Custom cue maker suggestions to replicate a balabushka GB23

Nyquil

Nyquil

Well-known member
I really like the timeless look of this cue but from my understanding this is made in China which is a no go for me. Any suggestions on a cue maker I could reach out to have one built that resembles this? The joss one just doesn't look as good IMO. No hate on Joss just prefer the look of this.
gb23-a.jpg
 
Nyquil said:
I really like the timeless look of this cue but from my understanding this is made in China which is a no go for me. Any suggestions on a cue maker I could reach out to have one built that resembles this? The joss one just doesn't look as good IMO. No hate on Joss just prefer the look of this.
Click to expand...
In my opinion if that's the style you're looking for Tascarella or Searing would be my first choice. Another great option would be to get a Verl Horn on the secondary market. Tasc. and Searing will be quite a long wait ordered new as they are highly in demand, if they are even taking orders.
 
Last edited:
I love my Lambros and his ultimate joint. that is the key factor for me with my lambros. if you are looking for that specific style and joint i am sure Mike can do that. but think you would be losing out on his ultimate joint.

i would second a Lambros or Gilbert. I would probably lean towards the Gilbert if you wanted to keep that joint. if you were open to using Lambro ultimate joint, then definitely go lambros.

if you have the money to spend, do yourself a favor and get the Tascarella build. that would be be more costly though. Tascarella also has a very reasonable turnaround time.

Gilbert is probably your most cost effective in my experience, but dont let that fool you, he is also one of my favorite hititing cues makers.
 
Nyquil said:
I really like the timeless look of this cue but from my understanding this is made in China which is a no go for me. Any suggestions on a cue maker I could reach out to have one built that resembles this? The joss one just doesn't look as good IMO. No hate on Joss just prefer the look of this.View attachment 588795
Click to expand...

I am going to guess that the device you posted this from was made in China. As are half the components in your car.
 
James White (JMW) has made some fantastic Bushka and Palmer-style cues using acrylic.
 
hang-the-9 said:
I am going to guess that the device you posted this from was made in China. As are half the components in your car.
Click to expand...
Very true but I don't have many options as a consumer in regards to those options. I try buy elsewhere where I can.
 
Some of the first GB23’s were made in the Helmstetter factory in Japan. It’s been claimed these are better than the ones from China. I had a GB1 and a GB21 from the Japan factory and they were great cues. You can tell the difference by the thickness of the silver rings in the joint collars. (Much thicker on the Japan cues)
You might be able to find one of these. Otherwise for that cue I would go with Bob Owen, all day.
 
triley41395 said:
In my opinion if that's the style you're looking for Tascarella or Searing would be my first choice. Another great option would be to get a Verl Horn on the secondary market. Tasc. and Searing will be quite a long wait ordered new as they are highly in demand, if they are even taking orders.
Click to expand...
I'll check them out. Thanks for the recommendations.
 
HawaiianEye said:
Richard Black isn’t touching a cue for less than $5000, as he told me the last time I talked to him.
Click to expand...
Ya I am learning these custom cues are for high rollers. I did find a couple of carmeli cues that have similiar point work but they are 2,500 and up. Out of my budget. I'll keep shopping around. I wish those balabushkas were still made in Japan I would have no qualms rolling the dice on a Japanese made cue. They have excellent craftsmanship in general.
 
I don't think I could recommend anyone that hasn't already been said. But it's always nice to know a price range you're looking for a in a custom maker as well.
 
Nyquil said:
Ya I am learning these custom cues are for high rollers. I did find a couple of carmeli cues that have similiar point work but they are 2,500 and up. Out of my budget. I'll keep shopping around. I wish those balabushkas were still made in Japan I would have no qualms rolling the dice on a Japanese made cue. They have excellent craftsmanship in general.
Click to expand...
I have one of the Japanese models, but not the one in the picture.

Mine is a Balabushka from their Hall of Fame models. It does not have the bit gaudy signature on it.

It is the third cue from the top.

I would sell it.


D4A372B7-7EFD-44E6-B0F9-B5E873169F92.jpeg
 
Last edited:
It is the second cue down in these photos.

In case anybody is wondering, the little pieces of tape are marking the balance points on the cues when I was comparing them.


07647910-1ABE-4B2B-BE85-461FC754AB78.jpeg
04A254F9-7768-4962-B08E-1A3BE99C061C.jpeg
 
With Jerry R and Steve Klein no longer doing them, I think Dunkle Custom Cues is your best move if you want it in this lifetime and without having to sell a kidney to get it.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top