????Compare Barenbrugge to Fanelli????

BarenbruggeCues

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Silver Member
Copied from a former post off AZ………..

You cannot compare Barrenruge to Fanelli. Fanelli is 3 steps higher than DB. If Fanelli sold out overseas he would get the same money. If you compare the two cues its not close. In fact 2-3 years ago when we had about 6-8 Fanelli butterflies, DB took ALOT of pics. Alot, and then his style shifted a hair. I know because I let him take the pics. Paul is such a nice guy, him, Jack Justis, and Buss are cut from the same cloth.
If Murray would come out of redneck retirement, he would be undervalued LOL. But he is popping out babies, not cues.

Joe
__________________
www.pooltablemagic.com custom cues, cases, and other pool stuff
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Greetings to all………..
After watching my name loosely tossed around like a 2 week old Krispy Kreme for the last couple years I believe it’s time I should remove the fog from a few things. It’s been kind of fun reading all the things that I have supposedly done and practices that I supposedly keep. But there seems to be a slight misconception of both. And heck Joe, I thought we were kind of in the “friend zone”. Guess that’s what I get for thinking!

If anyone has a right to be upset about any of my business practices it should be a one, Mr.Eng. Although he claims I had no remorse about not finishing a cue for him I really did say “I was sorry, but I couldn’t finish it at that time.” There were no deposits lost or money that exchanged hands. I don’t believe in deposits unless I’m building you a 31 inch butt to go with your 29 inch shafts. There were only feelings that were hurt. My experience with Mr. Eng was such that I believe him to be mature enough to let it rest and not waste any more energy on the matter. I also read where I supposedly had a similar transaction with AZ member, “Pooldoque”…..sorry for stepping on you so hard but I have absolutely no idea who you are.

Some may refer to it as “selling out”, I simply refer to it as doing business for what is in my best interest. If I am hungry, need gas to put into my vehicle, or need shelter over my head, I am the one solely responsible for getting this done. One sold cue is not going to get this done for me. I’m not going to go into specifics about my business but plain and simple, my waiting list went from 1 cue to a very long time when I supposedly “sold out”. I believe a gentleman that goes by the AZ forum name “the_truth” said it best in an older post.

copied from a former post
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In this USA we do not have enough buyers to purchase the amount of wood(cues) being produced by every up and coming cuemaker.. How many cuemakers can our market support??..In turn they are forced to sell their cues to Japan or we know who "Lucky".. He will promote them and buy their cues that noone else will.. What happens is "Lucky" bails them out and we get mad when a cuemaker doesnt want to sell to us.. All of a sudden we want his product because now its only available in Japan.. WEll we didnt want his stuff before Lucky..

Lucky is capitilizing on our talent.. Why.. Japan doesnt have the cuemakers but has the buyers.. Our problem... WE have the cuemakers but not the buyers.. Thats capitalism at its best..
Only one way to alleviate this problem.. More cuemakers should have stayed machinists..
Its happening alot these days..Look at Tim Scruggs.. One of the greatest cuemakers ever.. He had a hard time selling his cues 4 years ago.. Resale market was bad on a scruggs.. AS soon as Lucky started buying his cues what happens.. USA demand goes up.. Prices go up. Wait time goes up and second hand value goes up.. Many cue makers are doing this.

Some call this "selling out" , I call this smart business for the cuemakers.. Why should they worry about the guys over here who never bought their cues before Lucky..
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

I do have a few things to comment on though……..I wasn’t “forced” to sell my cues to an overseas buyer. I chose to do this on my own and don’t regret it for one second. From the time the proposal was presented to me I only took 2 years to make my decision to do this but during those 2 years I don’t recall any other cue dealers offering to spend any money on advertising my product on a monthly or even a bi-monthly basis by either taking out full page color ads in some of the well known billiards magazines in the country or even just printing a full colored flyer and sending it to over 1500 potent ional customers every single month. Shoot, I don’t even recall any cue dealers offering to purchase every or ANY for that matter, cues that I don’t sell myself. What I do recall though is, and I do apologize this is where my memory does get a little clouded, it was either 2 or 3….maybe 4 cue dealers trying to beat me down like a blonde headed rag doll, telling me I was out of my mind and I could never sell my cues at the prices I was asking(in 2001-2004 era) because I was an “unknown”.
Heck, I still hear that on occasion today but it doesn’t bother me like it did back then for some reason! Last but not last…………I don’t even recall any cue dealers offering to spend any of their money advertising my products on the world wide web in 2 different languages. I would even be willing to wager (just a play with words, I don’t gamble, I only take educated chances) that one could call to just about any pool room in Tokyo and not only can they spell my name correctly….they pronounce it correctly also.
Now don’t misunderstand……..My point here is not to tear down US cue dealers….I’m just relaying my past experiences and what helped mold my decisions.

