Getting a cue from Barry Szamboti

Well i can tell you that the secondary market or custom it shouldn't matter if you are lucky enough to get one of barry's or gus's cues to play with you should be happy. I talked to barry on the phone for almost an hour about his dad's and his cues and the one thing that really gets these cue makers is that people want there cues for showing or investments. If someone gets a cue they should use it that is why these guys stay in the shop for 50 to 60 hours a week for is for people to enjoy the products that they strive to make better then anyone else. I asked barry several questions and i got the best response from him when he asked me what type of cue i was looking for and i told him one of his dad's cues and the condition didn't matter to me because i would be using it everyday anyway. He said that is exactly what all of us want our customers to do!
 
Eric. said:
If you really want a Barry, and your post was sincere...dude, just buy one off the secondary market. You say that you basically aren't picky about the design, then why obsess over getting on his list (unless you want to flip the cue). If you take the time to shop around, I'm sure you can find a used one for not much more than one directly from Szamboti.


Eric
Click to expand...

One thing I would bet it all on is that F will NOT sell the cue.
F is looking for the whole experience not just owning a Barry but having the interaction with him, which makes the cue that much more special to the owner.
Good luck F
Jason
 
Barry's cues already carry a high value, whether they are fancy or not. Just what do you expect to pay, for him to make a custom cue for you? Like others have said...it is more about how Barry feels about you, than anything. But expect to pay big bucks, even if you get a chance to be "on the list". I've seen lots of plain jane cues of his go for $3K-$4K (and well worth it). There are plenty of people out there who would love to have Barry make them a cue AT ANY PRICE...and they still can't get it done.

Scott Lee
www.poolknowledge.com

FSutton said:
Not if I can get on the list... besides I'm in the service and I just can't pay the $7-8k* that people are wanting from those unfortunately...I only lucked my way into my Hercek which I love dearly but I want a Szam too.... plain birdseye or a hoppe player... NO INLAYS....but you can always post a picture just to show me what you got I love to see them :D

*correction
Click to expand...
 
Scott Lee said:
Barry's cues already carry a high value, whether they are fancy or not. Just what do you expect to pay, for him to make a custom cue for you? Like others have said...it is more about how Barry feels about you, than anything. But expect to pay big bucks, even if you get a chance to be "on the list". I've seen lots of plain jane cues of his go for $3K-$4K (and well worth it). There are plenty of people out there who would love to have Barry make them a cue AT ANY PRICE...and they still can't get it done.

Scott Lee
www.poolknowledge.com
Click to expand...

F has a good idea of the price Barry would charge and would be willing to pay it. What he is looking for first is a cue directly from Barry(cue becomes a little more special) maybe you wouldn't understand.
 
jasonlaus said:
F has a good idea of the price Barry would charge and would be willing to pay it. What he is looking for first is a cue directly from Barry(cue becomes a little more special) maybe you wouldn't understand.
Click to expand...

I can understand this. If Barry wasn't making one for me personally, I probably wouldn't want one. In fact, I was looking on the used market for a little while....but just "owning" one isn't as neat to me as having it made for me....me being the first and only owner...that is much more appealing. So far, with what little interaction I've had with Barry....I am excited about the cue...and proud to talk to him. The fact that he is personally going to make it for me is that much more special.

Steve Klein made me a beautiful cue last year (and has made me additional shafts since....yes, I like a lot of backup shafts - Barry commented on the fact I asked for 6 shafts, LOL, and "You're in the military aren't you?"...guilty as charged) and is going to make me one this year, and there is something special about the interaction, etc...the friendships you develop. It sounds cheesy, but it is true.

Mason is going to make me a cue this year as well. Now, here is a guy I've known for years. Kind of neat to see someone you knew show up with what appears to be a prodigious talent for cuemaking. You think the cue he is making for me won't be special? It is going to be awesome.

I definitely agree. There is something quite neat about the experience with the cuemaker.
 
Matt_24 said:
I can understand this. If Barry wasn't making one for me personally, I probably wouldn't want one. In fact, I was looking on the used market for a little while....but just "owning" one isn't as neat to me as having it made for me....me being the first and only owner...that is much more appealing. So far, with what little interaction I've had with Barry....I am excited about the cue...and proud to talk to him. The fact that he is personally going to make it for me is that much more special.

Steve Klein made me a beautiful cue last year (and has made me additional shafts since....yes, I like a lot of backup shafts - Barry commented on the fact I asked for 6 shafts, LOL, and "You're in the military aren't you?"...guilty as charged) and is going to make me one this year, and there is something special about the interaction, etc...the friendships you develop. It sounds cheesy, but it is true.

Mason is going to make me a cue this year as well. Now, here is a guy I've known for years. Kind of neat to see someone you knew show up with what appears to be a prodigious talent for cuemaking. You think the cue he is making for me won't be special? It is going to be awesome.

I definitely agree. There is something quite neat about the experience with the cuemaker.
Click to expand...

Great post-not sure about the Avatar though. lol
 
I also feel that the Cuemaker gets more enjoyment out of building a cue for someone he likes. I have had a huge run of bad luck this year and have had to sell 8 Searings, 1 Gus, 2 Haleys(traded a Barry for one of these) 1 Manzino, and many others. If I had got them directly from any of these guys I wouldn't have been able to sell them.
Jason<---- hoping his luck changes soon.:mad:
 
I feel your pain Jason,after waiting 8 yrs for my South West I was offered a rediculous amount for it by Joe Salazar and had to turn it down,everytime i see him he asks me if i am ready to sell it but i just can't part with it,I have an 8 yr emotional investment in it.D Searing just put me on his list and i will never part with that cue also if I am lucky enough to get it!:)
 
jasonlaus said:
I also feel that the Cuemaker gets more enjoyment out of building a cue for someone he likes. I have had a huge run of bad luck this year and have had to sell 8 Searings, 1 Gus, 2 Haleys(traded a Barry for one of these) 1 Manzino, and many others. If I had got them directly from any of these guys I wouldn't have been able to sell them.
Jason<---- hoping his luck changes soon.:mad:
Click to expand...

Don't worry Jason I'll be lucky for you when my new Player cue comes :grin-square:

no all kidding aside life can be like pool right? you just gotta get thru the slumps
 
Last edited:
Barry's list is almost impossible, I have one of his cues from 1992, went and saw him few days ago to see if he could refinish it. he said he wouldn't be able to get to it untill 2010.
Good Luck, But believe me your better off on the secondary market.
 
1badlefty said:
Barry's list is almost impossible .
Click to expand...


so you're saying there's a chance... :rolleyes:

a better chance of winning the powerball

a better chance at getting struck by lightning. :lol:
 
Last edited:
Just a quick piece of advic,quit worrying about what you can't have and get the best thing you can get.I would recommend calling Tim Scruggs and getting a nice cue wile you still can.Tim has been through a lot and may not be making cues much longer,your cue wilkl go way up then,also Scruggs cues are famous for their play.You win both ways.


thats what I am doing,plus I am on Barry's list too
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top