I wandered into John's workshop about 25 years ago with a vague idea of buying a really great cue. Even though I had no appointment, John was very charming and helpful; he gave me a guided tour and some valuable advice on a suitable cue for me. I left with a beautiful ash and ebony two-piece and John even gave me a discount as it was mid-summer and out of season. 25 years later, it is still in mint condition and I will never part with it. It truly is my magic wand. Thank you, John.
@@Raj-ul9my Yes it is though, and the cues are special. This company does not really market themselves that much anywhere and rely on their good reputation and expertise.
@@Raj-ul9my Obviously the players who are willing to pay and wait 2 to 8 years know something you obviously don't. How many world championship cues have you made and where do you sell them?
I met John when he was still making cues in his car garage at home early 80’s. Took 4 months. I asked him what the number 50 was on his name plate on the butt end, he told me I was his 50th client he made a cue for. Lovely man he was, and still is.
I was very lucky in my life to get a Parris cue for my 14th birthday. I travelled up there with my dad (who told the school I was sick) I had a wonderful time and met John who told me lots of stories about the snooker stars he works with. I was lucky enough to purchase a cue and I still have it to this day (I am 35 now) Even now it’s in amazing condition and it’s due to the craft that these cues are made I will never part with my cue it’s one of my most prized possessions and to me is priceless
John is really fantastic lovely guy. Once visiting London, it was around 2005, I had some hours before plane, so I decided to pay a visit to that Forest Hill shop. Without any prior agreement I was not expecting much, frankly I was not even sure is there shop at all, or just a factory. Met John there, and he stopped doing what he was doing and spent more than 2 hours chatting with me, discussing cues and my noob shot tecnique, trying different cues, then once I was totally in love with one cue, he went into workshop, made adjustments I dared to ask for, and then we had another chat while glue was curing. Love from Estonia, John.
This is really, really interesting insight. Snooker is slowly becoming more popular again and more appealing to young people, and what Stephen Hendry is doing with his UA-cam channel is a massive part. It's so great to peel back the curtain behind masters like John Parris Cues. As a young snooker fan, thank you Stephen and your team for creating this priceless content!
Parris has a large order book for ultimate cues because people can buy them and make money on them. A 1 piece ultimate is now fetching £3000-£3500 in Britain and £4000-£4500 in China.
@@leedee1977 That's exactly what happened with Morgan Cars - Dealers used to order them with the intention of selling them at a profit, because they are hand crafted which takes so long.
Snooker isn't becoming more popular. UA-cam videos are getting more popular. I've watched maybe 20 videos on this channel, but I've not spent a penny on snooker products, nor have I watched any snooker events
I love how this connoisseur didn't sell out and kept it to his own standards. Fantastic. I had no clue how stuff like this worked. Very intricate. Thanks guys
@@ClassicTrialsChannel The point they were making was, as John said himself in the video, he could have sold his business out to mass manufacturing decades ago and would have made tens of millions in a flash. He didn't because, unlike most rich psychos these days, he appreciates that he already makes more than enough money for anyone to need and wants to keep his business one of bespoke hand-made cues made with soul and passion, not junk cranked out of factories for vast profits that do no good for anyone. I respect that, personally, rather than immediately leaping to trying to find something negative to think. Also, FYI, John is almost always in his own workshop overseeing the work, despite his age, I don't see why he personally should have to make the cues with his own hands still. It's a small workshop and he personally hires and trains the best craftsmen to make the cues in the same old way he always has.
As an American who barely understands the basics of snooker I can't say how much I thoroughly enjoyed this clip. As a kid, I watched the odd game with my dad rooting on Bill Werbeniuk and Cliff Thorburn. As an ex carpenter, I can appreciate the craftmanship that goes into every cue. I've worked on a few luxury homes that had Englishmen come over to the States, complete with Welsh slate, and construct tables. .....often said my one indulgence if I win the lottery would be a quality snooker table.
Hendry was always my sporting nemesis as a youngster. He was everywhere, won everything and never seemed to engage with the public. He really rubbed me up the wrong way (probably partly jealousy). Here we are 35 + years later and he's now one of my favourite presenters. He's funny, engaging, a great interviewer, throws great strops, trash talks people, what's not to like?? If someone had told me this way back when I'd never have believed them. Isn't life funny sometimes?
