Tascarella Cue questions...for owners and previous owners...

I think it's very fair price but I enjoy all aspects of having a cue built by Tascarella.

I get to design a cue, have it built by one of the most famous names to ever touch a lathe and the cues play great. The classic cues are my preference and for that style no one else is in the conversation.

On top of that, they are such great people and deliver as promised. That alone is rare with cue builders.

The more I type this, it's actually a steal in my opinion. If you change your mind they hold their value well.

I've had 9 cues built by Tascarella over the last 20+ years and should have cue 10 in the next few weeks.

I completely respect your opinion. I’ve heard nothing but the best about the Tascarellas. Given that you have had 10 cues built, do you always do the same specs? Do you have certain preferences that they do specifically well? I’d love to hear more.
 
why post your thread if thats your attitude
askin for a friend....;)
Exactly! As long as someone can easily afford a cue they want, why not have what you want and enjoy your life? On the other hand, if buying any cue is going to create financial or relationship stress I say heck no!
 
I have three Tascrella's in my collection and did play with one for just under a year but have since pushed it down the play list as other more exceptional 5/16-14 steel jointed cues have come in.

That 29.5" Tasc sits behind two Richard Blacks, a Josh Treadway and Joss West on the preferred shooter list.

Nearly grabbed it to take on spring break in California but decided to go with a John Bender Szamboti tribute cue.

You should absolutely get that Tascrella. But.... If you can only get one cue I would take that same amount of money to Josh Treadway or Shelby Williams and get significantly more cue without loosing one iota of playability.

So for you, you like your Tascs but it’s not the cue you prefer to play with. I’ve had two Treadway and ended up selling them both. I haven’t tried Shelby’s cues yet. It’s definitely on the list.
 
I completely respect your opinion. I’ve heard nothing but the best about the Tascarellas. Given that you have had 10 cues built, do you always do the same specs? Do you have certain preferences that they do specifically well? I’d love to hear more.
I like a slightly longer cue so everyone has been 59". I like fat shafts with a stiff taper and steel joints. Old school, I guess it may be another reason I'm drawn to their cues.
 
If I was gonna spend that kind of money on a cue then a Tasc would be at the top of the list of options I’d be considering. It’s the only cue I’ve ever really wanted to try that I haven’t yet.

Is it a good idea to spend $5k+ on what will likely be a closet cue…maybe not, that’s your call. But is a Tasc a reasonable way to spend $5k+ on a classic custom cue, absolutely!
 
Exactly! As long as someone can easily afford a cue they want, why not have what you want and enjoy your life? On the other hand, if buying any cue is going to create financial or relationship stress I say heck no!

Hey Martin! I completely agree. I know you’ve bought and sold Tascarella cues. You also deal with quite a few other cuemakers. I’m sure you’ve probably played with hundreds of cues. Do you feel like Tascarella cues are one of those must try cuemakers? How would you rank them for playability personally?
 
So for you, you like your Tascs but it’s not the cue you prefer to play with. I’ve had two Treadway and ended up selling them both. I haven’t tried Shelby’s cues yet. It’s definitely on the list.
The Josh cue is 5/16-14 ivory sleeved steel compression jointed cue he originally built for himself before he soured on the color palette.

I love it, only gripe is it's a bit slender for me. I love them tall thicc girls!

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I've always liked the idea of having a Tascarella cue. The history with Balabushka, the classic style, very old school.

So I got a quote...nothing fancy, his classic 4 point, 4 veneer with stainless steel joint, a few notched diamond inlays with leather wrap.....$5,250!!!

The questions I have...

1. Is that worth that price or should I find something used?

2. Is it worth the hype? Does it really have a great hit and feel? I know its subjective but I do see a lot for sale.

3. Do you have one that you would never get rid of because you love it so much?

4. If you have ordered a custom from Pete, what aspects of your cue have you loved or not loved?

THANKS IN ADVANCE!
John
Not sure what kind of answer you’re looking for. I have said many times that when I got my Tascarella, I was shocked. It’s like the cue sings. I absolutely love shooting with this cue. It makes me very happy.
 
