Chump cuemakers
- Thread starter cuemaker03
- Start date
a builder should know a bit about playing
and while we are talking about knowing how to play and build cues. WHY does every player think they can design and tell a builder how to build cues? if you cannot build a cue, what makes you think you can tell someone else how to build one?
and while we are talking about knowing how to play and build cues. WHY does every player think they can design and tell a builder how to build cues? if you cannot build a cue, what makes you think you can tell someone else how to build one?
My Initial Thoughts...and my Answer
What does "Chump" and "can't play a 'lick'" have in common? Do you mean that one's that are easily hustled? If so, yeah a good cue maker needs to be pretty savvy to learn to build cues on their own. Lots of info on this site today, so it could change tomorrow. But today, you had better be savvy, if you want to learn to make cues.
Do you mean know how to play to make a great playing cue? Every player has their own definition of a "good hitting" cue. SVB (who plays with a Cuetech) and other world beaters only require a stick close in diameter to standard cues, and a good tip. Of course, they will quickly trash a cue if they lose. But, they'll blame everything but their own abilities for losing. BTW, I believe this is an essential trait because they have to have pure belief in their capabilities to be the best.
By the same token, one could ask...'Do you need to be a great cue maker to understand how to play with a cue? Of course not.
So I believe that a good cue maker has to be savvy, resourceful, and artistic. Good poolplayer? Depends on where they learned their trade. It would be difficult to decide to build a cue on your own and know diddly about pool. But, if you learned from a master...you probably have a better chance than an average US Open winner at making a good cue.
What does "Chump" and "can't play a 'lick'" have in common? Do you mean that one's that are easily hustled? If so, yeah a good cue maker needs to be pretty savvy to learn to build cues on their own. Lots of info on this site today, so it could change tomorrow. But today, you had better be savvy, if you want to learn to make cues.
Do you mean know how to play to make a great playing cue? Every player has their own definition of a "good hitting" cue. SVB (who plays with a Cuetech) and other world beaters only require a stick close in diameter to standard cues, and a good tip. Of course, they will quickly trash a cue if they lose. But, they'll blame everything but their own abilities for losing. BTW, I believe this is an essential trait because they have to have pure belief in their capabilities to be the best.
By the same token, one could ask...'Do you need to be a great cue maker to understand how to play with a cue? Of course not.
So I believe that a good cue maker has to be savvy, resourceful, and artistic. Good poolplayer? Depends on where they learned their trade. It would be difficult to decide to build a cue on your own and know diddly about pool. But, if you learned from a master...you probably have a better chance than an average US Open winner at making a good cue.
Yes, I would also:
buy a gun from a liberal,
Baseball tickets from a scalper,
a air conditioner from a Eskimo,
a map from the blind,
electronics from my Grandmother,
and a car from my Asian cousin.
Now, there a good couple of questions!
I understand someone saying...I want a "Gambler's Cue". And maybe weight preference. Then, let the CueMaker build his interpretation of a "Gambler's Cue." To match his preference in "hit" properties, balance, dimensions, etc. But, many cue makers will build exactly what the customer wants...to the customer's exact specifications. I am saying this is wrong. But, I am surprised. Especially knowing how independent Cue Makers tend to be.
Lol...
Yeah, but I might check closely for bondo on the car. (I couldn't resist) BTW, all of my Asian friends drive much better than me!
That's funny right there
I believe that your tip has most to do with the hit of the cue but that still isn't close to the entire makeup of the hit. Different woods hit differently and effect the weight along with trying to make a certain balance. Different glues contribute to the hit. Often, CM's will core all their forearms (with certain woods) to generate a similar hit. Weight bolts, joints, screws, and splices contribute greatly to hit properties. Wraps change the feedback somewhat. Different materials for rings, ferrules, and collars. I suppose even different finishes may effect hit properties. And, I know there is more Cue Makers will never share their closest held secret, even to their own children!
But, this shows why so many cues feel so differently. Given this, I still say that, just like beauty is in the eye of the beholder, a good hitting cue is in the hand of the player!
This is kind of a funny topic.. I personally want a guy who makes great hitting and aesthetically pleasing cues, who also understands pool to a certain degree....
If your requirement that a cue maker plays well, then shouldn't Mike Sigel's cues sell the most as he is probably the best former player turned cue maker??
Some people I have talked to won't buy one of his cues saying he's not really a cue maker, etc,etc...
However, I have a couple cues (including a SW) and his is definitely the best looking and hitting cue of the bunch. I have played with it for 10-12 years and I love it...
If your requirement that a cue maker plays well, then shouldn't Mike Sigel's cues sell the most as he is probably the best former player turned cue maker??
Some people I have talked to won't buy one of his cues saying he's not really a cue maker, etc,etc...
However, I have a couple cues (including a SW) and his is definitely the best looking and hitting cue of the bunch. I have played with it for 10-12 years and I love it...
Last edited:
Same can be asked about tables, racks and balls. I don't think it's necessary. Do you need to be a good baseball players to make and design bats? I would however love to see a true test of playability of cues. How does squirt play into the making of a cue? Seems every cue maker does their own thing. How many players replace their shaft to an LD shaft?
In order to answer your question I have to classify TAD as a chump?
What's the sense of that?
Kevin
Sure, if I like it. I've had cues made by top players, and really didn't see that skill trickled down into their cues, like Mike Siegal. And I can't see blaming a doggy cue on the fact that the builder couldn't play...more like he couldn't build.
BUT...I sense the OP has an agenda here. Let it all out! Nail that chump SOB! Don't hold back on the drama!
:grin:
BUT...I sense the OP has an agenda here. Let it all out! Nail that chump SOB! Don't hold back on the drama!
:grin:
Last edited:
The hit, making sure it is the same on his low end cues as it is on the high end.
Here Here.
Im not sure how engineers or runners relate to a good playing pool cue. If you have an engineer build you a cue, it would probably be the most complex thing you ever seen. Lol. Im sure the people who design running shoes run themselves and have tons of equipement for testing and research and development. That doesnt compare to making a cue. Wood tones, weight distribution, balance, cue sound, length, total weight, taper, shaft diameter, butt diameter, joint material, joint pin, wrap, finish, and more are things that a better player will or should understand. If you ask most bar bangers what the balance point is on their cue, or what kind of wood is in their cue, most havent got a clue. Its not a bad thing, but that doesnt translate to a good builder if you ask me.
Joe
Yes. Why not? Earl Weaver wasn't the greatest baseball player,but he was a great manager.
Because a good player knows what the cueball is supposed to do for starters.
Of course!
Playing and building are completely different skill sets.
Top-notch race car drivers don't build and tune their own race car. They just give their feedback to the ones who specialize in building and tuning.
Playing and building are completely different skill sets.
Top-notch race car drivers don't build and tune their own race car. They just give their feedback to the ones who specialize in building and tuning.