John K. Bender

Jon Manning

AzB Silver Member
Silver Member
Hello AZ,

Received this beauty the other day from John Bender. Mr. Bender was an absolute pleasure to deal with, delivered a month early from what was originally quoted and kept me updated with progress pictures. I know he didn't have to spend all the time that he did exchanging emails about ideas, changes and all sorts of things not cue related. Feels like I have gained a friend with this build, we even have a game set up when he comes down to visit other friends in the area, I'm going to try and kick his ass at some One Hole. We changed the cue a number of times, as he or I would have a different idea. An example of this, cue was originally going to be a Titlist conversion with Hoppe ring.... I believe John went above and beyond on this build, to make both of us happy.

I've played with the cue for about twenty hours and it plays better than it looks. The balance of the cue is spot on and moves the rock effortlessly. When I first screwed the cue together, I thought it was in the 18.5oz range, but it's 19.7oz... amazing balance! The fit and finish on this beauty is excellent!

About the cue;
60"
3/8x10 SS pin
Cape Buffalo joint and butt cap
Straight grain Maple nose, the wood is from the 1950s
Eight Brazilian Rosewood points and butt
Titlist veneers
Vintage black Cuttyhunk Line wrap
Brazilian Rosewood and Maple rings with the Magenta, Teal, Magenta veneers in all positions
The joint protectors are Phenolic and Rosewood with same ringwork as the cue
Shafts have Stag ferrules and Triumph tips

Sorry if the photos are not up to par, all I have is my iPhone, enjoy.
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If anyone is thinking about getting a cue from a true passionate professional, don't hesitate to give John the build, I doubt very seriously one would be disappointed. On a side note, after working with John, seeing and feeling the quality, I have no clue why we don't see and hear more about his cues! Maybe I was just way ahead of the curve. I believe great things will come out of this builders shop.

John, Im sure that by now you are tired of me thanking you... but, you are a true professional, thank you from the bottom of my heart!

P.S. To the man who recommended John, Thank you so much! I couldn't be happier about the whole experience. and, I'll see you soon.

More pictures to come...
 
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When John and I first started talking about this cue, told him I would like some tight straight grain Maple for the nose.
Do you think he got it right? How many rings per inch is this stuff?
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This cue seems to keep playing better the more table time I spend with her. I'm starting to settle in and it feels great!
I'm going to send the other shaft back to Bender and have the ferrule changed to Buffalo. Would be interesting to feel the difference between Buffalo and Elk, since this Ivory stuff I've been experimenting with different replacement natural materials.
 
Very, very nice cue. John built me a Trubalance conversion a few years ago, excellent communication and top-notch work!
 
Beautiful cue. Old growth wood is awesome. I am getting a cue pretty soon with some ancient (over 100 year od) old growth curly maple. It is gorgeous. They just don't grow wood the way they used to.
 
Thanks guys! I know my posts in regards to cues I own are always long and drawn out, but with the last couple builds the builder and myself spend a lot of time talking about design and theory. As it turns out, the last two builds have resulted in both of us having a new friend, it's a beautiful thing to walk away from a build with exactly the piece you want and having conversations with passionate artists is pretty badass. Hope all is well with everyone!
 
John always does great work. I had two made by him and will never sell them.This is a cue he made for me in 2012. Snakewood, ebony, and ivory.
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I'm from the Cleveland area. About 2 years ago I recommended John to a friend. He bought a cue from John and he's thrilled with it. It's a beauty and the price was very reasonable. The only problem is that my friend who I consistently beat is now beating me.
 
That's a problem! Maybe John should build you another cue... that should solve the problem. Lol.
I love this cue, great work!
 
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