I agree about Joseys being too busy, not my cup of tea. I also agree with Koop about Mike Webb's cues, they are excellent. Also don't forget Barry Cameron right in CT.Nickelsig229 said:
Looking for input on my first custom purchase
- Thread starter Nickelsig229
- Start date
One route is to go for a real custom cue made to your own specifications. Find a cue maker close to you who can meet your budget. Most cues called "custom" are just fancy production cues. You will take special pride in a cue that was actually made for you as opposed to a cue that was made to fill the monthly quota.Nickelsig229 said:
Before you go to the cue maker, you will need to figure out what you want:
style (within the cue maker's usual styles, probably)
length
tip diameter
ferrule details
shaft taper
joint style
woods used
butt diameter
balance point
wrap (if any)
other ornamentation
I think there are cue makers who can do real custom cues for under $1000.
If you decide to buy a used or standard production cue, be sure to play with it for at least half an hour before purchase. Shoot a lot of spin shots. Any stick can hit center ball pretty well -- it's the stroke shots that test them.
catscradle said:
I agree that the Josey customs are too busy, in general. The sneakies, on the other hand, are just beautiful, especially with the inlays that help set them apart from just another sneaky. That, and the woods used, especially the fiery cocobolo that I often see in Josey sneakies.
Since I don't think I put forth a particular cue in my original post, here's one vote for Rick Howard, since I own one. They say never trust a guy with two first names, but he makes a wonderful cue.
Nickelsig229
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The josey designs I like I doubt I can afford.
I'm not into the sp's or plain sticks. I enjoy some clean floating points.
I'm not into the sp's or plain sticks. I enjoy some clean floating points.
I think that would be a fine choice if the OP were in coastal Georgia, but he seems to be in Connecticut.skins said:i hope your (not) lumping Keith Josey into that category. he is a true custom maker that loves to work from the tip back.
When I got my first custom cue, I went to the one-man-shop and saw cues in progress and smelled the sawdust and glue and leather. I talked about the cue with the cue maker face-to-face. The cue maker fixed for free a problem I caused. I'm sure he would have quickly fixed any other problem that came up.
If there is a good local cue maker, I think the OP should consider him first.
Bob Jewett said:
that's all well and good but why does this stop anyone from buying ouside their area? all good makers can take care of any customer wants from anywhere in the world. the only thing maybe are tip changes and such for a definite choice for local makers being more convenient. if it works for you though that's fine but in no way is it even close to rule.
Nickelsig229 said:
Check out www.auerbachcustomcues.com. John makes some nice customs and there is some in your price range. I've owned and shot with several of his cues and they're awesome lookers and hitters.
I'm in the same boat a you are. I am getting a Jeff Olney cue. I have heard many great things about his work. I have talked and e-mailed with him several times. He is very knowledgeable. Danny Harraman shoots with his cues. His cues are very reasonable and they look great. Go here: http://www.galynx.com/jolney/index.htmNickelsig229 said:
dean
Nickelsig229
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We can put this one to rest.
I opted for a production cue.
In a couple of years, with more experience, a couple thousand dollars, and hopefully more skill, Ill make a run at having a cue made to my design.
For now I'll settle for the stick that first jumped out at me.
Thanks for all the input everyone.
I opted for a production cue.
In a couple of years, with more experience, a couple thousand dollars, and hopefully more skill, Ill make a run at having a cue made to my design.
For now I'll settle for the stick that first jumped out at me.
Thanks for all the input everyone.
Nickelsig229
Registered
hondo said:
Ouch that hurts!
Thanks. I really do wish I had a custom, and I serriously looked at josey, and mike webb. I quickly came to the realization that for the quality of craftsmanship and more importantly the designs that inspired me, I just didn't have the funds.
The designs that appealed to me are usually 6 or 8 clean floating points with layers within layers and then inlays with in them. Everytime I looked at cues that appealed to me, I got a reality check of 2k +
I'll get it one day but for now I'll concentrate on trying to get to the skill level I played at durring my college days when I had 5 hours a day, 6 days a week in a hall.
Again thanks to everyone for their offers and insight.