cuemakers or not

blud

AzB Silver Member
Silver Member
OK, I just got a priviate e-mail asking who is who in cuemaking. I'll decline on this one also. [ I do know of quality production and truly custom cuemakers].

If you follow these instructions, you may not go wrong choosing a cuemaker.

1. How long has he been making cues?
2. What pro has endorsed him?
3. Did he pay the "pro" for the endorsment?[ is the pro really a PRO]?
4. Can he the "cuemaker" play?
5. Have you seen his products?
6. Find out if his customers are happy with there cues?[ consider who your talking to, some folks will steer you to a cuemaker who will pay them a commision].
7. Who taught him how to build cues?
8. How many people work for him in his cue shop?
9. How many cue does he build in a year?

Ask all the questions you can think of. Fire at him as fast as you can. If he stumbles, look some other place.

I personally know of several cuemakers, [or wanta be's] who can not make 2 balls in a row, much less make a bridge. They sell high end cues, because they are pretty.

I was visiting with a friend a few years ago, and a so called "cuemaker" was ask, if he could throw a ball. His reply was sure, if you open the door. True story. One other time, I was privey to a conversation, and another so called "cuemaker" was ask how do you make a cue play not so hard, the Lady wanted a soft hitting cue. His reply, was, I would change tip and put a soft one on it for you. Please, cuemakers my butt.

There are a lot of so called cuemakers in it for the money only. They are clueless on "how to" build cues.

HINTS,

You do need to have respect for his ability to build you a quality product that plays well.. His reputation in cuemaking needs to be "up there"....He needs to know what he's talking about.

There are many names out there, some can and some can not build what you need. Again, it's your cash. Better to be safe than sorry. Watch out for those bargin basement priced cues. Try buying American and support our country. It cost just a little more to go "FIRST CLASS".

see ya
Blud
 
Lets look over some of these rules....

1. How long has he been making cues ? ... I say how long has he been making QUALITY cues.

2 and 3. What pro endorse's him ? Did he pay the pro ? Is the PRO really a pro ? .... or does the cuemaker *cough* nag the pros to play with his cues when he gives them to the pro for free ?

4. Can he the cuemaker play ? ... I almost agree there, but it does however have nothing to do with the cuemakers workmanship. And most cuemakers "lose" their game because they are too busy making QAULITY cues.

5. Have you seen his products ? ... Remember to check out cues that are used for a month, not just the ones in his shop that havent seen some wear and tear.

6. Find out if his customers are happy with there cues ? (consider who your talking to, some folks will steer you to a cuemaker who will pay them a commision) .... Also consider some cue makers are total BS'rs and love to toot their own horn.

7. Who taught him how to build cues ? ... NOW that is a true statement.

8. How many people work for him in his cue shop ? ... Cant disagree on that one either. The best shops are "Usually" one or two man at the most.

9. How many cue does he build in a year ? .... and how many does he REALLY build ? A lot of cue makers, no names mentioned *cough*, will kinda not mention they are building twice the number they tell people.

I have to agree. reputation is everything, including the bad ones.
 
I take exception to this rule.
7. Who taught him how to build cues ? ... NOW that is a true statement.

This may be a good generalized rule but doesn't really apply to all.
As in my case, I started operating wood and metal working machines since I was 12 years old as Workshop is a prerequisite subject in my high school, Don Bosco Technical Institute, which is a leading Engineering Learning Institute here in the Philippines. This is of course followed by studies in Fine Arts (major in Advertising/Visual Presentation) and also a degree in Engineering Technology from De La Salle University.

Having such a background plus my being an avid participant of the sport since I was 7 made it easier for me to understand the structure and reasoning for it when I saw a cue manufacturer's poster in the late '80s. This poster..."Cue Components" by McDermott, remember this? How about listening and talking to cuemakers in trade shows? So, would these be categorized as "being taught by a cuemaker"?

I started at about the same time that Ned Morris of Desert Hot Springs, CA started, remember him? He is an award winner at the Los Angeles Cue Show and my friendly competitor when I use to live in the High Deserts of California (Yucca Valley and 29 Palms), I don't think that he was ever under a cuemaker's watchful eye and like myself had to go through a lot of frustration and ruined materials expense until we got to where we are.
 
