Check out this short video with Dan Dishaw interviewed by Inside Pool Magazine at the 2010 Derby City Classic.  Dan is a fine cuemaker.  He shows his new design that integrates some classic butterfly splices.  I really like this cue.  Let me know what you think.

If you're interested in picking up a Dan Dishaw cue, go to www.DishawCues.com or contact him at:

Cheers,
Skippy

P.S.  Dan's cues are hard to find used, but you can look for them on this page or cues from other fine cuemakers.

This is such a cool idea...I just had to share it with you. Shawn Smith of FT Gibson in Oklahoma (AKA FTGoki on the AZ forums) put together a custom cue building contest.

He found 6 custom pool cuemakers to participate in his grand idea. They all agreed to build a cue to the same basic specifications. Then, the cues would be sent to pre-selected (LUCKY) players around the country for them to evaluate how the cues play, look, feel, etc. The cues do not have any identifying marks, so the participants don't know who made them.

That's what makes this so cool. They will be giving a totally unbiased opinion of the cues.
In the video below, Shawn is showing the cues that have been made by the cuemakers.  The case was made and supplied by John Barton of JBcases.com (his cases are THE BEST, IMHO).   Now, these cues will travel to the participants for their review.  I can't wait to see what they have to say.

I forgot to mention that the cues and cases are going to be raffled-off to one lucky winner, when this project is completed, so stay tuned.  I'll keep you well informed.  I'll try to get more details from Shawn on the progress of his American Cue Build-off.

Here is a list of requirements that were given to the cue builders (from PoolGoog.com)

Cheers,
Skippy

In the video below, professional player and pool playing legend, Johnny Archer, reveals what he keeps inside his pool case.

Johnny Archer, aka "The Scorpion", is one of the most successful professional players of the last couple of decades. He is about the same age as me, so I have enjoyed watching him play many matches over the years. He has won just about every major title and has amassed a long list of victories over the last 20+ years of competitive pool. He is a great player and an invaluable asset to the sport of pool IMO, so when he reveals what's in his cue case, I want to sit-up and pay attention.

So just what does he carry....

Obviously, Johnny has some Scorpion Cues in his case, after-all, he helped design them.  You should watch the video to get some more insight into Johnny's opinion about these cues. He carries 3 cues in his bag along with several extra shafts. Let's break-down his cue selection. I'll give you some more details about these cues, just in case you are interested in finding one.
First is his main playing cue. He is playing with the JA-03 model of Scorpion cue. Johnny mentions that he likes to play with a Triangle brand tip on his cue. Here are some links to this exact model of cue and the specs for it.



Scorpion JA03 - Johnny Archer Signature Pool Cue Stick

The specs...

Similar to the Cuetec shafts, the Scorpion cue shafts are coated with fiberglass to protect the cue. Johnny seems to play well with those shafts, so I guess that speaks for itself.
His second cue was a Scorpion Break cue. Here are some links to this cue if your interested along with the specs for this cue.



Scorpion Break Pool Cue Stick

Here are the specs for this cue...
Tip: 13mm Proprietary Extra Hard Leather Tip
Ferrule: Stainless Steel breaker ferrule
Shaft: Black 29" Hard rock maple with fiberglass power bonded to it. 12 - 14" pro taper
Collar: Black Composite
Joint: Black Composite
Pin: 3/8 x 14 stainless steel
Forearm: Solid black forearm
Rings: Exclusive Power Rings
Wrap: Exclusive Power Rings
Sleeve: Black
Plate: None
Bumper: Black rubber
He also had a Scorpion jump cue in his case, which he seemed to like. He mentioned that he worked with the manufacturer to develop the jump cues. Johnny is a great jumper, so I would give them a try. Here is the information on that cue...



