What cue maker to pick. Please help
- Thread starter cbi1000
- Start date
From what I read, you have examined their work and their reputation and would probably be satisfied with each maker's work.
In this case, I suggest that you contact one or several of them and inquire about your ideas. Some will probably have doubts about a part of your ideas, or refuse to use certain parts like your favourite joint etc.
This might narrow your choice down somewhat.
After you have checked out which maker is actually willing to build according to your specifications, you might consider your priorities. Among them might be:
- availability
- price
- personal relationship, ease of contact and other soft factors. After all, a custom is a pretty emotional thing to buy.
I had checked the work of three cuemakers for my custom. The one which I preferred after his reputation and examples of work which I had seen, took about 14 days to answer a single mail and would just answer with a spreadsheet to list my options. After sending the spreadsheet back together with some explanations, I did not hear from him again. After more than 20 days without an estimate for the work, I contacted the second maker on my personal list. He responded within 40 minutes (keep in mind that there are 6-9h difference between germany and the US of A). In his answer, he suggested some very good modifications to my design, and the price, the design and some technical options were fixed six hours after my initial inquiry. His responses were not only fast, but also polite and very reasonable when it came down to making the most of my ideas.
Guess who'll get my money ;-)
Actually, while the price is probably similar, I will even wait longer for the cue because #2 is currently very busy.
However, these soft factors were quite important to me.
Regards,
Detlev
In this case, I suggest that you contact one or several of them and inquire about your ideas. Some will probably have doubts about a part of your ideas, or refuse to use certain parts like your favourite joint etc.
This might narrow your choice down somewhat.
After you have checked out which maker is actually willing to build according to your specifications, you might consider your priorities. Among them might be:
- availability
- price
- personal relationship, ease of contact and other soft factors. After all, a custom is a pretty emotional thing to buy.
I had checked the work of three cuemakers for my custom. The one which I preferred after his reputation and examples of work which I had seen, took about 14 days to answer a single mail and would just answer with a spreadsheet to list my options. After sending the spreadsheet back together with some explanations, I did not hear from him again. After more than 20 days without an estimate for the work, I contacted the second maker on my personal list. He responded within 40 minutes (keep in mind that there are 6-9h difference between germany and the US of A). In his answer, he suggested some very good modifications to my design, and the price, the design and some technical options were fixed six hours after my initial inquiry. His responses were not only fast, but also polite and very reasonable when it came down to making the most of my ideas.
Guess who'll get my money ;-)
Actually, while the price is probably similar, I will even wait longer for the cue because #2 is currently very busy.
However, these soft factors were quite important to me.
Regards,
Detlev
Everything is about the same
Most of these guys have quoted me the same time frame, within 1k on price and all have been very easy to talk with. I've already kicked out those who either didn't get back to me in time or were to expensive.
So i'm looking for experiences with these guys. How easy were they to work with, how do they play, anything bad, etc.
thanks everyone.
cbi1000
Most of these guys have quoted me the same time frame, within 1k on price and all have been very easy to talk with. I've already kicked out those who either didn't get back to me in time or were to expensive.
So i'm looking for experiences with these guys. How easy were they to work with, how do they play, anything bad, etc.
thanks everyone.
cbi1000
Josey
I just received my new Josey a few weeks ago and I can't imagine anyone nicer or easier to deal with than Keith & Sherri Josey. I just ordered a plain SP, but Keith still took the time to pick out some great woods to use. The high gloss finish he uses really brings out the figure in the BEM & bacote in my cue. The shafts have a very stiff taper (which I'm still adjusting to) so if you don't like a stiff-hitter you may want to ask Keith to soften the taper some. I don't have any experience with the other cuemakers you've listed, but I can highly recommend Josey based on my experience with them.
cbi1000 said:
I just received my new Josey a few weeks ago and I can't imagine anyone nicer or easier to deal with than Keith & Sherri Josey. I just ordered a plain SP, but Keith still took the time to pick out some great woods to use. The high gloss finish he uses really brings out the figure in the BEM & bacote in my cue. The shafts have a very stiff taper (which I'm still adjusting to) so if you don't like a stiff-hitter you may want to ask Keith to soften the taper some. I don't have any experience with the other cuemakers you've listed, but I can highly recommend Josey based on my experience with them.
All within 1K on price??? Does that mean a difference in $1k is insignificant in your budget? Are you looking for a $10K cue?cbi1000 said:
Maybe I need more information, but basing it solely on the "within 1k" comment, you've got the wrong list. Or do you mean "under $1000"?
Fred <~~~ voted for Josey
I would go with Dishaw his cues hold value good high end cues
2 Josey cues i have never seen his fancy cues above @$2000
last i would put pfd i have never seen him make two shafts that hit the same there probably 20 oh them here in california and everyone of them has a predator shaft on them. His butts are nice to look at.
$4ooo budget look @ some old school builders most are retiring there your resale value IE, Bill Mcdaniel, Tim scruggs, Bill Stroud, and a few more names .
Craig
2 Josey cues i have never seen his fancy cues above @$2000
last i would put pfd i have never seen him make two shafts that hit the same there probably 20 oh them here in california and everyone of them has a predator shaft on them. His butts are nice to look at.
$4ooo budget look @ some old school builders most are retiring there your resale value IE, Bill Mcdaniel, Tim scruggs, Bill Stroud, and a few more names .
Craig
cbi1000 said:
Probably not what you're looking for but based on your budget I would get an entry level from each one with the exact same specs.
They are all excellent makers so you would have no trouble recouping your money and then use the money towards a fancy cue from your favorite.
At least this way you will be able to hit with each and decide for yourself.
jingle said:
I don't have experience with everyone on your list but I also have only positive things to say about Josey cue.
It's subjective but his cue plays very well.
I believe it's more objective to say Keith and his wife are delight to work with. They respond to emails and phone calls and more so, take the initiative to keep you informed. They were very very honest with me and very cost conscience. They could have easily asked for hundreds of dollars more for a refinish on one of my higher-end Josey but they took the initiative to bring the overall cost down. And they were able to do the job in time they said it would take and within the price they estimated. I'm beginning to find out that this is exception rather than rule with cue makers.
I've spoke to both Keith and his wife over the phone and they are delightful people.
Based on how the cue plays and more so, custom service orientation of the couple, I can't think of anyone better. Now if his style is to your liking, then it's a done deal.