Joe, I believe your correct about one thing……Barenbrugge and Fanelli cues do not compare. I commend your loyalty to Paul, but only 3 steps higher? If I were Paul, I’d be upset. I would guess his work, in the right hands overseas, could command far more than it would in the states. I’ve never met the man but greatly admire his style and execution of wood working techniques. Just to clarify one thing though…..I did do a little research in my files and it was Valley Forge 2003 when we spoke at your booth about taking pictures of Paul’s cues. I’m not sure what you classify as “ALOT” but I took 4 pictures of his cues, 2 of 3 different butt sleeves and 2 of the same 3 forearms for my records, and if I forgot to say “Thank you” consider it belated.

I’m not sure what you are referring to when you say, ”then his style shifted a hair”. But if you believe I am intentionally now trying to copy someone else’s designs, I have to say, I believe you to be mistaken. I have made a few minor changes to my basic design, style over the years (i.e. Shortened my fore piece and lengthened my back ends…shortened butt and joint collars from the gaudy looking long ones. But tell me one cue maker that hasn’t made some minor changes to his or her format from the first cues they have made?

Need I also remind you of the conversation we had at the same time I was taking the pictures about me be asked to do a “copy” of Paul’s work? And my reply was “absolutely not”. I have no reason or intention of it. Why would I want to change my style or designs? I know butters have been around long before we graced the earth but correct me if I wrong………and I have been on occasion……but I don’t believe you will find any butterflies made on a regular basis by anyone previous to mine that look like my forearm style that I use. (butters over the points instead of between them) For anyone that has made this style prior to myself, I apologize for claiming it mine and will stand to be corrected. Granted, I do some variations of different designs but I believe my style is pretty distinct. Now, I have seen a few others make copies of my forearm style and my hats off to them as very few people understand how difficult and time consuming they are to produce. I believe we all detest doing copies of other cue designs but intentional or unintentional let’s face it………..it was a part of building cues before our times, during our times, and it’s going to be after our times also. Original, hand crafted, designs in cue building are not that easy to come up with.
Besides, it’s all about the ring work, the butters are just a bi-product!

Hope this clears any misconceptions anyone may have had or may have in the future. And even though we have talked a very limited introduction I still consider you in my “friend zone”, Joe.
I’ll see you all at Valley Forge and I’ll try to remember to leave my camera in the room, but I doubt it, I am getting older.

Sincerely,

Dave

Barenbrugge Cues, Inc.

http://www.barenbrugge-cues.com
http://www.ilovecues.com
 
Dave
I'm glad you spoke up. Unfortunately I think I'm the one that brought your name up on a couple of occasions in a good light and promptly got jumped on about you being a "sellout".

Andy
 
> I have nothing to do with the political stuff you reference,but allow me to speak for all the cue-oriented people that hang here and welcome you to AZB. I can't speak for how many people here really appreciate your work,but I truly do. I've only seen 3 of your cues in person,and none of Paul's,but the ones of yours I saw were impeccable. I haven't even hit a ball with one,but with your attention to detail how bad can they possibly play? Your rings speak for themselves,and even though I'm not a fan of butterfly splices aesthetically,I can only hope to achieve the same level of execution with my own cues someday. As original as you and Paul are with the old-world construction techniques,and masterful attention to overall aesthetics and detail,I'd say both of you have established yourselves as some of the cuemakers who's work will be fought over 20 years from now. Your continued input here particularly in the Ask The Cuemaker sections will be greatly valued and appreciated. Thank you,Tommy D.
 
BarenbruggeCues said:
Copied from a former post off AZ………..

You cannot compare Barrenruge to Fanelli. Fanelli is 3 steps higher than DB. If Fanelli sold out overseas he would get the same money. If you compare the two cues its not close. In fact 2-3 years ago when we had about 6-8 Fanelli butterflies, DB took ALOT of pics. Alot, and then his style shifted a hair. I know because I let him take the pics. Paul is such a nice guy, him, Jack Justis, and Buss are cut from the same cloth.
If Murray would come out of redneck retirement, he would be undervalued LOL. But he is popping out babies, not cues.

Joe
__________________
www.pooltablemagic.com custom cues, cases, and other pool stuff
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Greetings to all………..
After watching my name loosely tossed around like a 2 week old Krispy Kreme for the last couple years I believe it’s time I should remove the fog from a few things. It’s been kind of fun reading all the things that I have supposedly done and practices that I supposedly keep. But there seems to be a slight misconception of both. And heck Joe, I thought we were kind of in the “friend zone”. Guess that’s what I get for thinking!

If anyone has a right to be upset about any of my business practices it should be a one, Mr.Eng. Although he claims I had no remorse about not finishing a cue for him I really did say “I was sorry, but I couldn’t finish it at that time.” There were no deposits lost or money that exchanged hands. I don’t believe in deposits unless I’m building you a 31 inch butt to go with your 29 inch shafts. There were only feelings that were hurt. My experience with Mr. Eng was such that I believe him to be mature enough to let it rest and not waste any more energy on the matter. I also read where I supposedly had a similar transaction with AZ member, “Pooldoque”…..sorry for stepping on you so hard but I have absolutely no idea who you are.