Spoke to John Parris today to pay for my new cue. He was a true gent and we had a nice chat. So nice that someone at the top of his profession was so humble, polite and ordinary. Thank youmMr Parris. Really excited about the new cue. Thank you Mr Parris. All the very best for 2024 to you and your family. Best regards Mark Jones.
I went to John Parris shop in 2018. Spoke to John and he was very helpful. Practiced with a few cues on that table, before choosing one ‘off the rack’. Brought it home to New Zealand and have loved playing with it ever since. My friends are very jealous.!
@@zmanel3jaib The web site has the off the shelf stuff starting at £500 all the way up to the Ultimate 1pc he mentions at £3000 upwards that has 8 year waiting list.
I have a one piece Fred Davis cue with a Canadian red maple leaf logo under a resin window on the butt . I can’t remember if I bought it here or brought it back from England
This has to be one of the most relaxing videos I have ever seen! Seeing this level of workmanship in action is a real pleasure. Great stuff Stephen, cheers.
Thank you, Stephen. I’m very grateful for all the effort you’ve put into this channel. This one was particularly special. And we’re all rooting for you - get those practice hours in!
I’ve been watching, and playing, snooker since I was around 5 years old, so 47 years, and during that time I could never really take to you Stephen! Then I watched the episode of you with Ronnie, I saw a different side to you, now, after watching this, I’m beginning to warm to you, a most enjoyable clip of you with John Paris, thank you.
Went in and got a John Parris queue about 28 years ago still feels absolutely amazing every time I pick it up. While i was in the store Jimmy White phoned up to ask if his queue was ready.
Fantastic video, I visited this shop about 20 years ago with my brother as he had some changes to the butt end (extra colours) of his cue and I purchased off the shelf Professional Cue (about £300) and now it costs about £600 new with whatever waiting list, great to see this shop still doing well and the workshop looks great, enjoy your new cue Mr Hendry :-)
John is a legend. I went to see him about 1980 and I simply could not afford it then. He had the reputation then, which has simply risen, as his cues collect world and global titles. Waiting list of 6 - 8 years says it all.
@vailudragon.......I am the proud owner of a John Parris cue - bought it over 10 years ago from one of the very few 'proper' snooker [cues and equipment] shops here in Hong Kong. Absolutely beautiful. The weight and balance are perfect.
Why wait a year when you could wait around a month from a Thai maker that’s half the price and same or better quality it’s just a novelty to get parris as a collectors item in my opinion 👍
On his website he lists waiting times between 10 months and 7 years, depending on the model - for most models, they’re below two years. He also says there are cues in his showroom that you can buy on the day. So yes, it’s unbelievable, because it’s not entirely true.
Great video, I remember playing on that little table when I brought mine back in 1994, I turned pro the year before and my old 1 piece ash split during a game. John Street fixed it there and then but said I'll need a new one soon. Drove to JP's shop the next year, tried several from the rack and found the cue I still have and play with today.
Hendry was my favourite player growing up and got to see him play once, great see his personality come through on these videos , I think that 8 year waiting list may be 10 now.
Another great masterclass Stephen. This is exactly what we all need to promote the viewing statistics for snooker, no matter whether we pick up a cue and join a club or we just watch on TV the game benefits because sponsors buy in and money comes to the game, win win all round.
Brilliant video. A JPU owner myself, I was lucky I got mines a good few years ago and waited less time than nowadays. John has been brilliant since then with alterations, great to see he has kept staff for a long time too, they are all real craftsmen. Can watch videos on Parris Cues all day long and never get bored. The best. Bar none.
I love these kinds of master craft workshops. So humble, but world beating, and the chaps make it all look so easy. Britain used to be full of them. Reminds me of the Morgan car factory.
I was lucky enough to meet John parris my brother took to his shop and John was there I was so happy to talk to him what a nice man to talk too it made my day and l left my cue with him and fixed it for me what a brilliant job he did with it that was ten years ago and it is still as good now hopefully one day I will get to see him again one of the best cue makers in the world
@@rockyalwayswins1495actually false buddy , the wood has to dry out through stages , one of my friends is a professional, he is well known and had to wait almost 3 years , if the wood doesn't dry out and cure properly it shows massively and can lead to warping over time .
