Just curious about Meucci.

[Fvalstounge]

Repeating this from my yesterday post on another Meucci thread:

I know Budget Billiards may have an ax to grind, but this is on their website and I believe it to be true::



At Budget Billiards, we believe in full transparency about the products we sell. Here’s what you should know about Meucci Cues under the current ownership:

• Warranty Coverage: Meucci’s limited warranty covers only defects that affect the structural integrity or performance of the cue for a period of one year. Cosmetic imperfections, minor flaws, and warpage are not covered.
• Craftsmanship Notes: While Meucci cues are crafted with high-quality materials, there have been reports of inconsistencies in craftsmanship. Recent models may sometimes exhibit cosmetic variations, such as differences in color saturation, minor inlay misalignments, or irregularities in finishing. Additionally, some cues have thicker-than-standard butt ends, making them incompatible with some cue cases. Variations in joint size have also been reported, which could impact the fit of future shaft replacements and/or create points of weakness below the joint that are more susceptible to breakage under stress.

"The aesthetic appeal of the cue is not covered by our manufacturer warranty, [...] and each dealer takes on the responsibility of moving the SKUs they purchase from us. Aesthetic variations do not impact the usability of the product."

— Seth & Jeremy (Owners of Meucci Cues, LLC)

I would say they should invest in someone to handle customer relations and marketing who would know better than to phrase it that way.
On one hand, they should stand behind their work for a reasonable period. On the other hand, I also understand that the more complex the design and variety of materials, the more there will be variations. Some folks can't be satisfied and I'm guessing they get more than their fair share. In the end, I think it's always true that unhappy customers are the loudest, and happy customers are usually silent. Thus, while I recognize that there have been anecdotal stories of serious issues over the years, it doesn't accurately reflect those who've been very happy with their cues. A cue falling apart or severely warping in a short time is far different than minor imperfections in inlays, veneers or finishing. Sure, everyone wants high quality, but these are still hand-made to some degree, and there is no artistry or unique character in perfection. There's another two-pence.

 

[Logandgriff]

The glaring flaws in the Meucci warranty are: 1) it doesn't cover warpage and 2) it's only one year. That equals: I would never buy a Meucci.

 

[Inferno]

The glaring flaws in the Meucci warranty are: 1) it doesn't cover warpage and 2) it's only one year. That equals: I would never buy a Meucci.

Does anyone else warranty a cue longer than a year?
Myself in the mix, not everyone stores their cue responsibly. Warpage isn't necessarily the fault of the cuemaker.

I'm better now but from @1990-2004 I kept my cues in my car when I wasn't playing. I stopped when someone stole them out of my car. They never warped but I had an Oneil case so that probably helped. A soft fabric case and a cue will probably warp pretty good.

 

[bpeacock]

Repeating this from my yesterday post on another Meucci thread:

I know Budget Billiards may have an ax to grind, but this is on their website and I believe it to be true::



At Budget Billiards, we believe in full transparency about the products we sell. Here’s what you should know about Meucci Cues under the current ownership:

• Warranty Coverage: Meucci’s limited warranty covers only defects that affect the structural integrity or performance of the cue for a period of one year. Cosmetic imperfections, minor flaws, and warpage are not covered.
• Craftsmanship Notes: While Meucci cues are crafted with high-quality materials, there have been reports of inconsistencies in craftsmanship. Recent models may sometimes exhibit cosmetic variations, such as differences in color saturation, minor inlay misalignments, or irregularities in finishing. Additionally, some cues have thicker-than-standard butt ends, making them incompatible with some cue cases. Variations in joint size have also been reported, which could impact the fit of future shaft replacements and/or create points of weakness below the joint that are more susceptible to breakage under stress.

"The aesthetic appeal of the cue is not covered by our manufacturer warranty, [...] and each dealer takes on the responsibility of moving the SKUs they purchase from us. Aesthetic variations do not impact the usability of the product."

— Seth & Jeremy (Owners of Meucci Cues, LLC)

That doesn't match the warranty information on their website. Probably better to get info from them?

 

[Tschmidt]

I have 2 meuccis. Both have the pro shaft. The one plays different than the other one. I wanted a carbon fiber shaft for it. But from what they did on my order and reading what is being said here I figure I will just enjoy the ones I have and hope the best for Meucci. I dont hold much hope in the long run

 

[Lowell]

I would say they should invest in someone to handle customer relations and marketing who would know better than to phrase it that way.
On one hand, they should stand behind their work for a reasonable period. On the other hand, I also understand that the more complex the design and variety of materials, the more there will be variations. Some folks can't be satisfied and I'm guessing they get more than their fair share. In the end, I think it's always true that unhappy customers are the loudest, and happy customers are usually silent. Thus, while I recognize that there have been anecdotal stories of serious issues over the years, it doesn't accurately reflect those who've been very happy with their cues. A cue falling apart or severely warping in a short time is far different than minor imperfections in inlays, veneers or finishing. Sure, everyone wants high quality, but these are still hand-made to some degree, and there is no artistry or unique character in perfection. There's another two-pence.

