Choosing a custom cue maker?

J

Jasen

AzB Silver Member
Silver Member
Hello everyone!

I've decided that I'm going to have a custom cue made for myself... I'm wanting to go wrapless with a nice selection of wood, some ivory inlays and all the typical bells and whistles... probably going to end up 8 points of alternating lengths, and the same reversed on the butt.. I'm also wanting to completely design the cue down to the inlays and ring work...

So what I'm getting at is the cue I have in mind will be pretty intricate and I was wondering if anyone has any advice on how to choose a cue maker to make this masterpiece?

Also, a general ballpark on what I could expect to be paying for something like this?

Thank you very much for your input,
-Jasen
 
Custom Cue Maker

First make sure he is experienced & you can look at some of his work. The cue maker that works out of my shop has several cues he made for himself and uses 5 times a week. He also has pictures of past cues several he is working on and a few completed cues in our display case. If possible, go for someone local. A complicated cue like you are describing will take several weeks to make. With a local maker you'll be able to watch the cue come to life & more accurately describe what you want. As for the cost that can vary greatly, from what your describing, i wouldn't be surprised if it runs over $800.00. If your going for a real masterpiece and money isnt a problem you should get at least an extra shaft, and maybe a matching jump cue. The cue maker should be able to make some matching joint protectors. These are some pictures of our cue maker, Wayne Ball's "Killer Cues".

http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=123501487747489&set=pu.122908601140111&type=1&theater
 
There are allot of highly skilled makers here on AZ and I'm sure some of them will pm you.

I would suggest visiting ones that are in you area, this way you could try out there cues and get to know them a bit. Also I would advise going to the cue gallery here on AZ and look at all the different cues by different makers. This will give you a feel for what makers style you like as well as give you ideas for your cue.
 
Robertson's said:
First make sure he is experienced & you can look at some of his work. The cue maker that works out of my shop has several cues he made for himself and uses 5 times a week. He also has pictures of past cues several he is working on and a few completed cues in our display case. If possible, go for someone local. A complicated cue like you are describing will take several weeks to make. With a local maker you'll be able to watch the cue come to life & more accurately describe what you want. As for the cost that can vary greatly, from what your describing, i wouldn't be surprised if it runs over $800.00. If your going for a real masterpiece and money isnt a problem you should get at least an extra shaft, and maybe a matching jump cue. The cue maker should be able to make some matching joint protectors. These are some pictures of our cue maker, Wayne Ball's "Killer Cues".

http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=123501487747489&set=pu.122908601140111&type=1&theater
Click to expand...

A totally custom cue as intricate as the OP stated should take WAY more than several weeks to complete and WAY more than $800.00
 
Jasen said:
Hello everyone!

Also, a general ballpark on what I could expect to be paying for something like this?

Thank you very much for your input,
-Jasen
Click to expand...

My first suggestion is that you hit with multiple cues from the cue makers you are considering. Also, you should set a budget as to the maximum you are willing to spend.

Price wise, it's really dependent on what you want and how complex it is.

From a top end maker I'd estimate something like you've described to be in the $3,000 + range especially if it has a lot of intricate details.

From a lesser known cue maker possibly around $2,000.
As for cue makers who I can recommend,

Mike Bender, Jim Buss, and Richard Black in no particular order.

Good luck.
 
Also make sure you understand what a Full Splice cue is and the method your chosen cuemaker uses. An 8 point Full Splice and a 4 point blank with inlaid veneers and 4 bridging inlaid points w/veneers are going to be night and day in price and hit.

It's not just who, but how...
 
Jasen said:
I'm wanting to go wrapless with a nice selection of wood, some ivory inlays and all the typical bells and whistles...
Click to expand...

I don't recommend bells and whistles. I had a cue made with those one time and the noise when I shot was extremely distracting.
 
Thanks for the tips and comments so far everyone, they are very much appreciated! Please keep them coming... I'm trying to do this right the first time instead of making a costly mistake. Replies to a couple posts below...



Koop said:
Which cuemakers are local to you?
Click to expand...

I have no clue.. I live in Tampa FL if anyone happens to know some good ones out here. The more I think about it, this may be a very valid point... considering the details of the cue I have in mind, a nice face to face sit-down will definitely be required, and periodic smaller meetings during production may be required also as it gets to the stage of the small details.


K Knight said:
Also make sure you understand what a Full Splice cue is and the method your chosen cuemaker uses. An 8 point Full Splice and a 4 point blank with inlaid veneers and 4 bridging inlaid points w/veneers are going to be night and day in price and hit.

It's not just who, but how...
Click to expand...


I guess I'm going to have some learning to do here... some cliff's notes would be nice...


PoolBum said:
I don't recommend bells and whistles. I had a cue made with those one time and the noise when I shot was extremely distracting.
Click to expand...

Very funny =D
 
Jasen said:
I have no clue.. I live in Tampa FL if anyone happens to know some good ones out here. The more I think about it, this may be a very valid point... considering the details of the cue I have in mind, a nice face to face sit-down will definitely be required, and periodic smaller meetings during production may be required also as it gets to the stage of the small details.
Click to expand...

That was exactly my point.

Scroll down here:
http://www.easypooltutor.com/cuemakers/usa/florida.html

and you'll be sure to find a good one near you.

Regards,
Koop
 
The most important thing is playability if you intend to play with the cue.
All those bells and whistles are not going to mean much if you don’t like how it plays.
Type of hit, balance point, weight distribution are all important.
The only way to know what you like is to use a lot of different equipment first.
You have to play with cues of the guy who will make your dream cue first, no way around it, unless $3k means nothing.
 
Wolven said:
The most important thing is playability if you intend to play with the cue.
All those bells and whistles are not going to mean much if you don’t like how it plays.
Type of hit, balance point, weight distribution are all important.
The only way to know what you like is to use a lot of different equipment first.
You have to play with cues of the guy who will make your dream cue first, no way around it, unless $3k means nothing.
Click to expand...



How do I go about that exactly? I'm pretty sure they don't just hand em out for you to go shoot a few games with... or do they?
 
Jasen said:
How do I go about that exactly? I'm pretty sure they don't just hand em out for you to go shoot a few games with... or do they?
Click to expand...

They should have a couple of cues on hand. People in your area will have custom cues. Perhaps getting a plain jane first and trying it out.
 
Go to the website for dz custom cues read,look and then call Bob and talk with him .He is easy to work with a true craftsman ,honest and straightforeward.Even if you don't ultimately choose him it will help you to check out his site and speak with him.'nuff said.......
 
K Knight said:
Cliff Notes

http://forums.azbilliards.com/showthread.php?t=226359&highlight=full+splice

http://forums.azbilliards.com/showthread.php?t=221738&highlight=full+splice

And Most impressively

http://forums.azbilliards.com/showthread.php?t=210048&highlight=splice
Click to expand...

Thank you very much, I am aware of the search feature =D

Cliff's Notes version was more like:
"Most people consider X to be better."
-or even-
"X requires much more work than Y therefor will cost more, etc... but obviously the extra work is for a reason so X is better than Y."
 
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