Who do you think the best living cuemaker?

[8-ball Rat]

I'm amazed at the amount of people who would write down Dennis's name. First of all his cues lack any design traits in the way of originality, the major portion of his work has been basic 4 point cues, it's only been a few years since he's started doing inlays. I don't have a problem with that at all but it is a part of all around IMO. Also his body of work is just to small, I have to wonder about someone who claims to have seen more then a dozen examples of his work. I've lived in FL and shot in the same rooms as dennis and haven't seen all that many cues of his, and it's just because he hasn't made that many and what he has have been sent around the world. Now if we were talking about playability then I guess I can buy it, but I feel he's a bit below some of the other names mention when talking best all around. I don't mean this to be a put down it's just hard for a guy who has been at it for 12-15 years to compete with guy's who have 35-40 years in. I think he makes a great cue, but I'll wait another 15 years before I place him in the top of all time.

Jim

Jimbo....

You always tell people to "READ" what was written....so how about you do the same??!! I said I've seen HALF a dozen....that's six. One more than five....one less than seven. Also looks like this - "6".

Considering that I've spent the vast majority of the last 12 years in overseas locations...(where alot of Searing cues wind up)...it would make sense that a poolhall rat would see his fair share.

Also...this thread was intended as a simple voting-type format. People are entitled to their opinion, and will vote accordingly.

Why can't you just let people have their opinion, without feeling the need to interject yours and try to "prove" them wrong? They're not wrong...they just don't happen to agree with you. Difference is, I don't see too many other people out there trying to sway someone a different direction when it comes to what they LIKE in a cue....and that's what we're voting on....what we LIKE.

You have your ideas, other folks have their own. It's been that way since the beginning, and will continue to be that way long after we're all gone.

And, by the way....why doesn't Mr. Searing's half-joint construction qualify as "original" in your eyes? Just curious.

Rat

 

[JimBo]

Jimbo....

You always tell people to "READ" what was written....so how about you do the same??!! I said I've seen HALF a dozen....that's six. One more than five....one less than seven. Also looks like this - "6".
I'm sorry you took it so personal, I wasn't directing the 12 (dozen) remark at you, it's just that I doubt many people have seen much work from Dennis, as I explained he just hasn't produced that much. Again we are talking "THE BEST" not best rookie or best new comer, and again as explained part of best would have to be (IMO) longevity, consistency, and diversity as well as a wide range of styles and designs, none of which can be achieved in a short period of time, again IMO and not directed at you personally.

Considering that I've spent the vast majority of the last 12 years in overseas locations...(where alot of Searing cues wind up)...it would make sense that a poolhall rat would see his fair share.

Not really, but you've seen 6, so I guess you can be considered an expert on them since he has only made a very limited amount.

Also...this thread was intended as a simple voting-type format. People are entitled to their opinion, and will vote accordingly.

Sure and then we comment on the list, that's what I did, I never said your vote counts less or that you were wrong, I was surprised and voiced why I was.

Why can't you just let people have their opinion, without feeling the need to interject yours and try to "prove" them wrong? They're not wrong...they just don't happen to agree with you. Difference is, I don't see too many other people out there trying to sway someone a different direction when it comes to what they LIKE in a cue....and that's what we're voting on....what we LIKE.

I never said you were wrong, please go back and read your first line of the post I am replying to. I also never tried to sway you nor would I like you to change your vote or opinion, all I did was post how I found it shocking.

You have your ideas, other folks have their own. It's been that way since the beginning, and will continue to be that way long after we're all gone.

That's true, so if I have you right you'd like me to not share my opinion when it's counter to yours? LOL seems you are a bit conflicted when it comes to the right to share opinions.

And, by the way....why doesn't Mr. Searing's half-joint construction qualify as "original" in your eyes? Just curious.

Rat

Again I think the anger is having an effect on your ability to read. I never said Dennis had bad construction or anything about his construction for that matter. I did however speak about his Designs and pointed out the fact that Dennis didn't even do inlay work till a few years in to his short career. Dennis IMO makes a VERY solid, Great playing and very Consistent cue, he just doesn't make enough of them for my liking. now since you asked me a question I have one for you. How many cues have you seen from Ginacue (pictures count), How many have you played with?

Jim

 

[Salamander]

SW, Martinez, Hercek, BB, Boti.

All terrific

 

[HighEndCues]

Bill Schick gets my vote. Check out his works on Dr. Wu's web site, especially the "Art of Medicine" and "Sailfish" cues.

Who do you think the best living cuemaker?

I'll give everyone my criteria on this subject..
I'm going to choose 2 Cuemaker's because both of them make the cues with there own hands (OLD SCHOOL)... No aid from any computers at all...
Barry Szamboti
Bill Schick
In my opinion they are the best at what they do.. I don't think all the other cuemakers could compete on this level playing field.. If I wanted someone to make handmade spliced points, panographed inlays, and hands on construction who could do better then these two guys??? If you could measure heart and soul put into a cue it would be no contest..
There is a reason they both only make about 20 cues each year...
It takes that long to do it the right way...
I will admit my opinion is a little subjective since they are both very good friends of mine..
Joel Hercek deserves mention for his fantastic work...

