Certain makers' cues are going to continue to command a higher price than some others cues...it has to do with supply and demand, and for those with the available disposable cash, there will always be a sale. The fact is that there are some makers' cues that are simply going to be out of the reach of the general masses...it is what it is. To put too much thought into it, or to get upset about it, is simply wasted energy and isn't going to change a thing. Not much different than being able to afford a high-end car.
Pool players aren't the only ones whom the economy has hit hard. Makers aren't any less immune to the effects. The cost of their materials, supplies, and maintaining their equipment hasn't fallen...in fact, in many cases, they have risen. It simply costs more to make the same cue today than it did yesterday. Makers can only afford to absorb but so much, and do need to get paid for their time and talent.
I do believe that this economy will begin to 'thin' the glut of makers currently making cues. Those with less of a following...or talent...will not be able to afford to continue. I already am seeing equipment sale ads on the increase...and let's face it, there are only but so many pool players with the commitment to the game, looking to buy a custom made cue.
That is why I have done my research, in the past, when looking to acquire another custom cue. I cannot afford a Searing, BB, Showman, etc...either. That doesn't mean that there still are not some perfectly outstanding makers whose cues are priced a little more in range of the standard pool player....and that will hold their relative value well...who will stand behind their product 100%.
I would rather focus my attention on those makers whose cues I could afford, as opposed to those whose cues I cannot. Pretty simple, really.
Lisa