Some may refer to it as “selling out”, I simply refer to it as doing business for what is in my best interest. If I am hungry, need gas to put into my vehicle, or need shelter over my head, I am the one solely responsible for getting this done. One sold cue is not going to get this done for me. I’m not going to go into specifics about my business but plain and simple, my waiting list went from 1 cue to a very long time when I supposedly “sold out”. I believe a gentleman that goes by the AZ forum name “the_truth” said it best in an older post.

copied from a former post
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
In this USA we do not have enough buyers to purchase the amount of wood(cues) being produced by every up and coming cuemaker.. How many cuemakers can our market support??..In turn they are forced to sell their cues to Japan or we know who "Lucky".. He will promote them and buy their cues that noone else will.. What happens is "Lucky" bails them out and we get mad when a cuemaker doesnt want to sell to us.. All of a sudden we want his product because now its only available in Japan.. WEll we didnt want his stuff before Lucky..

Lucky is capitilizing on our talent.. Why.. Japan doesnt have the cuemakers but has the buyers.. Our problem... WE have the cuemakers but not the buyers.. Thats capitalism at its best..
Only one way to alleviate this problem.. More cuemakers should have stayed machinists..
Its happening alot these days..Look at Tim Scruggs.. One of the greatest cuemakers ever.. He had a hard time selling his cues 4 years ago.. Resale market was bad on a scruggs.. AS soon as Lucky started buying his cues what happens.. USA demand goes up.. Prices go up. Wait time goes up and second hand value goes up.. Many cue makers are doing this.

Some call this "selling out" , I call this smart business for the cuemakers.. Why should they worry about the guys over here who never bought their cues before Lucky..
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

I do have a few things to comment on though……..I wasn’t “forced” to sell my cues to an overseas buyer. I chose to do this on my own and don’t regret it for one second. From the time the proposal was presented to me I only took 2 years to make my decision to do this but during those 2 years I don’t recall any other cue dealers offering to spend any money on advertising my product on a monthly or even a bi-monthly basis by either taking out full page color ads in some of the well known billiards magazines in the country or even just printing a full colored flyer and sending it to over 1500 potent ional customers every single month. Shoot, I don’t even recall any cue dealers offering to purchase every or ANY for that matter, cues that I don’t sell myself. What I do recall though is, and I do apologize this is where my memory does get a little clouded, it was either 2 or 3….maybe 4 cue dealers trying to beat me down like a blonde headed rag doll, telling me I was out of my mind and I could never sell my cues at the prices I was asking(in 2001-2004 era) because I was an “unknown”.
Heck, I still hear that on occasion today but it doesn’t bother me like it did back then for some reason! Last but not last…………I don’t even recall any cue dealers offering to spend any of their money advertising my products on the world wide web in 2 different languages. I would even be willing to wager (just a play with words, I don’t gamble, I only take educated chances) that one could call to just about any pool room in Tokyo and not only can they spell my name correctly….they pronounce it correctly also.
Now don’t misunderstand……..My point here is not to tear down US cue dealers….I’m just relaying my past experiences and what helped mold my decisions.

Joe, I believe your correct about one thing……Barenbrugge and Fanelli cues do not compare. I commend your loyalty to Paul, but only 3 steps higher? If I were Paul, I’d be upset. I would guess his work, in the right hands overseas, could command far more than it would in the states. I’ve never met the man but greatly admire his style and execution of wood working techniques. Just to clarify one thing though…..I did do a little research in my files and it was Valley Forge 2003 when we spoke at your booth about taking pictures of Paul’s cues. I’m not sure what you classify as “ALOT” but I took 4 pictures of his cues, 2 of 3 different butt sleeves and 2 of the same 3 forearms for my records, and if I forgot to say “Thank you” consider it belated.

I’m not sure what you are referring to when you say, ”then his style shifted a hair”. But if you believe I am intentionally now trying to copy someone else’s designs, I have to say, I believe you to be mistaken. I have made a few minor changes to my basic design, style over the years (i.e. Shortened my fore piece and lengthened my back ends…shortened butt and joint collars from the gaudy looking long ones. But tell me one cue maker that hasn’t made some minor changes to his or her format from the first cues they have made?

Need I also remind you of the conversation we had at the same time I was taking the pictures about me be asked to do a “copy” of Paul’s work? And my reply was “absolutely not”. I have no reason or intention of it. Why would I want to change my style or designs? I know butters have been around long before we graced the earth but correct me if I wrong………and I have been on occasion……but I don’t believe you will find any butterflies made on a regular basis by anyone previous to mine that look like my forearm style that I use. (butters over the points instead of between them) For anyone that has made this style prior to myself, I apologize for claiming it mine and will stand to be corrected. Granted, I do some variations of different designs but I believe my style is pretty distinct. Now, I have seen a few others make copies of my forearm style and my hats off to them as very few people understand how difficult and time consuming they are to produce. I believe we all detest doing copies of other cue designs but intentional or unintentional let’s face it………..it was a part of building cues before our times, during our times, and it’s going to be after our times also. Original, hand crafted, designs in cue building are not that easy to come up with.
Besides, it’s all about the ring work, the butters are just a bi-product!

