Your 1st Cue, 30 Years Later

[scotts87iroc]

Bringing this back up as I just got back into pool recently. My first cue was a McDermott D4. I bought it in Rantoul Illinois in 1989, just outside the gates of Chanute AFB. Spent a lot of time at the pool tables during tech school and during active duty in the upper peninsula of Michigan. I still have that queue and use it as my only queue, except for breaking.

That is until this past weekend when I bought my second queue, a custom built Pechauer. I've had a regulation size Olhausen table for years and the McDermott has always been the "go-to" cue for me. Now to see how it compares to a considerably more expensive and technologically different queue from 35 years ago!

 

[fan-tum]

I received my first cue, well actually it was just the butt, when I was about 14-15, a Viking. This was about 90-91 and eventually I was able to ID the cue as a 1979 model or may of been 80. It was given to me by a bar owner that my mom was dating, whose cooler I helped stock. I helped myself for my stock too, out the back door, but he knew and laughed it off. He also let me shoot free pool all summer with an house cue, we didn’t have much extra money at the time. Anyway, the butt was tucked away behind the bar in a corner w a couple random shafts that didn’t fit, they had different joints. Luckily, Viking was in Madison just about 20-30 minutes from my house and I convinced my parents to take me there to find out about a shaft. I wanted a 10mm shaft made and learned the joint was called a super-joint. The sales person at Viking, who I have no memory of convinced me to get a 11mm because anything less would not be covered under warranty. I think it was around $70 and I had to come back a couple weeks later to pick it up. The thing I remember most about the Viking shop was the massive pool table (Gordie's daughter just confirmed it was actually 12*6, seemed bigger back than) in the showroom and large pool balls on posts for advertisement out front. I played with that cue for probably about five years before buying a Pechauer off a guy when I was helping out at an underage pool hall and put the Viking in a soft case behind the counter in a corner, it’s new resting place. Years later probably about twenty I always wondered what happened to that cue, well I got it back. Yes over 20 years later….. To be cont.

If you still have your first cue from 30 plus years ago, is there a story behind it And how often do you get it out for old times sake?

Early 70's, one of the nicest cues nobody's ever heard of...a Lord and Stanley, I think .
It had an early example of quick joints, a quarter turn, very solid. I've tried to find any info on it, no luck...like it never existed.

 

[Shooter08]

Early 70's, one of the nicest cues nobody's ever heard of...a Lord and Stanley, I think .
It had an early example of quick joints, a quarter turn, very solid. I've tried to find any info on it, no luck...like it never existed.

Canadian Brand?

 

[fan-tum]

Canadian Brand?

I have no reason to think it was Canadian.

 

[Shooter08]

I have no reason to think it was Canadian.

Lord Stanley, Like the hockey trophy, why I ask.

 

[Mensabum]

I bought my first cue when I was still in high school.

It was a carefully considered investment I made one day after another of my runs through the sporting goods department of The Emporium, a glorious downtown department store on Market Street, right across from the cable car turn platform. The store was a throwback to San Francisco’s post earthquake glory days, with a huge glass dome, and was the place my family purchased a good many of our necessities over the years.

At The Emporium, The Cue that became the object of my lust was displayed in a locked glass case. From the first time I saw it I couldn’t take my eyes off it. And, with every passing visit my desire and passion grew and grew until it could not be denied. So, somehow I scrimped and saved until I had squirreled away the $29.00 ransom the store wanted for the cue -- with its own faux leather luggage style case with red flocked interior (of course) which showed off the cue to its best advantage -- and sealed the deal one memorable weekend.

To me, The Cue was a thing of transcendent beauty: polished brass joint; rich polyurethaned walnut forearm; red and black speckled nylon wrap (genuine); and a butt plate of iridescent multicolored rings. I thought my Mom and Dad were going to kill me when they found out I had squandered most of my meager funds on “a pool cue?!” and I suffered withering words offered in fatherly counsel about “wasting” my money. But I did not care. Having The Cue in my very own mitts was worth it all.

