Pool Ball Collecting.

Hello, ladies and gentlemen. :)

I’m guessing most of the regulars on this thread have now seen the new Aramith BLACK pool balls? Alas, it would be something of an understatement to note a rather lukewarm response to the set. Notwithstanding this sad fact, as an avid collector I am keen to purchase a set as soon as possible.

Which gave me an idea... not just concerning these new Aramith balls, but any other desirable sets as well. I wonder if it might be possible to form a small buying group between ourselves with the aim of reducing costs for everyone? Just a thought.

Best wishes, everyone.
 
I’m with you in the same corner of curious collector, RC - a definite set already on the way with my name on them.

The masses will always reject new and bold ventures - and since we don’t follow the easy, trodden path of regulars, we shall get our hands on them and see how best to present a different perspective on the new Aramith Black set

~ K.
 
I must confess, Mr K, as a collector the controversy stirred up by Aramith’s new pool balls makes them more desirable in my eyes. Barely a few days from launch and the set has already garnered itself a certain notoriety.

I don’t care what everyone else says, Aramith BLACK. I still love you. :)
 
I wrote to Aramith last year to enquire if they knew anything about this Raschig Four Player set from 1983 but, alas, did not receive a reply.

I wonder if my letter and photograph influenced their new design in some small way?
 

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Sorry....I have been off the air for a couple months. I've been missing this thread so I had to check in to see how everyone is doing. I thought I would share my newly remodeled basement pool room. I did most of the work myself over a couple months. Not bad for an old guy? Here are a couple before and a couple after photos:

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After 1.jpg

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bfriesth said:
Sorry....I have been off the air for a couple months. I've been missing this thread so I had to check in to see how everyone is doing. I thought I would share my newly remodeled basement pool room. I did most of the work myself over a couple months. Not bad for an old guy? Here are a couple before and a couple after photos:



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Wow.

An equally impressive job and transformation, briesth! Bravo, sir.

I’m seeing quite a nice collection of ball sets there peeking through those photographs. Please don’t hold out on us too long before sharing some of those sets with us.

May I also suggest posting these great pics and transformation in the “show ya your home room” thread. Share this treat for everyone to see.

~ K.






Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro
 
Rubik's Cube said:
The 9 ball is rather reminiscent of Raschig’s famous Bumblebee. :)
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I agree. As a 9-ball set only, I like them. I noticed the bumblebee 9ball right away. I'm not completely sold on the other stripes being black, as well, though.
I'll probably get one. Just not right now.
 
The divisive Aramith Black ball set.

Divisive. An adjective I didn’t think I’d ever use to lead with when referring to anything from the Belgian superpower.

But it’s a new day. A new era. Things change. People get ideas and then run with them.

These transformative ideas give us ball set collectors and fans a real glimpse into what really makes a certain creation valuable or desirable. Time will tell.

I’ll say this though.....imagine the comments, sneers and snickers of the boys shooting clays 70 years ago when the Hyatt Zig Zags rolled onto the baize. Or the Hexagonals. Or dare I mention the Waveolenes! I’ll wager 100 of my most desirable sets that each one of those three sets caused a scene in every pool hall venue. Bar none.

And now look. Those three sets are easily in the Top 10 most sought after sets amongst the passionate and serious ball collectors. Most have never even seen a Waveolene in person or even an original ad for them. Truly amazing. In my opinion.

Which leads me to the Aramith Black set.

My first, honest reaction? I think I said “wow”. For good reasons. And that’s not the “collector/player” in me saying that. That’s the man in me that has a penchant for flair. The dramatic. The unique and bespoke. Which the Blacks have in spades. Especially in person. And on the table.

Here are a few pics from a few days ago with more coming this weekend:

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Here’s a photo shoot I quickly put together to compare and contrast where the Tournaments started and have evolved. The standard Tournaments on top. The TV edition in the middle. The Blacks in the bottom row.

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And during play:

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Will they be “collectible” in the future?

You can bet your ball collection on it

~ K.
 
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I can help facilitate purchasing a set for the asking, sir. Can get them out tomorrow or Monday latest. Collectors helping Collectors

~ K.
 
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I appreciate K2K and RC who both tried to direct me on creating a pool ball display for my newly remodeled home room. In the end I decided to try and do it myself. Attached is the result. I made the shelved from 1"x3" walnut to match the new walnut table. Also pictured is two antique wall racks that hold some of my older sets.

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Here is some of the Glenn family collection in Texas...
..the balls are signed by a lot of champions...they may not have started as unique...
....but now they are

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bfriesth said:
I appreciate K2K and RC who both tried to direct me on creating a pool ball display for my newly remodeled home room. In the end I decided to try and do it myself. Attached is the result. I made the shelved from 1"x3" walnut to match the new walnut table. Also pictured is two antique wall racks that hold some of my older sets.


Hello, mr bfriesth!


An absolute masterpiece poolroom you’ve created this past few months, sir - one certainly worthy of the 30+ ball sets as if a miniature museum that includes unique sets from the whimsical to wow.

I think extra kudos are deserved for having your overall ball display plan coordinate perfectly with the table - matched woods and stains - sending a clear message that the balls used in the games we play actually favor the “what came first - the balls or the games?” debate

Thank you so much for sharing your prized room, sir! Bravo

~ K.
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bfriesth said:
I appreciate K2K and RC who both tried to direct me on creating a pool ball display for my newly remodeled home room. In the end I decided to try and do it myself. Attached is the result. I made the shelved from 1"x3" walnut to match the new walnut table. Also pictured is two antique wall racks that hold some of my older sets.
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Wonderful job!!!
 
pt109 said:
Here is some of the Glenn family collection in Texas...
..the balls are signed by a lot of champions...they may not have started as unique...
....but now they are

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I've seen the collection in person. The unique thing about that ball collection is all of the clays are pristine; not a single crack to be seen. I was amazed. I was particularly fond of the 15 ball ivory set that was all white with the numbers inscribed. The set was on display on Willie Hoppe's personal 10" Centennial carom table along with the cue he used in his youth. The balls were pristine. Denny dated them to the turn of the century.
 
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