New Player in the Game!

[Hidy Ho]

I was also emailed the pricing.

You need to add $100 for the shipping and western union fee in addition to the cost quoted.

And while I don't wanna sound like a total ignorant American, and I don't know whole lot about Russian business practice, but I'd be worried about a recourse if something went wrong.

I'd be more inclined to try one if there is an American dealer for this case maker or cue maker (Dmitry B. Komarov and others). I've seen some really cool cue designs from Russia.

 

[JB Cases]

You need to add $100 for the shipping and western union fee in addition to the cost quoted.

And while I don't wanna sound like a total ignorant American, and I don't know whole lot about Russian business practice, but I'd be worried about a recourse if something went wrong.

I'd be more inclined to try one if there is an American dealer for this case maker or cue maker (Dmitry B. Komarov and others). I've seen some really cool cue designs from Russia.

Of course. That is the drawback to ordering anything from places far away. I charge $75 for shipping. It's what the shipping agent charges me +- $10. It was $50 before gas shot up. However when I have to take something back, as I did for one case I sent to Greece, then I get hit for more in shipping costs. $100 in that instance plus another $75 to ship it back again. Not everyone is like me though and pays shipping both ways when something is wrong. I'd guess that this is what keeps most people from picking up the "bargain" prices on cases and cues sold from overseas dealers.

But like I said, some people will take the shot because the possibility of losing a couple hundred is worth the risk to them in order to be one of the first with a new piece of art. I very much doubt that this guy is in business to screw people. However I do agree that it's prudent to be as cautious as you can.

 

[Devilish48]

Chris, I requested info on case #16 as well. Did he happen to mention the configuration of that particular case? 2x4 or 3x6 perhaps?

I think the pricing on that case in well within reason, given that a decent portion of that pricing is including the shipping costs from Russia. It's a lot of case for the money, given the amount of work he has obviously put into it.

I will let you all know what I find out once I hear back from him.

Lisa

Lisa, I finally received a reply to my e-mail, and I guess because I asked about the capacity, he told me the case "can be made in a 3x6 configuration." He also said the case would be $460 including shipping and insurance to the US. As I didn't ask about the construction materials, just for pictures of the inside, I didn't get the info regarding cardboard. I'm a definite pass on his cases until he can provide photos of his own work (I received photos of the same interiors that you did), and some idea of the construction quality.

Chris

 

[jwilliams]

A little praise for John Barton

And he comes in ready to play.

I just got an email from Erofey Evladin wanting to be included on my list of case makers. I went and checked out his stuff and it totally rocks.

Don't know what they are smoking in Russia but it's good stuff judging by the art this guy produces. He seems to have the embossing techniques down pretty well. Something I am still toying with.

http://www.arthit.ru/cue-cases/cue-cases.html

I have no idea how the quality is, how well they protect, how much they cost, or anything other than they are original and cool. You owe it to yourself to look just for the eye candy. If anyone finds out his prices please let us know.

Definitely on my list of cases I want to own some day.

I know this is slightly off topic here...but I couldn't help but notice on this thread how often John Barton has been quick to praise others work, who would technically be considered his competitors. I don't know John and to be honest other than the pictures I've seen of his cases on the internet (which look quite impressive), I'm not sure I've seen one of his cases in person. However, if their value and quality is anywhere near the equal of his graciousness...then they should definitely be highly considered in any buyers final decision list.

Rep to you John Barton for treating your fellow artists as peers instead of as "just the competition."

 

[BlowFish]

WOW on the case and WOW on his price as well. The beauty and price ratio has really shoot up. Only thing needed to know is the performance. I saw some of his cases, but I don't like the aluminum like feet (stilletoues like as it's too long). The interior also doesn't look good.

John, you should collaborate with this guy and put your interior in his case.

 

[JB Cases]

WOW on the case and WOW on his price as well. The beauty and price ratio has really shoot up. Only thing needed to know is the performance. I saw some of his cases, but I don't like the aluminum like feet (stilletoues like as it's too long). The interior also doesn't look good.

John, you should collaborate with this guy and put your interior in his case.

Funny you say that. You may very well see my interiors showing up in custom cases in the future, or copies of it. I have been asked for samples from a few folks and I need to get those out to them. I wonder how they feel about advertising that the interior is by JB Cases. I suppose it's no different than using a Burton Spain blank for a cue. (now there is an egotistical comparison)

Best to you,

John

 

[DJBilliards]

I have seen a case made by Erofey. Looked great and interior seamed fine. It was a 2x4 model and I like the spacing and how it was easy to get cues in and out. Great looking case wish I had the $ for one. I am no expert but it was beautiful and looked well made. But I must admit I don't own a cue nice enough to consider purchasing a custom case. Maybe one day.

 

[TheMarsMan]

I just bought a 3 x 6 case that was made by this guy and it is nicest case I have ever owned. I own a Justice case, over a dozen Whittens, Fellini's, etc... and this is the nicest workmanship I have seen, everything is overbuilt and it protects the cues very well.