Lots of Custom Cues But Only a Scanty Amount of Custom Cue Cases

[Bavafongoul]

As most likely know, the CA ivory ban takes effect in a few weeks & that is going to crimp my cue collecting efforts. I was thinking rather than just remaining frustrated with this legal restriction to my cue collecting, why not consider adding some custom leather cue cases.

When it comes to joint protectors, Alton's name immediately comes to mind & pretty much he's recognized as the "Master" when it comes to fancy protector designs. Well, with cue cases, Jerry Yang's name immediately comes to mind and his workmanship is truly original & absolutely gorgeous. However, there's really not a lot of custom cases to compare Jerry's cases with & actually, there's also not a lot of custom leather cue cases being listed on the Forum.

So I was wondering about having a custom case made but naturally I would want it to be a one of a kind type design......how does one approach something like that? I'm thinking a budget between a grand and say $2k should be a decent budget but I dunno if $2k is even enuf? I know pool cues pretty good but cases, well, that''s new territory for me. I wouldn't even consider having a case made if there was more availability of custom leather cue cases for sale.......size would be 3x6, 4x8, even 6x12 (might have to be envelope style)..... I am presently undecided on the size but I do prefer hard leather case so the leather can be carved, etc.

I am not ready to pull the trigger just yet until after the CA ivory ban is enacted but I am looking to learn more about custom leather cue cases. I was hoping this thread might lead to learning more about custom leather cue cases, some recommendations and maybe even some photos.


Thanks,


Matt B.

 

[madhatter44]

If you are interested in something special look no further than:
http://www.phileastwoodstudios.com/phileastwoodstudios-quiverz.html

 

[ProZack]

Same Problem!!

Custom Case makers are very few.. And I use the term "Custom" very loosely! I have been trying to get a case made for Months. There is either a Very Long waiting list or I can't get what I want cause it isn't what they Normally Make.

It has been a Struggle!

I am currently giving it One More Try with one of the Larger Case Makers.

 

[ctyhntr]

If I had the budget to commission a custom case then Jim Murnak, John Barton and Mike Roberts would be on my short list.

I heard Mike Roberts resumed making It's George cases. At SBX, I saw BAMA cues have some in stock, but I don't see why you can't persuade to make a custom. His It's George cases are the only style I would trust walking in the rain.

John Barton has a whole team behind him. In person he is a great guy. Online, avoid talking about aiming threads.

It's my opinion Jim Murnak can practically make anything out of leather. I think his butterfly cases are probably the most practical. If I had the money, I would ask him to re-make the old Brunswick fishing cases in 2x6 style.

Here is on in 1x2.
http://www.indyq.com/cases/murnak/

Here is a video showcasing some of his work.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_8cKtn_5rkk

Another
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7-KdqK0fxbY

Here are other styles Jim makes.
http://www.recollectioncues.com/murnakcases.html

 

[cueenvy]

As most likely know, the CA ivory ban takes effect in a few weeks & that is going to crimp my cue collecting efforts. I was thinking rather than just remaining frustrated with this legal restriction to my cue collecting, why not consider adding some custom leather cue cases.

When it comes to joint protectors, Alton's name immediately comes to mind & pretty much he's recognized as the "Master" when it comes to fancy protector designs. Well, with cue cases, Jerry Yang's name immediately comes to mind and his workmanship is truly original & absolutely gorgeous. However, there's really not a lot of custom cases to compare Jerry's cases with & actually, there's also not a lot of custom leather cue cases being listed on the Forum.

So I was wondering about having a custom case made but naturally I would want it to be a one of a kind type design......how does one approach something like that? I'm thinking a budget between a grand and say $2k should be a decent budget but I dunno if $2k is even enuf? I know pool cues pretty good but cases, well, that''s new territory for me. I wouldn't even consider having a case made if there was more availability of custom leather cue cases for sale.......size would be 3x6, 4x8, even 6x12 (might have to be envelope style)..... I am presently undecided on the size but I do prefer hard leather case so the leather can be carved, etc.

I am not ready to pull the trigger just yet until after the CA ivory ban is enacted but I am looking to learn more about custom leather cue cases. I was hoping this thread might lead to learning more about custom leather cue cases, some recommendations and maybe even some photos.


Thanks,


Matt B.

What happens when California bans leather? Cali is whacked. Some of the best ocean Vistas have cows on them.

The ivory ban is nearly unenforceable. It will only drive up value of ivory containing items.

 

[galipeau]

Try buying used. There was a tooled leather Justis up for 350 on OBM I believe recently.

Below are my cases I found used. One is a "Custom" as you mentioned and the other is a unique Ron Thomas. I think I have less than 300 into both. I also have a McDermott Mac case Fellini style that I picked up for 20 bucks of craigslist.


Or you can get a nice Melton, etc, that's new. Just keep an eye on the Cue and Case Gallery, and PM whoever is posting the case.