The quality on the ones I've seen in real life has been excellent, I actually think they look better than the stock images.

I bought an ANW-1 and it has this beautiful rainbow coat that people actually compliment in real life.

I played against a guy who won a Casino 1 and it was immaculate looking (I'm not even a fan of that series but the quality is high).

 

[Tschmidt]

The quality on the ones I've seen in real life has been excellent, I actually think they look better than the stock images.

I bought an ANW-1 and it has this beautiful rainbow coat that people actually compliment in real life.

I played against a guy who won a Casino 1 and it was immaculate looking (I'm not even a fan of that series but the quality is high).

Thats the one I have.

 

[Logandgriff]

That doesn't match the warranty information on their website. Probably better to get info from them?

Seems like it does. For some odd reason (maybe the odd reason is me) I can't copy the warranty info from Meucci's website to paste it here but their warranty spelled out on their website is one year, doesn't cover warpage and covers "issues that affect the performance or structural integrity of the Products due to manufacturing defects." [Not anything else.]

And Meucci cues "are subject to aesthetic variations in stain colors, wood grains, ETC., and these cosmetic variations are not considered defects but are part of the Product's character."

Compare the above to this McDermott warranty language: "However, one thing never changes: our commitment to quality. That's why we stand behind every McDermott cue with a lifetime warranty, including coverage for warpage." Their warranty doesn't have any jive about aesthetics.

Viking is similar:

• Viking cues are warranted to be free from material and manufacturing defects.
• Viking Cues, LLC warrants against "warpage and all components of the cue for the life of the product, but excludes replaceable parts such as the tip, ferrule, finish, wrap, and bumper.”

In my experience, with regard to cues made in the USA, McDermott and Viking will basically fix or replace anything that breaks or doesn't look right. You don't have hundreds of people on forums complaining about their warranties or service like you do about Meucci. I can't recall any people beefing about McDermott or Viking although I am sure there are some.

I'm not a Meucci hater but their warranty is so weak and reported service horrors are so frequent I'd never buy one.

That doesn't match the warranty information on their website. Probably better to get info from them?

 

[skogstokig]

hasn't this subject been the same for the entire life of this forum? old owners, new owners.. maybe it's business culture and/or regional culture

 

[Brother Ron]

And Meucci cues "are subject to aesthetic variations in stain colors, wood grains, ETC., and these cosmetic variations are not considered defects but are part of the Product's character."

Color and wood grain variations are indeed part of the products character.
There is no way possible to get the exact wood grain and color the same in a rainbow stained birds eye maple fore arm.
Most of the cues like my 95-11 had more of a grey shade to them. (includes the 95-11 as well as the HOF1 models)

 

[bpeacock]

From Meucci website :
Limited 1-year Manufacturer Warranty:

Meucci Cues provides a limited one-year warranty, from the date of purchase, against manufacturing defects and materials for products manufactured by Meucci Cues (“Product(s)”).

Warranty Coverage:
Under this warranty, Meucci Cues, in its sole discretion, may either repair the Products, replace the Products, or refund the original purchase price of Products purchased directly from Meucci Cues or one of its Authorized Dealers, that are found to have a manufacturing defect. This warranty covers issues that affect the performance or structural integrity of the Products due to manufacturing defects. This warranty applies only to the original purchaser of the Products, with proof of purchase, and is non-transferable.

Exclusions:
Meucci cues and shafts are hand-crafted from wood and other organic materials and are subject to aesthetic variations in stain colors, wood grains, etc., and these cosmetic variations are not considered defects but are part of the Product's character. Additionally, the following situations are not covered by the warranty:

Warpage on wood Products
Defects caused by normal wear and tear of the Products, including normal wear on replaceable items such as the tip, ferrule, finish, wrap, & bumper
Damage caused by misuse, abuse, negligence, improper maintenance, accidents, or extreme events (e.g. flood, fire, etc.)
Modifications or alterations made to the Products by anyone other than Meucci Cues without the express written consent of Meucci Cues
Products that have been exposed to extreme temperature or humidity conditions
Products purchased from unauthorized dealers or sources

 

[CajunPopeye]

I'm gonna chime in here and say the contributions to this game that Meucci has made over the years cannot be overstated, taking into consideration the black mark from those questionable years.
My mentor played with one and at the time, I didn't care for the way they played but was amazed by the insane amount of spin he could generate w that cue.
I was and still am an SS joint Uber Fan.
That being said, I wish the new Meucci continued success.

I refer to my Meucci as a Ginsu at times, because it cuts like one. 12mm shaft can move the ball.

