Ernie Martinez Status

12squared

12squared

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Hi All,

For those that have been following the adventures of Ernie in the 'Ernie Martinez Update' thread, Thanks for tuning in. I felt that thread was getting a little long so I'm starting this one. I hope that's OK.

First, please let me thank Ken (krbsailing), Ho (Jazz), and Alan (Okie Al) for their latest warm wishes, generous offers and support for Ernie regarding his reappearance and possible come back as a cue maker. As well as all the well-wishers that have posted their concern.

If you've read my latest posts re: Ernie possibly partnering up with a Denver cuemaker to begin, again, making cues, here's what I've learned from our meeting (I met with the cuemaker only earlier today):

The cuemaker had a long talk/meeting with Ernie to find out what he likes and dislikes about cuemaking. Ernie loves making cues (& he's great at it!); it's the business aspect that gets to him after a while. He's such a nice guy, he can't say no to anyone and that's when things get stressful and difficult to deal with. So, this cuemaker has made the following offer to Ernie: Ernie can use his equipment and materials to start again; All cues must be serialized, cataloged & accounted for so nothing can be sold through the 'back door'; At first, there will be no orders taken or deposits received (only finished cues will be up for sale), all at set pricing. For all this Ernie would only be expected to work 4 hours a day and available for repairs.


The idea for the above is to free up Ernie to do what he loves, make cues and not think about the business end of things. It should provide a little structure in his life that will hopefully keep him motivated and excited about making cues again. I'm told he has 4-5 cues that are maybe 30% completed as of today so it shouldn't be too long a wait to start seeing completed cues. I will be meeting the cuemaker again in about 10 days. He will have a better understanding whether or not Ernie has committed to do this at that time. If Ernie agrees, he will begin working again and I have agreed to work through the cuemaker to post those cues on AZ Billiards Forum for them and for those interested.

I do believe the cuemaker, as I, have Ernie's best interest at heart so this could be really good for the pool world and Ernie. Hope my rambling makes sense. I look forward to posting the latest updates as I learn them.

Dave
 
Sweet! I am very happy for Ernie and cue collectors everywhere! I am starting an EM cue fund right away!
 
Dave,

I've sent you a PM, which you have not replied to. I would be interested to know if Ernie has any intention of finishing the two cues that I have of his? As you are aware, he left many, including myself, less than satisfied. It's nice that Ernie is getting back on his feet (maybe). He will go a long way re-establishing his credibility by first taking care of his old customers. If you cannot communicate this to Ernie, then perhaps you can send me the contact information for either Ernie, or the cuemaker in question.

Regards,

Doug
 
Salamander said:
Dave,

I've sent you a PM, which you have not replied to. I would be interested to know if Ernie has any intention of finishing the two cues that I have of his? As you are aware, he left many, including myself, less than satisfied. It's nice that Ernie is getting back on his feet (maybe). He will go a long way re-establishing his credibility by first taking care of his old customers. If you cannot communicate this to Ernie, then perhaps you can send me the contact information for either Ernie, or the cuemaker in question.

Regards,

Doug
Click to expand...

Hi Doug,

The reason I have not contacted you re:this is that I don't know any more than I've posted, nor have I spoken to Ernie yet. To be honest, you got 2 cues of his that are close to being finished for only the cost of your deposit, I have nothing to show for my deposit and have not received my deposit back. Although I understand that you would like your cues completed, I believe, and this is only my opinion so don't get angry, you came out OK in this deal. Many other people that were affected by this, if not all, were reimbursed in one form or another. You chose to take your unfinished cues in lieu of return of your deposit (one of which was almost complete). A good choice I might add.

When and if I see Ernie, I will be happy to ask if he would finish your cues and check on what it would cost to do so. At that time I will get back to you. I would only be too happy to help you get this resolved if I can.

Let's first see if he is really back or not. I appreciate your patience.

Dave

P.S. This is one reason why only finished cues will be offered for sale in the future, so this kind of thing won't happen again.
 