Sorry sir, if I mis-lead any of you folks. Those are not rules. Just things I would ask if I were purchasing a cue. This information was meant to help the cue buyer, and the cuemakers, and not turn the buyers off.

I do my best to be informative. I am just trying to help all cuemakers and there customers. I see nothing wrong with that?

Being a good craftsman is not all that comes to light here. Good craftsmanship is important, however if it ain't got no heart, the craftsmanship and or looks don't mean a thing.

All the cuemakers I know of that were players, did loose there playing ability for the most part, because of cuemaking.
Not a sin.

Thanks to all of them for putting out quality goods for those who want quality products. There are as I said before, a lot of good quality cuemakers out there. Please do not ask me to name them. It wouldn't be fair.

thanks to one and all.
blud
 
bandido said:
I take exception to this rule.
7. Who taught him how to build cues ? ... NOW that is a true statement.

This may be a good generalized rule but doesn't really apply to all.
As in my case, I started operating wood and metal working machines since I was 12 years old as Workshop is a prerequisite subject in my high school, Don Bosco Technical Institute, which is a leading Engineering Learning Institute here in the Philippines. This is of course followed by studies in Fine Arts (major in Advertising/Visual Presentation) and also a degree in Engineering Technology from De La Salle University.

Having such a background plus my being an avid participant of the sport since I was 7 made it easier for me to understand the structure and reasoning for it when I saw a cue manufacturer's poster in the late '80s. This poster..."Cue Components" by McDermott, remember this? How about listening and talking to cuemakers in trade shows? So, would these be categorized as "being taught by a cuemaker"?

I started at about the same time that Ned Morris of Desert Hot Springs, CA started, remember him? He is an award winner at the Los Angeles Cue Show and my friendly competitor when I use to live in the High Deserts of California (Yucca Valley and 29 Palms), I don't think that he was ever under a cuemaker's watchful eye and like myself had to go through a lot of frustration and ruined materials expense until we got to where we are.

Your are correct. There is always that exception for those people who can just pick something up on their own. And there is always those people who can learn from the best, and still not build something worth selling.
 
No apologies necessary as mine was just a clarification. I admire you not for just being a cuemaker with a heart but more for being the person that you are. I have admired you for your outstanding voluntary service to the sport. I do notice what you do whenever I see you, specially in tournaments where you help in every way you can all the way to fixing the banners around the tournament arena. We have met a few times and the last time was at Shinagawa, Japan during the Tokyo 9-Ball while I was with Charles Takahashi and Rubilen Amit (the first lady to qualify to the Tokyo 9-Ball). Maybe with these info you'd somewhat remember me.. More power to you Len and keep up the good work.
Edwin Reyes

blud said:
Sorry sir, if I mis-lead any of you folks. Those are not rules. Just things I would ask if I were purchasing a cue. This information was meant to help the cue buyer, and the cuemakers, and not turn the buyers off.

I do my best to be informative. I am just trying to help all cuemakers and there customers. I see nothing wrong with that?

Being a good craftsman is not all that comes to light here. Good craftsmanship is important, however if it ain't got no heart, the craftsmanship and or looks don't mean a thing.

All the cuemakers I know of that were players, did loose there playing ability for the most part, because of cuemaking.
Not a sin.

Thanks to all of them for putting out quality goods for those who want quality products. There are as I said before, a lot of good quality cuemakers out there. Please do not ask me to name them. It wouldn't be fair.

thanks to one and all.
blud
 
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Within this thread, I have noticed that not a single person picked up on and made no comments about, "BUY AMERICAN", GO FIST CLASS, for a little more. I SINCERLY HOPE I DIDN'T OFFEND ANY AMERICAN'S WITH THAT STATEMENT?