Frequently, locked in my room I would loving wipe down the forearm of The Cue using my Mom’s can of Pledge. To this day, like catching a wafting scent of perfume favored by an old flame, a whiff of lemon-scented Pledge still reminds me of The Cue and our first summer together.

Lou Figueroa

Lou, was the train that went around the top floor of the dept store - was that at River Roads Shopping Center or downtown at Famous Barr?? Do you recall??

 

[Mensabum]

Bringing this back up as I just got back into pool recently. My first cue was a McDermott D4. I bought it in Rantoul Illinois in 1989, just outside the gates of Chanute AFB. Spent a lot of time at the pool tables during tech school and during active duty in the upper peninsula of Michigan. I still have that queue and use it as my only queue, except for breaking.

That is until this past weekend when I bought my second queue, a custom built Pechauer. I've had a regulation size Olhausen table for years and the McDermott has always been the "go-to" cue for me. Now to see how it compares to a considerably more expensive and technologically different queue from 35 years ago!

First cue was a 5 piece cue from Sears that had Screw-On Tips!! Circa '74!! Had these little round chromed metal weights between the pieces so you could subtract weight from the cue. It came in at 21Oz. I recall being frustrated when the plastic backing on the screw-ons would crack after a week or two of ball banging. Got so frustrated I graduated to a $45 Viking. Rest is history.

 

[Shooter08]

I’ve been fortunate……probably have owned 15-16 cues in my life and not a single one has been a disappointment.
Naturally some have played more to my satisfaction otherwise I’d have more pool cues. The ones I have are basically
the keepers, although I will confess that there were 3-4 I wish I’d hung onto but that’s now all in my rear view mirror.

Bava, which one was the biggest regret not hanging onto and if you could only keep one cue that you currently own dhe to a disaster and no way of saving them all, your family, your pets and yourself, which would it be? No it can’t be a cue you don‘t have, so no Flat faced ivory jointed big pin Hercek at your required weight ratios! lol. Shooter08 btw I did email Bob, talked to Doug Beasley and Pete Sr., talk about a range! Still hoping to hear back from one more before coming to a decision.

 

[Bavafongoul]

Bava, which one was the biggest regret not hanging onto and if you could only keep one cue that you currently own dhe to a disaster and no way of saving them all, your family, your pets and yourself, which would it be? No it can’t be a cue you don‘t have, so no Flat faced ivory jointed big pin Hercek at your required weight ratios! lol. Shooter08 btw I did email Bob, talked to Doug Beasley and Pete Sr., talk about a range! Still hoping to hear back from one more before coming to a decision.

I bought a Richard Black Bushka Cue that had a flat ivory joint and the veneers were so well executed on the darkest ebony points I can recall seeing, matched only by the butt that had a shorter ivory butt cap. approx. 1 1/2” in length.

The Bushka rings were absolutely exemplary with perfect, consistent proportional size that looked like it had been cut
with a surgeon’s scalpel and bordered on top by thin (1.5mm) silver, not nickel rings. It had 2 orig. 12.85mm shafts with ivory ferrules and 1 new shaft (matching collar) 13mm. I spoke with Richard before buying the cue. He was very generous with his time and he recalled the cue because he said “I did not make a lot of flat ivory joint cues which were always on a custom order cue. I actually preferred using piloted ivory joints when the customer wanted an ivory joint.”

Here’s the thing that made the design look so great. It used White with Black Speck Cortland Linen wrap instead of CL #9 which is the practically standard for a classic Bushka cue design. Sure, the white with green speck Cortland is what
every cue maker used at that time. The black speck against the dark as night ebony points & butt sleeve was different.
The ebony sleeve had 4 large fancy etched Diamond inlays that had 4 ivory dots at the corners framing the Diamond.
The black speck linen cast an entirely different look than the green & the design impression was it was indeed striking.

So I asked about the cue I had and he said it was from 1985/86 and he recalled making very few flat ivory Bushka design cues. I was torn at that time between keeping the RB cue or trading it back for the Ed Prewitt cue now in my collection.The EP was a couple grand more than the RB cue & Ed only releases so few cues a year that when I spotted his flame veneers and butt design on my cue, I knew I had to get it. It was the first flame veneers I’d come across that I really liked and Ed’s execution is so flawless I dare refer to it as almost perfect. I know it can’t be, no cue could but damn, Ed’s workmanship sure has to come close. Like I wrote, it’s still the nicest flame veneer design I’ve seen.

