What is a fair price for a Sneaky Pete cue?

A friend of mine had a bar cue he liked chopped in half and the shaft sanded down for about $60, I think. Feels just as good as any other cue, but then again I'm not too picky. Another friend of mine thought it was a bar cue, since it still had the weight # on it and everything. I've been tempted to do the same thing, but first things first..
 
Well if your referring to Sneaky Pete the brand your looks at around 1,800 :P but im guessing your not, but really its up to you are you looking for a sneaky player or just something to bang around with? You ganna have to be a little more specific to get some of these guys opinions.:thumbup:

-JD
 
Lock N Load said:
Which is the best brand to purchase? Custom or ready made?
Many Regards,
Lock N Load.
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Sneakies can be a great value - they can play as good as any custom and are a lot more affordable.

They can also be a waste of money. There are several different types of sneakies available.


1. Chinese import cue sneaky or conversion from import house cue: These are low end cues. I had two from a cue maker who used the original shafts. I used them for break cues. They did "break" - into several pieces. My impression - I would not recommend them. Prone to breaking and warping. Under $100.

2. Quality production sneaky - some are good, some are not. These are considerably better than the import versions in my opinion. Look for real full splice cues (not painted points) with decent shaft wood. Around $200 - $300.

3. Quality custom from a new full splice blank - such as a Bob Frey using a quality full splice sneaky blank like the kind available from Prather, Barringer, etc etc. The cue maker adapts their own shaft to the butt and you have a custom cue that is affordable. I recommend this. Look for premium blanks (perfect prongs, premium figued woods, a nice taper suitable to a custom). Around $300 - $500.

4. Quality custom from an old blank - such as Brunswick or Dufferin - with a custom shaft. The old Tim Scruggs sneakies fit this bill and these should be high quality playing cues. Look for a cue maker who selected a decent cue to convert, with nice even points, and used care in the conversion, applying their own distinct tapers and playing characteristics to the cue. Various prices - $200 - $900 depending on name of cue maker.
 
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Thank you very much, Tate!

TATE said:
Sneakies can be a great value - they can play as good as any custom and are a lot more affordable.

They can also be a waste of money. There are several different types of sneakies available.


1. Chinese import cue sneaky or conversion from import house cue: These are low end cues. I had two from a cue maker who used the original shafts. I used them for break cues. They did "break" - into several pieces. My impression - I would not recommend them. Prone to breaking and warping. Under $100.

2. Quality production sneaky - some are good, some are not. These are considerably better than the import versions in my opinion. Look for real full splice cues (not painted points) with decent shaft wood. Around $200 - $300.

3. Quality custom from a new full splice blank - such as a Bob Frey using a quality full splice sneaky blank like the kind available from Prather, Barringer, etc etc. The cue maker adapts their own shaft to the butt and you have a custom cue that is affordable. I recommend this. Look for premium blanks (perfect prongs, premium figued woods, a nice taper suitable to a custom). Around $300 - $500.

4. Quality custom from an old blank - such as Brunswick or Dufferin - with a custom shaft. The old Tim Scruggs sneakies fit this bill and these should be high quality playing cues. Look for a cue maker who selected a decent cue to convert, with nice even points, and used care in the conversion, applying their own distinct tapers and playing characteristics to the cue. Various prices - $200 - $900 depending on name of cue maker.
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You put it where it could be understood by anyone. I like what you said!
Many Regards,
Lock n Load.
 
TATE said:
4. Quality custom from an old blank - such as Brunswick or Dufferin - with a custom shaft. The old Tim Scruggs sneakies fit this bill and these should be high quality playing cues. Look for a cue maker who selected a decent cue to convert, with nice even points, and used care in the conversion, applying their own distinct tapers and playing characteristics to the cue. Various prices - $200 - $900 depending on name of cue maker.
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I've just acquired an unused Canadian made Dufferin Sneaky, made from cocobolo, from the look of it. It's actually really rather lovely.

Anyway, I have no idea what these would be worth on the open market - any idea? I'm toying with offering it to a local CM in exchange for some work I need doing on a couple of my other cues - is this the sort of thing they would go for, or would they be interested in converting a one-piece house cue instead?
 