Stephen is a top presenter,very natural and is so watchable,fascinating seeing how intricate and precise the handmade cues are made ,to the highest standard possible. I now wish I invested in a John Parris cue ,because I was never happy with my different cues and always blamed my bad play on them . If I had a John Parris cue ,then it would me was rubbish on that day
Absolutely beautiful craftmanship, thank you for the insight. That's quite a waiting list though, wow. I think maybe we've become too accustomed to quick deliveries, half expecting that things materialize in front of us after hitting the purchase button, forgetting that quality does in fact take time to produce and is rarely made beforehand.
For most people and most businesses these days, quality is not even something they care about. They just want style over substance, endless mass-manufactured junk in literally everything. Most people I find even vehemently attack anyone who cares about real quality, soul and craft being put into things.
As someone who loves a bit of snooker, thanks for some wonderful views into the amazing world of cue's! John's workshop was amazing! The craftsmanship going into the cues was too notch. Thanks for the great video! I have an urge to make a cue myself one day ( not to the level shown by here ) definitely something to tick off the wood turning bucket list! Works of art for artists of the wonderful game! I have never owned a cue but if I could afford one I know where I would go! 8 years wait, well worth it in my opinion. Keep up the great work!
A lot of people are very jealous of the business John has built over the years and I understand the wait time over the last 10-12 years for any work is frustrating but I’ve always found John himself or Paul (the guy fitting the tip in the video) to be the best source of knowledge for cue care . I bought my first Parris cue in 1996 that lasted till I found his Cue Builder on the Parris website in 2011 then I’ve bought more than is healthy 😂 It is a shame the Forest Hill shop is closed except on Saturdays as catching John on a quieter afternoon is always good fun listening to the stories of Snooker Pro’s he has supplied over the years Long may he flourish as he is a true gentleman & a British success story
No the wait time has gone up over the last 10-12 years not having to wait 10-12 years but if the Chinese market keeps growing it may get to that length of wait time
Been at the shop 2-3 times in the early to mid-90s. Had a couple of Parris cues, don't really play anymore. Anyway, lovely to see the old Church Vale 5 shop still there, working on the craft! Also lovely to hear that Stephen himself has not really a clue about cues, after all the Sheffield wins and all.
Agreed. As I watched I was thinking how natural and professional his style of presenting is. I know he's done TV work for a while now, but never seen him in a role like this.
I wish this vid was like 3 hours long. Could watch this all day. Fascinating. Thanks for the vid please make more with JP - Hes a legend and a natural on camera
Great insight into the Parris workshop. What struck me was in the 40+yrs he has'nt spent a penny on the workshop. Reminded me of a 80's carpentry factory
Shocking state of a working environment in 2023. I would've been ashamed to let Hendry and his cameraman through the doors. I had a Parris cue in 1991 to 2018. It was a lovely cue and no significant waiting times back then. But, i can tell you now people are paying for the name Parris. He does nothing different to any other reputable handmade cue maker in the country and if his shop is anything to go by his processes hav'nt moved on much if any from the 80's. Also the long wait time helps inflate the cue prices through like he mentioned " supply and demand" who on earth who loves to play snooker would wait 8yrs for a cue🙈💩
You don't wait 8 years... Like all things, got the cash? It gets made. Or... Alternatively, got the "who you are" and it's made quickly. Implying he's not got multiple high grade stock ready to go awaiting customisation for the right price.
I was fortunate enough to buy a Parris cue from John back in 1987, just after the big storm when he had all the ash he needed! Funnily enough, while we were there, he had a phone call from Steve Davis who'd just broken the tip off his cue. John told him to come round but hoped he was good at wallpapering as he was currently decorating the house. My cue is still going strong.
Just watched the Simon Jordan interview Stephen..listen mate no matter what anyone else says, I watched your entire career and for me you are still the best player to have ever picked up a cue…so they can keep the O’Sullivan’s and the Trumps and all the rest..mate you are still the best and the UA-cam vid “Days of our lives” brings genuine tears to my eyes…keep the channel going it’s fab mate👍👍👍
Lovely, that. I've got a couple of John Parris cues (a maple 'Paragon' cue and an ash 'Classic' cue) from when I was playing seriously back in the mid-90s. I bought them off the rack in his Forest Hill workshop, but it sounds like that isn't an option anymore - seven-year waiting list! (I think, back then, even the custom-made ones were only a three or four months waiting time, so it shows how his reputation has grown exponentially since then). They really are beautiful crafted items.
