General Cue Description-

(This description is the actual text from Hercek’s letter to the customer) Little more then a year ago I started on a cue that would in the end become one or my favorite cues to date. When Kamal approached me about making a cue with certain elements such as an Ivory handle, full ebony nose and backend, this interested me very much because it gave me a full canvas to do my art. Cues with points and trim rings limit creativity and steers designs into a more traditional setting. The past several years I’ve been trying to do more abstract designs. I’d love to do more of these however most of my customers like symmetry in their designs and although I enjoy this type of work, I’m finding myself wanting to go outside the lines more and more.

This particular cue “Passage of Time” was a refreshing change from the design work more of my customers are familiar with. I like to hear other peoples’ interpretation of this cue because it will change from person to person given their life experiences. For me it symbolizes how time passes so quickly and we’re just standing around watching it go by and before you know it, it’s over. This may sound a lillie deep for a cue, however this was my thought process as l laid out this design. There are three perspectives into this design, the first starting at the butt section, we see a man standing and looking up at the sky watching a comet. We don’t know it yet, but he is inside looking out. As we tum the cue we now see the same man looking up toward the sky at the same comet. We see him from the outside now as he looks through the window. He is watching time go by, this is symbolized by the flying time clock and stars that complete the butt design. As we move up the cue, we now become this man and are in the first person traveling through space and time which makes up the Ivory handle until we reach the nose section. Now were in space where time has sped up but has slowed for us, or the man in this case, which is one in the same. Unlike many of my other letters where I’ve described an inlay or shape, I thought it was best to let you know my thought process when I created this cue. I know it’s not for everyone, however after having our conversations, I thought this is one you’d understand and appreciate. Enjoy the cue, [signed] Joel Hercek

Here’s what the experts think- they are limited to 500 characters!

	Dick Abbott Pending…
	Fred Agnir Pending…
	Deno Andrews I believe this is the first Hercek with a theme that wasn’t so literal, meaning all the inspiration had to be drawn from Hercek’s imagination rather than something that already exists. Hercek’s choice of imagery and the overall concept is really well thought out. I especially appreciate how the curvature of the cue warps some of the shapes, just as time seems to be sometimes warped. Of course, the craftsmanship is as good as humanly possible. My critique is that there could have been some more color. Joel is not an abstract person, so I am impressed that he was able to tackle this abstract Monster.
	JimBo Pending…
	Jim Stadum Pending…

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General Cue Description-

Barry Szamboti created this gambler-themed cue circa 2000 for his late father’s friend Gus DeStefano. Themed gambler cues typically show imagery such as cards, dice, money, and other things illustrating the gambling lifestyle. Barry crafted this cue using ebony and ivory, and engraved card suits, dice, and dollar signs. In the rotating images, the letter tells the story of this rare step out of the traditional styles of Barry Szamboti. This cue is in the collection of Dick Abbott.

Here’s what the experts think- they are limited to 500 characters!

	Dick Abbott Barry Szamboti is not and does not try to be one of the few fine artists in the world of cue making. Barry continues the traditional cuemaking of his dad and does it very well, for this reason he is one of the most sought after cuemakers today. This cue is a tribute to Gus and his love for casino gambling and carries with it a great story. Compared to many of the contemporary artistic masterpieces being made today, the cue is not close to monster status. But, compared to Barry’s typical cues it is very elaborate and highly collectible. This cue makes for a tough call but I have to consider it a monster.
	Fred Agnir In person, this cue is bright, sexy, and fun. I like the use of the very simplistic money, pool, card and dice designs carried throughout the cue giving highlight to the ivory. Though the propellers are in a straight line, their curves and overall shape give some life and depth to the cue while also offsetting the rigid large ivory boxes. To cap it off, the cue has a great story and is a unique offering from one of history’s top cue makers in Barry Szamboti. This cue is a monster.
	Deno Andrews This cue proves the importance of knowing who made the cue. If it were built by a maker known for building art cues, I would say no way it’s a Monster. However, knowing that Mr. Szamboti had carried on his father’s tradition of making very classic looking cues, this design is an accomplishment for Barry. Additionally, knowing that it’s a Szamboti, I am assured that it is built to the highest standards by one of the greatest cue makers alive. Cue construction heavily influences my vote. Monster.
	JimBo As I’ve said many times I am not a fan of the ebony / ivory combo, one of the reasons is just because it’s been done to death. In that same vein the “Gambler” theme has been done to much as well. I do however think this is one of the best gambler theme cues I’ve ever seen. Barry’s execution looks to be perfect and the entire package looks great. One of the top cues Barry has made thus far. Monster for me.
	Jim Stadum I consider Barry Szamboti my friend and a very respected cuemaker. His cues are very sought after, collectable and valuable because he makes very few cues per year and obviously because of his name, but also because his execution is very clean and this cue is no exception. I am not a big fan of the gambler theme but I realize that many players and collectors are. Barry typically makes traditional cues and this one is probably one of his more elaborate ones, which makes it more collectable and valuable. From a collectors perspective it is a Monster. However, with all due respect, from my perspective it is not.

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General Cue Description-

Cue #150 from Ron Haley is a 6 point cue with 3 long purpleheart points and 3 short ivory points with 3 veneers and 4 of Ron’s signature paper veneers into an ebony forearm and a purpleheart butt with 3 mitered boxes with ivory centers. The cue is a true hoppe butt with an ivory butt plug in place of a bumper. This cue is a rare collaboration cue where Ron worked hand in hand with HOF cuemaker Bill Schick, Ron built the cue and Bill did all the scrim work in all the ivory right down to the skull head on the butt plug. this is the first and only time that Bill has ever done work on another cuemakers cue. The cue also features 6 barbells made with ivory spearheads, an Ivory joint and a black leather wrap.