 

[Bavafongoul]

cueenvy's very persuasive post made me change my mind........any high end nylon custom case makers out there besides Barton?
By the way, the new budget needs to reflect the change......should be $250-$500. I suppose I should list my cues for sale real fast too before the ban hits.

Oh well, it was a great suggestion......but in the meantime, back to the thread's original subject.......leather.....which pretty much most people use everyday in one fashion or another.

Thanks for the ideas and names. Anyone out there doing work comparable with Jerry Yang's cases?


Matt B.

 

[Moet.1977]

my 2 cents

cueenvy's very persuasive post made me change my mind........any high end nylon custom case makers out there besides Barton?
By the way, the new budget needs to reflect the change......should be $250-$500. I suppose I should list my cues for sale real fast too before the ban hits.

Oh well, it was a great suggestion......but in the meantime, back to the thread's original subject.......leather.....which pretty much most people use everyday in one fashion or another.

Thanks for the ideas and names. Anyone out there doing work comparable with Jerry Yang's cases?


Matt B.

I personally think Rusty Melton makes some of the most beautiful cases
their is, but if you want wild and different check out Phil Eastwood. I think
that's his name. But for classic style Melton and Jack Justice.

 

[victorl]

.............................

 

[Bavafongoul]

Moet.1977....thanks for the recommendation about Phil Eastwood......I checked out some of his cases
and man oh man, that guy has some incredible designs.......and his Legends cue case is amazing.

Matt B.

 

[JB Cases]

cueenvy's very persuasive post made me change my mind........any high end nylon custom case makers out there besides Barton?
By the way, the new budget needs to reflect the change......should be $250-$500. I suppose I should list my cues for sale real fast too before the ban hits.

Oh well, it was a great suggestion......but in the meantime, back to the thread's original subject.......leather.....which pretty much most people use everyday in one fashion or another.

Thanks for the ideas and names. Anyone out there doing work comparable with Jerry Yang's cases?


Matt B.

I guess we pioneered the "high end nylon" sector of the custom case field.

We are currently in talks to make a $4000 case. I have no idea what we could possibly do to make a $4000 case. Let you know in a year or so when it's done.

 

[JB Cases]

As most likely know, the CA ivory ban takes effect in a few weeks & that is going to crimp my cue collecting efforts. I was thinking rather than just remaining frustrated with this legal restriction to my cue collecting, why not consider adding some custom leather cue cases.

When it comes to joint protectors, Alton's name immediately comes to mind & pretty much he's recognized as the "Master" when it comes to fancy protector designs. Well, with cue cases, Jerry Yang's name immediately comes to mind and his workmanship is truly original & absolutely gorgeous. However, there's really not a lot of custom cases to compare Jerry's cases with & actually, there's also not a lot of custom leather cue cases being listed on the Forum.

So I was wondering about having a custom case made but naturally I would want it to be a one of a kind type design......how does one approach something like that? I'm thinking a budget between a grand and say $2k should be a decent budget but I dunno if $2k is even enuf? I know pool cues pretty good but cases, well, that''s new territory for me. I wouldn't even consider having a case made if there was more availability of custom leather cue cases for sale.......size would be 3x6, 4x8, even 6x12 (might have to be envelope style)..... I am presently undecided on the size but I do prefer hard leather case so the leather can be carved, etc.

I am not ready to pull the trigger just yet until after the CA ivory ban is enacted but I am looking to learn more about custom leather cue cases. I was hoping this thread might lead to learning more about custom leather cue cases, some recommendations and maybe even some photos.


Thanks,


Matt B.

Here is the thing you need to know about custom leather. Quality of construction and quality of material is paramount. You are investing in an item that should be made to easily last a hundred years with moderate care.

Beyond that you want someone who can execute the decoration with precision and artistic sense. Most leather workers are themselves not artists. They will often take patterns made by others and apply them to the leather. So the "art" then is in how well they can arrange and execute the design.

Someone I would recommend without hesitation if you want true art from the soul is Rex Goulet. He is an artist who has turned into a great leather worker.

If you can get Marc Turcasso to make you a case then I would suggest you do so. He is another artist who works leather.

Then I would wholeheartedly say that Rusty Melton and Al King can both make you heirloom quality cases that are stunning in beauty and craftsmanship.

Phil Eastwood does cases that are not practical as cue case but are of course amazing theme cases - he has a unique ability to take a theme and comprise a wonderful mural that leaves no aspect untouched.

Yang's cases are well crafted and precisely tooled, an almost perfect blend of practicality and art.

Jack Justis of course should be considered for the fact that he has forged his own style that will forever be imitated.....but never properly duplicated.

Joe Whitten also belongs in consideration for the fact that he is carrying on a tradition of building amazingly precise and elegant cases. You won't find one that is tooled but you will find the best stichwork and purity in the custom case business.

Those are the case makers whom I would gladly spend 2k and up to acquire an example of their work if I could afford to.