I’ve had my John Parris Special Cue since the year 2000. Amazing craftsmanship. Actually will be stopping by to get it serviced and brought back to life soon.
2-8 years ... thats too much ... maybe more ppl need to work, but im so glad for this. i'm 50 years old, Stephen was the man in the 90.s above all other legends , i used to collect video tap of him and the other legends , i'm so glad to see he has channel. they should make documentary about him.
Waiting 8 years for a cue is madness. I have know countless blokes over the years who have spent thousands on cues (John paris included) expecting its going to turn them into a world beater to which it obviously doesn't nor does it even improve them. The best one was my mate who spent about £1500 on a cue then one week during a league game accidentally played the whole frame using my cue which cost about £50 and he didn't even notice until I told him. I half understand for a pro spending that amount in the hope of marginal gains but so long as its half decent and straight it ain't gonna make alot of difference. Its a snooker cue not a magic wand, only practice will improve your game not how much you spend on equipment
@theironshiek I can understand what you are saying and it's the same in other sports. My sport was Tennis and when you start as long as you bought a decent racquet that was all you needed. If you start with a £10 racquet that's probably where you will stay. As you get better then it makes a difference to have a racquet that suits you style of play and the strings become important in type and tension along with the balls you use and grips. I would imagine the same applies to the likes of golf. Unfortunately my snooker is at such a low level a Mr Parris cue would make no difference to my game at all unfortunately.
That's true. You can have a taylor made decent cue made for you in a month or two and on amateur level you will not find a difference. Steven himself played with a crappy bent cue and won world titles with it. But having a Parris cue and waiting for such a long time for it, makes it special. I waited 6 years for mine and it arrived like 2 weeks before Christmas 🙂
why buy a Ferrari when a Yaris will do the same?! Well, two reasons, you can and you want to! Same with cues - if you want to spend £2k on a cue and can afford it, why not?
I tried a few shots with a friend's Parris cue once. It felt comfortable instantly. The balance felt just right. It is hard to describe what was so nice about it, but it just felt really good. The differences are marginal but definite. Exactly the same is true of top players, which is why many have the best to give them a slight edge over those who do not, or even to not let others have an edge over them. Anyone who wants to try to get to the top needs to give themselves every chance possible & the cue is a component of that.
In today's "everything has to be high-tech" world this is refreshing. In a world gone crazy with huge and long supply chains the world of the small hand-crafted shop ought to be much more known and valued. Wonderful little video.
Only advice I’d give John is Be a little more patient when talking to people on the phone We’re thinking of spending a lot of money and …. Well, just be nice, man!
So that's why you've been playing better! Keep at it Stephen, it's there, and slowly but surely it's coming out again...thanks for a great educational video.
Love parris cues and I've had mine years but ever since covid its really hard getting any service from them. The store only open Saturdays and i work most Saturdays so cant ever get to the store and repairs and anything take ages to get done. Shame reslly as they make lovely cues.
I really enjoy the insights this channel gives on the world of snooker, and especially like Stephen's congenial personality. As a Yank who is a relatively recent fan of snooker, I wasn't fully aware of Stephen Hendry as a snooker player. Now that I'm fairly familiar with the current big names, I wish I'd had a chance to see Stephen playing in his prime.
I bought both my cues from O Min snooker in Min Buri over 20 years ago, still use both of them regularly, all I've ever done to them is put new tips on.
Just shows you the genius of Stephen Hendry to win 7 world titles with a bog standard £40 cue his dad picked up for him while others like Jimmy and Davis were using these incredible, handmade John Parris cues.
Don't think Jimmy or the Nugget would have bought a Parris cue to start off with probably one they picked up down the club or in Jimmy's case one he nicked !!!
Yeah that's for just a rando coming in and ordering a John Parris cue out of nowhere. Stephen doesn't need to wait 8 years. Probably only a few months for someone like him. Maybe a year for some of the lower ranked, lesser well known and connected pros.
Great to see the owner more concerned about his beautiful hand made cues and his reputation. I bet corporations hate that they can't buy him out or reproduce what those skilled hands are making. Keep up the great work.
I'd like to encourage you to make a follow up video with John Parris. There's so much more to crafting and perfecting a cue and I'm sure I'm not the only one interested in seeing it all.
