I got my Phillip Tieu Case yesterday and wanted to do a little review on it. My over all first impression was "this is a very nice case". After closer examination, I still believe this to be true. This is Phillip's third case (I believe) and all I can say is get one now, because these will be $400+ in the not to distance future. The quality of leather and all of the HAND work is pretty incredible. His cases are made entirely by hand, no leather sewing machine, no rivet machine, nothing just Phillip slaving in the hot San Antonio sun. Don't get me wrong, the case is not perfect. You'll see the in the pictures below what I mean.
As you can see here, the case has a very classy, understated, yet somehow fanciness to it. He uses the stain, gold lines, and bright silver rivets to give the case its unique look.
The zipper is perfectly hand stiched, a fact that Philip is very proud of. I would be too as it looks amazing.
His very unique lid with his gold sharpie signature and hand serial numbered. The lid looks very cool. One suggestion I would make is to add the year it was made (ala Jack Justis). I do think the addition of the serial number is a cool touch.
The back of the case with, what I believe is the reason he started making them, the backpack straps. Those straps are very well done and comfortable. Perfect for those of us who ride a motorcycle.
The interior is lined in a worsted wool very similar to simonis cloth. The tubes are a little large, smaller tighter fitting tubes would be nice and reduce the overall size of the case. Wat you can't see is a pad at the bottom of the case. I really like this feature. This allows slightly longer cues to fit tightly between the lid and bottom of the case.
The carry handle needs a little more development. It's a little small to be carried comfortably. Also a piece of leather snapped around the handle would make carrying easier. I believe though, he concentrated on carrying with the backapack straps and the handle seems to be an after thought.
Now the bad. The case was received with "cracks" in the finish of the leather. Though this does not effect the fuctionality of the case it does detract from the appearance.
Although most cases get the saggy butt after a number of years, this case came pre-sagged which was a bit of a dissappointment. I'm sure Phillip is working on these issues as I type this and his future cases will not have this problem.
Overall, I give the case a B+. For his 3rd case, I see a tremendous amount of potential and would advise you to get on his waiting list now!
Jim
As you can see here, the case has a very classy, understated, yet somehow fanciness to it. He uses the stain, gold lines, and bright silver rivets to give the case its unique look.
The zipper is perfectly hand stiched, a fact that Philip is very proud of. I would be too as it looks amazing.
His very unique lid with his gold sharpie signature and hand serial numbered. The lid looks very cool. One suggestion I would make is to add the year it was made (ala Jack Justis). I do think the addition of the serial number is a cool touch.
The back of the case with, what I believe is the reason he started making them, the backpack straps. Those straps are very well done and comfortable. Perfect for those of us who ride a motorcycle.
The interior is lined in a worsted wool very similar to simonis cloth. The tubes are a little large, smaller tighter fitting tubes would be nice and reduce the overall size of the case. Wat you can't see is a pad at the bottom of the case. I really like this feature. This allows slightly longer cues to fit tightly between the lid and bottom of the case.
The carry handle needs a little more development. It's a little small to be carried comfortably. Also a piece of leather snapped around the handle would make carrying easier. I believe though, he concentrated on carrying with the backapack straps and the handle seems to be an after thought.
Now the bad. The case was received with "cracks" in the finish of the leather. Though this does not effect the fuctionality of the case it does detract from the appearance.
Although most cases get the saggy butt after a number of years, this case came pre-sagged which was a bit of a dissappointment. I'm sure Phillip is working on these issues as I type this and his future cases will not have this problem.
Overall, I give the case a B+. For his 3rd case, I see a tremendous amount of potential and would advise you to get on his waiting list now!
Jim