What is missing in Cuemaking

[classiccues]

Well, yes, but if you want to get ahead in the world, don't stay there.

Points? I don't collect fancy cues, but I'd think that for a cue maker who's got a lick of artist in him, points would be like asking a top chef to do mashed potatoes. But if the customer orders pot roast and mashed, what are you going to do? Maybe add a little wasabi to the mashed.

I used to collect stamps, and I got pretty excited about slightly different color variations in the early postage due issues. I'm not proud of it, and I've gotten over it -- there it is. But points?

Sometimes people ask to see my cue, which has four standard points with veneers and eight mother-of-pearl diamond-shaped inlays. (In the interest of full disclosure, it has two Stroud shafts, regular and masse.) They will remark how beautiful it is. For a cue with points? Perhaps they have never seen really artistic cue work or they're just being polite.

That's why I said what I said. Do I like artsy cues, once in a while I'll see one I like. But it's not my cup of tea. I like a cue with 4 veneered points, some MOP or Ivory inlays, nothing over the top just a tad of flair, and that's it.

But that's for me, and cuemakers still build them because there are people like me who love that style.

Why do people still ask for them? Because the designs are TIMELESS. (and relatively inexpensive) :wink:

JV

 

[bstroud]

I certainly understand where you're coming from. I guess my only real 'problem' (for lack of a better term) with what you're saying is that your argument is based of the presupposition that most people share your views on cues and the role of art in cuemaking. You say that buying a custom cue is a more personal exeprience for most people and, while I agree that you are right about that, I'm not sure art is something that matters to most cue buyers. I would say that the majority of cue buyers out there are more interested in the play of the cue, the name of the person who made it, and perhaps a few other details as well. I would tend to doubt that artistic expression is a concern of most people buying a custom cue.

Sure there are a slew of people who have pushed the envelope and shown many that cues don't have to be just points and diamonds, yourself being one of them. Thomas Wayne being another. Richard Black, Bob Manzino, Jim Stadum, Joe Hercek (and the list goes on) :grin:. Your contributions to the cue community are unparalleled and have dropped jaws time and time again. Cuemakers like these, who push the envelope of design and marry function and art with craft will (hopefully) always be ever-present in the cue world. And their contributions will continue to astound many. Still, there is a place for 'traditional in the cue world. And, for better or worse, its place is at the forefront of the cue world. Not every cuemaker considers themselves an artist. Not every cuemaker cares to be artistic. And the plain truth is, not every customer cares about artistic expression in the design of their cues. I would guess the majority of them don't.

The presence of art in cues is a truly valuable and wonderful thing. But to expect that MOST cuemakers as well as cuebuyers change their views of the role art plays in their craft is just not reasonable. Sure, there are a TON of cuemakers out there who may default to the notion that 'I do traditional cues because I like the look' when the reality is, they do traditional cues because its all they are capable of. Still, there are numerous cuemakers out there who take traditional and add their own influences/twists to make a style that is 'theirs'. Furthermore, there are scores of people out there who pay these guys to make them 4 pointers, 6 pointers, box cues, notched diamonds, etc. because they have no desire to commision a work of art. And the reality is, if you're looking for function over form, production cues aren't always the best answer.

Mia,

Following your argument I guess we would all be wearing the same clothes (circa 1984) all drive the same car (model T) and all live in the same style house with 2 kids and a dog?

I guess we would all have the same pool cue. One piece of wood. No points. No joint. Same wood. Same color.

Fortunately the human species prefers a little diversity that reflects who they are.

You say the majority of cue buyers pick their cue on performance. You are dead wrong on that one. Most buyers buy on appearance or price. Most cue buyers don't give a hoot about performance. Otherwise Sears and Target and all the discount stores wouldn't be selling way more cues than all the custom cuemakers put together. NFL and Harley cues come to mind.

I would say that many of the more informed players on this site do pick their cue based of performance and appearance. Otherwise there would not be such a diversity of designs offered. Can a majority of the cues be considered art? Probably not. But surely some can.