I saved up and bought myself a cue and case as a retirement present, it took 57 weeks to receive it and whilst the cue was amazing I found Mr Parris to be very arrogant and dismissive when I spoke to him on the phone. His daughter was very nice though
Yep had similar experience with him. Went to his shop with my friend for 2 new cues. He was really rude, just pointed at the rack and basically told us that's all he had. We left, drove to Tooting and bought two better cues from Robert Osborne. Much better quality and far better customer service
@@schmurgen5242I have watched loads of clips of him with the professionals, he can’t be any nicer…. Ordinary punters he is not interested. I asked if I could have a picture with him holding my cue and case - he refused
@@davidgeorgemarr8694it’s called an opinion…. Have you ever had any dealings with Mr Parris? £1300 down and the customer experience when dealing with him was poor
I wandered into John's workshop about 25 years ago with a vague idea of buying a really great cue. Even though I had no appointment, John was very charming and helpful; he gave me a guided tour and some valuable advice on a suitable cue for me.
I left with a beautiful ash and ebony two-piece and John even gave me a discount as it was mid-summer and out of season.
25 years later, it is still in mint condition and I will never part with it. It truly is my magic wand. Thank you, John.
What’s your highest break with your cue?
@The_Joker_
55. Not the cue's fault...it's the short-sighted person holding it!😂
55 is nothing to be sniffed at. I'm down around 40.
Mine is 28
There's a snooker/snooker cue season? I'm not too familiar with the subject. Cheers
Businesses like Parris Cues should be protected by national heritage. The craft and expertise is so precious.
It’s not…..😂it’s pure marking and reputation the cues are good but not special
@@Raj-ul9my Yes it is though, and the cues are special. This company does not really market themselves that much anywhere and rely on their good reputation and expertise.
@@Raj-ul9my Obviously the players who are willing to pay and wait 2 to 8 years know something you obviously don't. How many world championship cues have you made and where do you sell them?
@@Raj-ul9mySo who's making them better?
I met John when he was still making cues in his car garage at home early 80’s. Took 4 months. I asked him what the number 50 was on his name plate on the butt end, he told me I was his 50th client he made a cue for. Lovely man he was, and still is.
Do you still have it? Gotta be worth a few bob if so
@@JLMarchJones yes I do
I was very lucky in my life to get a Parris cue for my 14th birthday. I travelled up there with my dad (who told the school I was sick)
I had a wonderful time and met John who told me lots of stories about the snooker stars he works with.
I was lucky enough to purchase a cue and I still have it to this day (I am 35 now)
Even now it’s in amazing condition and it’s due to the craft that these cues are made
I will never part with my cue it’s one of my most prized possessions and to me is priceless
I hope you weren't too sick.. 🤢
You're the same age as me btw. 😁
I hope the cue will forever be with you. I hope I can get one some day.
@sijig3501 - Your dad should've just phoned your school and told them that you needed a rest.
John is really fantastic lovely guy. Once visiting London, it was around 2005, I had some hours before plane, so I decided to pay a visit to that Forest Hill shop. Without any prior agreement I was not expecting much, frankly I was not even sure is there shop at all, or just a factory. Met John there, and he stopped doing what he was doing and spent more than 2 hours chatting with me, discussing cues and my noob shot tecnique, trying different cues, then once I was totally in love with one cue, he went into workshop, made adjustments I dared to ask for, and then we had another chat while glue was curing. Love from Estonia, John.
Stephen Hendry is a brilliant presenter and very watchable
Now that he's got over himself I would agree
Stephen Hendry, nice lad,things never went to his head despite being one of the greatest players of all time.Good ambassador for the sport.
This is really, really interesting insight. Snooker is slowly becoming more popular again and more appealing to young people, and what Stephen Hendry is doing with his UA-cam channel is a massive part. It's so great to peel back the curtain behind masters like John Parris Cues.
As a young snooker fan, thank you Stephen and your team for creating this priceless content!
Well said Robin
yep. in my club a lot of 12/13/14 year olds keep mentioning "oh steven hendry said do this" "oh steven hendry said do that". nice to see
Parris has a large order book for ultimate cues because people can buy them and make money on them.
A 1 piece ultimate is now fetching £3000-£3500 in Britain and £4000-£4500 in China.
@@leedee1977 That's exactly what happened with Morgan Cars - Dealers used to order them with the intention of selling them at a profit, because they are hand crafted which takes so long.
