first custom cue

murphys_law

murphys_law

Registered
First off I am new to az so if this thread is in the wrong section admins please move, thanks.

Anyway onto my question. Currently I am using a McDermott M205 which I am HIGHLY disappointed with fit and finish of the cue. I had won a cheap McDermott in a little tournament about 14 years ago and the el cheapo McDermott is finished much better than my current cue. So I think I have got to a point in my life where a custom cue is feasible.

So after digging through quit a few threads I am stuck on what custom to purchase. The customs I am currently thinking about are Ariel Carmeli, Schon, and Mike Lambros. A cue with a 3/8 x10 pin would be a positive but not 100% necessary. My budget is $2,000, however I could stretch it to $2,500-$3,000 if need be.

I know everyone says try before you buy. Unfortunately the only places near me either sell McDermott's or other mass produced cues.
 
Of the ones you're mentioning, if how well it plays is most important (to me it's pretty much all cues are about, even if I don't mind them being nice to look at, collectible, whatnot…), I'd pick Lambros. I won't say he makes the only great playing cues in the world, because I've had the opportunity to try many, many cues over the years, but of the handful upper echelon cuemakers I'm thinking of, Lambros is the only one who'll make you a cue within a reasonable timeframe, and while they're not cheap, they play awesome without points and inlays, too (e.g. like my all-maple plain Jane).

As to the joint pin you're thinking of, aren't there at least two 3/8x10 - always get confused? Seems like I've seen different ones on e.g. Tascarella, Gulyassy, QP… Which?

Greetings from Switzerland, David.
_________________

„J'ai gâché vingt ans de mes plus belles années au billard. Si c'était à refaire, je recommencerais.“ – Roger Conti
 
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murphys_law said:
First off I am new to az so if this thread is in the wrong section admins please move, thanks.

Anyway onto my question. Currently I am using a McDermott M205 which I am HIGHLY disappointed with fit and finish of the cue. I had won a cheap McDermott in a little tournament about 14 years ago and the el cheapo McDermott is finished much better than my current cue. So I think I have got to a point in my life where a custom cue is feasible.

So after digging through quit a few threads I am stuck on what custom to purchase. The customs I am currently thinking about are Ariel Carmeli, Schon, and Mike Lambros. A cue with a 3/8 x10 pin would be a positive but not 100% necessary. My budget is $2,000, however I could stretch it to $2,500-$3,000 if need be.

I know everyone says try before you buy. Unfortunately the only places near me either sell McDermott's or other mass produced cues.
Click to expand...

I don't see why this section won't work...

First, you might want to call McDermott (you can look online for their number) and see if the issues you're having with the cue is covered under their "life-time warranty"...it might be worth a shot as they might fix it for free...

Second, Schon isn't considered a "custom"...it is however considered by most to be one of the top production cues available!

As far as what custom to purchase, you're SOL getting any advice worth a grain of salt steering you in the right direction. With production cues (for the MOST part), if you like the hit of one, you'll like the hit of all the others...again, for the most part. With customs, each cuemakers' cues play different and even cues from the same cuemaker play different sometimes (taper/diameter/materials used all come into play!).

If you're looking at "stepping up" your cue, I honestly don't think you could go wrong with a Schon! The steel joint will feel a little different than the 3/8x10 wood-to-wood joint on the McDermott...but with Schon, you do get a lot of "bang" for your buck!

As far as customs...unless you have the opportunity to try a couple (friends/league members) you might end up doing like a TON of other people here on AZ (myself included)...you buy a nice "used" cue and if it doesn't feel right, sell it and move onto the next one...I like to think of it as "renting" the cue for awhile! :p You don't have to go too high end to start trying customs...you can get some very good customs around the $500 mark...with a $2k budget, you could pick up a couple at a time...sounds silly, but it might be your only option...and you should be able to sell them for quite close to what you pick them up for (if you choose carefully...)

Jason
 
acousticsguru said:
Of the ones you're mentioning, if how well it plays is most important (to me it's pretty much all cues are about, even if I don't mind them being nice to look at, collectible, whatnot…), I'd pick Lambros. I won't say he makes the only great playing cues in the world, because I've had the opportunity to try many, many cues over the years, but of the handful upper echelon cuemakers I'm thinking of, Lambros is the only one who'll make you a cue within a reasonable timeframe, and while they're not cheap, they play awesome without points and inlays, too (e.g. like my all-maple plain Jane).

As to the joint pin you're thinking of, aren't there at least two 3/8x10 - always get confused? Seems like I've seen different ones on e.g. Tascarella, Barenbrugge, Gulyassy, QP… Which?

Greetings from Switzerland, David.
Click to expand...


The play of the cue is definitely the most important part of a cue for me. I do like a nice inlaid cue but the play is way more important.

As for the joint I do think you are correct about 2 different 3/8x10 it would be the one that would work with McDermott's. I have a few LD shafts I would like to keep BUT again its not a must have.