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Dave,

Thanks for the response. It is up to a matter of opinion as to whether or not I got a good deal I suppose. Not only am I out the deposit, but I purchased two shafts from Barry for one of the cues. It is also up to interpretation as to the "level of completion". When all's said and done, I have two uncompleted cues sitting in my closet. They are of 0 value to me in their present state. Not only that, but I've invested a ton of time and energy dealing with Ernie and the whole cue fiasco. I hardly would call this a "deal". By the way, I would have preferred to get my deposit back, but if what happened to you is any indication, I might not have ever seen a dime. I took what I thought I could get given the circumstances. On a side note, I've sent over 12 emails/pm's and have had 3 phone calls with various AZ'er and other customers of Ernie's trying to help them rectify the situation with Ernie.

All that said Dave, I am certainly not mad at you. In fact, I am most appreciative that you are willing to ask Ernie on my behalf to finish the cues that he started for me. You and I have always been fond of Ernie, but business is business, and I'm tired of getting the "short end of the stick" (mind the pun).

I'm sounding like a broken record, but..."I sure hope that Ernie finally has his life back on track".

Thanks for all your help Dave,

Regards,

Doug
 
He's Back!

Hi all,

Just received word that Ernie has been working and should have his first 3 cues completed within a month. They will be simple cues with one shaft but will be priced right...around $600. I will post pictures and final pricing once available. Start saving!

Happy days :).

Dave
 
12squared said:
Hi all,

Just received word that Ernie has been working and should have his first 3 cues completed within a month. They will be simple cues with one shaft but will be priced right...around $600. I will post pictures and final pricing once available. Start saving!

Happy days :).

Dave
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Hello again,

I had no idea this would happen, but I have already been contacted by an AZr saying they want one of Ernie's cues when completed and will definately buy one of the 3. So I started a waiting list: Jazz is #1 on the list and will get his pick.

If you would like to get in line early, please PM me. I will track based on date & time received, but please don't contact me if you do not intend on buying one of the cues. For those that don't make the first 3, I will keep the list and you will have right of first refusal on his next batch based on when your email is received (i.e. 4th on list would get 1st pick of next batch, etc.). I am a big believer in fairness so it will truly be first come, first served, no favoritism.

All transactions will be made through the cuemaker's business and they do accept credit cards. And just so you know, I'm told that all of these cues will be cataloged & serialized and guaranteed to be made by only Ernie Martinez.

I'm very excited for Ernie. Welcome back.

All for now and thanks for your interest.

Dave
 
Wow

POOLPLYR1111 said:
hello i would like to be #2 on the ernie martinez waiting list. please email me the details at poolplyr1111@aol.com. thanks ron
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Good morning all,

I woke up to a lot of PMs about Ernie's cues so I will try to answer questions and list those that PM'd me and of course Ron's response above in order of receipt. Again, thanks for all your interest.

At this time (at least until he gets rolling) Ernie will not be making any custom ordered cues or extra shafts. I've been told this will change down the road so please be patient about new/extra shafts, etc. and keep in touch. Ernie and his business manager really feel badly that Ernie was not able to follow through on his previous commitments last go-around, so they will only sell cues that are completed so there is no chance of that happening again.

I've had a number of questions about the next batch whether or not they will have points or not and the pricing: I have no idea at this time. This batch will be 3 pretty basic cues w/one shaft and will be priced about $600. The next batch may have points and of course would sell for more (Ernie's points are second to none). If that's the case, those next in line would have the right to pass on the more expensive cues without giving up their spots for the plain ones if/when they get built again. If the next batch are the plain cues I would expect those on the list to buy one when available. It's only fair.

I have had requests for more than one cue and multiple cues for dealer pricing: in fairness to those all ready on the list and due to the fact that Ernie is not taking orders, there will be no dealer pricing for quantity and only one per person on the list unless the list depleats and there are one or more cues still available. Thanks for understanding. Of course, this may change over time so please keep in touch if still interested down the road.

Here's the list so far w/date & time of receipt:
1) Martin (Jazz) 6/20 7:41pm
2) Hanging (Torqiet) 6/20 9:32pm
3) Viperkiler 6/20 10:13pm
4) Sphinxnihps 6/20 11:46pm
5) Brian (Scruggsinhand) 6/21 2:24am
6) Ron (Poolplyr1111) 6/21 3:10am
7) Panhdlce 6/21 5:11am

Time for work.

