Oh wow guys, thanks a MILLION for all those responses, I really appreciate all the advice given. It's answered quite a few questions I've had in my head and brought out more concerns for me that I should think about before buying the custom.
First of all, I played snooker for 5 years, then switched to pool, which I have been playing for about 2 years. I have a pretty decent stroke I guess, probably because of my snooker background. However, I do NOT know what kind of taper, ferrule, tip, balance point etc etc I'd like. I've only played with 3 different pool shafts so far and I don't have a full grasp of what's the best combination for me. All I have is a fuzzy idea because I play well with a stiff taper, but I can't say how stiff it's gotta be.
I do see the point about being able to fully reap the benefits of a custom only when I do know what I want, but if I never step into this realm of first purchasing a custom cue, I will never know, will I? I don't know this for sure, but I'm guessing that most people find out what they like from being able to play or try many different cues. In this respect, I'm going to hold myself back a notch and not set my sights too fixedly on a Gilbert. I'm gonna go to the Derby, and hopefully, there are enough customs for me to try and find what I like. Even if I custom-make a cue now, I'd be going for mostly the standard defaults the cuemaker would recommend.
I guess partly the reason for getting a custom is because I see so many beautiful customs here (I'm blaming you guys) and it translates into a desire and a want. I know that Andy makes a cue for as little as 450 but I gotta have some veneers and some inlays in there, else I'd never feel good about it. I agree with the feeling good and playing good part...it just contributes more to the fact that pool IS BEYOND A DOUBT a mental game between you and the table. But I agree, I'd be having sex with the right girl whilst doing that.
People also tell me about the "feedback" I'd get from a custom...I guess this is something I'd never understand until I try it for myself. IMO, the Pechauer is a wonderful hitting cue.
I'm not one to get the cue for bragging rights....the cue is what it means to me, and that's more than enough.
I guess I was also naively wanting to believe that if I had the best equipment possible, there'd be more room for me to make jumps in my game. Truth is, I think I'm still a solid C+ player, and there's probably more in my game I should work on than contemplating the custom.
So thanks guys again for the great comments ------ the verdict is that I'm going to the Derby and trying out the cues, and take it from there. I'm sure that when I meet the AZers at the private room, they'd / you'd be able to give me more advice on my game and my cue.
thanks,
ray