There is nothing wrong with liking traditional designs. What is wrong is for talented cuemakers to hide behind them when they have the potential to do so much more. Cuemaking is not just about making a living. It is equally about expressing yourself and helping others express themselves.

BTW, If your interested, I have a solid black, black joint, no wrap, no buttplate cue for sale. cheap!

Just kidding,

Bill Stroud

 

[Rak9up]

Bill,

The trade show was way older than that it was in Orlando.

I had a friend with me that asked if you could build him a Budwiser cue.

You replied very politly "Son my cues start at $1500 I believe the booth your looking for is down by the front door I'm Bill Stroud"

My friend said "I know who you are and I know how much your cues cost...
but can you just imagine the money I could make holding a Bill Stroud that looks like a budwiser stick"

you laughed and smiled and said "I can't condone hustling"
........
........
........




I apoligize if I made you upset

I'm upset with the pool playing public not you..

There's so many features to worry about that effect the playability.

Tip type,diameter,ferrule material ferrule length,shaft type,shaft diameter,shafter taper,joint type,joint material,butt material butt diameter,wrap, no wrap,rubber bumper no rubber bumper,cored uncored,overall stick balance,and total weight.

Changing just one of these feature's effects playability.

I see people on here that have been on a 10 year waiting list for a cue.When their order comes up you know they ask... "anyone know a pretty wood combination"?

Not.... When I play pool I use little or no english...so what features would be important to have or change on the stick that compliments the way I play.
or
I spin the ball alot so I need a stick to be "juiced up" for my style of play.
What features need to be changed to do that?


To me cuemakers should be more like the crew chief in the movie "Days of Thunder" asking is the car loose or tight do I need to add or remove shims.. Then Tom cruise replies I don't know what you just said, I just
drive. (so as he changes the setup and shows him what what the terms mean in relation to how it performs so he can build the car to his needs)

Cuemakers should not be like the guy in the movie "Birdcage" wearing pink socks saying "well ones does want a hint of color"

Oh and

I do Pratice, pratice, pratice, everyday with a smile on my face

With all the cues you've built in your lifetime I can see you getting bored long before us. When I see a design it might be the first time for you it could be the thousandth time over the years.

 

[mia]

Bill,

The trade show was way older than that it was in Orlando.

I had a friend with me that asked if you could build him a Budwiser cue.

You replied very politly "Son my cues start at $1500 I believe the booth your looking for is down by the front door I'm Bill Stroud"

My friend said "I know who you are and I know how much your cues cost...
but can you just imagine the money I could make holding a Bill Stroud that looks like a budwiser stick"

you laughed and smiled and said "I can't condone hustling"

I apoligize if I made you upset

I'm upset with the pool playing public not you..

There's so many features to worry about that effect the playability.

Tip type,diameter,ferrule material ferrule length,shaft type,shaft diameter,shafter taper,joint type,joint material,butt material butt diameter,wrap, no wrap,rubber bumper no rubber bumper,cored uncored,overall stick balance,and total weight.

Changing just one of these feature's effects playability.

I see people on here that have been on a 10 year waiting list for a cue.When their order comes up you know they ask... "anyone know a pretty wood combination"?

Not.... When I play pool I use little or no english...so what features would be important to have or change on the stick that compliments the way I play.
or
I spin the ball alot so I need a stick to be "juiced up" for my style of play.
What features need to be changed to do that?


To me cuemakers should be more like the crew chief in the movie "Days of Thunder" asking is the car loose or tight do I need to add or remove shims.. Then Tom cruise replies I don't know what you just said, I just
drive. (so as he changes the setup and shows him what what the terms mean in relation to how it performs so he can build the car to his needs)

Cuemakers should not be like the guy in the movie "Birdcage" wearing pink socks saying "well ones does want a hint of color"

Oh and

I do Pratice, pratice, pratice, everyday with a smile on my face

With all the cues you've built in your lifetime I can see you getting bored long before us. When I see a design it might be the first time for you it could be the thousandth time over the years.