Scorpion Jump Pool Cue Stick

The specs for the Scorpion jump cue...
Tip: Proprietary super-hard leather jump tip
Ferrule: Brass
Shaft: 13-14" pro taper
Collar: Stainless Steel
Pin: 3/8 x 14 stainless steel
Forearm: Solid black forearm with blue and gold scorpion logo
Wrap: Black Veltec
Sleeve: Black
Bumper: Black rubber

Other than the insight into his cues, he doesn't reveal to many secret weapons on his bag of tricks. If you ever seen him play, you know that he uses a lot of powder, so he had that. Oddly enough, he had a ton of chalk in his case...apparently, he likes to swipe the chalk cubes off of tables, so watch your chalk around him
I wish he would have mentioned who made his cue case. If you know, comment below, I'm sure others would be interested.
It looks like he's a bit of a minimalist, like myself, when it comes to his supplies in his case (unless he's holding-out on us). I never carry too many gadgets in my case, either.
Anyhow...here is the video...Thanks to InsidePool for making this interview available.

BTW, if you like Johnny's cues...you can get 20% Off Scorpion Pool Cues


Cheers,
Skippy

This is a quick video of someone that is, obviously, proud of their Tim Scruggs cue collection.  I thought it was pretty cool.  Personally, I love Tim's style of cue building and his cues play great.  I'm a huge fan of Gus and Barry Szamboti style cues.  In my opinion, a lot of Tim's cues share a lot of those classic design elements that are in the Szamboti cues.  I WILL own one someday.  I hope you enjoy the video.  If you like the look of these cues, check out the listings for them to get one for yourself.  If you want to try to get one directly from Tim, you can call him at 410-247-1231.

Cheers,
Skippy

Jerry McWorter is one of the most talented cue makers in the world, IMO.  His cue designs have a unique look and feel that really distinguishes him from other cuemakers.  Below is an example of one of his cues (from his website)...

Jerry's craftsmanship and precision are second to none.  Also, his cues are known to be very good "playing cues", too.  IMHO, his cues are very elegant and classy.  I like the simplicity of many of his designs.  That is not to imply that they are easy to produce or imagine, just the opposite is true.  Many times, making simple and elegant designs is harder than just littering a cue with as many inlays as possible.  I think this is why I like his work so much.  His silver inlay work is outstanding.

If I owned the HOPE DIAMOND, I would commission Jerry to make the box that it was stored in.  Maybe that sounds corny, but I think he would make something that would fit the bill.

More about Jerry...He has been making cues since 1989.  Not surprisingly, his major influences in cuemaking include the likes of Ernie Gutierrez (Gina Cue), Thomas Wayne (Design and craftsmanship) and Southwest Cues (playability).  He has served as president of the ACA.

Jerry creates all of his designs.  If you want to order a cue from him, you can pick the types of wood and other materials, but Jerry, ultimately, will produce the design.  Don't worry, though, I'm sure you'll like the design.  Just check out his site to get more pictures of his work.

I've tried to find some of his cues available for purchase online, but they are hard to find.  This may be because 75% of his cues are sold in Japan to collectors and players.  They love his cues.

Probably, your best bet is to call Jerry at 805-648-2225 to get a cue.  If he has to make the cue, it could take up to 6 months, but this is not a bad lead time compared to most cue makers.

You can check the listings on the right side of this page to see if there are any of his cues listed.  I've also included any cues from Gina Cue, Southwest and Thomas Wayne.

Best of luck on your cue search.

Cheers,
Skippy

P.S. If you have any personal knowledge, dealings, experience and/or opinions about this cue maker, please contact me or post a reply below. Also, click on the rating "stars" to indicate your opinion of this cue maker. Thanks for your participation.

If you own a cue made by Jerry McWorter, send me a picture and I'll share it with everyone else. If you have a website to promote, include a link and I'll include it with the picture. People like to see examples and opinions of a cue maker's work before buying.

If you represent Jerry McWorter and can provide me with more information, pictures, website, etc., then please contact me and I will gladly include that information on my site.