Hope this clears any misconceptions anyone may have had or may have in the future. And even though we have talked a very limited introduction I still consider you in my “friend zone”, Joe.
I’ll see you all at Valley Forge and I’ll try to remember to leave my camera in the room, but I doubt it, I am getting older.

Sincerely,

Dave

Barenbrugge Cues, Inc.

http://www.barenbrugge-cues.com
http://www.ilovecues.com

Dave,
If your cue execution is as good as your rational, non-defensive response,
then sign me up for a 12-pointer. Welcome aboard.
 
He doesn't have a reason to stay on this forum. Many pro players and cuebuilders get fed up with defending their actions to total strangers and leave. I think Dave cleared the air and has nothing left to say on the matter.

Andy
 
Dave,

I think I posted one response when the discussion of your cues came up, and that was almost more a year ago. So I'm not sure what you mean by you're hoping that I'm going to let it rest and not going to spend more time and energy on this matter.

Let it rest? Yes, I've already let it rest because when I didn't get a cue from you, I ended up picking up other cues such as Tascarellas and Murrells.

If you meant for me not to answer to this thread, then that's not going to happen and I will have something to say in case people never saw the original posting.

I had considered getting a cue from you for awhile and based on our conversations, we would finalize on the design on price,design, etc. at the 2003 Valley Forge Expo. I think we had about 4-5 phone conversations before meeting up. Anyway, we spoke, you showed some designs of forearms you had on you and everything went well. Ringwork, weight were all discussed and I was going to have my cue by the end of the year. (the Expo was in March) So, make a long story short...I called to check on the status of my cue about 3 months later. That's when I get this e-mail from you saying that you couldn't finish my cue, couldn't talk to me and that all questions, all marketing, and all selling will be done exclusively by Lucky Cues.

I'm a few months away from getting a cue that I'm expecting and now I have to go to a website which is in Japanese? You make it sound like just because there was no deposit or money exchanged, then I shouldn't be upset? That's time and energy wasted for me and expecting a cue to come that never happened.

One analogy I used once with my wife about my about cue is that I couldn't believe it takes longer for a good cue to be made than it is for a baby to be made. So think about how exciting it is to anticipate something when the process takes so long only to find out that we'll I've signed a contract, so no cue for you.

Yes, ultimately it comes down to you needing to do what you need to do to make more money, that's completely fine with me. I just felt your approach on the whole thing was either badly timed or badly handled. Couldn't you at least finish your current orders for that year? Couldn't you at least tell me that you signed up with Lucky. Why did I have to find out only when I inquired about my cue when months have gone by. I'm sure my timing is not that great where the day I e-mail you is the day you can't talk to me anymore? Maybe you could have called everyone down your list and at least let them know.

I've called Fanelli about a cue, he tells me to come down and chat some more at his home/shop.
I've called Jim Buss about cues and we end up talking about space engineering and aliens late at night.
I've spoken to James White at 12 in the morning since he's mostly at the shop late at night.
I've been at Tim Scruggs shop to pick up a cue when I was on my way to Florida and he would bust out all his magic tricks and he wanted to play one pocket, but I said no way, and played 9 ball instead.
Pete Sr. and Pete Jr. Tascarella came down to the pool hall I played at just to drop off their cue for me that I bought!

Dave, I'm not knocking your cues...the designs are nice but a relationship and the way business is practiced is important too, at least to me when it comes down to buying a new custom cue. I wish you good luck with your cues.
 
Last edited:
DawgAndy said:
He doesn't have a reason to stay on this forum. Many pro players and cuebuilders get fed up with defending their actions to total strangers and leave. I think Dave cleared the air and has nothing left to say on the matter.

Andy

Oh well, if he comes back...he'll read it then. If not, at least I got to say what I had to say. Didn't think this was going to resurface after 2-3 years have gone by but I guess other people felt the same way with him and other cuemakers.
 
I went to his website ...

and looked at his cues. I found one I liked (had a So'western look to it which I like), but he was way to proud of it for my pocketbook.
 
i never deal with Mr Barenbrugge before but a word of fairness, his designs are somewhat different in execution from Paul's work, and hence any hint of plaigarism isnt fair.

Also a man's gotta put bread on the table so the "selling out" part i think from a neutrals point of view isnt really fair.

All in all, i would have loved to own a cue from butterflies from Barenbrugge or Fanelli if i could have afforded it :) ....

