For Lack of a Better Name...

[ridewiththewind]

...we have called a basic full-splice cue a Sneaky Pete. Now I agree, that a cue with no buttcap and no collars at the joint and shaft is a true sneaky pete. Often, one with a buttcap has been called a Hustler. But let's face it, the majority of today's 'sneaky petes' aren't very sneaky at all. In fact, some of these cues are works of art in the cue's simplest form. I hesitate to even use the word simple, because I think these types of cues are an art form all their own, particularly with regards to construction.

With that said, I thought it would be interesting to hear from those who are crafting these cues as to what they feel would be a better name/description to call this style of cue.

I know that from a players standpoint, I have really grown to appreciate this style of cue for a number of reasons. Foremost would be that I really prefer the way that they play. I also think that they probably are the best form in which to showcase a really special piece of wood. I also think that they can be a 'tell' as to how close any given cuemaker's tolerances are, in regards to construction. There is no 'flash' to distract from poor workmanship. You can pretty well tell right off when you pick one up if the workmanship is quality or not.

I, personally, think it's time that we redefine this style of cue....I do not think that 'sneaky pete' or even 'hustler', for that matter, give these cues the respect that they deserve...in fact, it may even cheapen them.

I would be very interested in hearing cuemakers opinions with regards to this.

Lisa

 

[Varney Cues]

I generally call them "fancy hustlers"...but maybe "full splice, no wrap" would be better.
Merry Christmas Lisa.

 

[ridewiththewind]

I generally call them "fancy hustlers"...but maybe "full splice, no wrap" would be better.
Merry Christmas Lisa.

Hey Kevin....Happy Holidays to you and yours as well, sir.

I kinda like 'Naked Full-Splice' myself...lol....oh, no wait!....I've got it!! Wait for it.....wait for it.....

'The Full Monty' !!!

We could just call them 'Full Montys' for short. OMG! That's almost brilliant! LOL!!

Lisa

 

[shakes]

I've always heard the bar cue conversions called sneaky pete's. With regards to cue makers actually cutting the forearm and using exotic woods for the handle splice, I've always heard them called full splice cues. I've never heard one of Joel Hercek's cues called a sneaky pete. Perhaps the difference is that Mr. Hercek always uses veneers? If it's a bar cue conversion, I think it should be called a sneaky regardless of whether it has collars or not, although you could always add "fancy" in front of it.

If the cue maker actually built the splice themselves, they should definitely do themselves the service of labeling it a full splice, or full "monty", as it involved a lot more work than working on a bar butt.

 

[Cornerman]

Unsneaky Pete.


Wrapped or Unwrapped Stylish Peter (that doesn't sound too good).

Fred

 

[MVPCues]

Full Splice: Descriptive of a construction technique, not the type of cue it is.

Conversion: A cue that was made from another cue, usually house cue or older collectible cue ie titleist.

Sneaky Pete: A simple cue where the motive is to make it less noticeable or overlooked as a good cue to either aid in a hustle or portray a minimalist style.

A conversion may or may not be full splice, may or may not be a sneaky pete.

A sneaky pete may or may not be full splice, may or may not be a conversion, etc.

One person may say a sneaky pete with joint collars added is still a sneaky pete, another may say no. That should just be where each person draws the line. Ringwork? Fancy ringwork? Inlays? etc. But the point is once you add collars and other components its effectiveness as a sneaky pete is reduced and it starts being something else. If it was a conversion, it will always remain a conversion, if the butt employs a full splice construction, that won't change either (unless you do something drastic ofcourse).

A Joel Hercek may quite well be a sneaky pete if that is the style of the cue. No collars, no inlays, no ringwork, no butt cap, etc. If the cue was constructed from scratch, its not a conversion, and it ofcourse would be a full splice cue. But, if he were to build such a cue, it would still be a sneaky pete, just not a cheap one.

Just the way I look at it.
Kelly

 

[blud]

In todays world, it matters not what there called. So many great players coming in site now a days. Not many use these. Years ago, pete's were used for sneaking around, thank god thoses days are gone. Just keep your head down, and play hard. Call it what it is, A CUE...
blud

 

[rhncue]

...we have called a basic full-splice cue a Sneaky Pete. Now I agree, that a cue with no buttcap and no collars at the joint and shaft is a true sneaky pete. Often, one with a buttcap has been called a Hustler. But let's face it, the majority of today's 'sneaky petes' aren't very sneaky at all. In fact, some of these cues are works of art in the cue's simplest form. I hesitate to even use the word simple, because I think these types of cues are an art form all their own, particularly with regards to construction.

With that said, I thought it would be interesting to hear from those who are crafting these cues as to what they feel would be a better name/description to call this style of cue.

I know that from a players standpoint, I have really grown to appreciate this style of cue for a number of reasons. Foremost would be that I really prefer the way that they play. I also think that they probably are the best form in which to showcase a really special piece of wood. I also think that they can be a 'tell' as to how close any given cuemaker's tolerances are, in regards to construction. There is no 'flash' to distract from poor workmanship. You can pretty well tell right off when you pick one up if the workmanship is quality or not.

I, personally, think it's time that we redefine this style of cue....I do not think that 'sneaky pete' or even 'hustler', for that matter, give these cues the respect that they deserve...in fact, it may even cheapen them.

I would be very interested in hearing cuemakers opinions with regards to this.

Lisa

I've always called mine "Not so Sneaky Petes" and that's the way they are listed on my web-site.

Dick