere. So it's just a question of what ground it's made on? Does a cue made on ground that belongs to the USA count? Like Puerto Rico or the Virgin Islands?

I just want to say that I long for the day when there are no "flag" qualifications attached to cues. I hope someday we can talk about a cue for it's qualities without a prejudice based on where it's made. All I want to hear is that such and such cue is bad because of factor x,y, and z. And such and such cue is good because of factor p,q, and j.

So if Eurowest imported their shop to America and none of the shop staff were American, but not illegally in the USA, then the cues would be "American"?

What if the cues were made on an American military base in Germany?

 

[FAST_N_LOOSE]

Well now we are getting somewhere. So it's just a question of what ground it's made on? Does a cue made on ground that belongs to the USA count? Like Puerto Rico or the Virgin Islands?

I just want to say that I long for the day when there are no "flag" qualifications attached to cues. I hope someday we can talk about a cue for it's qualities without a prejudice based on where it's made. All I want to hear is that such and such cue is bad because of factor x,y, and z. And such and such cue is good because of factor p,q, and j.

So if Eurowest imported their shop to America and none of the shop staff were American, but not illegally in the USA, then the cues would be "American"?

What if the cues were made on an American military base in Germany?

ARE YOU JUST LOOKING FOR SOMEONE TO GET IN AN ARGUEMENT WITH?

 

[John Barton]

ARE YOU JUST LOOKING FOR SOMEONE TO GET IN AN ARGUEMENT WITH?

No, a discussion. I am on a crusade to eliminate prejudice in cuemaking. I want to know what the boundaries are.

I have been this way for over 15 years and had this same discussion dozens of times.

I personally believe, as I have said before, that it shouldn't matter where a cue is made as long as it's made well.

So my questions are perfectly valid I think. If it's a question of soil belonging to a flag then does it count if that soil is not part of the contiguous United States?

I think it's unfair for anyone to say that only "American" cues are acceptable unless they can properly define what "American" means.

I think we are moving along quite nicely towards a generally acceptable definition if we continue the discussion. If it turns to an argument then we probably won't get to a definition that everyone can agree on and I will probably be called a commie-loving liberal terrorist or something like that.

 

[cueaddicts]

Well and good. Although this isn't a discussion on the inexpensive sector of the cue market I should point out that the majority of the money involved in getting a cue that is sold in the USA from raw materials to the customer's hands is generated in the United States and "stays" in the US economy. At least as much as any other money stays in the US economy. Not going to get into a huge economics lesson here but money doesn't stay local to the USA or Podunk Idaho. There is no way for the United States or any particular place within the USA to be an insular economy. It's a fallacy to believe that the USA can be totally self-sufficient and cut off from the rest of the world.

John, I completely understand economincs and the global economy we're in. I know the US cannot survise as an insular economy, no country can today. However, that being said, I will support US cuemakers until I can no longer. For many tangile things that Americans use in their daily lives, we no longer have the option to purchase and use goods that are made here. These days it seems on most everything says "MADE IN CHINA" on it. Trust me....I understand why that is and why it has to be. However....I will continue to support American cuemakers and American made cues. I've seen a lot of cues made all over the world and IMO there's nothing of higher quality, artistry, and playability than what's being built here in the states. The day may come when there is, but it is not yet arrived.

For the second part. Just to get it straight, a cue has to be made in America by an American by birth or naturalized to be considered an American cue? Or if the guys from Eurowest set up a shop in the USA, hired folks from the local town, bought supplies from Atlas......would their cues be "American" cues even though they themselves were not American citizens?

Made in America.....period. John, this is not about racism, world economics, or anything. It's about being PROUD of the country you live in and of your fellow AMERICANS.....nothing more....nothing less. I think most here that have posted feel this way. Please stop trying to twist it into something more.

PS - And if that day comes, when the most beautiful and best playing cues in the world are made in China (or wherever else), I'm sure that I would take a look at them.

 

[cueaddicts]

....I am on a crusade to eliminate prejudice in cuemaking....

John,

I can appreciate your zeal, but some things in life are simply about PREFERENCE, not PREJUDICE. I haven't figured out why some people try to read more into it than that. Maybe some others will jump in and your discussion can gain some traction. But for me, it's off to bed, up early, and out of town for a golf tournament. I'll pop the top on a few coldies for you guys.

Others, feel free to express your preferences and reasoning to help enlighten us about your feelings on the matter.

Sean

 

[cuedoctor]

John, I completely understand economincs and the global economy we're in. I know the US cannot survise as an insular economy, no country can today. However, that being said, I will support US cuemakers until I can no longer. For many tangile things that Americans use in their daily lives, we no longer have the option to purchase and use goods that are made here. These days it seems on most everything says "MADE IN CHINA" on it. Trust me....I understand why that is and why it has to be. However....I will continue to support American cuemakers and American made cues. I've seen a lot of cues made all over the world and IMO there's nothing of higher quality, artistry, and playability than what's being built here in the states. The day may come when there is, but it is not yet arrived.