Bgrds
Raist
 
Copied from an earlier post…………………
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Dave,

I think I posted one response when the discussion of your cues came up, and that was almost more a year ago. So I'm not sure what you mean by you're hoping that I'm going to let it rest and not going to spend more time and energy on this matter.

Let it rest? Yes, I've already let it rest because when I didn't get a cue from you, I ended up picking up other cues such as Tascarellas and Murrells.

If you meant for me not to answer to this thread, then that's not going to happen and I will have something to say in case people never saw the original posting.

I had considered getting a cue from you for awhile and based on our conversations, we would finalize on the design on price,design, etc. at the 2003 Valley Forge Expo. I think we had about 4-5 phone conversations before meeting up. Anyway, we spoke, you showed some designs of forearms you had on you and everything went well. Ringwork, weight were all discussed and I was going to have my cue by the end of the year. (the Expo was in March) So, make a long story short...I called to check on the status of my cue about 3 months later. That's when I get this e-mail from you saying that you couldn't finish my cue, couldn't talk to me and that all questions, all marketing, and all selling will be done exclusively by Lucky Cues.

I'm a few months away from getting a cue that I'm expecting and now I have to go to a website which is in Japanese? You make it sound like just because there was no deposit or money exchanged, then I shouldn't be upset? That's time and energy wasted for me and expecting a cue to come that never happened.

One analogy I used once with my wife about my about cue is that I couldn't believe it takes longer for a good cue to be made than it is for a baby to be made. So think about how exciting it is to anticipate something when the process takes so long only to find out that we'll I've signed a contract, so no cue for you.

Yes, ultimately it comes down to you needing to do what you need to do to make more money, that's completely fine with me. I just felt your approach on the whole thing was either badly timed or badly handled. Couldn't you at least finish your current orders for that year? Couldn't you at least tell me that you signed up with Lucky. Why did I have to find out only when I inquired about my cue when months have gone by. I'm sure my timing is not that great where the day I e-mail you is the day you can't talk to me anymore? Maybe you could have called everyone down your list and at least let them know.

I've called Fanelli about a cue, he tells me to come down and chat some more at his home/shop.
I've called Jim Buss about cues and we end up talking about space engineering and aliens late at night.
I've spoken to James White at 12 in the morning since he's mostly at the shop late at night.
I've been at Tim Scruggs shop to pick up a cue when I was on my way to Florida and he would bust out all his magic tricks and he wanted to play one pocket, but I said no way, and played 9 ball instead.
Pete Sr. and Pete Jr. Tascarella came down to the pool hall I played at just to drop off their cue for me that I bought!

Dave, I'm not knocking your cues...the designs are nice but a relationship and the way business is practiced is important too, at least to me when it comes down to buying a new custom cue. I wish you good luck with your cues.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

cue makers AZ log, day 2…………………….

Greetings to all……..
It’s been close to 80* and sunny for the last week so I thought I’d do something outside for the week end and take a break from cues and computers.
I am a little disappointed in the low volume of response received on my very first post here but I’ll accept it as all the rookies do. The thread post wasn’t really all that exciting and I was really just trying to air and clean out some cob webs.
Thanks to all who did reply and I expected nothing less from you Edward.
First let me start by saying I sincerely and humbly feel your pain and appreciate your passion for collecting cues. Without enthusiasts like you the world would be a much duller place for us in the arts. “Bad timing?? Badly handled??” …….I believe it was both. There is no good time to let someone know that they won’t be receiving something they may have been expecting. I have apologized for mishandling our transaction. I believe everyone that has had an interest in the politics between us has seen and read all the posts.
If not ………they have now! Edward, I just didn’t want to get into a “he said and he did” type of thing between us but again I am now forced to do something that I really did not want to do. For the whole world to read here is a copy of what I believe was my last email sent to you about the “cue”.
Please keep in mind I am not trying to disrespect you in what I feel may have some privacy issues. But as with my original post with another issue, I only feel I am being forced to let out my side of our private business.

----- Original Message -----
From: Dave Barenbrugge
To: Eng, Edward E
Sent: Tuesday, April 20, 2004 10:58 PM
Subject: Hi Edward.......

Hi Edward.......
I too, have say it was good to talk to you at Valley Forge. I appreciate your interest in my work.
I have some not so good news though........
After taking an extended period of time to think on it I have made a purely business decision on the direction I want to take Barenbrugge Cues. I have reached an agreement with my main distributor, Lucky of I Love Cues, and I have relinquished all marketing, sales and distribution over to him for a minimum of the next 24 months. As of my part of the agreement I will not be able to deliver any cues myself for this period of time. I know this is not going to be good news for you but I hope you can understand my position on this matter.
I really am sorry........but my hands are tied on this for now. It will allow me to solely concentrate on construction with new designs and not have to be involved with any marketing or sales which is a very taxing part of building cues.
Many cuemakers only dream of having such an opportunity like this for their business. The marketing and sales are basically a full time job in itself and not having to deal with any of it comes as a very big relief from a business stand point.
Again, I hope you are understanding that it is something I weighed on in my mind for over two years before coming to this decision and felt it was a opportunity that I could not pass on.
Sincerely,
Dave

Barenbrugge Cues, Inc.
----- Original Message -----
From: Eng, Edward E
To: Dave Barenbrugge
Sent: Friday, April 16, 2004 12:42 PM
Subject: RE: Cue for you............

