Diddent Tikkler have a black boar similar to shadows but fancier. That cue was awesome!
Please Vote for the AZB 2011 Cue of the Year
- Thread starter Worminator
- Start date
At the second ever ACA cue show, held in Baltimore in 1993, we had a cue competition among all the exhibiting cuemakers. It consisted of two sections of judging, the first by a panel of local art experts and the second by the cuemakers themselves.
To prevent any possible bias among the professional panel, the submitted cues - several dozen in all - were laid out in an otherwise-empty banquet room with their logos/signatures covered by opaque paper labels. The cues were numbered, but no hint as to who built which cue was provided to the panel. Eventually the judges submitted their top five choices for "Best Design" to the show organizers.
The second phase of the judging, by the cuemakers, was handled differently. Each exhibiting cuemaker was given a ballot, and was required to choose TWO cues from among the five finalist cues. The cuemakers were voting on the basis of "execution", and the purpose of having them choose two was to force the five finalist cuemakers to vote for at least one other cuemaker beside themselves. Any ballot without two different choices was to be discarded without being counted.
The results of that contest surprised more than a few people, but that's a story for another time. Rather, I told that story to tell this one:
In the early 90's I built a cue (The Peacock) that was heavily inspired by the Brunswick 360 - that cue was featured in the 1995 Hand of the Masters calendar. In the late 90's I built two other 360-like cues, both much more in keeping with the original Brunswick design (and strikingly similar to the Gracio "360 Tribute"). All three 360-inspired cues were only exhibited once in public, and currently reside in the same private collection.
I've never seen Scott Gracio's cues before today, and from those shown on his website I would conclude that he's still wrestling to discover his own true "voice". Moreover - and I speak from experience here - the 360 construction is not particularly demanding (technically speaking). But for the cue pictured inthis thread his choices of woods and veneer colors are absolutely masterful, and if I had two votes that is how I would cast my second.
TW
(PS: Three votes would get me Ernie's Herringbone cue as well)
To prevent any possible bias among the professional panel, the submitted cues - several dozen in all - were laid out in an otherwise-empty banquet room with their logos/signatures covered by opaque paper labels. The cues were numbered, but no hint as to who built which cue was provided to the panel. Eventually the judges submitted their top five choices for "Best Design" to the show organizers.
The second phase of the judging, by the cuemakers, was handled differently. Each exhibiting cuemaker was given a ballot, and was required to choose TWO cues from among the five finalist cues. The cuemakers were voting on the basis of "execution", and the purpose of having them choose two was to force the five finalist cuemakers to vote for at least one other cuemaker beside themselves. Any ballot without two different choices was to be discarded without being counted.
The results of that contest surprised more than a few people, but that's a story for another time. Rather, I told that story to tell this one:
In the early 90's I built a cue (The Peacock) that was heavily inspired by the Brunswick 360 - that cue was featured in the 1995 Hand of the Masters calendar. In the late 90's I built two other 360-like cues, both much more in keeping with the original Brunswick design (and strikingly similar to the Gracio "360 Tribute"). All three 360-inspired cues were only exhibited once in public, and currently reside in the same private collection.
I've never seen Scott Gracio's cues before today, and from those shown on his website I would conclude that he's still wrestling to discover his own true "voice". Moreover - and I speak from experience here - the 360 construction is not particularly demanding (technically speaking). But for the cue pictured inthis thread his choices of woods and veneer colors are absolutely masterful, and if I had two votes that is how I would cast my second.
TW
(PS: Three votes would get me Ernie's Herringbone cue as well)
I can't believe that we were forced to choose.
The choice was mind boggling, and congrats to all of the collectors that own them.
With all due respects to every cue listed, I'm not disclosing the fact that I do not own a Szamboti, and I like gambler cues...
The choice was mind boggling, and congrats to all of the collectors that own them.
With all due respects to every cue listed, I'm not disclosing the fact that I do not own a Szamboti, and I like gambler cues...
"Public" (read: AZ general population) appeal is what gets votes. While it's not particularly technical or original from your perspective, it certainly has that appeal. The design probably hasn't had any (relatively) great exposure until Scott's recent 360 tributes, so the classic design is being refreshed to an obviously appreciative audience.
I completely agree that Cue of the Year should meet certain criteria, and I would LOVE to see a voting structure as you've described re-established for a title as prestigious as "Cue of the Year". Maybe you can work with Jamie (Worminator) and/or other willing organizers to set something up for AZ?
Take the votes out of the hands of the public and put it in the hands of two boards... a board of artists and a board of cuemakers. I would love to see a numbers breakdown as well.
I still have not voted. This is a very difficult choice, and the cues are amazing. I have narrowed it to the Thomas Wayne and The Manzino "Tribal Fusion".
The absolute beauty of the wood in the Wayne is stunning, and the fact that he enhanced rather than overpower it with the inlays is leading me towards that cue.
I love the color combination and segmented handle of the Manzino. And the artistic inlays are superb, and truly enhance the cue.
I think I have to give my vote to the TW. The beauty, originality, and execution of this cue are remarkable.
I want to thank Jamie for allowing us the chance to view these cues, and cast our vote for our favorites. Even though I am a nobody when it comes to cues, it is nice to be able to participate in something like this. All of the cues entered were amazing, and we are all lucky to have been able to participate. Congratulations to everyone.
