Choice for my first custom Andy Gilbert vs Tim Scruggs

twilight

twilight

AzB Silver Member
Silver Member
After a handfull of posts, weeks of forum searches and months of web surfing, I have decided to get a custom cue from either Tim Scruggs or Andy Gilbert. The primary reason for these two cuemakers was that I have been told they are excellent "players" cues. I have yet to find anything bad about how they play. Of course I have also heard of many other great players but these two edged out others due to thier designs. Which would be the second reason. I'm going to contact both of them probably in the next month to have a talk and see which is right, however I'm seeking opinions to what some of you AZ'er would choose between the two.
I know that whichever I go with, they will be great, but there is so much more knowledge and wisdom from some members in this forum that I should at least ask. Which would you choose as your first true custom and why. I may have a second one built but it wouldn't be for at least another 2 years.
 
You should try going used for these cues. When I say used I mean 2nd hand in mint condition. I don't think Tim is taking anymore orders and Andy is really busy with his line. I lucked out and got a great deal on an awesome Gilbert cue from Ebay. If you prefer SS joints, I would go with a Scruggs. Not to take anything away from Andy. I love my Gilbert cue. I would say 85% of Tim's cues are SS joint. A SS joint is not my preference as far as hit. Good luck! ARM
 
I would go with Gilbert as well. I have one I might be looking to sell soon and it has a great burl wrapless handle. I will post some pics of it soon in the cues section of the forum.
 
The value of Scruggs cues is going to go up and stay much better than a Gilbert. Andy still makes cues for dealers who get huge discounts, sort of like a production cue. That makes the cues have somewhat lower value, especially when you look to trade, etc at one of the shows, etc.

Scruggs had so much demand that he could not make enough cues fast enough to keep up. Now that he may not be making any more cues, they are certain to go on up in value. Both cuemakers make cues that play very well.
 
titlistsucker said:
no chance of u ordering from Scruggs. u have to try fleabay
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actually I just sent scruggs an email earlier, Mike responded and said to contact him when I made a final decision.
 
I would go with a Gilbert... I have had the chance to hit several Gilberts and Scruggs cues and prefer the hit and feel of a Gilbert. My Gilbert playing cue has a steel joint and plays like a dream.

As far as which cue would hold its value better; Scruggs cues are set to gain value soon when they stop being made. Also, Scruggs cues are harder to come by than Gilibert cues. That being said, you will initially pay more for a Scruggs cue.

My advice would be to hit a few of each and get what feels right not what is necesarily the most popular.
 
Exactly ...

SkippyFL said:
I would go with a Gilbert... I have had the chance to hit several Gilberts and Scruggs cues and prefer the hit and feel of a Gilbert. My Gilbert playing cue has a steel joint and plays like a dream.

As far as which cue would hold its value better; Scruggs cues are set to gain value soon when they stop being made. Also, Scruggs cues are harder to come by than Gilibert cues. That being said, you will initially pay more for a Scruggs cue.

My advice would be to hit a few of each and get what feels right not what is necesarily the most popular.
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Get the cue that feels right for you all the way around. Don't just buy on cuemaker name alone. A GOOD CUE will always retain its value, and not everyone out there is looking to being a collector or to make money off of cues. Would you marry a gal simply because she has the potential to make you money if you put her on the block? .... ROFL .... LMAO wierd, I know, but it illustrates my point ... lol Another thing, some guys pay a lot of money for cues that are, in fact, very plain looking, simply because of the style of the cuemaker or because HE IS POPULAR. That's not my cup of tea, and I want my cue to have a design that is appealing to me for a
reasonable price.
 
twilight said:
After a handfull of posts, weeks of forum searches and months of web surfing, I have decided to get a custom cue from either Tim Scruggs or Andy Gilbert. The primary reason for these two cuemakers was that I have been told they are excellent "players" cues. I have yet to find anything bad about how they play. Of course I have also heard of many other great players but these two edged out others due to thier designs. Which would be the second reason. I'm going to contact both of them probably in the next month to have a talk and see which is right, however I'm seeking opinions to what some of you AZ'er would choose between the two.
I know that whichever I go with, they will be great, but there is so much more knowledge and wisdom from some members in this forum that I should at least ask. Which would you choose as your first true custom and why. I may have a second one built but it wouldn't be for at least another 2 years.
Click to expand...

I like my Gilbert better than my Scruggs FWIW. That may be due solely to the fact that the Scruggs has a stainless steel joint and the Gilbert is phenolic. If eventual resale value isn't a significant concern, I'd suggest going with the Gilbert.
 
I highly recommend the Scruggs cues. I don't believe you will ever find a cue that feels better in your hands. The balance of a Scruggs cue is best of any cue that I have ever used.

Unfortunately, per the Cue Maker's Corner, in the current issue of InsidePool Magazine, Tim is limiting the number of cues he is making and taking custom orders is no longer a priority. You can see the cues that he does make, through his web site, and buy them directly.

On the up side, Mike Cochran, who has been working with Tim for many years, is making his own line of cues, in Tim's shop, and he seems to be in the process of slowly taking over the business. I'm sure his cues will play very similar, if not identical, to a Scruggs, and you may be able to save a few dollars, but not much. :D
 
If you're looking to go Scruggs, check out this link:

http://www.onthehill.net/ScruggsPRE.htm

Not a big fan of stained forearms, but I do love those boxed points! The second cue is really lovely. Nice pre-owned cues, in your price range. My dealings with Troy were top-notch.

Lisa
 
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twilight said:
After a handfull of posts, weeks of forum searches and months of web surfing, I have decided to get a custom cue from either Tim Scruggs or Andy Gilbert. .
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Next month's InsidePOOL Magazine will have an article on Tim Scruggs. As a quick preview, you will see that Tim isn't really taking custom orders anymore. He's making only a handful of cues available, and is putting them on his website for sale. They go quickly. So, maybe that will weigh on your decision.

Fred
 
Scruggs Article

Fred,

I got my issue already. That article was well done; informative and concise. I really like the way your stuff reads!

Regards,
Brian in VA
 
Brian in VA said:
Fred,

I got my issue already. That article was well done; informative and concise. I really like the way your stuff reads!

Regards,
Brian in VA
Click to expand...

Aw shucks... go on. No, I mean it. Keep going. My head isn't quite big enough yet :)

Fred <~~~ hates reading the article
 
When I talked to Andy G., he was very nice/helpful with my questions. His prices were (it's been a couple of years) really good, and no BS. If I had a cue made for me, I would probably have Andy do it.

that having been said, i play with a scruggs :P

-s
 
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