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Yesterday I went to visit Robert Osborne and possibly purchasing a cue.
And I must say, having gone into his workshop, it was an absolute delight. The first thing I noticed was how tidy it was and he was working with who I believe is his nephew which lovely to give him a hand.
He took me around the workshop to show me the various cues he was working on and what machines and tools he uses at various parts of the cue making process.
There was a wide selection of Red and Green Plate cues and said I was free to have a look through them and try them out on his table.
In my case, I play with a maple 1 piece and there were only about 5 or so in stock but having looked at them all, I couldn't help but try out the jointed ones also.
And I must say, I was really taken back at how good the cues were. I've owned cues from some of the best/reputable cue makers in the country and I must say, it is very very difficult to put Robert's cues anywhere else but at the top. Of course this is opinionated but I was there for a good while just knocking balls about.
We had a general talk about all things cues which may not be anything new but was an interesting talk which I will go over:
Custom orders - Whilst this is well established, he doesn't take them simply because he cannot fulfil them. He had experienced customers who paid deposits who then wanted changes in specifications or simply didn't want the cue anymore. He said it isn't about keeping the customer deposit but he doesn't want to be left with cues he'd spent longer on just for them to go to overseas to a dealer when he could've made standard specification cues to his liking and sent them abroad. He also couldn't take 50 Black Plate orders a year and only turn out 10 or 5 year. It simply makes no sense.
Stock cues for sale - Based on my experience, he doesn't advertise his cues online, neither does he ship them to anyone other than his authorised dealers. He is happy to take visitors and have them try out his cues and if he sells them, then good for the customer as they have received a fantastic product, if not, they simply go to his distributors.
Prices - The cost of a green plate, plain ebony cue was £500. The price on the tag is what you pay, there aren't any other charges other than what is shown on the price tag. I won't disclose how much I paid for mine but having looked through all the green plate cues the price range was between £500 - £750. Whilst the upper limit may be higher, based on what I saw on the day, this was a range for green plate cues. For anyone interested, the designs did get fancy with multiple splices, veneers and designs in various exotic woods.
Playability - All cues are the same in terms of playability. Red, green or blackplate, his quality control in regards to playability are identical. All cues will play differently as they are different pieces of wood but he will not pick lesser quality shafts for production in regards to playability.
Red, Green, Blackplate cues - I asked Robert what are the differences even though I had speculation from extensive forum reading. He answered along the lines of:
In terms of playabilty there is no difference. With regards to plates, they are more appropriate for Ash cues. Those with a particular pattern or a number of chevrons. As you progress from Red to Green to Black, they become more detailed and conform to tighter "visual" controls. With maple however, there is not much difference. Maple is a clear wood, but he argued that he could make a Red Plate maple cue and the difference to get to a Green Plate wouldn't as significant as people think. This also applies in the step-up from Green Plate to Black Plate maples. The difference doesn't warrant the extra that he charges and financially, he would advise against buying it.
When do black plates become available? - they become available as and when he finds the suitable shaft but once again these are made to standard specification and sent overseas. If he doesn't find any, he simply won't make any, but he doesn't necessarily go out looking for suitable timbers.
Why do you charge so much for blackplates? - People don't want a black plate cue when Robert tells them how much they are. And his reasoning is quite simple. he said to me:
Why am I going to sell you a black plate for £800-£900 when I can sell them overseas for £2000+. It simply makes no sense and the difference isn't worth it for a person who plays with a maple cue. I would advise you simply to get a green plate. If people overseas can pay that much, then I am going to sell it to them. When a black plate shaft also comes up, I will splice it with many exotic woods and fancy designs because I get more for my money that way. You won't find me making a plain ebony black plate cue.
In regards to having cues altered, he said people believe that doing alterations on a cue will drastically change the cue and whilst this may be the case sometimes, it is largely exaggerated. At least that is the message I got from him. I cannot speak for having cues lengthened but having had it shortened, he says the process is the same. He would just cut the required length from a shaft and go by that. People believe things like balance are specifically done. I cannot speak for other cue makers but Robert doesn't go out of his way to balance any of his standard specification cues in regard to lead weights. Whilst it can be achieved, he allows the woods he has used during manufacturing to balance itself out. And even with this in mind, the cues I tried yesterday were an absolute delight to play with.
I would definitely recommend anyone after a high quality cue give Robert a visit if you are able to do so. You will not be disappointed.
Every credit to Robert, his customer service was fantastic and he made me and my partner feel very welcome.
Just a parting message - he only accepts cash so if you do plan to purchase, bring cash. Also, all payment must be made in full if you want to secure a cue. He will not accept deposits for anything.