Here is the current contact info:

McWorter Custom Cues
82 S. Anacapa St.
Ventura, CA 93001
Jerry McWorter
805-648-2225
www.mcwortercues.com

The guys at TheActionReport.com (TAR) covered the International Cue Collectors Show earlier in the year. Below is the video feed that is on their site. This video is 3 hours of interviews with great custom cue makers and prominent cue collectors. If your a fan of great custom cue craftsmenship, you don't want to miss this video. If your looking for a custom cue or would like to find out more about custom cues check out the video.
The video interviews the following cuemakers and collectors...

Jim Brennan (cue collector...Jimboarmy.com)
Dennis Searing (cuemaker)
Bill Schick (cuemaker)
Andy Gilbert (cuemaker)
Bill Stroud (cuemaker...Josswest)
Paul Drexler (cuemaker...pfd Studios)
Ken Kerner (cue collector/sales...highendcues.com)
Will Prout

You'll also see some great cues from other cuemakers like Phillippi, Arthur Queue, Palmer, Balabushka and much more.

It is amazing to me how these cuemakers and collectors keep coming up with new and innovative cue designs pushing the limits of what we think is possible. There are some nice examples of cues with scrimshaw work, by Bill Schick, too. That guy is really talented.

I would like to thank Justin at TAR for taking the time and effort to travel to the ICCS show and capture some great footage and information from some interesting cuemakers and collectors.  I encourage all of my readers to check out TheActionReport.com for great pool match videos and information about great cuemakers.  I really enjoyed the video.  Someday I hope to attend a show.

Cheers,
Skippy

I have never owned a Tim Scruggs cue, but his reputation in the pool playing community is very strong.  Many top-level players play with Tim's cues (if they are not getting paid to play with another cue).  He has a good reputation for making well-playing cues.  They just happen to look great, too.

I would like to get more feedback about this cue maker. If you have any personal knowledge, dealings, experience and/or opinions about this cue maker, please contact me or post a reply below. Also, click on the rating "stars" to indicate your opinion of this cue maker. Thanks for your participation.

If you own a cue made by Tim Scruggs, send me a picture and I'll share it with everyone else. If you have a website to promote, include a link and I'll include it with the picture. People like to see examples of a cue maker's work before buying.

If you represent Tim Scruggs Cues and can provide me with more information, pictures, website, etc., then please contact me and I will gladly include that information on my site.

Where to buy Tim Scruggs' Cues:

I've searched and found some Scruggs cues for sale, listed on the right of this page.  That is, also, a good place to view a variety of Tim's cues to get a feel for his skills and to see the "market value" of his cues.

Otherwise, you can order a cue from Tim directly.  His contact information is below.

Best of luck on your cue search.

Cheers,
Skippy

Here is the current contact info:
Tim Scruggs Custom Cues, Inc.
900 Leeds Ave.
Baltimore, MD  21229
410-247-1231
www.timscruggs.com

Dale Perry is a custom cue maker that makes beautiful cues.  Checkout the cues on this page and/or check out his website.  Most cuemakers have a certain look and design features that give them their own identity.  Dale is one of those makers.  The way he combines different woods and materials gives his cues a unique look, IMHO.  You should check out his designs!  I don't have any personal experience playing with his cues.  I can tell you he is an active member of the American Cuemakers Association.  If you are familiar with his cues, click on the 5-star rating scale above and give some comments below. Thanks.

Where to buy DP Custom Cues:

I've searched and found some Dale Perry cues for sale, listed on the right of this page.  That is, also, a good place to view a variety of Dale's cues to get a feel for his skills and to see the "market value" of his cues.  Apparently, he sells a lot of cues online.

Otherwise, you can order a cue from Dale directly.  His contact information is below.

Best of luck on your cue search.

Cheers,
Skippy

P.S. If you have any personal knowledge, dealings, experience and/or opinions about this cue maker, please contact me or post a reply below. Also, click on the rating "stars" to indicate your opinion of this cue maker. Thanks for your participation.