It would be hard for me to make an opinion on who is doing the best CNC work, since everyone has perfected this technique. But, Ernie would have to be the choice for creativity alone..
Best,
Ken

 

[Worminator]

Since your question implies you are looking for a single answer, my vote is Bill Schick for all the reasons that have already been stated.

 

[PoolSleuth]

I would vote for the Senior Statesman Bert Schrager, as he was one who was always helpful to some of the better Cuemakers of Today before they were well know Cuemakers.

 

[cornerstone]

There were a number of people chosen to make a cue for the Smithsonian (about 10 including Thomas Wayne, Ernie, Jim Buss, Samsara and R.Black) and some if not all the cues were made, but sadly enough the cues were never put out in a display, seems the Smithsonian people are running a scam and they just go to different groups and ask for things with the promise that they will host a special display and then they just toss the things in a closet on sub level 37 in the catacombs. I for one would have loved to see cues get some time on a national stage like that, but it just never happened, at least not yet, they'll prolly run that in 2075 when I'm long gone:-(

Jim

hey jimbo!hows it going? well richard has hit the national art stage, and does get floor time ,and has just been signed to do a traveling art exibit!he did the art of cue exibit and it was a huge hit so they offered a traveling show.so that is why he will get my vote and ernie as the only living cue maker in the hall of fame. if you think about it he was a accretted cue maker before the majorty even put a tip on! ill buy you tickets to the next museum show! take it easy

 

[classiccues]

Since I like the classic traditional 4 point cue.. I would have to put in no particular order...
Mottey/White, Szamboti, Schick, Weston maybe a few others...

But I have no love for the cnc set, with one exception.

Consistent high end design.. I always liked Ernies stuff because alot of it still looks like points, even though its mostly cnc. His Shakazula cue remains one of my favorite cues.

Joe

 

[cornerstone]

richard black

in my opinion his cues play incredible and his design is un challenged check out this engraved victorian pomele sapele cue!!!!! mine!all mine!

 

[merylane]

in my opinion his cues play incredible and his design is un challenged check out this engraved victorian pomele sapele cue!!!!! mine!all mine!

wow! i think thats one of al stohlman's wallet designs?

boy i hope jimbo dont see that.... oh wait doesnt apply to designs from outside the cue world.

 

[buddha162]

For the best living cuemaker I like Herceck. His inlays are top notch, his construction unique, and his cues are beautifully designed and executed.

There are some very creative cues by Joel on wu's site.

-Roger

 

[ridewiththewind]

I am somewhat surprised that Mike Bender didn't get a nod. Particularly his high end stuff as of late has really been knocking me out.

Lisa

 

[BigRed]

I'm really surprised that nobody has said Tim Scruggs..... He has some of the best playing cues in the world... He may not be as creative in designs, but playability is second to none.

 

[cgriffin5]

I really like Richard Black's artwork bit IMO his cues hit like crap.

 

[matthew staton]

bill schick In my opinion is the best cue maker still alive.My that guys cue's just blow your mind stunning peices of art and they play good to.

 

[BillYards]

I think RB's cues have a great hit. Not a big fan of the cue in Cornerstone's photos, but certainly have favorites among Richards other designs.

 

[Bulwinkl]

My vote goes to Mike Bender. never heard or read anything but the best rates about his work... and how complex wouldn't his work be, none of his cues seem overloaded to me.

 

[ScottR]

in my opinion his cues play incredible and his design is un challenged check out this engraved victorian pomele sapele cue!!!!! mine!all mine!

Oh, my!
Suh-weet looking cue.

 

[pharaoh68]

I really like Richard Black's artwork bit IMO his cues hit like crap.

Well said. Richard Black cues may be creative in design and pretty to look at, but many times, you'd be better gluing a moori tip to a bendy straw.

bill schick In my opinion is the best cue maker still alive.My that guys cue's just blow your mind stunning peices of art and they play good to.

I never thought I'd see the day when I would say this but... Good choice Matthew!

 

[shoutout33]

Huh!?!?

Ok, is this supposed to be the best cue maker/builder living from an art or playability aspect? Or is from both? I do like a lot of the art based custom cues that are out there but who's going to play with them? Ok, yes. They are made to be looked at not played with.

For me, I'm thinking that this would be from a playability aspect more so than anything else and some good looks to make you feel good about your weapon of choice. Now, I'm not a collector like Jimbo, Iconcue, or Cornerstone, but I do appreciate what these guys can do, espcially the following:

-Barry Szamboti (straight classy work...)
-Black Boar (his stuff is impecable and flawless...)
-Bill Schick (very unique designs...)
-Gina Cue (beauty and the beast/ playablilty and looks...)

I still don't understand why no one, (and yes I know that just because he wasn't mentioned doesn't mean he's not well received as a cue maker/builder...) didn't pick one of the most influential cue maker/builders in the industry...David P. Kersonbrock.

I mean, who do you think influenced Bender and SouthWest, as well as have his desings used all these years. He also does some fancy art stuff as well. I mean, he only does cues for collectors now and someone on the forums said he makes less than 10 cues a year, and on top of that, his cues cost $15,000...each!!!! I got this straight from Ed Young as well, so it's not like I'm making this up. That's my .02 cents, for what it's worth. If there was any cue I could get now, I'd really like to get my hands on a DPK.