So I traded the Bushka back with Bill since I only had it a month and I paid the difference and got my Prewitt cue. From purely a straight monetary value, it is worth a lot more than that RB cue. However, the uniqueness of that Bushka cue and my conversation with Mr. Black still haunts me. Reluctantly, and in total hindsight, I’ll admit I wish I’d kept that same RB Bushka cue but that’s spilt milk. Besides, I really can’t complain because, IMO, my Prewitt is a pretty good consolation prize.
The value of a cue for me is not what I paid but rather what it means, signifies to me which is why I designed a few cues.

 

[Bavafongoul]

I bought a Richard Black Bushka Cue that had a flat ivory joint and the veneers were so well executed on the darkest ebony points I can recall seeing, matched only by the butt that had a shorter ivory butt cap. approx. 1 1/2” in length.

The Bushka rings were absolutely exemplary with perfect, consistent proportional size that looked like it had been cut
with a surgeon’s scalpel and bordered on top by thin (1.5mm) silver, not nickel rings. It had 2 orig. 12.85mm shafts with ivory ferrules and 1 new shaft (matching collar) 13mm. I spoke with Richard before buying the cue. He was very generous with his time and he recalled the cue because he said “I did not make a lot of flat ivory joint cues which were always on a custom order cue. I actually preferred using piloted ivory joints when the customer wanted an ivory joint.”

Here’s the thing that made the design look so great. It used White with Black Speck Cortland Linen wrap instead of CL #9 which is the practically standard for a classic Bushka cue design. Sure, the white with green speck Cortland is what
every cue maker used at that time. The black speck against the dark as night ebony points & butt sleeve was different.
The ebony sleeve had 4 large fancy etched Diamond inlays that had 4 ivory dots at the corners framing the Diamond.
The black speck linen cast an entirely different look than the green & the design impression was it was indeed striking.

So I asked about the cue I had and he said it was from 1985/86 and he recalled making very few flat ivory Bushka design cues. I was torn at that time between keeping the RB cue or trading it back for the Ed Prewitt cue now in my collection.The EP was a couple grand more than the RB cue & Ed only releases so few cues a year that when I spotted his flame veneers and butt design on my cue, I knew I had to get it. It was the first flame veneers I’d come across that I really liked and Ed’s execution is so flawless I dare refer to it as almost perfect. I know it can’t be, no cue could but damn, Ed’s workmanship sure has to come close. Like I wrote, it’s still the nicest flame veneer design I’ve seen.

So I traded the Bushka back with Bill since I only had it a month and I paid the difference and got my Prewitt cue. From purely a straight monetary value, it is worth a lot more than that RB cue. However, the uniqueness of that Bushka cue and my conversation with Mr. Black still haunts me. Reluctantly, and in total hindsight, I’ll admit I wish I’d kept that same RB Bushka cue but that’s spilt milk. Besides, I really can’t complain because, IMO, my Prewitt is a pretty good consolation prize.
The value of a cue for me is not what I paid but rather what it means, signifies to me which is why I designed a few cues.

Both cues (RB & EP) came from Bill Grassley @ Cornerstone Cues and I miss that guy.
He always did right by me on four pool cue transactions and had the best pool cues.

 

[Bavafongoul]

Funny you mentioned about Joel’s cues. I’ve abandoned hope of finding one but just in case.
I won’t spend the cash on another cue but I have some that I’d trade to get my Golden Fleece.
In hindsight, I’d prefer to think I’d already have this cue if it weren’t for CA’s ivory ban adoption.

JH…..58”……18.5 - 18.75 ozs. sans any weight bolt. Big pin (3/8x10 or Radial) Flat Ivory Joint.
2 orig. shafts (12.75 - 13 mm w/1” ivory ferrules) min wt. 4.0 ozs. Butt Diameter: 1.20 - 1.22”,
Butt Wt: 14.5 -14.75 ozs. (No weight bolt), ivory butt cap w/Hercek name.