I understand that change is good and that it forces us to evolve. I'm not saying we should all still live life as if this were the 1984. All I am saying is that while I understand your view, that art and cuemaking should go hand in hand and that cuemakers should strive to push the envelope in terms of design, this is simply YOUR view. I'm sure there are a number of people out there who would agree with you. But for everyone that does agree, there are probably 2 or 3 more that do not. Just because you feel this way doesn't necessitate a call to all cuemakers to think about cuemaking from an artistic perspective.

Just because the two CAN be married doesn't mean they NEED to be married by everyone who crafts a cue. Why not? Because not everyone cares about the artistic aspect of cues. There are those that do and then there are those that like 4 pointers, and they far outnumber the group that loves their cues to look like works of art.

I'm not saying you're wrong for assuming that these two ideas (art and craft) can be married. I'm saying that you're wrong for assuming that they SHOULD be married. When talking about 'custom cues' the term alone doesn't imply artistry. It implies crafting a cue to a customer's preference. If the customer prefers 4 points with a cortland wrap to an ebony nose, ivory handled, heavily scrimmed piece of art, well... as they say, the customer is always right. If the customer wants a piece of art, they can turn to you or Joel Hercek, Bob Manzino, Paul Drexler, etc., etc.. But if they want a 4 or 6 point cue, or even a merry widow (and there are millions out there who want that very thing), there needs to be cuemakers out there who do work along those lines. Right?

In your original post in this thread, you say that the cuemaking industry needs more cuemakers who have a degree of formal art training. What I'm saying is that this is not something the industry NEEDS. Is it a plus? Sure. But there are cuemakers out there right now who push the envelope of design. Could the industry benefit from more of these kind of guys? Sure. Is it necessary? No. Because those cuemakers who you see as guys who are "afraid to try something new" and "are doing just fine" making what they are, could very well people guys who LIKE traditional. And even if they are not, these are guys who are giving customers what they want. That's the very nature of this industry... its a business. So the guy who makes what the customer wants, be it a merry widow or a 4 pointer, is satisfying a want and a need. To say that he should strive for more is not realistic. He should strive to do what HE chooses to do. And if HE chooses to do what a customer asks for, so be it.

 

[SK Custom Cues]

I am taking the time to personally thank Mr. Stroud for helping us to understand cue making in the perspective of Josswest Cues. I would like to add that, to me, Mr. Stroud is one of the most influential artist's in this industry, and currently, his work is among the most highly sought after be it new or old. I don't think I need to go into much more, as most of us who know about his work already know this. I would like to add to this thread, my opinion of what I think Mr. Stroud is trying to convey, but in my own words.

We live our lives according to our beliefs. What makes life worth more to live depends on how you perceive the world and the actions that you take to live a meaningful life. What it takes to live a meaningful life is enhanced by art. Art is very important. All the buildings, houses and architecture that have ever been constructed on this earth derived from artistic ability. The earth appears the way it does because of the dreams of man, and this is all possible through art. The quantum physics of these actions depended on one person, or a group of people who dreamed a dream and manifested it into reality. Take Donald Trump for instance. He is a real estate developer who has created some very delectable golf courses, casinos, and various living spaces in our lifetime. When you think of Trump National Golf Course, or the Trump International Hotel and Tower, or the Trump Taj Mahal, one can only begin to wonder how all that came to be. It is because he was inspired by art. Often times on the show, "The Apprentice" we hear the words, 'appeal to the consumer'. The commercials, the models it takes to star in those commercials, and the people behind the camera all have creativity flowing in their veins to make that happen, and it is done in an artful way to, 'appeal to the consumer'.

Today, construction is manifested in many different ways. Some like to work with metal or wood. Some like to build their talent in music. Others like to build skill in martial arts combining their mental discipline with their devotion to the perfection of technique and application. Over the course of a person's life, one can attain mastery in his own craft or art. Once mastery is attained in one thing, most everything else in life is comes very natural. The ones who dedicate themselves to a true path are the ones who eventually end up blossoming within the mastery of their art changing not only themselves, but the world along with it, enhancing the world with beauty.