If you own a cue made by Dale Perry, send me a picture and I'll share it with everyone else. If you have a website to promote, include a link and I'll include it with the picture. People like to see examples and opinions of a cue maker's work before buying.

If you represent DP Cues and can provide me with more information, pictures, website, etc., then please contact me and I will gladly include that information on my site.

Here is the current contact info:

DP Custom Cues
26 Industrial Loop #171
Orange Park, FL 32073
Dale Perry
904-215-7161
www.dpcues.com

I haven't played with any Joss Cues.  From being around other players, Joss seems to have a good reputation.  Dan Janes and Bill Stroud started the company way back in 1968.  They split-up in 1972.  Since then, Bill Stroud has been making cues under the name of Joss West.  Dan Janes continues making cues with the Joss name.  Dan makes nice looking cues that play well.  I often compare them to Schon as far as craftsmanship, cost, performance and consistency.

Mike Sigel played with a Joss cue when he was dominating proffesional pool in the 80's.  They also made the cue that Tom Cruise used in The Color of Money.  It was a knock-off of the legendary cue maker George Balabushka.  That cue is pictured below.

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Dan has made cues for many great players and many well known people.  Check out his cues if you have a chance.

Where to buy a Joss Cue:

I've searched and found some Joss cues for sale, listed on the right of this page.  That is, also, a good place to view a variety of Dan's cues to get a feel for his skills and to see the "market value" of his cues.

Otherwise, you can order a cue from Joss directly.  There contact information is below.

Best of luck on your cue search.

Cheers,
Skippy

P.S. If you have any personal knowledge, dealings, experience and/or opinions about this cue maker, please contact me or post a reply below. Also, click on the rating "stars" to indicate your opinion of this cue maker. Thanks for your participation.

If you own a cue made by Joss Cues Ltd., send me a picture and I'll share it with everyone else. If you have a website to promote, include a link and I'll include it with the picture. People like to see examples and opinions of a cue maker's work before buying.

If you represent Joss Cues and can provide me with more information, pictures, website, etc., then please contact me and I will gladly include that information on my site.

Here is the current contact info:

Joss Cues Ltd.
8749 Mylander Ln.
Towson, MD 21204
410-821-0064
Dan Janes
www.josscues.com

I played with a custom Schon cue for several years when I was in college (PSU).  I bought it from Ed Matushonek up in PA.  I really like that cue.  I had "upgraded" from a Meucci, which I didn't like at the time.

Anyhow, enough about me, Schon cues are beautiful cues that play very good.  I classify them as a high-end production cue.  The term production cue is a bit misleading, though.  They are built by Evan Clarke and a few other helpers.  He has a number of standard designs, some limited additions and many unique cues.  Schon cues have been around since 1981.  They have a solid reputation.  They do not make a lot of cues compared to large production cue companies like McDermott.  Each cue is designed, finished and tested, personally, by Evan.

If you are looking for a cue in the $300 - $800 range, then Schon would be a good pick IMHO.

Where to buy Schon Cues:

I've searched and found some Schon cues for sale, listed on the right of this page.  That is, also, a good place to view a variety of Schon cues to get a feel for his skills and to see the "market value" of his cues.

Otherwise, you can order a cue from Schon directly.  There contact information is below.

Best of luck on your cue search.

Cheers,
Skippy

P.S. If you have any personal knowledge, dealings, experience and/or opinions about this cue maker, please contact me or post a reply below. Also, click on the rating "stars" to indicate your opinion of this cue maker. Thanks for your participation.

If you own a cue made by Schon Cues, send me a picture and I'll share it with everyone else. If you have a website to promote, include a link and I'll include it with the picture. People like to see examples and opinions of a cue maker's work before buying.

If you represent Schon Cues and can provide me with more information, pictures, website, etc., then please contact me and I will gladly include that information on my site.

Here is the current contact info:

Schon Cues
3812 W. Burnham St.
Milwaukee, WI 53215
Evan Clarke
414-383-9661
www.schoncues.com