Why does the word "custom" get thrown around so much?

D-Sub

D-Sub

AzB Silver Member
Silver Member
When I was a kid I was heavily into bass fishing. I remember Cabela's or Bass Pro Shops selling "custom" lures. My dad saw a catalog once and said "how can they be custom if anyone can buy the same thing?"

I think he had a good point, and it applies to cues as well. I've been checking out those Philippine cues lately...I can see how they might use the word...but...that KC guy, or bestpricecues who sells all sorts of stuff...the word "custom"...how can they even sleep at night using that word? ;)

just wondering what real cuemakers have to say about using the word custom on a production cue.
 
D-Sub said:
When I was a kid I was heavily into bass fishing. I remember Cabela's or Bass Pro Shops selling "custom" lures. My dad saw a catalog once and said "how can they be custom if anyone can buy the same thing?"

I think he had a good point, and it applies to cues as well. I've been checking out those Philippine cues lately...I can see how they might use the word...but...that KC guy, or bestpricecues who sells all sorts of stuff...the word "custom"...how can they even sleep at night using that word? ;)

just wondering what real cuemakers have to say about using the word custom on a production cue.
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When it comes to cues the word "Custom" has come to mean "two-piece cue".

I don't like it but that is the way it is in the real world.

Good Cuemaking,
 
Arnot Wadsworth said:
When it comes to cues the word "Custom" has come to mean "two-piece cue".
I don't like it but that is the way it is in the real world.

Good Cuemaking,
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I agree and think it is BULLPUCKY.
 
Those of us who own true customs can quietly snicker to ourselves when the word "custom" comes up where it shouldn't really apply, just take solice in that. :D
 
Well, do you want to know how Warsteiner, one of the larger german beer-brands became a "premium beer"?

They put some golden wrap around the bottleneck, raised the price and invested in TV-commercials. Oh, and they called their beer a "premium beer"

If it sounds good, it sells for more.

Regards,

Detlev
 
A custom cue is "made to order" whereas a cue could be a "one of a kind" made by a reputable cuemaker but just as good...
 
Craig Fales said:
A custom cue is "made to order" whereas a cue could be a "one of a kind" made by a reputable cuemaker but just as good...
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That is exactly what I've argued for years but what Arnot said is actually what seems to be today's standard.

Dick
 
Arnot Wadsworth said:
When it comes to cues the word "Custom" has come to mean "two-piece cue".

I don't like it but that is the way it is in the real world.

Good Cuemaking,
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I agree. There has to be some other word that can be used other than custom. I don't build custom cues and that's why I don't use it in my name. Then again I built 4 cues last year so production just does not seem right either.

While we are at it if it has fancy wood and rings then it is not a sneaky pete.

We need new cue lingo!
 
There is Custom like Arnot said and then there is Custom ordered where the customer plays a role in what he or she gets.
 
D-Sub said:
When I was a kid I was heavily into bass fishing. I remember Cabela's or Bass Pro Shops selling "custom" lures. My dad saw a catalog once and said "how can they be custom if anyone can buy the same thing?"

I think he had a good point, and it applies to cues as well. I've been checking out those Philippine cues lately...I can see how they might use the word...but...that KC guy, or bestpricecues who sells all sorts of stuff...the word "custom"...how can they even sleep at night using that word? ;)

just wondering what real cuemakers have to say about using the word custom on a production cue.
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Check your PM...JER
 
BLACKHEARTCUES said:
This subject has been beaten to death here, Do a search & then you should have your answer...JER
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I realized after posting that I should have done that. Sorry folks.
 
IA8baller said:
Those of us who own true customs can quietly snicker to ourselves when the word "custom" comes up where it shouldn't really apply, just take solice in that. :D
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I would think the loudness of your snicker would depend on the outcome of the match. Taking solice in a material possession is nowhere near as much fun as playing good pool, imo.

Dave
 
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You can call it what you want but I think what seperates individual builders from others is the fact that you can get a cue that nobody else has. I think that one-of-a-kind is better than "custom." I'm new at this and my cues are simple. There's no question that a factory can set up complex CNC machinery and make cues that are more accurate and far more complex than I can. If they use good materials, methods and have good QC they can build a cue to tolerences that I will probably never be able to achieve with my ability and equipment. I think the difference will always lie with the customer who wants a cue that nobody else has, even if the cue is simple in design. When I was younger I bought a couple cues from a local builder and I got to go in and talk about the cue before it was started and see it in progress. Those cues are mine and nobody else has cues exactly like them. For me, that's what makes a "custom" cue.
 
BarenbruggeCues said:
Custom = heart



<~~~trying hard to get to level custom production 1 of 1 status.............
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Doesn't custom mean never having to say you're sorry?
Whoops, that's something else...imo

Dale<loved the story>
 
DaveK said:
I would think the loudness of your snicker would depend on the outcome of the match. Taking solice in a material possession is nowhere near as much fun as playing good pool, imo.

Dave
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I totally agree.:D
 
Zagiflyer said:
You can call it what you want but I think what seperates individual builders from others is the fact that you can get a cue that nobody else has. I think that one-of-a-kind is better than "custom." I'm new at this and my cues are simple. There's no question that a factory can set up complex CNC machinery and make cues that are more accurate and far more complex than I can. If they use good materials, methods and have good QC they can build a cue to tolerences that I will probably never be able to achieve with my ability and equipment. I think the difference will always lie with the customer who wants a cue that nobody else has, even if the cue is simple in design. When I was younger I bought a couple cues from a local builder and I got to go in and talk about the cue before it was started and see it in progress. Those cues are mine and nobody else has cues exactly like them. For me, that's what makes a "custom" cue.
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Any decent cuemaker can build cues to closer tolorances with more precision than factories that employ machine operators who knock out hundreds of parts a day.

If you feel that you cannot be at least as precise and accurate as a factory worker then you need to tune your skills or quit making cues. Your attitude toward your own abilities will probably be reflected in your work.

I hope you take this in a constructive manner and work on your self esteem. Take your time, measure twice, cut once and have personal pride in everything you do and your cues will easily exceed those produced in a factory. If you are having a problem in any particular area, ask for help. There are many cuemakers on this forum that are willing to help another cuemaker when he has a problem; but you have to ask! Call me if necessary.

BTW all cuemakers have very small factories but most of us don't have a single operator working there; just cuemakers.

Good Cuemaking,
 
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