 

[garczar]

Definitely have an ax to grind. I don't think it was an amicable parting.

you do know she's Bob's daughter, right? She went from being a major insider to just another dealer. Sure she's pissed but that's just business. After reading that warranty anyone that buys their shit now is an idiot.

 

[garczar]

I refer to my Meucci as a Ginsu at times, because it cuts like one. 12mm shaft can move the ball.

A cue or its shaft size does not make it cut more or less. And a 12mm shaft doesn't 'move the ball' more or less.

 

[CajunPopeye]

Seems like it does. For some odd reason (maybe the odd reason is me) I can't copy the warranty info from Meucci's website to paste it here but their warranty spelled out on their website is one year, doesn't cover warpage and covers "issues that affect the performance or structural integrity of the Products due to manufacturing defects. [Not anything else.]

And Meucci cues "are subject to aesthetic variations in stain colors, wood grains, ETC., and these cosmetic variations are not considered defects but are part of the Product's character."

Compare the above to this McDermott warranty language: "However, one thing never changes: our commitment to quality. That's why we stand behind every McDermott cue with a lifetime warranty, including coverage for warpage." Their warranty doesn't have any jive about aesthetics.

Viking is similar:

• Viking cues are warranted to be free from material and manufacturing defects.
• Viking Cues, LLC warrants against warpage and all components of the cue for the life of the product, but excludes replaceable parts such as the tip, ferrule, finish, wrap, and bumper.”

In my experience, with regard to cues made in the USA, McDermott and Viking will basically fix or replace anything that breaks or doesn't look right. You don't have hundreds of people on forums complaining about their warranties or service like you do about Meucci. I can't recall any people beefing about McDermott or Viking although I am sure there are some.

I'm not a Meucci hater but their warranty is so weak and reported service horrors are so frequent I'd never buy one.

Buy a McDermott. Their reputation is good. It's not a Meucci, Joss, Pechauer, etc. It's a production cue most times, with a warranty.

 

[ShootingArts]

I got a moochie very cheap back in the mid-eighties. Video machines were red hot and the company selling them to a game room would toss him a new meucci as a bonus now and then. The room manager was a friend and I got a brand new moochie for fifty bucks! Great cue I used for years and gave away when I wasn't playing.

Pretty sure it was a sponsored player that had a Meucci explode on a table near me. I don't know what was loose before but one hard shot and his butt was in a half dozen pieces or more. The most damage I have ever seen in normal play. That would have been around 1990 or a little before and I don't know the age of the cue when this happened. Whatever happened to the cue, it seemed like all of the glue/adhesive failed at once! Of course I know nothing about how the cue was treated. Seemed like a bad batch of glue.

Hu

 

[Mensabum]

I refer to my Meucci as a Ginsu at times, because it cuts like one. 12mm shaft can move the ball.

 

[Mensabum]

A cue or its shaft size does not make it cut more or less. And a 12mm shaft doesn't 'move the ball' more or less.

Don't blow the illusion. That was funny. Ginsu!!

 

[Mensabum]

I got a moochie very cheap back in the mid-eighties. Video machines were red hot and the company selling them to a game room would toss him a new meucci as a bonus now and then. The room manager was a friend and I got a brand new moochie for fifty bucks! Great cue I used for years and gave away when I wasn't playing.

Pretty sure it was a sponsored player that had a Meucci explode on a table near me. I don't know what was loose before but one hard shot and his butt was in a half dozen pieces or more. The most damage I have ever seen in normal play. That would have been around 1990 or a little before and I don't know the age of the cue when this happened. Whatever happened to the cue, it seemed like all of the glue/adhesive failed at once! Of course I know nothing about how the cue was treated. Seemed like a bad batch of glue.

Hu

I saw that happen after a player I knew pulled the weight bolt out after using a soldering iron to melt the glue. Cue came apart while he was playing!!!

 

[ShootingArts]

I saw that happen after a player I knew pulled the weight bolt out after using a soldering iron to melt the glue. Cue came apart while he was playing!!!

That is a possible explanation to what happened to the cue I saw shatter. Wasn't someone I knew well so I don't remember the outcome. I don't remember any broken components so I suspect he just had it glued back together. This was about the same period or the same period that car glass was shattering from the heat. I was there when an uncle's station wagon back window shattered. There were quite a few vehicle windows breaking from the heat at the time and nothing exceptional was seen. People just left their car windows down a few inches to give a little cross ventilation. I figured too much time in a hot car might have done it, no idea if that guess was accurate. I hadn't thought of the car windows or the cue in many years.

A friend owned a glass shop right down the road from my body shop. He had a full sized Ford windshield break that he had just installed about fifteen minutes before. He said there was a run of miss cured glass all broke in the same place and the manufacturer was standing behind it. Funny sheet happens sometimes!

Hu