JAMSGOLF said:
I don't see why this section won't work...

First, you might want to call McDermott (you can look online for their number) and see if the issues you're having with the cue is covered under their "life-time warranty"...it might be worth a shot as they might fix it for free...

Second, Schon isn't considered a "custom"...it is however considered by most to be one of the top production cues available!

As far as what custom to purchase, you're SOL getting any advice worth a grain of salt steering you in the right direction. With production cues (for the MOST part), if you like the hit of one, you'll like the hit of all the others...again, for the most part. With customs, each cuemakers' cues play different and even cues from the same cuemaker play different sometimes (taper/diameter/materials used all come into play!).

If you're looking at "stepping up" your cue, I honestly don't think you could go wrong with a Schon! The steel joint will feel a little different than the 3/8x10 wood-to-wood joint on the McDermott...but with Schon, you do get a lot of "bang" for your buck!

As far as customs...unless you have the opportunity to try a couple (friends/league members) you might end up doing like a TON of other people here on AZ (myself included)...you buy a nice "used" cue and if it doesn't feel right, sell it and move onto the next one...I like to think of it as "renting" the cue for awhile! :p You don't have to go too high end to start trying customs...you can get some very good customs around the $500 mark...with a $2k budget, you could pick up a couple at a time...sounds silly, but it might be your only option...and you should be able to sell them for quite close to what you pick them up for (if you choose carefully...)

Jason
Click to expand...

Jason I really have never thought about buying multiple cues instead of just one at my max budget, very interesting idea!

Its funny you mentioned about contacting McDermott. The very first time I held my new cue, the leather wrap had a tear in it, one of the inlays had a crack in it(and this cue was brand new.) So I contacted them and had it sent back in. Cue came back in a timely manor they treated me well. However, when I got the cue back the wrap didn't completely cover the area for it and the inlay still didn't look right. I know I am nitpicking but I do like my cues to be 100%.
 
Jason is right that custom cues differ so much it's near-impossible to buy one upon recommendation alone. But: one of the reasons I recommended Lambros is that he'll listen to you and build the type of cue you want. His Ultra joint gives his cues a sense of through-vibration ("feel") that I feel is unique, at the same time the joint is impossibly strong once the cue is firmly screwed together, yet flexible, a good basis to experiment with shaft tapers. I think the Ultra Joint makes his cues sound great, by the way, but apparently not everyone agrees. But the important aspect is this: when it comes to shaft tapers, choice of shaft wood, laminated LD types or regular, a Lambros cue can be individualized as much as one likes, because Mike knows what makes a cue behave one way or another. Other cuemakers, regardless of how much I admire their work, have sometimes seemed a bit clueless to me discussing anything to do with playability - so much so, that there, I'd recommend going with what they like, because it appears to be inevitably what they do best. Having said all this, the fact remains that Mike's Ultra Joint makes it impossible to use aftermarket shafts unless you get him to put his joint on a partial bought elsewhere (= I'd be curious about his reaction - LOL!). Anyway, that's what I'd do given your budget: have him make a good Plain Jane, then invest some more money in having him make you more shafts once you get the gist. Wait a moment, that's what I am currently doing - LOL!

As to custom cue makers using McDermott type 3/8x10 pins, Tascarella (his Acrylite-jointed cues are incredible, but the joint diameter may differ from aftermarket shafts - mine's at only .814"!) and Ronnie Powell (QuePerfect) spring to mind. But again, we're talking about cuemakers whose choice of shaft wood, tapers, etc. are so much beyond off-the-shelf LD shafts that I doubt anyone would use one on one of their cues.

Just thinking out loud, so to speak. Wish you good luck in finding your perfect cue!

Greetings from Switzerland, David.
_________________

„J'ai gâché vingt ans de mes plus belles années au billard. Si c'était à refaire, je recommencerais.“ – Roger Conti
 
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acousticsguru said:
Jason is right that custom cues differ so much it's near-impossible to buy one upon recommendation alone. But: one of the reasons I recommended Lambros is that he'll listen to you and build the type of cue you want. His Ultra joint gives his cues a sense of through-vibration ("feel") that I feel is unique, at the same time the joint is impossibly strong once the cue is firmly screwed together, yet flexible, a good basis to experiment with shaft tapers. I think the Ultra Joint makes his cues sound great, by the way, but apparently not everyone agrees. But the important aspect is this: when it comes to shaft tapers, choice of shaft wood, laminated LD types or regular, a Lambros cue can be individualized as much as one likes, because Mike knows what makes a cue behave one way or another. Other cuemakers, regardless of how much I admire their work, have sometimes seemed a bit clueless to me discussing anything to do with playability - so much so, that there, I'd recommend going with what they like, because it appears to be inevitably what they do best. Having said all this, the fact remains that Mike's Ultra Joint makes it impossible to use aftermarket shafts unless you get him to put his joint on a partial bought elsewhere (= I'd be curious about his reaction - LOL!). Anyway, that's what I'd do given your budget: have him make a good Plain Jane, then invest some more money in having him make you more shafts once you get the gist. Wait a moment, that's what I am currently doing - LOL!

