Bill...You have been an inspiration to me and an influence on my pool game, since the first time I drove over to see you in Aspen, in 1972, when I was in college in Gunnison. I was a brand new player, and had drawn up a cue design on a piece of notebook paper, and showed it to you. It was a box cue design, even though I had no idea what that even was, at the time! LOL You SO impressed my buddy and me in your shop that day. I felt like a kid in a candy store watching you work, and getting to play a little on the Gold Crown you had in your shop (not to mention the Ferrari in the driveway...LOL). I was starstruck, but broke, and could not afford to have the cue made then. You did, however make me a plainer 4 point cue, a couple of years later, and delivered it to me at Cardone's tournament in Burlington IA in '75. I'll never forget that. I didn't miss a ball for two days, and got lucky to beat Keith (with a huge spot), gambling in the green room at the hotel. Many years later you finally made that box cue for me for my 30th BD (I had kept the notebook paper drawing...and believe it or not, still have it)! It was the first cue you made after your switch to CNC...a beautiful BEM cue with ivory boxes, ivory joint, and ivory diamonds in the butt sleeve. You also refinished an old 60's 8-point Ginacue I had, and made a 'matching' shaft for it...also engraving S. Lee on a silver block in the butt sleeve...even without me asking you to. That was an untold fortuitous gool luck moment, as the cue was stolen from me years later, and that engraving was one of things that somehow luckily got the cue returned to me 15 years later! I have always admired your skills and your spirit, and am happy you are returning to playing full time! Best wishes! :thumbup:
Scott Lee
www.poolknowledge.com
Scott Lee
www.poolknowledge.com
Scott,
When I was learning to play pool rooms were much different.
There were always good players hanging in the room. When they weren't gambling they were always ready to share their knowledge.
That's how I learned.
Speaking of learning.
I had never played with the Aramith balls before. They react much differently than the old Centennials. They stick together like the are covered in glue. The new Diamond pro table I have has the new rail design and balls speed up off the cushions. All that combined with the small pockets make it more difficult for me to play really well.
Doesn't show up much unless you are playing straight pool. You need to be very careful every time you touch another ball.
Quite a learning experience.
Bill Stroud