Dave
 
Dude ... I'm the other Jazz :D .. not Martin (jazznpool).

But I am the guy definitely on the top of the list :D :D :D :D :D

Got, I hope the cues are wrapless or leather wrap ..
 
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Jazz said:
Dude ... I'm the other Jazz :D .. not Martin (jazznpool).

But I am the guy definitely on the top of the list :D :D :D :D :D

Got, I hope the cues are wrapless or leather wrap ..
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I'm so sorry, I got my Jazz's mixed up - please forgive me, I'm getting old. Yes Ho, you are #1 :).

New on the list is:

8) Paul (thepavlos) 6/21 8:41am
9) Gregory (gregoryg) 6/21 9:20am
10) Michael (curiouofpool) 6/21 6:07pm

Again, thank you all.

Dave
 
I have some left over silver stich ring shafts I made for replacement shafts for ernie's cues. I have made several shafts for a few local collectors when ernie was not around. There are some 11 and 12 stich rings with and without silver rings above and below the stich ring. These are black collar shafts and I have a few white collar with no stitch rings. I will not be making any more if ernie gets set up and running again. I don't want to step on any toes here just want to sell off some extra shafts I got stuck with. If anyone has any interest pm me and I will give you a call back. Chris.
 
Here is the updated waiting list for Ernie's cues:

1) Ho, not Martin :rolleyes: (Jazz) 6/20 7:41pm
2) Hanging (Torqiet) 6/20 9:32pm
3) Viperkiler 6/20 10:13pm
4) Sphinxnihps 6/20 11:46pm
5) Brian (Scruggsinhand) 6/21 2:24am
6) Ron (Poolplyr1111) 6/21 3:10am
7) Panhdlce 6/21 5:11am
8) Paul (thepavlos) 6/21 8:41am
9) Gregory (gregoryg) 6/21 9:20am
10) Michael (curiouofpool) 6/21 6:07pm
11) speedy5963 6/21 10:12pm
12) chris2669 6/22 2:33am
13) Cyrus (cyrustong) 6/22 8:53am
14) Mike (raildriver) 6/22 12:54pm

Thank you all. This response is really helping Ernie's motivation so there's really good chance he will be back on track for good while.

Dave
 
Hunter said:
Hi Dave,

Please add me to your list.

Thanks!

Steve
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Done, thanks. You're .#15

By the way just to keep you all motivated, just spoke w/Ernie's bus. manager and he said they plan to build more plain cues in the next batch and there would be a larger quantity now that they have their shop completed w/spray booth, etc. So cues should be flowing out smoothly. Also, I'm told each cue will come with a 'letter of authenticity' along with the serial #s.

Dave
 
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12squared said:
Done, thanks. You're .#15

By the way just to keep you all motivated, just spoke w/Ernie's bus. manager and he said they plan to build more plain cues in the next batch and there would be a larger quantity now that they have there shop completed w/spray booth, etc. So cues should be flowing out smoothly. Also, I'm told each cue will come with a 'letter of authenticity' along with the serial #s.

Dave
Click to expand...
In that case, add me as well.
 
12squared said:
Done, thanks. You're .#15

By the way just to keep you all motivated, just spoke w/Ernie's bus. manager and he said they plan to build more plain cues in the next batch and there would be a larger quantity now that they have there shop completed w/spray booth, etc. So cues should be flowing out smoothly. Also, I'm told each cue will come with a 'letter of authenticity' along with the serial #s.

Dave
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Can I stand in line for second? :D :D :D

Please Sir, Can I Have Some More?
 
Jazz said:
Can I stand in line for second? :D :D :D

Please Sir, Can I Have Some More?
Click to expand...

I finally got your name right and now you make me believe your name is Oliver?

Seriously though, let's get through the current list with some deliveries before doubling up. There have already been folks asking to get 2 or 3 and I'm holding off in fairness to those that are interested. If things go well now that Ernie has a business manager and direction, everyone who wants one and those that want two should get them. But with Ernie's past, I don't want to over extend any promises. Hope you understand.

Dave
 
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