What pros own a Balabushka

[acousticsguru]

I assumed the question was about current (living) pros? If not, the list would be fairly long (Joe Balsis springs to mind as his is the only Bushka I played with for a couple of hours plus versus merely test-hit), but indeed, I know of no pro who plays (and thus: continually air-travels - I sure wouldn't want to do that!) with one.

Greetings from Switzerland, David.
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„J'ai gâché vingt ans de mes plus belles années au billard. Si c'était à refaire, je recommencerais.“ – Roger Conti

 

[Itsnotme]

So a cue has to be new in order to use it?

Hahahahahahhahahahahaha!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[tedkaufman]

Last time I saw Ray Martin, he had 3-4 Balabushkas. Don't know what he still has, but he felt they were the best playing cues--period.

 

[Pushout]

Thnk you Pushout , well one down .....

If you're talking about current players, I don't know of any, personally. I think Irving Crane played with a Balabushka, probably many others from that era also.

 

[Pushout]

I have a Szam that Ray Martin had, the bushka Ray martin owned is owned by Dick Abbott, the cues have the exact same wrap, Ray was very specific on what wrap he had on his cues. Of all my Gus Szams I like the way Ray Martins plays the best of the Gus's. I talked to Ray he thought the Gus was on the cover of the 99 Critical Shots Book, but was not 100% positive.
Best

Eric

Eric,
Which of Ray's cues had the ivory hearts? I've seen that one as well as the Paradise that he won his first title with.

 

[alstl]

I have a Szam that Ray Martin had, the bushka Ray martin owned is owned by Dick Abbott, the cues have the exact same wrap, Ray was very specific on what wrap he had on his cues. Of all my Gus Szams I like the way Ray Martins plays the best of the Gus's. I talked to Ray he thought the Gus was on the cover of the 99 Critical Shots Book, but was not 100% positive.


I dont know of any current pro playing with a Bushka.

I owned Rodneys Gus, but I sold it back to him for cheap, he won the US Open with it, I dont know who has it now. I never hit a ball with it.


Thats my 5 cents (inflation)


Best

Eric

I knew you were in there somewhere.

 

[TheBook]

A decent shortstop in my area owns and play with one. He bought it many, many, years ago for about $150 from Jimmy Reid who at that time was in need of some quick gambling money.

I think most pros that had one probably did the same. Cues to some of them are just tools of the game and don't have sentimental value. That is why some cue makers won't give or sponsor a player with a cue. It will end up be sold for a ridiculous price when they need fast cash.