If I left anyone off the list it's because I don't think that they build cases in the class that I am thinking you want (or they build pretty cases that I don't consider to be well made). There are some fine makers like Gil Castillo who build durable, well built cases but who are not yet doing the upper level decorative work.

As for us, we are too busy. I can't handle the orders we have now so even if we were in consideration, which I doubt we are, I would probably have to decline. As I mentioned earlier we are in talks to do a 4k case and frankly I am scared to start designing it.

 

[pfduser]

Whitten makes a nice case. Owned 3 in the past and was very impressed with the work they do.

 

[gregnice37]

Well Matt, I was going to say Karen Barton, she has been doing some incredible leather tooling lately, but looks like John said they are too busy. Looks like there are a few other names mentioned worth looking into from this thread. Good Luck.

 

[JB Cases]

Well Matt, I was going to say Karen Barton, she has been doing some incredible leather tooling lately, but looks like John said they are too busy. Looks like there are a few other names mentioned worth looking into from this thread. Good Luck.

The other day Karen painted all the tooling white on a case per customer request. I called her and asked her if we should charge $500 to do it again. She got very quiet which is when I know she is seriously upset and said there is no amount of money to make me do this again.

I have told her that we should change the company name to Karen Barton cases. She says let's reserve it for Karen Barton purses instead.

 

[uwate]

Jack Justis continues to make some of the most beautiful cases. Here is a cow case I got from him recently.

 

[Bavafongoul]

Thanks for the replies, opinions and suggestions. John presented an amazing summary of different alternatives, and he didn't include himself which is indeed very modest of him

I have one more custom arriving in a week and my 6x12 case will be filled. I really don;t want to haul around thousands of dollars in a single cue case for fear it was ever stolen,
despite my vigilance to keep an eye on it. This is what I now have and I've got a couple of Instroke 3x7 cases sitting in the closet.

I was thinking of a 3x5 hard case that would allow me to carry a B/J cue and 2 cues with 2 shafts ea.The rest of the menagerie of cues can remain safely tucked away at home.
Carrying most of my cues in a single case to compete in local tournaments seems a little imprudent.


Thank you for the names and endorsements.


Matt B.

 

[jhanso18]

For a full custom option there are only 3 options in mind. I like Volturi, but Phil Eastwood, and Armour are the other two. Everyone has an opinion, and there are other options, but those are the only three I would personally go with for a full custom option. If you are ok with utilizing someone with a certain style of case, (like Justice, Melton, etc.) then you have more options.

No matter what you choose, there will be a significant wait. That's just the name of the game. I've been waiting for a long time for my next one, but I always volunteer to be pushed back so someone else can go forward. I am never in a rush for my pool equipment.

Good luck my friend!

 

[JB Cases]

For a full custom option there are only 3 options in mind. I like Volturi, but Phil Eastwood, and Armour are the other two. Everyone has an opinion, and there are other options, but those are the only three I would personally go with for a full custom option. If you are ok with utilizing someone with a certain style of case, (like Justice, Melton, etc.) then you have more options.

No matter what you choose, there will be a significant wait. That's just the name of the game. I've been waiting for a long time for my next one, but I always volunteer to be pushed back so someone else can go forward. I am never in a rush for my pool equipment.

Good luck my friend!

The only option for full custom is John Barton cases.

That is if you consider building the case to the customer's needs part of full custom.

If we are only talking about decoration then yes there are many makers who can do amazing decoration on the type of case they are able to build.

But there is no other maker who can show the diversity and breadth of construction that we have done. Not being arrogant here it is simply the truth.



Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N900A using Tapatalk

 

[Bavafongoul]

John......you presentation of the information and alternatives is I was looking for & was comprehensive which I appreciated. You also impress me with your forthright remarks & that meant
a lot, as well as not endorsing yourself except as an expression of building a true customer designed case and I completely understand why you make that distinction which was very clear to me.

I have a couple of themes in mind.......I don't know if either can be attempted.......but I also have a less creative designs. The wait is of course bothersome but it could be worse......what if I was the last order
on Joel Hercek's new cue orders list........2028 -2029 ? before I'd see my cue......now that's a wait I don't think I can indulge at my age because I really would like to see the finished cue before my lids close.

Anyway, thank you for the great input I've been able to ascertain from your kind help. The theme cue case is just a notion I had after seeing some cases on the web and I was inspired.......that's likely a little
unrealistic and just a fancy tooled leather case seems more practical. I'll keep my eyes open but most of the cases I spot from time to time that appeal are too small (1x2 & 2x4). I already have a tooled
leather Instoke 2x4 case, plus the 3x7 's and a 4x8 soft leather. After my last cue arrives which is anytime now, I'll get more serious about seeing if the resale market offers any candidates and ponder
which case-maker is go to guy if I order a new custom leather cue case.

Thanks again for the information and John, a special note of appreciation for your help.


Matt B.