Why do so many cue makers start with blanks made by someone else when building full splice cues?

[Chris]

I've noticed over the years that full splice cues from custom makers often begin life as a "blank" made by someone else. The same cue makers often build very nice, and frequently coveted, half splice cues and merry widows, so I'm doubtful it has anything to do with talent.

What is it about full splice cues that causes them to start with a pre-made blank? Is it the technique? The required machinery?

 

[lakeman77]

I think building full splice blacks is tricky and time consuming, just makes sense to buy 'em rather than make 'em for a one man operation.

 

[Benelli]

Most cue makers don't have the custom made jigs required for full splice blanks.

Have you watched the early videos of the Studiotronic channel on YouTube?

Eddie walks through the full splice build process and you can see over a three year period how he refined both his build process and the design of his jigs.

Like lakeman said most makers don't have that time or desire to pursue it.

 

[measureman]

I've noticed over the years that full splice cues from custom makers often begin life as a "blank" made by someone else. The same cue makers often build very nice, and frequently coveted, half splice cues and merry widows, so I'm doubtful it has anything to do with talent.

What is it about full splice cues that causes them to start with a pre-made blank? Is it the technique? The required machinery?

All of Balabuska cues were made from preexisting blanks.

 

[RickLafayette]

George Balabushka made his earliest splices but started getting his spliced forearms from Burton Spain of Chicago. These accounted for most of his cues. He eventually started using splices from Gus Szamboti which he used until he stopped for health reasons. I was lucky to have a Bushka Spain cue for a while but eventually sold it for the right price.