Think of the effect Bruce Lee had on the world. All of the people who watched his movies were mostly inspired in a positive way. People wanted to feel powerful, capable, and strong for themselves. This is magic of inspiration through art. Art has wonder and mystery. When you look at a piece of art that is beautiful, you often stare at it in wonder asking yourself, "Wow. That is amazing. How did he do that?" Just by looking at that piece of art, that person can be affected in a certain way, and if the impression is big enough, that person can be inspired to follow a path based on that piece of art.

Some people never realize the importance of art in relation to life. This is why people can be ugly at times. When a person fails to understand his own life, that person becomes a source of pain for those surrounding him. Those who seek perfection in their life through their art grow to become respected by others as Mr. Stroud has done in his lifetime. The creation of this thread in my opinion is simply to promote art and the positive influences it brings not only to cues, but to the world as a whole.

 

[JBailey]

BTW, If your interested, I have a solid black, black joint, no wrap, no buttplate cue for sale. cheap!

Just kidding,

Bill Stroud[/QUOTE]


I would buy a cue like that. I like my playing cue to be plain.

I agree that it would be nice to see more art in cuemaking. Every time I look in the cue books at the local poolhall all I see are the same old designs with some slight variations. We only have one cuemaker in my area and he doesn't do any 'artsy' cues at all. It would probably cost me an outrageous amount of money to have someone make any of the designs I have in my head. Bear in mind that I don't make a whole lot of money so anything over $500 seems outrageous to me.

 

[Magik Wandzzzzz]

Winston,

You are the exact type of person I was trying to attract with this post.

There is nothing wrong with liking "traditional" cue designs but I would imagine that you are no long using "rabbit ears" to watch TV.

The point I'm trying to make here is that cuemakers just need to move on.
They need to try new things and it is people like you that can push them to do so. Give it a try next time. Perhaps you can find a bridge between a modern and a traditional design the you would like even more.

Thanks for your reply,

Bill Stroud

Deek-a-mom<------- HI BILL....what about me.....you attracted me me.....years ago and it had nothing to do with cues..:sorry:.tell me GOD, am I a traditionalist or just plain wacko.....I still want to post up with you in golf and backgammom, maybe even chess...:grinning-moose:..but not in the world of billiards...:yikes:....glad to hear you are still alive.....out there in the desert someplace?????? Call me for a chit chat sometime.....cheers:groucho:

 

[Magik Wandzzzzz]

Well, yes, but if you want to get ahead in the world, don't stay there.

Points? I don't collect fancy cues, but I'd think that for a cue maker who's got a lick of artist in him, points would be like asking a top chef to do mashed potatoes. But if the customer orders pot roast and mashed, what are you going to do? Maybe add a little wasabi to the mashed.

I used to collect stamps, and I got pretty excited about slightly different color variations in the early postage due issues. I'm not proud of it, and I've gotten over it -- there it is. But points?

Sometimes people ask to see my cue, which has four standard points with veneers and eight mother-of-pearl diamond-shaped inlays. (In the interest of full disclosure, it has two Stroud shafts, regular and masse.) They will remark how beautiful it is. For a cue with points? Perhaps they have never seen really artistic cue work or they're just being polite.

Deek-a-mom<----- DO U STIL HAV THS QQQQ ???? Unfortunately the cat, has since died, but peacefully in old age and not due to your cue..... trust all is well..............SEE U AT HOPKINS ????????

 

[bstroud]

BTW, If your interested, I have a solid black, black joint, no wrap, no buttplate cue for sale. cheap!

Just kidding,

Bill Stroud

<I would buy a cue like that. I like my playing cue to be plain.

