I finally got the call from Laurie Franklin that my number had finally had come up. I got on the list in June of 2006 and her call came this May of 2023, (yep 17 years). While I have commissioned maybe 50 cues over the years, this is really the first time I have ordered a cue from an order sheet. For those who do not know, she sends a price list and options available including number of veneers, veneer colors, joint protectors, slim butt (to reduce weight), wood availability, etc.
I wish her sheet had every detail because it didnt. I specifically wanted a plain black linen wrap, and wrap selection wasnt on sheet, but we discussed and she added. I also opted for pro tapered shafts, and shaft taper wasnt specified on sheet. Finally, their standard tip is triangle and I asked for Moori tips instead and she did it with an upcharge.
I know I will get hammered here but for those on this list for the first time, I recommend a one thing that really helped me. Talk to a couple people that have ordered multiple Southwest cues before. By the time I got Laurie's call I knew exactly what woods and veneers and everything else I wanted. This is especially important for those items that are not specifically listed on the order sheet.
For those curious, I went with an ebony nose, with cocobolo points and base. 3 veneers, and a slim butt to keep weight down. I asked for 19.0-19.5 but not over 19.75. I spent a fortune on joint protectors but when I get the cue everything is done and I wont have to chase down someone to make joint protectors afterwards. Southwest has had a significant price increase from older price lists that my friends had shared with me. Laurie asked for 50% deposit, and I tried to use ZELLE (at her suggestion) but my banks would only send $1000 per day! So, I went old school and put a check in priority mail and she got it yesterday. I will share what I will have in cue in PM.
The next step, according to Laurie, is another wait of 9-15 months. Again, in my discussions with my friends, 9 months wont happen and 15 months is likely.
Will this journey ever end? Hope this helps the first timers getting close. Laurie and I joked about me getting back on the list and she said she hopes we both live that long.
Ken
I wish her sheet had every detail because it didnt. I specifically wanted a plain black linen wrap, and wrap selection wasnt on sheet, but we discussed and she added. I also opted for pro tapered shafts, and shaft taper wasnt specified on sheet. Finally, their standard tip is triangle and I asked for Moori tips instead and she did it with an upcharge.
I know I will get hammered here but for those on this list for the first time, I recommend a one thing that really helped me. Talk to a couple people that have ordered multiple Southwest cues before. By the time I got Laurie's call I knew exactly what woods and veneers and everything else I wanted. This is especially important for those items that are not specifically listed on the order sheet.
For those curious, I went with an ebony nose, with cocobolo points and base. 3 veneers, and a slim butt to keep weight down. I asked for 19.0-19.5 but not over 19.75. I spent a fortune on joint protectors but when I get the cue everything is done and I wont have to chase down someone to make joint protectors afterwards. Southwest has had a significant price increase from older price lists that my friends had shared with me. Laurie asked for 50% deposit, and I tried to use ZELLE (at her suggestion) but my banks would only send $1000 per day! So, I went old school and put a check in priority mail and she got it yesterday. I will share what I will have in cue in PM.
The next step, according to Laurie, is another wait of 9-15 months. Again, in my discussions with my friends, 9 months wont happen and 15 months is likely.
Will this journey ever end? Hope this helps the first timers getting close. Laurie and I joked about me getting back on the list and she said she hopes we both live that long.
Ken
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