Price, Pierce, or Gilbert

E

edep12

AzB Silver Member
Silver Member
Hi. I'm new to this forum but from what I have seen there are lots of friendly and knowledgeable people who have given me lots of good information/advice and I was hoping people would offer me even more of their opinions on my next issue. I am researching the purchase of my very first custom built cue and I need your help.

I want the purchase to be from a respected cue builder and have done some looking around but woulfd like to know what some of you guys/gals think of a couple of the cue makers I was considering.

Let me give you at least a little info that may be useful to you in order to form an opinion:

1. I don't want to get terribly specific about my budget (I think that would be something I would want to reserve for once I decide who I am going to work with), but for the sake of being able to ballpark it to help me find the right person let's set $1500 as a ceiling.

2. I want an experienced and respected cue maker that the fine posters of this board would not necessarily all agree as the best choice (I have been around long enough to know that's a pipe dream :wink:), but the majority would agree was a solid choice.

3. I want someone who is accessible and easy to work with and builds a solid player.

4. While I want it to look good I want it to pocket balls too. Equal parts quality/playable/practical I guess is what I'm trying to say.

5. Would want 1 of the shafts to be a production "techie" (i.e. Predator 314-2/Z2, Mezz WX 900, etc.).

6. I don't need it to be crazy elaborate, but it will require at least a little finesse. Looking for a 4 pointer with veneer work on points and some "windows"/inlays on the butt sleeve, etc.

7. I want it in a reasonable amount of time. I am willing to wait 2-3 months for the cue to be built but I would go somewhere else (or find an "on hand" custom I like from a cue maker I respect) vs. sitting on a waiting list for 2 years. I don't care how good you are or what kind of deal I'm getting, I'm not waiting 2 years.

Lastly, if you look at the thread title I have 3 names listed for makers that I have seen and like (Jerry Price, Jim Pierce, or Andy Gilbert). What do you guys (and gals) think of their work and would you strongly prefer any one over another. Also, if there are others you would recommend (for a "yay" or "nay"), let'em fly.

Thanks in advamce guys, I really appreciate your help!
 
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Welcome to the forum. All three specified cue makers are able to produce amazing results.
Their cues are mostly players and not closet queens.
None of them will finish a cue in the time you specified. Not the kind of cue you're expecting...


IMHO



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devorator said:
Welcome to the forum. All three specified cue makers are able to produce amazing results.
Their cues are mostly players and not closet queens.
None of them will finish a cue in the time you specified. Not the kind of cue you're expecting...


IMHO



Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Click to expand...

I agree. 2-3 months is not enough time for the kind of cue you are wanting. But there are several pierce cues listed now and they are players. They hit real good.
 
warfdiesel said:
I agree. 2-3 months is not enough time for the kind of cue you are wanting. But there are several pierce cues listed now and they are players. They hit real good.
Click to expand...

dollar for dollar........You will not find better quality at a better price than Jim Pierce...I have had some of his fanciest (to date) veneered cues with windows in the butt...had one beast with a seg wrap that I wish I still had! You can't go wrong with him though...im me if you want his contact info.
 
Jim Pierce cues are IMO the best players out there now. I own 2 of them now, and could not be more happy with my purchases. One is a fancy sneaky with a bowling alley shaft that was my player until I recently picked up a Pierce titleist that was Jim's personal player. Both are fantastic. Put your money on Jim Pierce and you will not be disappointed.
 
my vote is for jim pierce.not just a great cue maker hes honest as the day is long.he may have what you want in his shop now.get in touch with him.you cant go wrong.
 
I don't have any experience with any of the makers you listed except for a few Gilberts. I can tell you that I am super impressed with his cues and workmanship. I know more than one person whom will swear by them and I can see why after hitting with a few different ones.

I think his wait is something like 6-8 weeks and is within your budget.
 
You might be better off buying a custom cue already finished. You can inspect the cue and decide if you like it or not. Having one built from scratch might not give you the cue you think you would get. A lot can go wrong in the building of a cue. This is the only way I like to buy a cue. Cory Barnhart only likes to build cues the way he likes them. He doesn't take custom orders because he say's there is too much that can go wrong in the building of a cue and he doesn't like the stress. I have built cues for 20 years and I no longer take custom orders for the same reason. I only build what I want to build anymore. If the cue turns out perfect sell it. If not, take it to the ban saw.
 

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EDEP12- Sir-
I have known Jim Pierce for more years than I care to mention. I own seven of his cues; Merry Widows to awesome 4 point inlays. I would not part with one of them.

I have suggested Jim's cues to several of the people who replied to your post, and none have been disappointed. Jim is a stellar player, who knows how a cue should feel in the hand, how it should hit, and has an uncanny knack of finding absolutely beautiful pieces
of wood, and turning them into pieces of art.

I would suggest e-mailing Jim at "piercecustomcues@gmail.com. Ask him what cues he might have available at this time, and give him an idea of what you are looking for. Jim, like many other cuemakers, has stopped taking special orders for the most part, however, he continues to make some awesome cues. Ask him to send photos of what he has completed, and/or in process at this time.

The 'gentleman' who gave Jim a bad review has a story that can still probably still be found on the forum. Those who are in the know, simply say "ignore him!"

Good luck in your quest. This is simply my opinion, however, you will note that many support what I have stated.
 
Jim is super easy to deal with. I recently tried to acquire a letter of authenticity on a cue and even offered to pay him for his troubles. Instead, he asked for my shipping address and sent it no charge. A stand up guy. All I can say is play with one and see for yourself. There's a beauty on eBay now that is worth the money. Buy it and re-sell if you don't like it... Im sure you can get your money back.


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your next cue

You mentioned some impressive names in the cue world. There is a large selection on the forum to choose from without the wait. And probably at a much lower price then getting one built from scratch. Pierce makes a great cue. So do many other cuemakers. Of course I have my favorites . One person I think you should look into is john Madden. Makes a fantastic pool cue. Hits great. Best of materials. And probably one of the nicest cuemakers on earth. Many options for you. GLWS. PICTURED IS A VERY NICE MADDEN CUE.
 

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Since you were open to suggestions, I would recommend Chris Nitti in that price range. He has a few cues that you might be interested in finished and ready to ship. I can't imagine getting any better workmanship for the money, and his cues are solid players as well. I just bought my third one.

chris@nitticues.com
 
You cannot go wrong with Andy Gilbert

I have owned quite a few Gilbert Cues and I can tell you that they play fantastic. His Jump/Breaks are also great shooters. Every cue of his I have shot with has hit like a dream.

Both of the Jump/Breaks I have owned have won me many tournaments being the only cue I had to bring. I currently have a Tulipwood JB and it hits light out.

My player is a Gilbert that is an Ivory Jointed Purpleheart Hoppe with Ivory Hoppe ring.

And it hits............lights out. I have not used the other makers, but I stand by Andy.

He is also very nice and accessible.

Plus, he is the current ACA Cuemaker of the Year.
 
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