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JB Cue Cases

Hello,

My name is John Barton. I am a cue case maker. In 1991 I founded Instroke Cue Cases.

I started out making only one-of-a-kind unique cases. Each one was either a creation of my own devising or a collaboration between the customer's desire and my interpretation of that desire. In this way I crafted, with my team, around 200 cases before we moved into mass production. I ran that company with various partners until 2003 when I sold the rights to the Taiwanese company that was at the time producing the cases with me. After selling Instroke I took a hiatus from case making. 

Beginning in May 2007, I began taking orders again.  

 

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

If you aren't in the market yet for my style of case then I wholeheartedly recommend the following makers.

Nittany Leather - Brian Bonner is a relatively new guy who already executes like an old pro.
Whitten - Dan and Joe and family make the Jaguar of cue cases.  Easily the sleekest cases on the market a Whitten is very upscale.
Jim Murnak - Jim is more my style with his willingness to try new things.  Jim has a variety of models and specializes in funky pockets.
Instroke - My former company and my designs of course. Not much has changed since 1999. Now a "classic" design and still solid.
Sterling - A wide assortment of inexpensive pool cue cases - (made with my input)
GTF Cases - GTF has revived the Fellini and Centennial style of case.  - Shameless Plug - We did these and added some improvements to an already great design.  GTF cases are now the best in class for this style of case.
Ron Thomas - Ron has revived the It's George and Centenial styles.  His cases are available through Indy Q Shop.
On Q Case -  Garth Bair is making fine cases and specializes in the inlay designs.
Dennis Swift - I have never met Dennis but have seen plenty of his cases.  Swift cases are well crafted, traditionally tooled workhorses.

Chas Clements
- Chas holds a special place for me. He is a leather artist and casemaker of the highest art.
We collaborated on a few cases while I had Instroke and each one was beyond compare and sold within one hour of being offered.
This is a sign he made for us back then, notice the intricacy.
If you can get any work done by Chas you will have a treasure for life.

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