Thanks for the comments, guys. I can assure you that this is a fine player. I took it down to the poolroom today and tested it out for a while. The forward balance point (19.5") feels great. It is the same balance point as my Southwest that I played with for a long time. The hit is not as stiff as a Southwest...more along the lines of a Carmelli, which is not bad at all, in my book. I would rate the cue at about 95% condition due to a very light bluing of the shaft...and I do mean VERY light. It is a hell of a player at this price...basically, the price of a decent sneaky.
Joe