Hi Dave,

Just wanted to say hi and to let you know that I was good at the Expo and didn't buy anything.
So I'm good to go with the cue, please move me back up on the line for the cues to be worked on, thanks!!!
Besides, I don't think I can wait till the end of the year after sending how beautiful the forearm looks.

Thanks,

- Edward
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Please take note of the dates and what was actually corresponded between us and what you feel may have happened.
It was Valley Forge 2004.......
It was not 3 months later.......it was less than a month after VF
I never once said I couldn't talk to you anymore.....................
I never said you shouldn't be upset........in my original post I said " if anyone has the right to be upset it were you".................
As far as calling everyone on my list, at that time, as I said in my original post, you were IT........................
If you read the email that I recieved from you on April 16th 2004......you were basically telling me at that time to go ahead and put your cue back in line!! If you remember..........there was some hesitation and doubts on your part from the start of ALL of our conversations...........
Like I said in my original post........"one cue is not going to get it done"
Basically meaning .......putting food on my plate and a roof over my head............
Edward, this is what happens when time has passed and our memories get clouded to as what actually has happened.....the stories just keep getting deeper and deeper................................Once again........."I" apologize for any wrong doing.........but the facts are the facts!

Also, all I said in my original post was after meeting you personally I just felt we were mature enough to not get into some type of pissing match that would do neither of us any good. Life is too short to be constantly spreading negative energy……at least for myself.
I don’t know about you, but things have a way working themselves out for me.
As cue makers, artists, and even just people we all have issues with admitting defeat. I am probably one of the worst in doing so, but Edward if it is any consolation at all to you, believe me when I tell you that you are a much happier man without that cue. It is a DNF still in my shop sentenced to the “left behind” series. It’s chances of making it to the real world are slim to none.

Edward, I don’t know any card or magic tricks and generally prefer to be in my shop by myself. Not much of a rocket scientist or star gazer either. I don’t even go out to play pool any more, that all gets done right here at home. But I do know how to build cues and occasionally get some done right. So with all that said, I think maybe what has happened is some type of lesson for me to grow on…….I can only hope to be better person from it.
I appreciate your well wishes with my cues and would like to extend the same feelings toward you and your family.

To the rest who read, posted and had comments……..my sincere apologies for any bantering or moaning and groaning I may have carried on about as some may view it.
Also a “Thank you” for the positive things said and yes, I am very proud of my work. It is an honor to be involved in a profession that has such a limited ring of full time applicants world wide.
Did I mention that it has been sunny and close to 80 for the week?.......
Cheers………….

Sincerely,

Dave
Barenbrugge Cues, Inc.
http://www.barenbrugge-cues.com
http://www.ilovecues.com
 
Charlie Edwards said:
Mr. Barenbrugge,
There are some very long posts here, and I may have missed some things. From what I got from them, IMO, you were flat wrong for not finishing the cue/cues you had EXCEPTED orders on. With that being said, are you now going to start taking orders again? If so, what accurances does anyone have that the same thing won't happen again?

Everyone has their own take on the SELL-OUT part of dealing with only one dealer. Being in business for over 30 years, I don't really know what I would have done, if I were in your shoes. But one thing is for sure, I would have finished that cue that was on order. The fact that you are getting some bad press right now proves my point.

The cue business has changed a lot in the last two years. Now, more than ever, buyers have such a great choice in cuemakers. And players/collectors have come to understand they may not be able to get a certain cue. They have also learned to just move on to something else. IMHO, when cuemakers make deals to sell abroad completely, they should also consider the fact that nothing is forever. And if/when they start selling cues again in the U.S., they MAY be welcomed home again. But, I wouldn't bet on it. Best regards.


Charlie, thanks.
 
Charlie Edwards said:
Mr. Barenbrugge,
There are some very long posts here, and I may have missed some things. From what I got from them, IMO, you were flat wrong for not finishing the cue/cues you had EXCEPTED orders on. With that being said, are you now going to start taking orders again? If so, what accurances does anyone have that the same thing won't happen again?

I will not offer up my opinion on the matter as to whose cues play better and whose designs are more imaginative and attractive. Paul is a good man who has done right by me many times before. I consider him a friend and I wouldn't be able to offer an honest opinion on this without a bias clouding the issue.

I will say this: It does appear that Mr. Barenbrugge is a class act as well. He does seem to take responsibility for his actions here, admitting that he is responsible for letting someone down. Did he sell out? That's a matter of opinion that will differ from one party to the next and, ultimately, is not the point here. The point is, did he do wrong by someone else and I think even he recognizes that he did and thus, he has apologized.