<I agree that it would be nice to see more art in cuemaking. Every time I look in the cue books at the local poolhall all I see are the same old designs with some slight variations. We only <have <one cuemaker in my area and he doesn't do any 'artsy' cues at all. It would probably cost me an outrageous amount of money to have someone make any of the designs I have in my <head. Bear <in mind that I don't make a whole lot of money so anything over $500 seems outrageous to me.[/QUOTE]

I hope I have made it clear that it is not just about the money. It is the inspiration and creativity that the cuemaker/artist/craftperson is willing to put into his/her work and then share it with the world. Good or bad. Win or lose. Success or failure. If they don't take the chance they will never know.

I wish to thank all of you that have taken the time to read and to post about a topic that I think is central to the future of cuemaking. It has been my life and passion for over 44 years and I sincerely hope that through my work and the cue shows that I have produced, I have made some positive changes to cuemaking in America.

Bill Stroud

 

[ibuycues]

Thanks..........

<I would buy a cue like that. I like my playing cue to be plain.

<I agree that it would be nice to see more art in cuemaking. Every time I look in the cue books at the local poolhall all I see are the same old designs with some slight variations. We only <have <one cuemaker in my area and he doesn't do any 'artsy' cues at all. It would probably cost me an outrageous amount of money to have someone make any of the designs I have in my <head. Bear <in mind that I don't make a whole lot of money so anything over $500 seems outrageous to me.

I hope I have made it clear that it is not just about the money. It is the inspiration and creativity that the cuemaker/artist/craftperson is willing to put into his/her work and then share it with the world. Good or bad. Win or lose. Success or failure. If they don't take the chance they will never know.

I wish to thank all of you that have taken the time to read and to post about a topic that I think is central to the future of cuemaking. It has been my life and passion for over 44 years and I sincerely hope that through my work and the cue shows that I have produced, I have made some positive changes to cuemaking in America.

Bill Stroud[/QUOTE]

Bill,

I have thoroughly enjoyed this entire thread, and obviously have read every comment carefully. You and I have had this very discussion many times, and I know more than most how very much from the heart you started this thread, and how diligently you strive to live by the very comments you have made throughout this thread.

I like the fact that a lot of people have been able to get a glimpse into the thought process you have brought to your craft over these many years, and your passion for cuemaking which has never stood still, always changing and improving.

Your innovations are legendary, but your attention to detail, your love of all art, and your pursuit of perfection have allowed several thousand players to enjoys the fruits of your labors, great playing cues. BTW, also great looking cues, a pleasure to hold as well as play with.

I also am very much aware of all the time you have personally offered to cuemakers of all pay grades throughout the years, and how they have benefitted. Many AZers might be shocked if they ever saw a partial list of people with whom you have collaborated and given cuemaking advice. For the benefit and forward movement of the craft.

Thanks again for your comments.

See you soon,

Will Prout

 

[cueman]

I also got bored with the v-groove and traditional style cues and slacked off of building them for many years. Then people started coming asking me to build cues with slotted diamonds and such and I built some more in recent years. I wanted my cues to have some indentifyable aspects so I standardized the joint ring and butt ring pattern to 12 sterling silver slots on most of my cues. Then I said the rest of the cue is up for grabs on how it will be built. So you will see that I have cues with Native American bead work in the handles and some more traditional looking cues and Ivory handles with gemstones and such. After scores of cues no two have been identical.
But pushing the envelope art wise could get most cuemakers a large unwanted inventory of their own cues because the market is down on high end cues, especially from less known cuemakers. At least that was the concensus among cuemakers in a forum I manage. It reminds me of the old saying, "Starving Artist." I will build cues that are not sold just because I enjoy doing it and want to be creative. But I will also build some simple cues with minimal inlay work because the customer wants it. I have refused to build cues that I thought would be ugly or too plain for me to want to sign it.
I think just about every cuemaker should build what they consider to be their current master piece, and keep it until it sells or play with it themself like Nat Green did with one of his master pieces. I noticed when I built cues loaded with inlays, sometimes I might have that cue for months before it sells, but it seemed to help sell my lower end cues as people could see more of what I was capable of. If you only show simple work, people will think you can only do simple work.