TheThaiger said:
I've just acquired an unused Canadian made Dufferin Sneaky, made from cocobolo, from the look of it. It's actually really rather lovely.

Anyway, I have no idea what these would be worth on the open market - any idea? I'm toying with offering it to a local CM in exchange for some work I need doing on a couple of my other cues - is this the sort of thing they would go for, or would they be interested in converting a one-piece house cue instead?
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The older Dufferin production sneaky's are undervalued considering how solid that are and how well they usually play. They probably only sell for $75 but depending on the cue, are better than a lot of the $200 sneaky's you see for sale. Which joint does your cue have - any pictures?
 
josey cues, they start at $280

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i might be shifty but not very sneaky

a buddy of mine here (DaveK)is starting a sneaky/full splice collection. he's got one sneaky that hits fantastic, i can't remember which one it was though, maybe his prather, or the mark bear..........
 
Best Sneaky made today is Bob Frey bar none.

gkloop has a new one listed here: http://forums.azbilliards.com/showthread.php?t=257129&highlight=frey

or you can call Bob @ 410-747-7292

Helluva guy and he will be more than happy to talk 2U! :grin:
If you don't know, he worked with Tim Scruggs for years and his craftsmanship is incredible.

.....or you could cut a Valley in half and just use duct tape to put it together when you want to play! :groucho:
 
Meucci Sneaky Pete, 200 US dollars.

Been using one for close to 15 years and it still hits like new.

It does not have a joint collar so it looks like a house cue, not a converted house cue with a laminate shaft.
 
I bought a couple dozen imports off eBay for about $15 each. I sold most to people for banger cues but have a few left. They make great break cues and play well enough with a decent tip. If had em for 4/5 years and they haven't busted on me. Otherwise I play with a Scruggs sneaky and wouldn't sell or trade unless for another Scruggs. I think I paid a hair under 400 for mine.
 
TATE said:
The older Dufferin production sneaky's are undervalued considering how solid that are and how well they usually play. They probably only sell for $75 but depending on the cue, are better than a lot of the $200 sneaky's you see for sale. Which joint does your cue have - any pictures?
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Dufferin005.jpg


Dufferin007.jpg


Dufferin010.jpg


Dufferin008.jpg
 
Thanks. It looks much better in the flesh than on screen, but I suppose they all do. It's tempting me to break the habit of a lifetime and buy a custom - not to play with, obviously, but to look at.
 
bankshotbo said:
Meucci Sneaky Pete, 200 US dollars.

Been using one for close to 15 years and it still hits like new.

It does not have a joint collar so it looks like a house cue, not a converted house cue with a laminate shaft.
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I have heard that the quality of the newer Meucci line is far from what is use to be. If you can find an old one I would think it would be much better than buying a new one. heard there is a lot of warped shafts and stuff sent out on the new ones.
 
I had Jim Baxter make me a sneaky from his "Barn Yard" find cues. Had him leave a Hoppe ring on it, made it bumperless and gave it a layered tip. It shoots real nice, although the weight is a little rear balanced for my preference. Still though, it plays great, breaks great, and the price was very low.

IMG_2791.jpg


IMG_2797.jpg
 
rburgoyne said:
I had Jim Baxter make me a sneaky from his "Barn Yard" find cues. Had him leave a Hoppe ring on it, made it bumperless and gave it a layered tip. It shoots real nice, although the weight is a little rear balanced for my preference. Still though, it plays great, breaks great, and the price was very low.

IMG_2791.jpg


IMG_2797.jpg
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Very nice cue, I thank you for sharing the photos with me. Keep it looking good!
Many Regards,
Lock N Load.
 
thefonz said:
a buddy of mine here (DaveK)is starting a sneaky/full splice collection. he's got one sneaky that hits fantastic, i can't remember which one it was though, maybe his prather, or the mark bear..........
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The PFD made from a Mark Bear blank might be (is!) the best hitting sneaky I have (about $650). The Prather is pretty good as well (a little under $500 as built), as is one of my Schmelkes with their "pro taper" (about $130). My Dufferin Phantom has a conical taper and hits very stiff, that's why it is my break cue (sometimes a Schmelke with a conical taper). I hope to add more, from a few other full-splice makers, and they will all be more than $700 methinks.

Dave
 
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