Still, someone did get the short-end of the stick here and perhaps it was avoidable. Despite the fact that no money had exchanged hands, an agreement was made between Edward and Dave and, if Dave had subsequently decided to shift his enterprising agenda by working for Lucky, he should have made it clear that he had at least one last obligation to fill that could just as easily have been done while working for Lucky. For all I know, Dave said this to Lucky and Lucky nixed the idea. If that was the case, then this would have been a clear-cut sign to me that I was about to enter a binding two year business agreement with the wrong man. If Dave said nothing of the sort to Lucky then he is clearly in the wrong and Edward reserves every right to hold a negative opinion of a man based not on his cues but his business practices.

Just my take.
 
I have known Dave for many years. As far as accusing him of copying anyone is out of line. He came in my booth at a BCA show many years ago (way before I had even heard of Paul) and showed me some point blanks that he was making to sell to other cuemakers. They had v-points and butterflies. He had figured out how to do them on a table saw. Very innovative. He also came up with a special way of making shafts that no one else was doing. Not sure if he is pursuing that now or not, so I won't reveal any secrets he shared. I knew Danny Tibbitts when he was lucky to get $400 for a four point cue. Shortly after John Wright became pretty much his only dealer and not long after the same cue was bringing a couple or thousand. It was John who sold Danny as the best cuemaker in the world to the public and especially to Japan. He did that at his own expense. If Lucky is doing that for Dave then I can't say anything is wrong with that. To be honest with you. As long as I was setting up at the BCA shows 75% of my $2000 and up cues went to Japan. They appreciated the work enough to pay the price and many americans did not. Since I quit the BCA most higher end cues have stayed in the states, but I don't sell quite as many.
I do not blame Danny or Dave for giving exclusives that make them a lot more money. I might would do the same.
Chris
www.hightowercues.com
www.internationalcuemakers.com
 
cueman said:
I have known Dave for many years. As far as accusing him of copying anyone is out of line. He came in my booth at a BCA show many years ago (way before I had even heard of Paul)...

...Chris
www.hightowercues.com
www.internationalcuemakers.com

Hey Chris-
For starters, if the implication is that Dave is superior to Paul Fanelli, then the implication is flat out wrong. Paul is at the very front of the field in terms of his butterfly work. He makes truly unique and beautiful cues that only further the argument that cues are a form of art. As well, his points are also excellently crafted with beautiful, thin veneers that are razor sharp and one hundred percent even. Paul is truly one of the most undervalued cuemakers out there today and thus making him more than worthy of the 3 or 4 page article written about him in Inside Pool magazine last year.

Now, as I said earlier, I'm not taking anything away from Dave in terms of his craftsmanship. But I will say this. By not honoring his commitment to make the cue for Eddie, he is nothing more than a businessman who did not live up to his end of the deal. Thus, his business practices and ethics have to be called into question. If he asked Lucky for permission to finish the cue and Luck said 'No' then, I question why he would enter into an agreement with someone like that to begin with. If he strung Lucky along for 2 years, why not do it for three more months while he honored his commitment to a customer here in the US where he's working? And if he simply decided to not fulfill the order for the sake of starting work for Lucky ASAP, then that was a huge mistake as it will only force others to look at an action like this and question his ability to honor any commitment made in the future. No matter which option it was, it means that Dave made a poor choice in dealing with a customer.

I have to say though, hats off to Dave. He has at least acknowledged the wrongdoing which is more than most would. But, its a question of where the fault lies. If no attempt was made to persuade Lucky to let him finish the cue, then Dave is at fault and, if his business suffers here in the US, he'll have no one to blame but himself. If it was Lucky who said no, Dave should make that known.
 
I don't see what good assigning fault/blame will do. Dave has apologized for the way things turned out. Edward has stated his opinion very clearly. You have stated that you think Paul's work is better. I think everyone is clear on everyone's position.
 
ScottR said:
I don't see what good assigning fault/blame will do. Dave has apologized for the way things turned out. Edward has stated his opinion very clearly. You have stated that you think Paul's work is better. I think everyone is clear on everyone's position.

Dave stated his position. True.
Edward stated his. True.

There was a disconnect between the two which I thought I might be able to clarify in my first post.

Then Chris offered up his take on the situation which was somewhat biased based on his relationship with Dave so, I merely offered my opinion on the situation based on my personal feelings regarding Paul and his work. That's all. Nothing against Chris. Just sharing my take just as he shared his. You are right in that Dave did admit a degree of wrongdoing but he also followed it up with justification for his actions. I am merely stating that in the eyes of many consumers whose business he may be seeking in the future, his business practices could be looked at as questionable unless some of the facts are cleared up.

Now, on a separate note Scott, check your PMs regarding the Capone I had interest in.
 