 

[Ratta]

Hi Bill,

in the 80/s90s Dan Prather and his son visited germany to deal with a friend who started his cuemaker buisness here in my hometown-further he taught him some things- I can remember, that he was talking about *'Bill Stroud* , Tim Scruggs and Tony (early BlackBoars went out then) and how well your work was-and how much knowledge you have
He got sooooo many custom cues with him- sure there were many Prather Cues but also some Cues from different famous cuemakers. I was really upset
when i saw these cues and tested with em all day^^ and was impressed how big the difference was to the *known* cues (at that time Meucci, Huebler, Adam). Think that was also a reason that i got *infected* with the *wood-virus*.
The Stroud and the BlackBoar were SO DIFFERENT in craftmanship and play-ability .......was impressing to me.
Also i m still wondering about some guys when they still discussing about the *hit*. Yours and tony s were both cues with Stainless Steel Joint (piloted if i remember correctly) and they both played so unbelievable different- til now i can t remember that i ever had a cue with a stainless steel joint which played that way like yours and tony s did. So in my opinion grew, that the craftmanship is the most important for a cuemaker-not just the materials. A good cuemaker build perfect cues-also in a bit lower price-level (not cheap, just not high end i mean^^)

You made me know remembering these good old days- still said that the guy ended with cuemaking :-(, he was too early on the buisness imo. He was one of the best i met. Think 10 years later and he would have been a big one....

Just how you (the old cuemakers from the last decades) gave impressions and innovations to the *new generations* of cuemaker causes me to say hats off.

lg
Ingo

 

[3kushn]

Bill,

The one that comes to my mind is Dave Barenbrugge. I truly think Dave could have been a world class artist in Montmarte, with canvas and palette, or a marble sculptor in Italy, or a car designer for Pinan Farina. I look at his stuff and I just get blown away. I don't even know if Dave can do an inlay! Maybe he was just born with a sense of balance and color. Maybe they can be made - I don't know. Maybe the trick is to turn artists into cue makers, not the other way around!

By the way, I doubt anybody has done more than Mr. Stroud to promote the art of cue making.

Chris ---> my playing cue is a JossWest too, and I ain't changing it!

Here's what Dieckman says about http://www.cuemaker.com/davidpage01.htm

I gave Dennis an idea that became a reality. Very simple. A cue that if you're standing 10 feet away it looks like a stick of maple. Put it in your hands and take a closer look you'll see something completely different. Both butterfly and sharp points. No veneers. Just BE on Curly.

 

[Steve Logan]

Cue Design

New designs, or "out of the box" ideas are not always received with open arms. The old saying about people not wanting change seems to be accurate. I had a pretty radical cue design several years ago. It was similar to the Viking twist on a sneaky pete that came out years ago, and was successful, but this one had things going in different directions (without giving the idea away).
Anyway, I approached many cuemakers that were personal friends and they were not interested in it at all. It didn't fit their style. I completely understand.
Each one would point me to another - same response. Bill Stroud saw this design also, and although he did seem to like the idea, no one wanted to make it.
I also contacted Viking and they viewed it but chose to pass as we could not reach a deal. If you PM me i will tell you the deal breaker which will make you laugh.
Long story short - I have a pretty slick design that will only be seen on a piece of paper.

 

[ScottR]

I hope I have made it clear that it is not just about the money. It is the inspiration and creativity that the cuemaker/artist/craftperson is willing to put into his/her work and then share it with the world. Good or bad. Win or lose. Success or failure. If they don't take the chance they will never know.

I wish to thank all of you that have taken the time to read and to post about a topic that I think is central to the future of cuemaking. It has been my life and passion for over 44 years and I sincerely hope that through my work and the cue shows that I have produced, I have made some positive changes to cuemaking in America.

Bill Stroud

You have, Bill. You have.

Scott Roberson

 

[bstroud]

New designs, or "out of the box" ideas are not always received with open arms. The old saying about people not wanting change seems to be accurate.

Steve,

You are right about that. Consider the Impressionist painters. They were scorned by the Traditional painters of their times. Now they are held in the highest esteem.