Design: Ebony butt sleeve, 4 ebony points with 4 veneers, Level 6 design and of course, has to
be pristine & straight. I’d part with my EP cue and cash for this cue. Unfortunately, we must meet
in Lake Tahoe or else Las Vegas so this transaction would remain legal otherwise it is not worth the
hassle, or risk, to me. The bottomline is if you live in a state with a ivory ban, you must be outside of
the state’s geographical boundaries to negotiate, trade or sell a cue containing ivory or it’s a crime.

 

[justnum]

Its still in the basement, the ferrules slide off to easily. I have extra cork tips. Only one is warped, the other has long hairline fracture. The 4 one pieces that came with the table.

I passed by Blatt Billiards on 38th Street in Manhattan and wish I had more time to browse.
There old location was where I got the Byrnes books/McDermott from, when it was downtown.

Now that I am older having the experience and practice time is more valuable than equipment. I saved my life countless times because I could use the concepts of experience and practice to manage my attrition during the game.

That means cues have a lifespan, its best to buy a new one everyone tournament. If you don't feel like it needs changing you are not practicing enough or the right way.

 

[Shooter08]

Funny you mentioned about Joel’s cues. I’ve abandoned hope of finding one but just in case.
I won’t spend the cash on another cue but I have some that I’d trade to get my Golden Fleece.
In hindsight, I’d prefer to think I’d already have this cue if it weren’t for CA’s ivory ban adoption.

JH…..58”……18.5 - 18.75 ozs. sans any weight bolt. Big pin (3/8x10 or Radial) Flat Ivory Joint.
2 orig. shafts (12.75 - 13 mm w/1” ivory ferrules) min wt. 4.0 ozs. Butt Diameter: 1.20 - 1.22”,
Butt Wt: 14.5 -14.75 ozs. (No weight bolt), ivory butt cap w/Hercek name.

Design: Ebony butt sleeve, 4 ebony points with 4 veneers, Level 6 design and of course, has to
be pristine & straight. I’d part with my EP cue and cash for this cue. Unfortunately, we must meet
in Lake Tahoe or else Las Vegas so this transaction would remain legal otherwise it is not worth the
hassle, or risk, to me. The bottomline is if you live in a state with a ivory ban, you must be outside of
the state’s geographical boundaries to negotiate, trade or sell a cue containing ivory or it’s a crime.

Are any of the EP pics posted. I can’t recall seeing it. Thx, Shooter08

 

[Bavafongoul]

Shooter08,

Here’s my EP cue.

Matt

 

[Shooter08]

Shooter08,

Here’s my EP cue.

Matt

Big fan of flame points and that butt sleeve says Matt for sure!!

 

[Mensabum]

I bought a Richard Black Bushka Cue that had a flat ivory joint and the veneers were so well executed on the darkest ebony points I can recall seeing, matched only by the butt that had a shorter ivory butt cap. approx. 1 1/2” in length.

The Bushka rings were absolutely exemplary with perfect, consistent proportional size that looked like it had been cut
with a surgeon’s scalpel and bordered on top by thin (1.5mm) silver, not nickel rings. It had 2 orig. 12.85mm shafts with ivory ferrules and 1 new shaft (matching collar) 13mm. I spoke with Richard before buying the cue. He was very generous with his time and he recalled the cue because he said “I did not make a lot of flat ivory joint cues which were always on a custom order cue. I actually preferred using piloted ivory joints when the customer wanted an ivory joint.”

Here’s the thing that made the design look so great. It used White with Black Speck Cortland Linen wrap instead of CL #9 which is the practically standard for a classic Bushka cue design. Sure, the white with green speck Cortland is what
every cue maker used at that time. The black speck against the dark as night ebony points & butt sleeve was different.
The ebony sleeve had 4 large fancy etched Diamond inlays that had 4 ivory dots at the corners framing the Diamond.
The black speck linen cast an entirely different look than the green & the design impression was it was indeed striking.

