log in
sign up or:

By using this site you agree to the privacy policy and terms of service

forgot password?

Identify George Balabushka Pool Cue

12/14/2017 7:18:20 AM

Identify George Balabushka Pool Cue

Help me identify this Balabushka cue.

This cue was bought in the united states in the 1970s could it be original Balabushka?

It was subsequently restored, and probably the shaft is not original.

Thank you,
Massimo

IMG_0140.JPG IMG_0139.JPG

IMG_0145.JPG

IMG_0147.JPG

Identify George Balabushka Pool Cue

Replies & Comments
  1. swarobilliardsforum on 12/14/2017 6:06:38 PM

    Apparently George Balabushka did not sign his cues on the forearm as is the case with yours. So this is making me believe it isn't an original George Balabushka.

    If that is the case, then this would be a licensed reproduction from the mid-1990s by Competition Sports Corp., formerly Adam Custom Cues.

    Yours would be a George Balabushka GB-7 model number, probably made in Japan after 1997.

    MSRP was $850, but as you can see from the image, you could get it online for just under $600.

    george-balabushka-7.jpg

    This classic cue has a brown stained maple veneers. The butt sleeve is made of ebony, with a brushed stainless steel pilot joint, bracketed by 2 'Bushka' block style nickel rings.

    The joint provides maximum contact between the butt and shaft, which increases cue-ball control and minimizes vibration. Combined with the Le Prof tip, this cue provides extra confidence and feel when playing every screw shot.

    George Balabushka signature series pool cue. This pool cue has a natural stained birdseye maple forearm with four sharp ebony points with four veneers. Each point has an Ivorine diamond inlay. The butt is ebony with maple and Ivorine inlays. The wrap is a black with white spec irish linen. The joint is 5/16 x 14 stainless steel. This cue comes with one shaft with a 13 mm pro taper and a professional leather tip.

    If you look online for Balabushka GB-7 you will see that you can still get em.

  2. swaroswaro on 12/15/2017 6:29:53 AM

    Strange case, because i have got since at 1978!! It was bought by my uncle in the United States around the 70s and I'm sure of that. thanks for the answer.

  3. swarobilliardsforum on 12/15/2017 6:44:53 AM

    I believe you. The cue has an old look to it. You can almost tell just by looking at it.

    George Balabushka made his own cues between 1959 and 1966 (50 to 60 per year).

    I will continue looking into it with some contacts I think might be helpful. I will let you know if I find anything.

    Please also let me know if you find anything more before I do.

  4. swaroswaro on 12/15/2017 11:44:25 AM

    You are very kind!

    Here in Italy no one can help me. I have an friend his name is Stefano Pelinga 5 time trick shot champion. He lives in Las Vegas and some time comes to Rome. I will try to speak to him about it. He knows many people and maybe can resolve my questions.

    Anyway the cue is fantastic so I will be keeping it and playing with it.

  5. swarouser1603113829 on 10/19/2020 6:23:50 AM

    I have the same cue but I got mine in the early 80’s. Explain.

  6. swarobilliardsforum on 10/19/2020 12:54:58 PM

    @user1603113829 - Explain what, exactly? George Balabushka died in 1975, so your's is probably a replica if you bought it new in the early 1980s.

upload a photo or document

use plain text or markdown syntax only
log in or sign up

Sign in to ensure your message is posted.

If you don't have an account, enter your email and choose a password below and we'll create your account.

Preview:

Identify George Balabushka Pool Cue

  • Title: Identify George Balabushka Pool Cue
  • Author:
  • Published: 12/14/2017 7:18:20 AM
  • Last Updated: 12/14/2017 6:08:51 PM
  • Last Updated By: billiardsforum (Billiards Forum)