It will be like that with cues also. As I said before Traditional cues will end up in collections and museums. Times change and people's opinions of what is desirable change also. I am just impatient to see cuemakers make a break from the old to the new.

Traditional cue designs are reaching a point of critical mass. Most if not all the designs have been done many times before. Quality of execution has reached the highest level. Exceptional materials are available to everyone.

What can the Traditional cuemaker do next to set them apart from the rest. More unrelated inlay. The limit has been reached. It is time to move on.

The technology to produce new types of designs is out there. The cuemakers just need to take the time to study art and design and take a chance. If only there were a school where cuemakers could go to study the Art of Cuemaking and perfect their craft, what a wonderful thing that would be. I have thought about it often. Someday perhaps.

Bill Stroud

 

[Lazerrus]

I think in a way this can be related to tattooing. There are the traditionals such as skulls, mermaids, pin up girls, tribals, etc. Then you have some really off the wall custom work that you have never seen before. Traditional style cues will always be there I think. Even the most basic four point cue has remained the same for well over a hundred years. There is one man that comes to mind that took the cue and turned it into an art form. By this I mean using the cue as a pallet for art. Richard Black......
Many new makers are taking the traditional designs and putting new twists on them. Pete Tonkin comes to mind. But I think it's going to be hard to get away from the traditional style cue because in a way that is what a cue is I think. Not in just it's functionality but also it's appearance. Just my two cents.

 

[Magik Wandzzzzz]

Here's what Dieckman says about http://www.cuemaker.com/davidpage01.htm

I gave Dennis an idea that became a reality. Very simple. A cue that if you're standing 10 feet away it looks like a stick of maple. Put it in your hands and take a closer look you'll see something completely different. Both butterfly and sharp points. No veneers. Just BE on Curly.

Dieckman<---are u sur it wdnt CURL on the BYRD ????:sorry:

 

[bstroud]

Design Your Dream

I would again like to thank all of you that have followed this thread and especially those that have posted.

I have decided to carry my argument about cue design one step further.
In a sense I am going to put my money where my mouth is.

I am starting a new thread call Design Your Dream. I am offering the opportunity for anyone, player, cuemaker, collector, interested party to design the cue of their dreams. I will make it free of charge no matter what the price.

The rules are simple:

Present your design online on the AZ Billiards Main forum or the Cue and Case Gallery forum.

No gold, diamonds or other precious stones.

The design must consist of the usual cue materials. wood, ivory, silver, etc.

It can be as plain or as fancy as you like.

After a certain period, I will pick the 5 top designs.

Anyone that submitted a design can then vote for the design they like best.

I will make that design and present it to the winner at no charge.

Bill Stroud

 

[PunchOut]

New designs, or "out of the box" ideas are not always received with open arms. The old saying about people not wanting change seems to be accurate.

Steve,

You are right about that. Consider the Impressionist painters. They were scorned by the Traditional painters of their times. Now they are held in the highest esteem.

It will be like that with cues also. As I said before Traditional cues will end up in collections and museums. Times change and people's opinions of what is desirable change also. I am just impatient to see cuemakers make a break from the old to the new.

Traditional cue designs are reaching a point of critical mass. Most if not all the designs have been done many times before. Quality of execution has reached the highest level. Exceptional materials are available to everyone.

What can the Traditional cuemaker do next to set them apart from the rest. More unrelated inlay. The limit has been reached. It is time to move on.

The technology to produce new types of designs is out there. The cuemakers just need to take the time to study art and design and take a chance. If only there were a school where cuemakers could go to study the Art of Cuemaking and perfect their craft, what a wonderful thing that would be. I have thought about it often. Someday perhaps.

Bill Stroud

amazing post.. i have only been collecting cues for 4-5 years and i am already growing tired of the standard 4/6/8 pointed cues with the same inlay styles. A couple years ago i got excited to see Eric Crisp thinking out of the box with his bizarre and beautiful wood combo's. Drexler seems to have some great inspiration, but i think he might be ahead of his time.