Id like to clarify, for the record, MY position and beliefs as it pertains to "copying" cues since some members here on this forum have recently questioned them.
First let me preface by saying my beliefs on this subject have not changed since I've entered the cue manufacturing field over 25 years ago and any post(s) I may have made prior, if seemingly not reflective of this clarification (which I believe are none), are being taken out of context.
That said, I believe that cue makers AND those looking for a maker to build a cue, should ALWAYS refrain from directly copying another CURRENT cue makers work PERIOD. That includes not copying those makers who have purchased a prior business to eclusivley produce cues exactly as original like in the case of Schon OR those that are carying on the family business which has been passed down like in the case of Szamboti. Barry and his fathers work should be off limits unless Barry alows it.
This takes us to deceased makers such as George Balabushka. I have NO problem with those who want to produce or have other makers reproduce or copy his work since George is no longer with us and his cues are not being made anymore. Someone questioned this by saying that since "Balabushka" was sold to an Asian company they are the only ones who have the right to produce cues that look like Georges cues...WRONG IMO. They purchased the NAME only to have the sole right to put the NAME "Balabushka" on their cues and "call" their cues Balabushka's and thats it. They didn't purchase the business. For those who have had one in your hands, though not a horrible production cue, there is no comparison to the original.
Just as for George, the same goes for ALL other deceased makers whos legacy and design have not been "past along".. Those would include a maker such as Scruggs who among others left us too soon. YAY BAVA!
If you MUST have a specific cue "look" from a current maker and can't get them to make the cue, can't afford, or you just don't want to wait, at the least put enough "spin" on the design that takes the cue away from the original makers design. This goes to the makers taking the order for the cue as well.
I hope this puts a little clarity to what some may have otherwise thought.
"And that's all I have to say about that" (Forrest Gump)
First let me preface by saying my beliefs on this subject have not changed since I've entered the cue manufacturing field over 25 years ago and any post(s) I may have made prior, if seemingly not reflective of this clarification (which I believe are none), are being taken out of context.
That said, I believe that cue makers AND those looking for a maker to build a cue, should ALWAYS refrain from directly copying another CURRENT cue makers work PERIOD. That includes not copying those makers who have purchased a prior business to eclusivley produce cues exactly as original like in the case of Schon OR those that are carying on the family business which has been passed down like in the case of Szamboti. Barry and his fathers work should be off limits unless Barry alows it.
This takes us to deceased makers such as George Balabushka. I have NO problem with those who want to produce or have other makers reproduce or copy his work since George is no longer with us and his cues are not being made anymore. Someone questioned this by saying that since "Balabushka" was sold to an Asian company they are the only ones who have the right to produce cues that look like Georges cues...WRONG IMO. They purchased the NAME only to have the sole right to put the NAME "Balabushka" on their cues and "call" their cues Balabushka's and thats it. They didn't purchase the business. For those who have had one in your hands, though not a horrible production cue, there is no comparison to the original.
Just as for George, the same goes for ALL other deceased makers whos legacy and design have not been "past along".. Those would include a maker such as Scruggs who among others left us too soon. YAY BAVA!
If you MUST have a specific cue "look" from a current maker and can't get them to make the cue, can't afford, or you just don't want to wait, at the least put enough "spin" on the design that takes the cue away from the original makers design. This goes to the makers taking the order for the cue as well.
I hope this puts a little clarity to what some may have otherwise thought.
"And that's all I have to say about that" (Forrest Gump)