Made in America.....period. John, this is not about racism, world economics, or anything. It's about being PROUD of the country you live in and of your fellow AMERICANS.....nothing more....nothing less. I think most here that have posted feel this way. Please stop trying to twist it into something more.

PS - And if that day comes, when the most beautiful and best playing cues in the world are made in China (or wherever else), I'm sure that I would take a look at them.

Excellent post sean I support usa cuemakers only and am proud of it!There's nothing wrong with it and if other country's didnt have so many trade barriers the trade deficit wouldnt be what it is.

 

[FAST_N_LOOSE]

No, a discussion. I am on a crusade to eliminate prejudice in cuemaking. I want to know what the boundaries are.

I have been this way for over 15 years and had this same discussion dozens of times.

I personally believe, as I have said before, that it shouldn't matter where a cue is made as long as it's made well.

So my questions are perfectly valid I think. If it's a question of soil belonging to a flag then does it count if that soil is not part of the contiguous United States?

I think it's unfair for anyone to say that only "American" cues are acceptable unless they can properly define what "American" means.

I think we are moving along quite nicely towards a generally acceptable definition if we continue the discussion. If it turns to an argument then we probably won't get to a definition that everyone can agree on and I will probably be called a commie-loving liberal terrorist or something like that.

HERE,
I'LL DEFINE WHAT I MEAN BY AMERICAN MADE.......CUES MADE IN THIS COUNTRY, BY AMERICAN CITIZENS, THAT HAVE TO PAY TAXES JUST LIKE I DO. I HATE TAXES AS MUCH AS THE NEXT GUY, BUT IT'S PART OF LIFE.

I CAN ALSO SAY THAT TO ME, ONLY AMERICAN CUES ARE ACCEPTABLE. IF YOU DON'T FEEL THE SAME WAY, THAT'S FINE, BUT I DO.

I WOULD NEVER ORDER A CUE FROM ONE OF THE OVERSEAS CUSTOM CUE MAKERS, IT'S JUST AGAINST MY FEELINGS. I'M NOT GOING TO SEND MY HARD EARNED MONEY OVERSEAS. EVEN IF THE AMERICAN MADE CUE IS MORE EXPENSIVE, I DON'T CARE. IT'S MY PREFERENCE.

THERE MAY BE GREAT CUE MAKERS ALL OVER THE WORLD, BUT I WON'T BE BUYING THERE CUES.

 

[cuedoctor]

here,
I'll Define What I Mean By American Made.......cues Made In This Country, By American Citizens, That Have To Pay Taxes Just Like I Do. I Hate Taxes As Much As The Next Guy, But It's Part Of Life.

I Can Also Say That To Me, Only American Cues Are Acceptable. If You Don't Feel The Same Way, That's Fine, But I Do.

I Would Never Order A Cue From One Of The Overseas Custom Cue Makers, It's Just Against My Feelings. I'm Not Going To Send My Hard Earned Money Overseas. Even If The American Made Cue Is More Expensive, I Don't Care. It's My Preference.

There May Be Great Cue Makers All Over The World, But I Won't Be Buying There Cues.

Amen Brother

 

[Retail1LO]

Hey guys...can we stay on topic? This thread wasn't started to talk about foreign/domestic cue making issues. If you'd like to start a new thread to continue this discussion...feel free. I respect what you guys are talking about...but I keep trying to find replies regarding the thread's original intentions...and I have to weed through this stuff.

There are enough good cue makers world wide that we all have more than enough room to make our own decisions on whom we purchase our stuff from. This isn't a right/wrong issue...it's a matter of opinion...one everyone's entitled to. Say your piece...and be done with it. I prefer American cue makers too. *shrug* Preference. There are enough elite cue makers here in the states that I don't find it necessary to contract work overseas. Even if I saw a cue by a European maker that I liked...I'd have someone else over here make it. If you dont' share that opinion...that's cool. I respect your view of things. I drink Newcastle beer. I don't expect to get grief from anyone because it's not made here. I wish like hell it was made HERE...or made over there by Americans...but it's not. Some things can't be helped.


Now that we're talking about Carolina cues again...*hint hint*...I'm getting ready to order a wrapless ebony cue with four high and four low ebony points with white, blue, purple, and black veneers...two shafts with ivory ferules and moori tips. I'm excited as all hell.

 

[FAST_N_LOOSE]

Hey guys...can we stay on topic? This thread wasn't started to talk about foreign/domestic cue making issues. If you'd like to start a new thread to continue this discussion...feel free. I respect what you guys are talking about...but I keep trying to find replies regarding the thread's original intentions...and I have to weed through this stuff.

