JUDD,LAMBROS,CAPONE, or BLUE GRASS

T

thekid

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Hi, I'm new to the forum and was hopping to get some advice. I realize that this question is HIGHLY subjective, but I currentley have a Frey SP and I'm thinking about upgrading to one of the above cues. Any advice on which cue has the best playability/value.

Thanks A Lot for Your Suggestions!
 
It is a tough question to answer. But first, I would start by eliminating. And in doing so, I'd remove Capone and Lambros from your list. They are both great playing cues, but their play is just a little beneath the others and as far as looks go, well, that is subjective and only you can decide that.

That leaves you with Judd Fuller and Richard Harris. Both make top notch playing cues and both have a look that is uniquely their own. But you are dealing with two seperate tiers. For starters, Richard Harris (Bluegrass) isn't even taking orders anymore so any Bluegrass you buy will have to be second-hand or through a dealer. As well, these cues can be pricey due to the high demand and limited number of them. I recently sold my players Bluegrass for $1,000 whereas my JT-1 Judd sold for $600 about 9 months ago.

If you're going for fancy, go for a Judd. You'll get a greatplaying cue that won't cost you $3,000 and up. If you truly want the best playing cue out of all of these and price isn't a factor, Bluegrass is the way to go.

Either way, I say Judd or Bluegrass!
 
Judd's or Bluegrass. You cant go wrong with either. I currently own Both and both are very awesome playing cues.
Chris
 
pharaoh68 said:
I'd remove Capone and Lambros from your list. They are both great playing cues, but their play is just a little beneath the others and as far as looks go, well, that is subjective and only you can decide that.
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I would also probably remove Capone and Lambros from the list, but not for the same reasons.

If thekid likes his Bob Frey cue, he may not be happy with the Capone or the Lambros because they have a much stiffer hit. I wouldn't say they are beneath the others, they are just different.

thekid, if you like your Frey cue, why not just contact Bob and have him make you a custom cue. He makes a great cue and you will get more bang for your bucks.

If you are interested in a cue from a bigger name, get a Scruggs. Bob Frey used to work with Tim Scruggs and their cues are very similar.

BTW, I have a Scruggs, a Lambros and 2 Capones. I currently play with the Capones. If you want a stiffer hitting cue, that is the best choice, IMO.
 
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Thanks, and I guess I should have elaborated a little bit more. I wouldn't say that I'm unhappy with the Frey, in fact for what I payed for it I don't think I could find a better cue. but I was looking to experiment with something that played a little differentley. I guess I don't mind stiffness (depending on your interpritation) I have played with predator shafts before and been very satisfied

Thanks A Lot!
 
Judd, tapered like Schon. Kinda slim with stiff tapered shaft. Flat-face 5/16 pin. Not cored.
Lambros-Slim too but has proprietary joint. You can't get an aftermarket shaft for it, if that matters.
Capone-On the thick side. The handle is a little fat. Cored with maple.
Blue Grass- Stiff forearm and stiff shaft. Handle is still slim due to it's dual taper butt. Hits stiff.
 
I own both a Capone and a Bluegrass. I have no experience with a Lambros or Judd. You can buy a new Capone for the price of a used Bluegrass, but as Pharaoh mentioned, the Bluegrass is in a different class, up there with the best hitting cues ever made. Hit is very subjective, of course, but I think you will find that you just cannot go wrong purchasing a Bluegrass cue. They are more expensive, but definitely worth the price. And, since since Richard stopped taking orders in January 2005, they are getting harder and harder to come by, so if you acquire one, it will hold its value very well.

Best of luck with your decision-
 
of these four

JoeyInCali said:
Judd, tapered like Schon. Kinda slim with stiff tapered shaft. Flat-face 5/16 pin. Not cored.
Lambros-Slim too but has proprietary joint. You can't get an aftermarket shaft for it, if that matters.
Capone-On the thick side. The handle is a little fat. Cored with maple.
Blue Grass- Stiff forearm and stiff shaft. Handle is still slim due to it's dual taper butt. Hits stiff.
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I presently have a Judd and a Lambros with the new joint. Both the Capone and the Blue Grass cues are on my list to obtain. You selected 4 good choices to work down into the one you ultimately will play with. What you have not indicated is the $$$ range that you are looking to spend.

That could effect the outcome of your decision as well.
 
$$$

I'm not looking to spend more than about 1k, the cue could be plain jane or have points. It's possible I'll end up spending more, I talked to Laurie from Southwest yesterday and she'll be starting my cue this year (which I'll probably sell).
 
I think the judd and capone would be great cues. I own a TS sneaky pete and love it. I dont know if your frey hits similar or not. If the scruggs and frey hit simaler than i would say that capone and judd hit stiffer than them. At this time i am on a big capone cue kick.........i like the way they hit. At least the ones i have played with. I havent had the chance to hit with the other cues mentioned.
 
Bluegrass

thekid said:
I'm not looking to spend more than about 1k, the cue could be plain jane or have points. It's possible I'll end up spending more, I talked to Laurie from Southwest yesterday and she'll be starting my cue this year (which I'll probably sell).
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My bluegrass is going on ebay next week. Ebony on ebony players cue with leather wrap, ivory/ebony check rings, matching joint protectors. 2 13mm shafts. You can see pics on indyq.com I got the cue about the last day in March. It is practically brand new- no bluing. I did have one tip changed to a moori and the other is original and basically unhit.

In regard to your question, you have good taste. I think Judds and Bluegrass are really good cues. Both have pretty big waits with bluegrass being much longer.
 
I always chuckle a little at these threads. If you can't get the cue in your hands to try it out, you'll never know if it's for you or not (just my opinion there). All of the makers you mentioned make excellent cues, and since I don't know your playing style, or what games you play, or how often, or on what kind of table, or in what conditions, I can't recommend any one over the other. I loved my Capone and one of the two Scruggs I owned, had a Frey which was nice but not for me.

I guess what I'm saying is, all factors must be considered, and as such, I'd have to recommend the cheapest option that fits your requirements (looks, playing, availability). Why spend a mint if you're not even sure which you'd like?

-s
 
judd

I've seen that JUDD, and yeah it's sweet. I'm seriously cosidering selling my frey sp and paying the difference for that cue, i'm just not in a huge hurry.

Thanks A Lot
 
thekid said:
I've seen that JUDD, and yeah it's sweet. I'm seriously cosidering selling my frey sp and paying the difference for that cue, i'm just not in a huge hurry.

Thanks A Lot
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maybe it's just me, but i think tulipwood's ugly :p

-s
 
I'm selling that cue and thanks to all for the compliments! I've bumped the cue in the Wanted/For Sale section for anyone interested.
 
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