Craftsman cues no longer made to order!

[cueman]

Just checking the craftsman website and noticed that they no longer offer their cues made to measure. They only make some and stick them on the site for purchase. I can't help but feel this is an own goal as most people like to have the option to have a cue made to a required specification.

I played a match last night against a team and 3 of the opposition players had Craftsman cues, all made to measure. They were the last of the reasonably priced cue makers that offered this service but it seems as though they are more interested in importing cues from asia.

[Neil Taperell]

Maybe it's supply and demand that has forced them do this route . And also costs .

[ADR147]

Maybe it's supply and demand that has forced them do this route . And also costs .

I think this will be the way for all cue makers soon enough because people are mentally fussy, change their minds and make unreasonable requests. "I need 4 arrows i could not play with 5 arrows". "it is 17.4 not 17.5 oz it is far too light", "I need a tip at 9.67mm". are some of the example I have just this week. robert osbourne was the first to make them how he likes then sell them but it will become the norm I am sure.

[bigandyg]

Exactly what I was going to say Andrew, and if you do get one made to your specs it will be very expensive indeed. I sold a cue which the customer wanted 9.2mm which I did and then he complained it was 9.1mm at the top and 9.2mm at the bottom of the ferrule.

[guernseygooner]

I think this will be the way for all cue makers soon enough because people are mentally fussy, change their minds and make unreasonable requests. "I need 4 arrows i could not play with 5 arrows". "it is 17.4 not 17.5 oz it is far too light", "I need a tip at 9.67mm". are some of the example I have just this week. robert osbourne was the first to make them how he likes then sell them but it will become the norm I am sure.

Sooner the better IMO

[ADR147]

Exactly what I was going to say Andrew, and if you do get one made to your specs it will be very expensive indeed. I sold a cue which the customer wanted 9.2mm which I did and then he complained it was 9.1mm at the top and 9.2mm at the bottom of the ferrule.

I get it everyday andy, and people sending cues back half way round the world (at my expense) because there is a mark in the ebony which turns out to be 4 mm by 1mm brown streak, that clearly would have ruined their game!

[itsnoteasy]

It's a tough one, for you cue lads, my immediate thoughts were tell them to take a hike, but on second thoughts I can see it's an awkward one, ADR I don't think I would have taken that back ,or at least not paid for the postage,as there was nothing wrong with the cue, if it was a ding or a dent fair enough but patterns in the wood, no sorry, I would have politely explained the score to the client but held firm, that's not on.

[ADR147]

the way he was talking i assumed the cue was ruined!

[Stupree]

Craftsman cues no longer made to order!

I have had this too for the tiniest of imperfections well not even imperfections but natural features. Damn cuemakers using a natural product like wood to make cues!!!!!!

[Maxsys]

Its the same in all industries unfortunately, apparently chips in the paint of a guitar stop you playing like Steve Vai, but hey what do i know, i've only been playing for 30 years and i am nothing like him!!

People use these things as excuses because they won't do the basic stuff and practice regularly, they also expect their new toy to make them the worlds best.

Sold my sons old Corsa 1.0 over the weekend, £475.00 with Tax for a month and an MOT till October this year, the car is 14 years old, and one guy offered me £300.00 because it needs a new tyre and a few scratches on the bodywork, told him to do one and sold it to the next guy. Geez....

[bigandyg]

Maybe the Chinese have it right, cheap wood and paint it to perfection.

[CueAntW147]

I think this will be the way for all cue makers soon enough because people are mentally fussy, change their minds and make unreasonable requests. "I need 4 arrows i could not play with 5 arrows". "it is 17.4 not 17.5 oz it is far too light", "I need a tip at 9.67mm". are some of the example I have just this week. robert osbourne was the first to make them how he likes then sell them but it will become the norm I am sure.

This reminds me have you got any ash cues 58 1/8" long 9.65mm tip 17.36oz with 30.2mm butt also shaft must have only 2 arrows this spec is key as i couldn't play with anything else........oh and balance point must be at 15.25".........and the butt must be plain jet black ebony else it puts me off when i play the shot.........and i don't want the brass ferrule too shiny as this puts me off also.
Thank you
ps nearly forgot the cue must be very smooth but not on the butt as it might slip out my hand when i'm playing a shot and fall on my toe and hurt me..............;-)

[bigandyg]

What a shame, got it in maple but I could paint on the two arrows.

[CueAntW147]

lol......and could i specify exactly where the arrows are painted on ? also forgot to mention could it be one that's been made for or owned by a professional player originally as well please hope i'm not being too fussy

[jack_dougles]

yet still says this on homepage
Specialists in cues made to your specifications. Any length, weight or tip size
Experience the wide variety of cues for sale in our Snooker & pool showroom. We offer a Try before you buy service where all cues
on display can be tried out first on one our snooker or pool tables at your leisure. No pressure selling, just helpful advice if needed.
Gain the advantage on your opponents by trying a selection of cues to find the cue which most suits you. Or have a cue custom made
for that personal touch, simply choose one of our cues and select your choice of cue length, weight and tip size.
Cue alteration & repair service also available....