I am also considering a Josey Cue. I was told that the Timeless Timber shaft and an Ebony butt are more dense woods so would hit more stiffly...does anyone have a history with this particular combination?
I currently play with a Adams Balabushka 5/16 piloted pin that is 12.50 pro-tapered. This cue is not stiff but I play okay with it. I also have a Greg Sirca custom cue with 3/8 pin. It is a more solid hit than the Adams.
I have no history with radial pin joints. Any feedback would be much appreciated. I just joined AZ Billiards...this is my first post. What an amazing site.
Okay...since no one else answered your question....I will try.
While I did NOT have a Timeless Timber shaft with it, I did have one of Keith's uber-fancy petes in ebony/BEM.
Typically, when ever possible, Keith tries to have the cues 'self weight'...at least with regards to his petes. Mine was not cored, but amazingly weighed in at only 19.35 oz! Because of the ebony backend, the cue felt a bit rear weighted, until I got down on a shot, and then it felt wonderfully balanced. The ebony into BEM made for a very solid, stiff feel to the hit, and this was with one of Keith's Josey shafts.
The cue was an amazing little player...and like a fool, I sold it because I didn't think at the time that I needed more than one cue, and could use the extra cash...what an idiot I was!!
Because of the Radial pin, his cues tend to be on the stiffer side out of the gate. They feel VERY solid when assembled...very, very much like a one piece cue, IMHO. The Timeless Timber shafts are even stiffer still...so the combination of the ebony and the lake salvage shaft would make for a very stiff playing cue. It truly depends if that is what you are looking for or not. I am sure that Keith would be more than happy to explain the differences to you. His regular Josey shafts are pretty nice...he's real particular about his shaftwood, and it shows.
Also, because of the Radial pin, the shafts go on tight...and my experience was they continue to go on tight...making for the really solid feel, IMHO.
There are no too many folks who dislike the way Keith's cues play, and they are not readily for sale on the secondary market. They seem to hold their value pretty well. There is always someone looking for one.
I can tell you this....working with Keith and Sherri is a real joy. They will be honest and tell you when an idea might not be viable, and will explain why. They are always friendly and willing to please. I couldn't recommend them highly enough!
My new cue will be ready in another 4-6 weeks, and I will not make the same mistake selling again. Besides, this one's gonna be really special. :grin:
Lisa