Here’s what the experts think- they are limited to 500 characters!

	Dick Abbott Ron Haley is an up and coming cuemaker who has made a name for himself with excellent execution and attention to detail. This cue is eye catching with its vibrant colored veneers over purpleheart and ivory prongs into ebony. The veneer work on the prongs and around the windows appears perfectly executed. The silver décor rings are understated and tasteful and the ‘Hoppe’ butt plate with the scrimshawed ivory butt plug is very cool. The scrimshaw theme is not to my liking and the barbells in the forearm and butt sleeve seem to be an afterthought to fill space. Not a monster.
	Fred Agnir Every cue Ron Haley makes borders on perfection. The collaboration with HOFer Schick makes this cue possibly his best cue to date. The Purple Heart twist on the Flame Cue, especially with purposefully short points as “little flames” on which Schick is able to continue the scrimshaw in the forearm works for me. The theme is nicely carried and balanced from the bumper-less butt cap to joint protectors. The double spear point barbells however look a bit like an add-in. I’m not ready to call this a monster because there is no doubt that Haley will build cues that will greatly overshadow this one.
	Deno Andrews Haley’s execution and Schick’s collaboration make this a really valuable and collectible cue. I love the mitered boxes and the unique scrim work. However, many cue makers don’t get the aesthetic awkwardness of framing short points with the same thickness as the long points. Basically, it’s completely wrong and looks bad. Short points inside long points should almost always have thinner framing. This mistake disqualifies the cue in my opinion. Not a monster.
	JimBo Ron Haley’s execution is flawless and it’s great to see inlays into purpleheart rather then hidden in ebony as we see so many times. His veneer work and boxes are exceptional. The joint protectors and ivory plug are fantastic. I feel this cue falls a little short in it’s design. The fact that a HOF (Bill Schick) cuemaker did the scrim work adds to it for me where as I normally deduct points when someone else does that work on a cue. For me that collaboration alone makes this a Monster.
	Jim Stadum Ron Haley’s work is impeccable as usual. I am not sure I like the color scheme in the overall cue and Bill’s scrimshaw is on the morbid side, but considering that this cue was ordered by Jimbo I think he nailed the assignment. In a strange way I am really starting to like this cue. The Ivory butt plug is very unique and adds a new twist. I like the idea of two cuemakers collaborating on a cue especially when one of them is a member of the HOF. This cue is a perfect fit for Jimbo and if I were him I would consider it a Monster. For me it is very close but just shy of Monster status.

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General Cue Description-

Chris Nitti is known for his traditional cues and his flawless execution. This departure from his regular offering shows a depth of talent by this veteran cuemaker. This beautiful ivory-handled Tuxedo Cue built for the 2008 ICCS features bowtie inlays in the butt sleeve and the forearm. The cue also has silver-accented ivory “buttons” set into the ebony sleeve and forearm as well as silver-accented ebony buttons set into the ivory rings. The ebony forearm also includes ebony and ivory points. The ebony points are veneered with holly as a coattails motif. Matching ebony joint protectors complete this true tuxedo cue. This cue submitted courtesy of William Grassley.

Here’s what the experts think- they are limited to 500 characters!

	Dick Abbott Chris Nitti’s execution is always exceptional and this cue is a fine example of his precision workmanship. I like the bowtie inlays. They appear almost three dimensional and add class but the framework surrounding them in the butt sleeve is distracting. The cue is overdone with ivory and the abundance of dots detracts from the overall design elements of the cue. Nice cue, clean workmanship but not a monster.
	Fred Agnir This cue really showcases Nitti’s often under-rated talent. At first glance, it looks like just another ebony and ivory offering. However, it is a Tuxedo Cue with a unique twist using tuxedo motifs. The bowties are simple and stylish while execution of the silver-lined ebony and ivory dots as buttons adds to the elegance. The outline pattern in the butt sleeve is a little overpowering, but the holly outline in the ebony points does a decent job balancing it out. I’m close, but I can’t call this a monster due to other ebony and ivory cues with more wow factor, but this is still a spectacular cue.
	Deno Andrews I am truly impressed by the crafstmanship of this cue. I also appreciate the use of fine materials throughout and the daring blend of old-school with new-school. However, when I look at this cue I see competing artistic styles. The bowties scream art-deco, an elegant style, but are overshadowed by the angular framing and ubiquitous dots. The cue is striking and executed flawlessly, but needs some refinement (mitered boxing, fewer dots, etc.) in its design to be a Monster.
	JimBo Chris Nitti is one of the great Florida guys who has brought his game up a lot over the past few years, his execution is near flawless. Having held this cue I can tell you it’s no exception. As previously stated I am not a fan of the EI (Ebony & Ivory)combo, and although the cue is very elegant I feel the design is un balanced and a bit lacking up front. Not a Monster but very clean and classy with some great silver work.
	Jim Stadum Nice clean execution that everyone has come to expect from Chris. I know Chris likes to stick to the traditional look, but I think there are too many “buttons” or dots in this cue. I like the Bowtie inlay but it is too large in the points. The Ivory border work around the bowtie inlays in the butt sleeve is too thick and a bit clunky looking. Maybe if it were thinner and mitered at the corners instead of covered with the Ivory/Silver circles it would flow better. All in all a nice traditional looking cue with lots of Ivory and Silver, making it valuable and collectable, but not a Monster.

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