The Facts…….nothing but the facts…….

The Facts…….nothing but the facts…….

Greetings to all…………..
Please pay attention……….although some good points were made and taken to attention we are heading in the wrong direction with this discussion.
FYI…….the heading “compare Barenbrugge to Fanelli “ was just the attention getter. Paul is better than Dave…….Dave is better than Paul…… …..lets start a discussion about “cue hit and/or feel”… your going to end up with all of the same type of subjective answers.
The real question here is who is getting screwed, and who is doing the screwing for lack of better terminology.
I really have tried to lay this thing to rest in a most amicable manner, I believe.
I’ve shouldered the “blame”…..I’ve made apologies till I’m blue in the face.
But I’m sure all would agree that “Cold hard Facts” are the best way to settle this spat.
Let’s review from the evidence room…………..
Not one person read and had a question about this email sent to me that was in post # 10.
Again…….let’s review the time and date stamped email…..
----- Original Message -----
From: Eng, Edward E
To: Dave Barenbrugge
Sent: Friday, April 16, 2004 12:42 PM
Subject: RE: Cue for you............

Hi Dave,

Just wanted to say hi and to let you know that I was good at the Expo and didn't buy anything.
So I'm good to go with the cue, please move me back up on the line for the cues to be worked on, thanks!!!
Besides, I don't think I can wait till the end of the year after sending how beautiful the forearm looks.

Thanks,

- Edward
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Now keep in mind this email was sent to me approx. one month after we had been together at Valley Forge………and approx. one week after VF I decided to do things differently.
For the sake of all who may have missed any of the bantering going on over the “cue”…….not cues…. as stated in the email. Let us decipher what is really being said here.
“just wanted to say Hi”……..Now That’s pretty self explanatory…..
“I was good at the expo and didn’t buy anything”……….does this mean if he had bought something……… it would have been “bad”??????.......for whom???
Now here’s where we need to pay close attention……………..
“So I’m good to go with the cue, please move me back on the line for the cues to be worked on.”…………..Why would he say this in an email approx. one month after we had just been together at Valley Forge????????
Here is the reason……….and the ONLY reason…”FACT”….BECAUSE HE WASN’T 100% SURE UNTIL THEN THAT HE WANTED A CUE FROM ME.
His problem is at this point is he has dicked around too long and didn’t pull the trigger until after I had decided to take my company in a different direction.

So my question to you is …..Can someone explain the rational that I have an obligation to build someone a cue that is not 100% sure they want one??????
What if he wanted to STILL wait until the END OF THE YEAR????????
What is my obligation then???????
I don’t think business ethics require me to notify all the “interested
maybe” cue buyers before I make a business decision with my dba. If that were the case then I owe a lot of people a lot of cues!
I want the cue…….I don’t want the cue…….I want the cue…….I don’t want the cue……….
What the hell do you want? If you don’t know……….. how am I to know?

The last line of the email solidifies this………………….
“because I don’t think I can wait till the end of the year after sending( I presume he meant seeing) how beautiful the forearm looks”.

Are we starting to get the REAL picture here now????????
You say I have an obligation to fill my orders???????? Let’s put the shoe on the other foot for just a second……….What if he decides all of a sudden he doesn’t want the cue. What is his obligation to me???

Plain and simple…….FACT
He couldn’t pull the trigger and when he did it was too late.
I did not have an obligation to build a cue for someone who could not make up they’re mind. FACT……..

I present hard facts………..go back and read ALL the posts……..

Edward presents misquoted dates, times, things that were supposedly said that he had no hard copies for.
He even has a few of his buddies convinced he is getting screwed so that makes it easier for him to convince himself.
If you want to piss in someone’s beer make sure you have your facts straight!
I’m sure now ……Lines are drawn in the sand and sides are being picked.
Just present the FACTS on the matter……UNDERSTAND the facts on the matter!
81* and sunny all day…..no rain or precip for 132 days………..
I can hardly stand it.
Cheers……..

Sincerely,

Dave
Barenbrugge Cues, Inc.

http://www.barenbrugge-cues.com
http://www.ilovecues.com
 
Mr. Barenbrugge doesnt remember my cue order so i geuss he didnt need to sell me a cue in the interim of his dealings with Lucky...................... I dont think youre "stepping on me " though, just dont have a good memory....( it was a few years ago) The only thing i was feeling is the same that has already been mentioned, he should have been able to fill his existing customer orders prior to being solely sold to Lucky............ As for now judging from his website pricing i am the one that has to be able to put food on the table and couldnt (unless hitting the lottery) in any way, shape or form afford one of his fine billiard intruments, one of the reasons i wanted to get one back in the early days........ John
 
John.........
Let's not get wanting to order a cue confused with an actual cue order.
Mr. Eng on the other hand did actually have a cue on order at one time.
He just couldn't make my mind with what he wanted to do and when he did it was too late.
Thanks
Dave
 
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