Nic
And I must say, having gone into his workshop, it was an absolute delight. The first thing I noticed was how tidy it was and he was working with who I believe is his nephew which lovely to give him a hand.
He took me around the workshop to show me the various cues he was working on and what machines and tools he uses at various parts of the cue making process.
There was a wide selection of Red and Green Plate cues and said I was free to have a look through them and try them out on his table.
In my case, I play with a maple 1 piece and there were only about 5 or so in stock but having looked at them all, I couldn't help but try out the jointed ones also.
And I must say, I was really taken back at how good the cues were. I've owned cues from some of the best/reputable cue makers in the country and I must say, it is very very difficult to put Robert's cues anywhere else but at the top. Of course this is opinionated but I was there for a good while just knocking balls about.
We had a general talk about all things cues which may not be anything new but was an interesting talk which I will go over:
Custom orders - Whilst this is well established, he doesn't take them simply because he cannot fulfil them. He had experienced customers who paid deposits who then wanted changes in specifications or simply didn't want the cue anymore. He said it isn't about keeping the customer deposit but he doesn't want to be left with cues he'd spent longer on just for them to go to overseas to a dealer when he could've made standard specification cues to his liking and sent them abroad. He also couldn't take 50 Black Plate orders a year and only turn out 10 or 5 year. It simply makes no sense.
Stock cues for sale - Based on my experience, he doesn't advertise his cues online, neither does he ship them to anyone other than his authorised dealers. He is happy to take visitors and have them try out his cues and if he sells them, then good for the customer as they have received a fantastic product, if not, they simply go to his distributors.
Prices - The cost of a green plate, plain ebony cue was £500. The price on the tag is what you pay, there aren't any other charges other than what is shown on the price tag. I won't disclose how much I paid for mine but having looked through all the green plate cues the price range was between £500 - £750. Whilst the upper limit may be higher, based on what I saw on the day, this was a range for green plate cues. For anyone interested, the designs did get fancy with multiple splices, veneers and designs in various exotic woods.
Playability - All cues are the same in terms of playability. Red, green or blackplate, his quality control in regards to playability are identical. All cues will play differently as they are different pieces of wood but he will not pick lesser quality shafts for production in regards to playability.
Red, Green, Blackplate cues - I asked Robert what are the differences even though I had speculation from extensive forum reading. He answered along the lines of:
In terms of playabilty there is no difference. With regards to plates, they are more appropriate for Ash cues. Those with a particular pattern or a number of chevrons. As you progress from Red to Green to Black, they become more detailed and conform to tighter "visual" controls. With maple however, there is not much difference. Maple is a clear wood, but he argued that he could make a Red Plate maple cue and the difference to get to a Green Plate wouldn't as significant as people think. This also applies in the step-up from Green Plate to Black Plate maples. The difference doesn't warrant the extra that he charges and financially, he would advise against buying it.
When do black plates become available? - they become available as and when he finds the suitable shaft but once again these are made to standard specification and sent overseas. If he doesn't find any, he simply won't make any, but he doesn't necessarily go out looking for suitable timbers.
Why do you charge so much for blackplates? - People don't want a black plate cue when Robert tells them how much they are. And his reasoning is quite simple. he said to me:
Why am I going to sell you a black plate for £800-£900 when I can sell them overseas for £2000+. It simply makes no sense and the difference isn't worth it for a person who plays with a maple cue. I would advise you simply to get a green plate. If people overseas can pay that much, then I am going to sell it to them. When a black plate shaft also comes up, I will splice it with many exotic woods and fancy designs because I get more for my money that way. You won't find me making a plain ebony black plate cue.
In regards to having cues altered, he said people believe that doing alterations on a cue will drastically change the cue and whilst this may be the case sometimes, it is largely exaggerated. At least that is the message I got from him. I cannot speak for having cues lengthened but having had it shortened, he says the process is the same. He would just cut the required length from a shaft and go by that. People believe things like balance are specifically done. I cannot speak for other cue makers but Robert doesn't go out of his way to balance any of his standard specification cues in regard to lead weights. Whilst it can be achieved, he allows the woods he has used during manufacturing to balance itself out. And even with this in mind, the cues I tried yesterday were an absolute delight to play with.
I would definitely recommend anyone after a high quality cue give Robert a visit if you are able to do so. You will not be disappointed.
Every credit to Robert, his customer service was fantastic and he made me and my partner feel very welcome.
Just a parting message - he only accepts cash so if you do plan to purchase, bring cash. Also, all payment must be made in full if you want to secure a cue. He will not accept deposits for anything.
Nic
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