the back story
So I ordered a cue from a well know cue maker after sending him a Davis blank ordered from a well known dealer.
We talked twice in the early part of the build and gave him my requests. I thought all was well. I was sent pictures of the cue almost complete about a month ago. Originally, I asked for diamonds in the butt and I got a hoppe ring. We talked about the pros and cons of both in the beginning, but I remember saying I wanted rings and inlays. Mistakes happen and I can live with a hoppe ring.
So after I received the pics a month ago, I posted a question in this forum about: how to much work is involved in changing the butt section, if this was a common occurrence, and how to handle this situation without upsetting anyone (I thought there might be some type of etiquette involved). Sadly enough, I received quite a few negative and nasty replies about "how I don't like a cue that I ordered before I received it or played with it." Antother was "so you don't like a cue that you did not receive nor held in your hands and want to change it at the last second.....not cool." Other responses stated how "cue making takes time and if I were to make changes I would be taking up valuable time as well as delaying other people's cues." Most said to sell it when I get it and order another one.....like I want to wait another year and a half. Also, all of those negative remarks made me feel like I was not only committing blasphemy but also that I was a complete moron when it came to cues.
I also ordered phenolic half joint because I think the look better than stainless. When I received the cue this week, I noticed that it was a stainless sleeved full joint. That is what prompted my post.
After the comments I read on here, I would assume that what it done is done. I still have a beautiful cue from a great cuemaker. Its not just what I originally wanted.
I thought maybe I would ask the question about the different joint so I can educate myself as I continue to become a better pool player in both technique and knowledge. I have never shot with a stainless steel joint or a steel sleeve.
If I were a cuemaker who spent time trying to create a solid cue for someone who is trying really hard to be a better pool player, I might be insulted if he complained about the joint. Although I have not hit the cue yet, I am sure it is a solid player. Also, in the beginning, I explained that I am passionate about pool and this was my first custom cue that I am ordering for myself directly from a cue maker, and all I ask is that he try his best to make me a great cue. The blank was hand picked out a batch based on tone and density from the dealer selling it. He took extra time to match the shafts to go with the cue. He called me when it was done and told me that " it was a VERY SOLID hitting cue".
I appreciate what it takes to build a cue as well as the experience it takes to do it well. I would not want to make the cuemaker feel upset, insulted, or made that I was unappreciative because I believe he really tried to make me a great cue.
t was a really good experience overall, and if this cue hits as well as I hope, I would order another cue from him that he will make from his own stock wood. I like the cue alot, but it still wasn't what I originally ordered.
Lastly, I would like to make ABSOLUTELY CLEAR that it was a great experience. The cue maker DID NOT tell me that I could not return the cue. I received the cue this week and have been working late and thus have not shot with the cue....although it is killing me! I merely assumed that the cue is done and I have a great cue. I assumed it would be a lot of work to make these changes from what I have read and don't even know if it would change the hit and feel of the cue (BTW....Thank You Eric crisp who was kind enough to answer my question from a technical standpoint with grace and manners!!!) To me, it is more of an aesthetics issue and personal preference. And I am positive that the cue would hit well regardless of the phenolic or stainless if the shaft and butt combo is spot on.
That being said, I asked the question in anticipation of what to expect with a stainless joint. No bad experience here, no hard feelings, and happy overall.
