John Barton Thread

What I thought would be fun is to post positive stories about John here today

I will send a free 1x2 pool case to the winner of the best thread.

Remember ,only positive things about John and his cases.
John is a great guy and makes great cases. Did I win. Send me the case. I have 2 JJ's
and no JB's. ( I secretly like the Hestina)
 
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I'm a fan

John has been extremely kind to me. He has always responded to my emails and questions (even the obscure ones ;-) that are really just a waste of his time). Even with regard to a case that isn't making him money! He donated a Case certificate to me when Rain-Man & AZ Billiard community donated a Predator cue to me. I'm hoping that I can someday order a leather Barton case made with a U.S. Army Infantry theme. He is an amazing artist and craftsman and I have a tremendous amount of respect for him. Not only for those reasons but also because he is a fellow Veteran. He is knowledgeable, courteous and skilled. Qualities I think are getting harder to find in one man, especially a businessman. I'm looking forward to receiving my Barton Case. It will be in my family indefinitely!

11Bravo


P.s. I didn't read the part about the free case until after I posted, I did not post this because I thought I would win something or I thought it would help anyone's bottom line. I did so because John has been a great guy to me and I feel that praise nowadays is a bit far a few between, especially if it is earned.
 
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One unknown guy wants to wipe out a whole thread of really decent human kindness.Please fellas,we all know you guys are telling things from the heart
then along comes some toad to put his cynicism in place of generosity and kindness

i have never understood why anyone would take delight criticizing people doing good

i had fun with the thread,several replies worth winning but I only can send one case
you guys who joined in the spirit
shall i choose or you want to pick a junior player for me to send it to

dean
 
I don't need a case... but of course I've been tempted to buy one of John's cases several times. If only he'd made the Instroke cases with poor quality, maybe mine would fall apart and give me a reason!

I'd expect John to respond with enthusiasm to any issue related to cue cases... It helps his business. What really stood out to me was that John, who clearly keeps a lot on his to-do list, PM'd me about a Willie Mosconi picture I was trying to find. A poster-sized print doesn't exist for what I was looking for... John, taking a break from being a case maker extraordinaire, responded as a generally helpful guy and offered some options for having the image reproduced as a painting by an associate of his.

In a way, it was like having Tom Brady randomly help me compare energy-star rated appliances in Home Depot.
 
I don't have a "John is a saint" story like some others, although I have been witness here at AZ to some of his acts of kindness and generosity that are detailed in this thread.

I do, however, use a JB case that I bought from JB in 2009. What he sent me (in EXACTLY the time frame he quoted me on order) was exactly the case I ordered, made of quality leather, with quality workmanship and super quality construction, for a great price. The only thing that has happened to that case in 5 years is the leather has gotten aged and better looking. When you think about it, considering vendors in the pool world, that in and of itself qualifies JB for sainthood.

I think of JB like RKC, both choose to post here on AZ. Both are way free with their advice and expertise (try asking JB a question for free about someone else's vintage cases for example). Both very proud of and protective of their opinions. But the real similarity between the two is that with both of them, their detractor guys are people that have NEVER DONE BUSINESS with them. Like the Dom idiot in this thread, all he ever does is post knocks.

Nice thread Dean. Smart idea and thanks for having it.

Kevin
 
I should have made it clear in my post that I wasn't trying to get into the contest. (Not that my little post here would qualify anyway, heh.)

I have a decent case for my needs right now, and when I decide to replace it, it will be one of John's.

I, too, have enjoyed reading the posts and thank you for doing this.
 
I don't know him personally but he must not be a very great since someone has to make a thread bribing members to speak good of a person by offering free prizes.

Even if we know him, I find it insulting to offer gifts in exchange for good words.

I don't know if people are telling legitimate stories or just wanting to win your prize.

I've told these three stories numerous times. I have complained about Barton before myself. You can think what you want, but search my history for any of the stories above and you will see they have been relayed more than once. I feel it's a great thing to discuss some positive aspects of what goes on here on AZ.
 
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One unknown guy wants to wipe out a whole thread of really decent human kindness.Please fellas,we all know you guys are telling things from the heart
then along comes some toad to put his cynicism in place of generosity and kindness

i have never understood why anyone would take delight criticizing people doing good

i had fun with the thread,several replies worth winning but I only can send one case
you guys who joined in the spirit
shall i choose or you want to pick a junior player for me to send it to

dean

I believe most of us here would donate it to someone in need or a junior player. Personally, if I won, I would like to receive it and then donate to someone locally that I could see the appreciation and use over time just as I detailed in Story 3 above. Either way I am happy to see positivity here on AZ and thank you for the gesture.
 
John has been extremely kind to me. He has always responded to my emails and questions (even the obscure ones ;-) that are really just a waste of his time). Even with regard to a case that isn't making him money! He donated a Case certificate to me when Rain-Man & AZ Billiard community donated a Predator cue to me. I'm hoping that I can someday order a leather Barton case made with a U.S. Army Infantry theme. He is an amazing artist and craftsman and I have a tremendous amount of respect for him. Not only for those reasons but also because he is a fellow Veteran. He is knowledgeable, courteous and skilled. Qualities I think are getting harder to find in one man, especially a businessman. I'm looking forward to receiving my Barton Case. It will be in my family indefinitely!