So I asked about the cue I had and he said it was from 1985/86 and he recalled making very few flat ivory Bushka design cues. I was torn at that time between keeping the RB cue or trading it back for the Ed Prewitt cue now in my collection.The EP was a couple grand more than the RB cue & Ed only releases so few cues a year that when I spotted his flame veneers and butt design on my cue, I knew I had to get it. It was the first flame veneers I’d come across that I really liked and Ed’s execution is so flawless I dare refer to it as almost perfect. I know it can’t be, no cue could but damn, Ed’s workmanship sure has to come close. Like I wrote, it’s still the nicest flame veneer design I’ve seen.

So I traded the Bushka back with Bill since I only had it a month and I paid the difference and got my Prewitt cue. From purely a straight monetary value, it is worth a lot more than that RB cue. However, the uniqueness of that Bushka cue and my conversation with Mr. Black still haunts me. Reluctantly, and in total hindsight, I’ll admit I wish I’d kept that same RB Bushka cue but that’s spilt milk. Besides, I really can’t complain because, IMO, my Prewitt is a pretty good consolation prize.
The value of a cue for me is not what I paid but rather what it means, signifies to me which is why I designed a few cues.

Woulda Loved to have seen that axe!!

 

[Shooter08]

Its still in the basement, the ferrules slide off to easily. I have extra cork tips. Only one is warped, the other has long hairline fracture. The 4 one pieces that came with the table.

I passed by Blatt Billiards on 38th Street in Manhattan and wish I had more time to browse.
There old location was where I got the Byrnes books/McDermott from, when it was downtown.

Now that I am older having the experience and practice time is more valuable than equipment. I saved my life countless times because I could use the concepts of experience and practice to manage my attrition during the game.

That means cues have a lifespan, its best to buy a new one everyone tournament. If you don't feel like it needs changing you are not practicing enough or the right way.

What is the sound of a ball being pocketed if it isn’t struck with a cue ball? Zen Pool Koan (Shooter08)

 

[George the Greek]

I haven't had alot of cues in my lifetime and never owned anything expensive. My 1st cue was a 2pc Dufferin snooker cue with the aluminum joint that I carried in a cheap slimline case. The 2nd cue was a 3/4 ash and a pain in the ass long aluminum case. The next cue was another Dufferin with 3 shafts that had been turned to my liking and played with the one I liked best. That cue and my 1st pool cue ( Falcon) were stolen in the mid 90"s and I replaced them with another Falcon and a cheap 2pc ash cue which I still have today. I believe in a cue that'll play the way I want and is an extension of my arm.

 

[The_JV]

When I first started.... I played exclusively snooker and had a house cue in the back room of all the major rooms in my home town. Never bought a snooker cue, but had a non-production one fall in my lap when a player skipped town and abandoned it at my primary room. Years later the room owners wanted it out of their office and simply gave it to me. A "Marcel & Fils".... Since the makers have passed on, I get offers every time it's shown in public.

First pool cue was a OG Falcon. That's probably not quite 30yrs ago. Although I swapped out shafts along the way. The butt was my only player up until my recent Exceed purchase I guess a few years ago now. Still have the Falcon and hit it at home when I'm too lazy to pull the new one out of the case.

 

[George the Greek]

When I first started.... I played exclusively snooker and had a house cue in the back room of all the major rooms in my home town. Never bought a snooker cue, but had a non-production one fall in my lap when a player skipped town and abandoned it at my primary room. Years later the room owners wanted it out of their office and simply gave it to me. A "Marcel & Fils".... Since the makers have passed on, I get offers every time it's shown in public.

First pool cue was a OG Falcon. That's probably not quite 30yrs ago. Although I swapped out shafts along the way. The butt was my only player up until my recent Exceed purchase I guess a few years ago now. Still have the Falcon and hit it at home when I'm too lazy to pull the new one out of the case.

I skipped school with a buddy and walked into a closeby old school poolhall. I got hooked from that day on and school became obsolete and went to that poolhall everyday. I wasn't street savvy at the time and got fished lol by John Morra" s dad Mario who was a neighbour and didn't know he was a good player. I learned alot watching him play and I got better myself. I picked up a housecue off the rack and ran my biggest break to date. I'm getting a 9ft delivered/installed on Monday and hope to become a pool officianado lol