These arre probably all great cue makers, but have you thought about what type/style of cue you would like?
Natural - This style as I will call it is very high on would selection and blank quality. Usually, this kind of maker builds small joints and butt caps to increase the area for the wood to show.
Traditional - This style is well traditional. Usually a BEM forarm with 4 points spliced in and a simple matching butt sleeve.
Radical splice - Lately, there have been some makers which have splices that don't follow any traditional lines or concepts, but can make a great cue none the less.
Radical inlay - Most of these guys are out of your range, but there are many cuemakers which I would group like this. Basically, these cues are characterized by many inlays, sometimes hundreds.
Now, I would love to say it is this simple, but it is not. Most cheaper cues, under $1000 will follow a natural or traditional look regardless of the cuemaker. In addition, if I were to characterize someone as a Radical Inlay, he might see himself as Natural or Traditional. In the end, all the good cuemakers blend these patterns to find what is their pattern.
So, how to find a cuemaker? I would browse this site and other links to find a style you like first. Then narrow it down to a maker who does what you like. Then PM or talk to some customers. Finally, shop the used cues here and elsewhere as there are some incredible used deals right now. Sometimes a cue just has to be made for you. . .In that case start calling makers.
BTW, once you start clearly seeing patterns you like and maker preferences, then you can start asking questions like I like cuemaker A's inlays and pricing, but I would like a SS piloted joint, Ringwork of maker B and leather wrap done by maker C. Info like that can lead people to giving you a much more direct and helpful answer.
Also, if you ask someone to make their style cue with slight changes for you, it will be much easier to get what you want and be happy.
In addition to all of this, do you know what weight, diameter on grip, balance point, relative shaft taper, exact tip, length, etc you want? Many of these are adjustable to suit your needs. Buying the standard may be ok, but in a custom, it should be exactly what you want.
For example, I like natural makers display of wood and less use of ivory, I like sharp points and multiple veneers, but still highlight the wood. I don't like inlay patterns which attract attention. I found a nice Philippine made cue on here which had the wood, weight, balance and dimensions I wanted and it was listed already made. A few adjustments and it was in my hands for reasonable money from a fellow AZ'r.
. . . .and yes, for $850, you can get a pretty nice player with some searching.
