Production/Custom Cue Prices

[Billy_Bob]

Most important is to get *my* specification of cue/shaft.

Then if I can get this off-the-shelf, then all the better.

But typically I can't, so I get as close as I can with an off-the-shelf cue and shaft, then I have a custom cuemaker make additional changes so it will be just what I want.

This is less expensive than a custom cue and I can buy basically the same thing without waiting very long (should my cue be damaged or stolen).

So long as I get the specifications I want... I will find the least expensive way to get that cue (still talking about $500 even with modified a production cue).

I don't care what "name" is on the cue or what it looks like except for a color I like. And if it did have a "wiz bang" name, then I would probably sand it off as I have in the past. All I care about is how it plays and that it not look expensive (then theives will ignore it and take someone else's cue).

Funny story: In my pool room, I have a $500 cue I play with myself. Then I have a bunch of $19 Kmart cues for visitors to use. A guy came over recently and ignored my cue, but went right for the $19 cues and said "WOW! I'll bet these cost a bundle of money?"

 

[Regulator1956]

Germans seem to be into engineering and structure

returning to the original question...

In germany it is indeed like this, you can rather sell any used and beaten production joss or for $ 500 (in this case way overpriced) than a let's say perfect condition Nova 4 pointer with some inlay work for $ 500 (somewhat underpriced...)

There are only some highend names that will sell easily, as Richard Black, Gina, Josswest, SW and very funny you will sell any "Oliver Ortmann" cue (yes we all know that these are Pechauers) as long as it is in acceptable condition

this: http://www.azbilliards.com/vbulletin/upload/showthread.php?t=15035&highlight=guffey

was considered a shitty cue here in germany, as it had "NO NAME" on it
although most of the "knowledge force" did wonder about the good hit and playability......

My Verl Horn/ Nova Hybrid is considered a bad cue, as it is only a Nova ???

My ivory jointed Nova is considered the Superstar cue by the same "knowledge force" because it has an ivory joint and very,very important has "Nova Custom" engraved in the Butt

that's the way (most) Germans think about cues....sad but true

Seems to me that your countrymen are into the "highly engineered" concept that likes "customs" with good long reputations made with the right materials and "productions" that have proven themselves.

Rising stars like Gilbert and others need less time to become favorites in the states, than in Germany. Maybe it's the distance, but maybe it's the mindset.

 

[cubswin]

I buy cues from makers that I think hit well. Or that have a reputation for making a good hitting cue. I'm not against spending a little money to try out cues from different makers, I find that to add to my enjoyment of pool.

I like schon cues, I like joss, scruggs, dzuricky, and I have a madison bob on order. I personally like my dzuricky sneaky style cue very very much. Its not a cut down bar cue, though I've had some early scruggs sneakies that were just that. Those cues are highly sought after these days.

Everyone starts somewhere, either they make it or they don't. If there wasn't a market for small time builders in shops attached to their homes then I guess we wouldn't have very many choices. I believe, and I may be wrong, that even Gus S., Herman Rambow, and George B started making cues in shops of that nature. Don't hear anyone saying they made a bad cue because of it.

To each their own, buy what you can afford from a maker that you like or want to try. There are so many good quality cues in the world that this constant questions on "custom" vs "production" is just a big pile of crap.