MikeCor said:
I'm not being sarcastic or anything, but I'm seriously wondering why Southwest cues or so valuable and sought after. I do not find them aesthetically pleasing at all, there does not appear to be that much work that has gone into them. IMO they look like fancy "Sneaky Petes". Is it the feel?
Just curious.
Southwest cues have different reasons for being popular.
Their popularity began with good players identifying with there cues. The cues simply played better then most cues being offered at the time. The people at Southwest: Laurie, Mickey, Al and the late Mr. Franklin were all dedicated to quality. They had and have a great product!
Eventually these cues started getting around the country and "players" were singing their praises. I think this helped draw in the average players. Collectors of fine cues could see the quality in the workmanship and the hit was there too. Production numbers are low and the demand soon exceeding their production.
Before you knew it people were talking about the cues and remarking about the unbelievable waiting list of 2 years! Since they don't require a deposit people jump on without hesitation. This only fueled the list and the snowball was rolling. Every year the list got longer and the prices went up.
Now I have heard that the list is seven years long and getting longer by the day. They have worked hard to be a hot cue commodity and it continues to pay dividends for them.
As for the looks go they have a real wood lover’s appeal not relying on tremendous inlay work, instead they produce "tight" quality on a continual basis. While that basic cue looks simple there is much that goes into the work behind it. Consistently producing tight quality and nice wood selections on even the simple cues is a challenge. That six point cue is their bread and butter. I imagine it will continue to be so as well as their excellent quality control.
Having owned a Southwest cue and visiting with Mrs. Franklin I have always been impressed with her and the cues her business builds.
Just some thoughts.
Bryan
