Are model cues considered custom

[TheBook]

Many cuemakers have models or brochures of their cues. If you buy one of their model cues are they still considered custom?


Another example would be a maker that pumps out a bunch of plane jane cues and then lists them on his site as available. Would these be considered a custom or production cues from a custom maker?

[barryc]

Originally Posted by TheBook

Many cuemakers have models or brochures of their cues. If you buy one of their model cues are they still considered custom?


Another example would be a maker that pumps out a bunch of plane jane cues and then lists them on his site as available. Would these be considered a custom or production cues from a custom maker?

This is a very good question and debated many times on forums before.

I think some of the answers are in the definition of the word custom. Custom, as described in the dictionary refers to "made to order", which pretty much sums it up. Using that definition, if you didn't have input into the construction of the cue, then it's not custom.

Production refers to the "act or process of producing" which could apply to custom made cues. So, if it's not made to order, then what is it????

There are many cues on the market that are not "made to order" and some of them I would not call "Production cues", by any means. Also, if you "order" a cue to your specifications, you have, by definition a "custom cue". Now, you sell that cue. What is it now?????? The person that bought it, didn't have it "made to order". Is it still a custom cue???? If it's not, what is it?

There's been lots of debate on "what is it" and I don't think a conclusion has ever been made... Maybe someone else can throw in some fresh thoughts.

Barry

[Jazz]

Originally Posted by barryc

This is a very good question and debated many times on forums before.

I think some of the answers are in the definition of the word custom. Custom, as described in the dictionary refers to "made to order", which pretty much sums it up. Using that definition, if you didn't have input into the construction of the cue, then it's not custom.

Production refers to the "act or process of producing" which could apply to custom made cues. So, if it's not made to order, then what is it????

There are many cues on the market that are not "made to order" and some of them I would not call "Production cues", by any means. Also, if you "order" a cue to your specifications, you have, by definition a "custom cue". Now, you sell that cue. What is it now?????? The person that bought it, didn't have it "made to order". Is it still a custom cue???? If it's not, what is it?

There's been lots of debate on "what is it" and I don't think a conclusion has ever been made... Maybe someone else can throw in some fresh thoughts.

Barry

Barry, I agree with your posting. I don't think many of us truly own a custom made cue. I know I don't. However, I do have 1 or 2 cues from custom cue makers.

Regarding "model" cue, I'm not a big fan either. However, I think it can be "customized" as cue makers can change materials used. I have one Richard Black "model" cue my friend ordered but it's entirely ebony with ivory joint whereas standard model is maple nosed with SS joint.

[barryc]

Originally Posted by Jazz

Barry, I agree with your posting. I don't think many of us truly own a custom made cue. I know I don't. However, I do have 1 or 2 cues from custom cue makers.

Regarding "model" cue, I'm not a big fan either. However, I think it can be "customized" as cue makers can change materials used. I have one Richard Black "model" cue my friend ordered but it's entirely ebony with ivory joint whereas standard model is maple nosed with SS joint.

I think the word "custom" is over used and over stated in the cue making world.

When people talk "production cues" I think of mass production, but how many cues does a company produce before they are considered "production cues"

By the way, I don't play with a custom cue either.

Barry <hopes to have a custom cue some day, but hopes that day will not come........

[RiverCity]

Originally Posted by barryc

I think the word "custom" is over used and over stated in the cue making world.

When people talk "production cues" I think of mass production, but how many cues does a company produce before they are considered "production cues"

By the way, I don't play with a custom cue either.

Barry <hopes to have a custom cue some day, but hopes that day will not come........

My thoughts exactly. To me the word custom.... means just that. Custom made to the buyers specs etc. If I order a cue at a certain weight, balance point, shaft taper, butt diameter, ferrule etc etc etc. That cue is custom made for me. If I sell it to Joe Blow later on...... then its no longer custom made. Its just a cue.
Chuck

[runscott]

Originally Posted by Jazz

Barry, I agree with your posting. I don't think many of us truly own a custom made cue. I know I don't. However, I do have 1 or 2 cues from custom cue makers.

Regarding "model" cue, I'm not a big fan either. However, I think it can be "customized" as cue makers can change materials used. I have one Richard Black "model" cue my friend ordered but it's entirely ebony with ivory joint whereas standard model is maple nosed with SS joint.

Jazz, do you mean that you have never ordered a cue made to your specs?

1 or 2 ?!?! You and I must have completely different definitions of what a custome cue is.

[Jazz]

Originally Posted by runscott

Jazz, do you mean that you have never ordered a cue made to your specs?

1 or 2 ?!?! You and I must have completely different definitions of what a custome cue is.

All my cues in my possession so far are cues I bought in secondary market or purchased directly from cue makers on available cues already made or in progress.

I only have one cue in progress that I'd consider "custom" that a hobby cue maker in Floriday is making. He and I agreed on the wood selection. I requested a joint material and also asked him to put nice ringworks on it.

I am leaning toward more direct orders to cue makers (rather pay them high dollars than secondary market) but even then, I may not get very specific on a cue. Maybe same as above, selecting wood and joint material and let the cue maker do the rest.

[runscott]

Originally Posted by Jazz

All my cues in my possession so far are cues I bought in secondary market or purchased directly from cue makers on available cues already made or in progress.

I only have one cue in progress that I'd consider "custom" that a hobby cue maker in Floriday is making. He and I agreed on the wood selection. I requested a joint material and also asked him to put nice ringworks on it.

I am leaning toward more direct orders to cue makers (rather pay them high dollars than secondary market) but even then, I may not get very specific on a cue. Maybe same as above, selecting wood and joint material and let the cue maker do the rest.

I like the point you made in your last paragraph, but I'm going to start a new thread about it

[brewscues]

I have done custom work to many production cues (new wraps, tips, ferrules, and retapers, ect), to me that does not make them custom cues even though they are customized to a certain extent. If a cue is made by a small shop, 1 or 2 cue makers to me and everyone else I know it definitly holds much more value. These small shops usually pay much greater attention to the aging of the wood and many small details, like getting the joint pin in straight, and putting together a solid and centered A-joint. Also if a cue is in progress with a custom cuemaker and you happen to like it they can do some customization for you depending on what you would like done to the cue. If you are looking for a better product with more attention to detail a cue by a custom cue maker will most likely be the route you should explore, even if that maker has made the cue in advance. The custom cue maker is selling on more than mere price, he has a reputation to uphold and that reputation is on every cue. I feel i