Philosophy: Protection first. A case's
function is first to protect it's contents
and second to provide easy access to it's
contents. Following that idea I build
cases where the form follows the function.
Another way to look at it is a center-out
approach. Using the cues as the
center, I put several layers of protection
around them.
At present
I live and work in Xiamen, China. I have
built a small workshop to design and create
pool cue cases. Working with me are a team
of talented designers, pattern makers,
toolers, and tailors. Some work with me at
my workshop and others are contracted. We
have the full resources of large factories
and well as the flexibility of a small shop.
There is almost nothing outside the realm of
possiblilty for us. Our only limitations
are imagination and money.
Each case
we make is absolutely unique. Below are my
thoughts as to what makes a true custom
case.
Choice:
There are
two kinds of custom case makers. True
custom makers who do almost everything from
scratch and pattern case makers who settle
on a few patterns and decorate each case
differently.
Both
approaches have merit. However, my issue
with the pattern style is that other than
the name and a the surface decoration there
is really not much to distinguish one case
from another with a pattern case. It's like
having two Mercedes, one in blue and the
other in green. The cost is less for doing
cases this way and should be less to the
consumer. And in fact if we use a known
pattern then we charge less.
When you
go full custom with us are receiving from me
will be a work of art in both form and
decoration. With me you are getting a custom
job all the way. The only thing I promise
will remain the same is the protection of
your cues.
Occasionally we will make cases that are
based on known patterns and are not intended
for a particular customer. I do this for a
couple reasons. Primarily the reason is
decorative as I want to try out various
methods of tooling and other things and I
don't want to design a new pattern. So it's
easier to use an established pattern that I
have. Addtionally making what other makers
do is a way for myself and my team to learn
techniques that we don't already know. I
prefer that we can do everything and have
that much more choice in design. Lastly, I
like to experiment, as with this case,
the Rolls Royce, and combine different
styles to form a new one. Doing this also
gives my customers a plethora of styles to
choose from when forming their dream case.
Protection: I started making cases for one
simple reason, protection. Not just any
protection either. Specifically, protection
against damage resulting from your cues
coming out of the case when you don't want
them to. I had a $1400 Schon Cue that was
broken because my open case was knocked off
the table and the cue shot out of it and
broke the butt cap as it clattered on the
floor. That case was a $500 tooled leather
beauty. Top of the line at the time. But it
didn't do the one thing I felt it should and
that was to protect my cues until I removed
them from it.
What kind of protection am I talking about?
Well, as mentioned above, each case I make
does not release the cues until you take
them out. Each case has high density foam
rubber to pad against impact contusions.
Each case has layers of insulation to
provide some protection against
environmental changes. Each case is lined
with a non-abrasive and non-moisture
absorbing material to protect the finish
from scratches and to help keep the cue dry.
No cue parts will be allowed to touch each
other at any point. Your cue will as
protected as the design you choose allows
for.
If you want a soft case then you will
sacrifice the impact protection offered by
tubing in return for a lighter weight. I
will do my utmost to use the very best
materials to provide the highest level of
protection that fits your desired design and
your stated needs. I won't be able to do the
impossible but I might get close and
surprise you with the results.
Myself and my team are ready to make you the
case of your dreams.
Thank you for your time,
John Barton, Case Maker