11Bravo


P.s. I didn't read the part about the free case until after I posted, I did not post this because I thought I would win something or I thought it would help anyone's bottom line. I did so because John has been a great guy to me and I feel that praise nowadays is a bit far a few between, especially if it is earned.
Send this man a case whether he wants it or not.

loved the post
 
I don't have a case-winning story but I'd like to describe John's concern for customer satisfaction. When I received my custom case from John 3.5 years ago, he said that if I wasn't happy with it in some respect he would start making me a new case (for no charge), and in the meantime I could use the case I just received. When the new case was ready I could send back the used one. All this was unnecessary because I was thrilled with the case, but I was a little stunned at that offer. How many custom cue or case makers would do that?
 
Met JB this past Monday, when he hand delivered a custom to a local at the pool hall. He set out a few cases that ranged from $150 - to some full blown customs. As soon as he got everything set out, I was immediately drawn to this gorgeous 1x2 that I had to have, so we worked out a price and he held it for me while I went to go grab some cash. Several people had their eyes on it, and he clearly could have made more money on it, but he saved it for me. I stuck around the pool hall for a good majority of the night and BS'ed with him and a few friends. I ended up picking up another case before the end of the night, because everyone spoke so highly of the durability that I had to get another case just for storage. I felt like a little kid asking for him to autograph the cases, but its not everyday that you can get the owner to sign the product. Overall JB is a great guy and I look forward to shooting with him again and maybe picking up another case or two.

PS. If anyone gets a chance to shoot with him, get him tipsy and put some oldies on the jukebox. Only fun will follow.
ALSO I OBVIOUSLY DON'T NEED THE CASE, JUST SHARING KIND WORDS ABOUT AN EQUALLY STAND UP GUY.

33zeln5.jpg

drdw6e.jpg

25holc0.jpg

1zlyvdv.jpg

2wptmv8.jpg


Better pictures and reviews will come as soon as I get to actually snap some pics of them.
 
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All I know is John worked very diligently on the ostrich skinned envelope case he made for me. It took a little longer to finish because he is a perfectionist and was working on a new inside. The case turned out great and eventually was delivered at the SBE a couple of years ago. He made sure when I took a shaft out, that the interior slid over the zipper so it would not scratch. AWESOME! Also he had a Metallica logo and a Miami logo stiched into the case which looks great. Without question the nicest case I have ever seen, but John was great to deal with and very responsive with updates. Good dude, good dad, good husband.
 
Met JB this past Monday, when he hand delivered a custom to a local at the pool hall. He set out a few cases that ranged from $150 - to some full blown customs. As soon as he got everything set out, I was immediately drawn to this gorgeous 1x2 that I had to have, so we worked out a price and he held it for me while I went to go grab some cash. Several people had their eyes on it, and he clearly could have made more money on it, but he saved it for me. I stuck around the pool hall for a good majority of the night and BS'ed with him and a few friends. I ended up picking up another case before the end of the night, because everyone spoke so highly of the durability that I had to get another case just for storage. I felt like a little kid asking for him to autograph the cases, but its not everyday that you can get the owner to sign the product. Overall JB is a great guy and I look forward to shooting with him again and maybe picking up another case or two.

PS. If anyone gets a chance to shoot with him, get him tipsy and put some oldies on the jukebox. Only fun will follow.
ALSO I OBVIOUSLY DON'T NEED THE CASE, JUST SHARING KIND WORDS ABOUT AN EQUALLY STAND UP GUY.

33zeln5.jpg

drdw6e.jpg

25holc0.jpg

1zlyvdv.jpg

2wptmv8.jpg


Better pictures and reviews will come as soon as I get to actually snap some pics of them.

You got the History case...you lucky dog! I have been wanting one forever...but have been seriously cash poor. Congrats!!

Sent from my HTC One V using Tapatalk
 
I believe most of us here would donate it to someone in need or a junior player. Personally, if I won, I would like to receive it and then donate to someone locally that I could see the appreciation and use over time just as I detailed in Story 3 above. Either way I am happy to see positivity here on AZ and thank you for the gesture.

I think OP failed and we should recognize your kindness by donating whatever case, if you do win to charity or to some youth organization.

True kindness and appreciation.

You are not saying nice things just to win a case or let yourself get paid off.;)
 
I am sending the case to ridethewind

i like loyalty
if he/she doesn't need a simple little case
pick some kid and i ship to him

dom .your thoughts on the subject don't entitle you to have your way
of all the people only you showed a mean spirit
 
You got the History case...you lucky dog! I have been wanting one forever...but have been seriously cash poor. Congrats!!

Sent from my HTC One V using Tapatalk

Is that what that one is called? John showed me a similar case and I fell in love with the elegant simplicity of it. Yes, I too would have bought it on the spot if I wasn't so broke. Then I would have bought a stunning Josh Treadway cue I had my eye on and placed it inside. If wishes were horses... (sigh)
 
I am sending the case to ridethewind

i like loyalty
if he/she doesn't need a simple little case
pick some kid and i ship to him

dom .your thoughts on the subject don't entitle you to have your way
of all the people only you showed a mean spirit

For what it's worth this thread was interesting to me. JB my opinion of you was fine to begin with but your a notch or two higher in my book after reading other peoples stories.

@Deanoc-- cool gesture, I always like seeing someone trying to pay it forward.

@Ridethewind-- congrats, it went to a deserving person.
 
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