As to custom cue makers using McDermott type 3/8x10 pins, Tascarella (his Acrylite-jointed cues are incredible, but the joint diameter may differ from aftermarket shafts - mine's at only .814"!) and Ronnie Powell (QuePerfect) spring to mind. But again, we're talking about cuemakers whose joice of shaft wood, tapers, etc. are so much beyond off-the-shelf LD shafts that I doubt anyone would use one on one of their cues.

Just thinking out loud, so to speak. Wish you good luck in finding your perfect cue!

Greetings from Switzerland, David.
]
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David thanks for in the info. I think I am going to take a chance and either go with a Carmeli or a Lambros.
 
Interesting thread to say the least. Might I suggest you find a cue you like the hit of, get an easy to read set of calipers and take a reading every inch. Check the weight and balance point. The type joint is important as well. Wrap or no wrap? Type of wood combination on butt. The inlays will not add or subtract from the hit. Shoot for 3K I would buy a lathe and make 5 to order for you with 10 shafts, LOL.

I never saw my cue while making the winning ball.
 
all those makers are great but also have a nice waiting list if you want somethig thats a great player and dont want a horrible long wait go with dickie, rat, BHQ or someone else like that on here who has a good rep you can get alot of cues for that price i would say me but im full up for the yr :-)
 
Most of the cue makers on the market are within your price range given your budget. It really depends on what you like.

Do you like it fancy with lots of inlay? Or do you like it plain?
Do you like it stiffer or softer?
Are you worried about resale value? (or how worried are you with resale value?
Do you like SS joint? or a wood-to-wood joint? (3/8X10 should almost always be wood to wood)
All these will affect which maker you choose and how you purchase your cue. i.e. brand new from maker or 2nd hand)

Why did you narrow it down to Schon, AC and Lambros? With your budget, you will get a very fancy Schon, a good looking AC with quite a few inlays and a plainer looking Lambros (but definitely not worst looking).

If I were you, I'd purchase a few plainer looking cues from different makers here on AZ (or elsewhere) 2nd hand (not brand new) just to test drive them. For most makers, you can find a plain cue under 600 USD. This way you can try to find a "hit" you like and be able to resell without much damage.

Good luck
 
of the choices you listed ill contact Mr Lambros for a cue, which ill also highly recommend.

but, ill advice not to pop $2-3k on your first custom cue. spend your first $300-900 on a 2nd hand cue in azb wanted/for sale forum, which could range from a Scruggs/Howard/Josey sneaky to a plain jane/ 4 pointer by established cuemakers such as Jerry R. Or, if you go with production, please do try a Mezz cue, you will be surprised. For big pins ill recommend Richard harris (bluegrass) for starters since they can hold value, are great players and you can get them for close to $900. Many others which are worthy to try. or if you really want a lambros, get a 2nd hand lambros to try. if you love your custom cue, great, if not, flip it and get back almost what you have in the cue.

Most imptly, take note of the following:
-balance point (do you like it forward/backward balanced? 18" from buttsleeve?)
-weight (18-20oz?)
-tip/ferrule size (12mm, 12.5mm, 12.8mm or 13mm or others? layered tip? hardness?)
-shaft taper (pro, parabolic taper etc? many choices)
-butt taper (is your current cue butt too thin or thick or just nice)
-length (58" or longer/shorter)
-joint (SS, ivory, phenolic, wood to wood)

For $2-3k, the choices are limitless. Tascarella, James White, Scruggs, Mobley, Mottey, Southwest, Mcdaniels, Kikels, Lambros, etc..
 
Trent said:
all those makers are great but also have a nice waiting list if you want somethig thats a great player and dont want a horrible long wait go with dickie, rat, BHQ or someone else like that on here who has a good rep you can get alot of cues for that price i would say me but im full up for the yr :-)
Click to expand...

One of the main reasons I favour Lambros is the waiting time. I remember that after we had a long chat on the phone he concluded he would have to make what I need from scratch, and when I heard that I figured it would take forever. But no between quarter and half a year until I held it in my hands. Anyone who will customize playability in a cue faster than this?

Having said this, may be a good time to buy a used cue these days - seeing a lot of nice ones being offered.

Greetings from Switzerland, David.
_________________

„J'ai gâché vingt ans de mes plus belles années au billard. Si c'était à refaire, je recommencerais.“ – Roger Conti
 
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BHQ said:
that is correct sir

your cue in progress,
has put me on the verge of submitting an application at mcdonalds:p

less pressure and i would get to wear a cool hat:thumbup:
Click to expand...

oh man oh man Brent I got on your list just in time then I guess!:thumbup:
 
Well thanks everyone that replied. I finally decided to buy a Carmeli. I know I am taking a risk of buying before hitting. With that said with all the great reviews Carmeli gets I can't imagine not liking the cue.
 
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