Braden
The absolute beauty of the wood in the Wayne is stunning, and the fact that he enhanced rather than overpower it with the inlays is leading me towards that cue.
I love the color combination and segmented handle of the Manzino. And the artistic inlays are superb, and truly enhance the cue.
I think I have to give my vote to the TW. The beauty, originality, and execution of this cue are remarkable.
I want to thank Jamie for allowing us the chance to view these cues, and cast our vote for our favorites. Even though I am a nobody when it comes to cues, it is nice to be able to participate in something like this. All of the cues entered were amazing, and we are all lucky to have been able to participate. Congratulations to everyone.
Braden
Kenny Koo's Hercek is the one I would really like to own!
This is the cue that gets my vote!
Happy holidays to all!
Petros
This is the cue that gets my vote!
Happy holidays to all!
Petros
1st Gina Cathedral Cue
2nd Tikkler's Manzino Box Cue
3rd Ken Kerner's Black Boar
Is my vote.
Manzino???? Gina???? It's tough to pick which cue I like more. Then there's the BB. Insane detail and design. It's hard voting any builder over Tony (my favorite builder) but I like these cues better this year. I'm hoping I can put something together this year that compares to these works of art.
I want to add something in response to an earlier post. I'm not sure why this was brought up. Gluing the wood wasn't technically demanding. The jigs and tooling were. These were demanding in different ways.
Thomas, you should start a thread so we can enjoy these cues. I looked for a site and came up with nothing. I'm sure others would like the pics also. Speaking of 360 inspired cues we have a beautiful Darin Hill cue nominated this year.
2nd Tikkler's Manzino Box Cue
3rd Ken Kerner's Black Boar
Is my vote.
Manzino???? Gina???? It's tough to pick which cue I like more. Then there's the BB. Insane detail and design. It's hard voting any builder over Tony (my favorite builder) but I like these cues better this year. I'm hoping I can put something together this year that compares to these works of art.
I want to add something in response to an earlier post. I'm not sure why this was brought up. Gluing the wood wasn't technically demanding. The jigs and tooling were. These were demanding in different ways.
Thomas, you should start a thread so we can enjoy these cues. I looked for a site and came up with nothing. I'm sure others would like the pics also. Speaking of 360 inspired cues we have a beautiful Darin Hill cue nominated this year.
what drives each's decision....
It's very interesting to me to read through everyone's comments. What people voted for and why. I voted for a cue that I wouldn't particularly care to own in my collection because it isn't my style, but I really appreciate the materials, workmanship, and end result.....one of the most beautiful cues I've ever seen. It got me thinking. Would most vote this way....or stick to the 'style' of cue they love the most? Probably just a rhetorical question. Just wondering if others feel the way I do.
It's very interesting to me to read through everyone's comments. What people voted for and why. I voted for a cue that I wouldn't particularly care to own in my collection because it isn't my style, but I really appreciate the materials, workmanship, and end result.....one of the most beautiful cues I've ever seen. It got me thinking. Would most vote this way....or stick to the 'style' of cue they love the most? Probably just a rhetorical question. Just wondering if others feel the way I do.
the cue is posted as bill grassleys -thomas wayne it is owned by troy Polomalu 43 of the steelers!and he chose it as his most prized possession in his spectacular collection! pics do not do that cue any justice
http://www.cornerstonecues.com/cue472.
http://www.cornerstonecues.com/Images/Cue472/cue472.jpg
http://www.cornerstonecues.com/cue472.
http://www.cornerstonecues.com/Images/Cue472/cue472.jpg
Attachments
If I could change my vote, I would. I foolishly overlooked the Thomas Wayne cue and voted for Ken Kerner's Black Boar. But the TW would get my vote with Ken's BB a close second.
I do find it odd though that the two leaders right now, while both visually stunning, are designs we've kinda seen before.
I do find it odd though that the two leaders right now, while both visually stunning, are designs we've kinda seen before.
Really? I didn't know he played pool. That's pretty awesome.
asiasdad
Banned
like custom motorcycle shows (I have judged many), I believe
"cue of the year" should be broken into divisions prior to the
"cue of the year" being selected.
My votes would be:
Best old school cue: Kenny Koo's Hercek
Best modern CNC cue: Shadowmoss' Black Boar
Best exotic wood cue: Sugartree Buckeye Burl
Best original design: Thomas Wayne cue
Peoples choice: Gracio 360 Tribute
From these tough choices, my personal taste for the
AZB cue of the year would be the Gracio 360 Tribute.
"cue of the year" should be broken into divisions prior to the
"cue of the year" being selected.
My votes would be:
Best old school cue: Kenny Koo's Hercek
Best modern CNC cue: Shadowmoss' Black Boar
Best exotic wood cue: Sugartree Buckeye Burl
Best original design: Thomas Wayne cue
Peoples choice: Gracio 360 Tribute
From these tough choices, my personal taste for the
AZB cue of the year would be the Gracio 360 Tribute.
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Greetings from Thailand
I have voted myself for Ken's Black Boar,it looks sooo in Harmonie I want this Cue
It is really not easy this Year
Ralf:wink:
I have voted myself for Ken's Black Boar,it looks sooo in Harmonie I want this Cue
It is really not easy this Year
Ralf:wink:
Lots of great choices.