There are enough good cue makers world wide that we all have more than enough room to make our own decisions on whom we purchase our stuff from. This isn't a right/wrong issue...it's a matter of opinion...one everyone's entitled to. Say your piece...and be done with it. I prefer American cue makers too. *shrug* Preference. There are enough elite cue makers here in the states that I don't find it necessary to contract work overseas. Even if I saw a cue by a European maker that I liked...I'd have someone else over here make it. If you dont' share that opinion...that's cool. I respect your view of things. I drink Newcastle beer. I don't expect to get grief from anyone because it's not made here. I wish like hell it was made HERE...or made over there by Americans...but it's not. Some things can't be helped.


Now that we're talking about Carolina cues again...*hint hint*...I'm getting ready to order a wrapless ebony cue with four high and four low ebony points with white, blue, purple, and black veneers...two shafts with ivory ferules and moori tips. I'm excited as all hell.

CONVERSATIONS SOME TIMES START OUT IN THE STRANGEST WAYS.

ORDER YOUR CUE, I'M SURE YOU'LL LOVE IT. I HAVE 7 TOTAL ON ORDER RIGHT NOW FROM CAROLINA, AND ALL ARE PRESOLD, THAT IS THE SUCCESS I AM HAVING SELLING THESE CUES. I HAVE NEVER HAD ANYBODY DISAPPOINTED IN A CAROLINA THAT I GOT FOR THEM. YOU SHOULD CERTAINLY BE EXCITED ABOUT YOUR CUE, IT SOUNDS LIKE IT IS GOING TO BE GORGEOUS.

 

[Retail1LO]

I'll post pictures when I get it. I plan on ordering more if I'm happy with the first.

I love wrapless cues. I just have an affinity for them. I can't stand linen. If I must have a wrap...I need lizard skin or leather. I desperately want Eric Crisp to make me a couple sneaky pete's...one with a bloodwood handle and ebony nose...one with an ebony handle and an amboyna burl nose. My bid attraction on cues has always been natural materials. I can't stand metal joints....and keep my metal rings to a minimum.

 

[John Barton]

Well I think I made my points clear enough. And I understand the views of the folks that prefer American Made cues even if I don't completely agree with all the reasons.

I took the thread in that direction because I wanted to make a point about quality.

So I will bring it back on topic.

Carolina Cues has the equipment and the people and apparently are gaining the experience to produce top quality products.

Whether the cue in question is "worth" 1350 is totally up to the buyer. If it can't be resold for at least that then it's probably not worth it to the market.

If I really wanted it then I would pay 1350 for it. Sometimes instant gratification carries a premium price.

In cues it's pretty hard to compare apples to apples because everyone has a different view of apples and orchards.

I like to see the cuemaker's guild require each member to produce certain cues with the same parameters on design just to see whose work really stands out and at what price.

 

[FAST_N_LOOSE]

I like to see the cuemaker's guild require each member to produce certain cues with the same parameters on design just to see whose work really stands out and at what price.

I THINK THAT WOULD BE VERY INTERESTING.

 

[wyld78]

The Carolina Cue is worth $1350 if someone will pay that for it. Something is only worth what someone will pay. Nuff said. If you look on his site in two years and it is still there, then you have your answer. In my opinion, when comparing price with the amount of work, it is probably about right considering they are just starting out. I certainly would not call it overpriced.

 

[KOINNKID]

Carolina Cues

Here are some of my Carolina cues. If interested in them send me a PM. I think they make a great cue for the money and have had no problem selling them. The guys at Carolina cues stand behind their product.

 

[Realizm]

Here are some of my Carolina cues. If interested in them send me a PM. I think they make a great cue for the money and have had no problem selling them. The guys at Carolina cues stand behind their product.

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I have played with my new cc cue and all i can say i like it. Not really stiff like i like it but it will go to the case .Something to hold on too.But i would not pay 1300 for one .Nope just can't.
Sorry CC cues maybe one day..

 

[Retail1LO]

Hey realizm...post a picture please? Would love to see your cue.

 

[The Cue Man]

Carolina Cues

CC Cues Great Hit, Solid Cue, Detailed Attention, All Around A Lot of Cue For Not So Much Money. I Hit Gus's, Barry's, B Schiek, Black, Schon, etc on a regular basis Carolina Cues Hit Solid and Impress Me Very Much.
Just My Humble Opinion.

 

[X Breaker]

The only CC I have tried was Kelly Fisher's CC. It had a 3/8x11 wood to wood joint, with stitch ring works. It does not look like the metal jointed CC cues. I personally like the wood to wood joint design much more. I think they look quite classy.

Richard