blud
 
First, I want to know who makes most of the cues the cuemaker puts his name on.
Second, I want to check the cuemakers credit. If he has been screwing other people, he will screw you too.
Third, ask the folks here on AZ what they think about the man and his cues.
And last but not least, if he tells you he wrote a bad check to buy an elephant tusk, stay the hell away from him.
Also, if he fronts you his cues and then trys to overcharge you for them and wants all his money right away cuz he gets a case of the ass, stay away from him.
There are many good cuemakers out there. You do have a choice. Find a cuemaker who is honest and hardworking. Support him and his work. This is all I have to say. Please, no filthy, nasty, vulgar e-mail.
Thanks, Don
 
now don't be hatin cause i'm staing my opinion......i still agree with a cuemaker who knows how to play the game....don't matter if you know how to play the game it's hpow dedicated you are with the cuemaking...... brb
 
Does he have to play real good? I think you have to be a player to some extent, but the main thing is to have the knowledge of the machinery and wood too. I think that is more important. And interest in the workmanship and quality of your finished product, not for the cash.
 
pooltablemech said:
Does he have to play real good? I think you have to be a player to some extent, but the main thing is to have the knowledge of the machinery and wood too. I think that is more important. And interest in the workmanship and quality of your finished product, not for the cash.

Said Perfectly !
 
pooltablemech said:
Does he have to play real good? I think you have to be a player to some extent, but the main thing is to have the knowledge of the machinery and wood too. I think that is more important. And interest in the workmanship and quality of your finished product, not for the cash.

But wouldn't it be great to have a cuemaker who has all the qualities that you mentioned and also have at least an APA level 7 playing ability?

Here's a little analogy based on my experience. My main source of income back when I lived in the High Deserts of California was derived from working as an X-ray Technologist. Anyway, the hospital that I worked in underwent major structural upgrade and of course the layout of our department was designed by an Architect. Once completed, all the technologists complained because of the inefficient layout of the department. Everything would have been fine, even with some compromise, had they asked the opinion of the technologist.

Now, can you imagine the quality of a cue coming from a cuemaker with the technical know-how and being an above average player himself. Wouldn't he being an above average player/user of his cue demand from himself to push the envelope in the never-ending development of the cue's playability?

Now couple playability, outstanding design and its execution and great after sales support. What you just found, my friend, is a great cuemaker.
 
pooltablemech said:
Does he have to play real good? I think you have to be a player to some extent, but ......

i've heard, and i'd say it's a damned good source, that tim scruggs, a great cuemaker by any definition who creates universally admired cues, was a C player.
 
I wouldn't say the cue make had to be a top player, but have an understanding of proper english, follow, draw, right/left, the throw effect, what difference a hard hit and medium hit makes when making contact with the CB, why it's important to have a well balanced cue, how long or well with the wood, inlays and points hold up or withstand years of play. He should be a player at this level atleast! He needs to be open to new ideas, not necessarily utilize them, but be aware of the current technology. Yes, Tim Scruggs makes a fine cue, so do many other makers, but will they hold up in the long run? Some do, some don't!

...Zim
 
Zims Rack said:
I wouldn't say the cue make had to be a top player, but have an understanding of proper english, follow, draw, right/left, the throw effect, what difference a hard hit and medium hit makes when making contact with the CB, why it's important to have a well balanced cue, how long or well with the wood, inlays and points hold up or withstand years of play. He should be a player at this level atleast! He needs to be open to new ideas, not necessarily utilize them, but be aware of the current technology. Yes, Tim Scruggs makes a fine cue, so do many other makers, but will they hold up in the long run? Some do, some don't!

...Zim
well said...just wut i was thinking only the words wouldn't come out of my mouth.....

Just curious, does Siegel make his own cues?...All I know is that he sell em but i don't know if he actually makes em....
 
Don't quote me, but I think Siegel does not make his own cues. I think they are mass produced overseas. Same thing with Nick Varner cues! If I'm way off on this, I apologize sincerely!

...Zim
 
Possibly so, but Siegel and Nick Varner both have cues on the market currently. I highly doubt that either one of them are making the cues themselves, but more like just putting their name/logo on them.

...Zim
 
Are you referring to Kersenbach? His cues are great! I don't own one, but have shot with one before...EXCELLENT! They can be a little pricey though!

...Zim
 
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