I agree and disagree. I don't see them as a pure investment but they are in a sense, if you take care of them. Especially cues from famous and desirable makers. If you can take care of them and treat them right, you can sell them for the same or even more than you paid for them. I buy them to play with 100% of the time but when I find myself not playing or enjoying them as much as I should, up for sale they go! Let someone else give it a shot.

Have you ever thought about a cue as a "soulmate." There may be that one cue out there that is IT for YOU? You love it and don't want any other cue? HAHA!
Hate to tell you, a tasc is not an investment cue
 
if you need to go from your house to the supermarket
a kia/toyota/ lexus/Mercedes//porsche/ferrari
for examples will all get you there
the ride will be different in all of them
if your choice is dependent on affordability vs your choice is based on indulgence vs quality and i like it i dont care what it costs i can afford it
will influence your decision which car you pick
a $50 hooker and $1000 dollar hooker
both will get you to orgasm
you have to decide what can you afford and how do you want to get there
just sayin
jmho
btw
tascarellas are great playing cues
 
Hate to tell you, a tasc is not an investment cue
I agree with this, but also agree that Tascs are amazing cues and they are very easy to work with, which is rare for a top tier builder. You're $5k cue is likely closer to $3.5k on the secondary market, if you choose to sell it. I had a "60 hoppe that played beautifully and would have ordered a custom had I not found a Barry Szam or Searing that played better, but these cues cost me much more. I think you'll be very happy with your Tasc, both in the playability, ordering, and update experience. I've always been shocked that they aren't charging more for the level of cue they build. It's a phenomenal cue. Good luck with your decision!
 
if you need to go from your house to the supermarket
a kia/toyota/ lexus/Mercedes//porsche/ferrari
for examples will all get you there
the ride will be different in all of them
if your choice is dependent on affordability vs your choice is based on indulgence vs quality and i like it i dont care what it costs i can afford it
will influence your decision which car you pick
a $50 hooker and $1000 dollar hooker
both will get you to orgasm
you have to decide what can you afford and how do you want to get there
just sayin
jmho
btw
tascarellas are great playing cues

That’s a pretty colorful analogy, but I get what you’re saying. At the end of the day a lot of things can get you to the same destination, the difference is in the experience along the way and what someone is comfortable paying for it.

I guess I wouldn't have started a discussion about Tascarella cues if I was completely comfortable with the price. I've been around the block a few times when it comes to production and custom cues. I've probably owned 50-60 cues, maybe more. The most I've comfortably spent is $3K. Maybe I'm looking for confirmation on if buying a Tasc is a good idea....
 
yep everyone has their own preferences. i can afford any car made yet drive larger toyota suvs.
my harleys are all old ones. same with most of my stuff as i like the classic things.

if i buy a hammer it is the one that hits the nail in best for me not what it looks like or the brand.

same with a cue. to each his own. we all are different and thats good.
 
I agree with this, but also agree that Tascs are amazing cues and they are very easy to work with, which is rare for a top tier builder. You're $5k cue is likely closer to $3.5k on the secondary market, if you choose to sell it. I had a "60 hoppe that played beautifully and would have ordered a custom had I not found a Barry Szam or Searing that played better, but these cues cost me much more. I think you'll be very happy with your Tasc, both in the playability, ordering, and update experience. I've always been shocked that they aren't charging more for the level of cue they build. It's a phenomenal cue. Good luck with your decision!

Thats kind of disappointing that they don't fetch closer to 90% for a near mint cue. It makes me want to buy one second hand first! Thank you for your recommendation.
 
Thats kind of disappointing that they don't fetch closer to 90% for a near mint cue. It makes me want to buy one second hand first! Thank you for your recommendation.
I was surprised too and disappointed initially, but the quality is amazing and you'll have the best custom cue experience from a legendary maker. It's worth doing if you plan to hang onto your cue for awhile.
 
Thats kind of disappointing that they don't fetch closer to 90% for a near mint cue. It makes me want to buy one second hand first! Thank you for your recommendation.
the price of used tascs now is based on the buying price from years ago
i think when owners of cues bought at current prices go to sell the asking prices will be much higher
jmho
 
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