Snooker isn't becoming more popular. UA-cam videos are getting more popular. I've watched maybe 20 videos on this channel, but I've not spent a penny on snooker products, nor have I watched any snooker events
I love how this connoisseur didn't sell out and kept it to his own standards. Fantastic. I had no clue how stuff like this worked. Very intricate. Thanks guys
True, but he doesn't make them anymore, those guys do. He's just the name. I bet he barely touches the cues
@@ClassicTrialsChannel The point they were making was, as John said himself in the video, he could have sold his business out to mass manufacturing decades ago and would have made tens of millions in a flash. He didn't because, unlike most rich psychos these days, he appreciates that he already makes more than enough money for anyone to need and wants to keep his business one of bespoke hand-made cues made with soul and passion, not junk cranked out of factories for vast profits that do no good for anyone. I respect that, personally, rather than immediately leaping to trying to find something negative to think.
Also, FYI, John is almost always in his own workshop overseeing the work, despite his age, I don't see why he personally should have to make the cues with his own hands still. It's a small workshop and he personally hires and trains the best craftsmen to make the cues in the same old way he always has.
As an American who barely understands the basics of snooker I can't say how much I thoroughly enjoyed this clip.
As a kid, I watched the odd game with my dad rooting on Bill Werbeniuk and Cliff Thorburn.
As an ex carpenter, I can appreciate the craftmanship that goes into every cue.
I've worked on a few luxury homes that had Englishmen come over to the States, complete with Welsh slate, and construct tables.
.....often said my one indulgence if I win the lottery would be a quality snooker table.
You love really easy
It's true that you get what you pay for.
Hendry was always my sporting nemesis as a youngster. He was everywhere, won everything and never seemed to engage with the public. He really rubbed me up the wrong way (probably partly jealousy). Here we are 35 + years later and he's now one of my favourite presenters. He's funny, engaging, a great interviewer, throws great strops, trash talks people, what's not to like?? If someone had told me this way back when I'd never have believed them. Isn't life funny sometimes?
Hendry is becoming a proper youtuber!! Brilliant stuff
Yeah standalone great piece of video journalism
Spoke to John Parris today to pay for my new cue. He was a true gent and we had a nice chat.
So nice that someone at the top of his profession was so humble, polite and ordinary. Thank youmMr Parris. Really excited about the new cue. Thank you Mr Parris. All the very best for 2024 to you and your family. Best regards Mark Jones.
Fascinating. A master craftsman.
Stephen Hendry comes across as a nice bloke too. Enjoyed this
I went to John Parris shop in 2018.
Spoke to John and he was very helpful. Practiced with a few cues on that table, before choosing one ‘off the rack’. Brought it home to New Zealand and have loved playing with it ever since. My friends are very jealous.!
how much does it cost ?
@@zmanel3jaib The web site has the off the shelf stuff starting at £500 all the way up to the Ultimate 1pc he mentions at £3000 upwards that has 8 year waiting list.
I think it was £600.
I have a one piece Fred Davis cue with a Canadian red maple leaf logo under a resin window on the butt . I can’t remember if I bought it here or brought it back from England
This has to be one of the most relaxing videos I have ever seen! Seeing this level of workmanship in action is a real pleasure. Great stuff Stephen, cheers.
Hendry is a great interviewer. He really develops the conversation well.
The finished cues look absolutely beautiful. So great to see real craftsmanship in this era.
Thank you, Stephen. I’m very grateful for all the effort you’ve put into this channel. This one was particularly special. And we’re all rooting for you - get those practice hours in!
I’ve been watching, and playing, snooker since I was around 5 years old, so 47 years, and during that time I could never really take to you Stephen!
Then I watched the episode of you with Ronnie, I saw a different side to you, now, after watching this, I’m beginning to warm to you, a most enjoyable clip of you with John Paris, thank you.
Went in and got a John Parris queue about 28 years ago still feels absolutely amazing every time I pick it up. While i was in the store Jimmy White phoned up to ask if his queue was ready.
It's a cue.
@@bravo2966 With Parris it's a queue, because people are lining up around the block to buy them.
Ba dum tss
cue not queue
Wow what a lovely, lovely man John Parris is. 💚 It is a really old style cottage industry with professionalism and precision.
Love watching these every now and then. The quality of this it should be a BBC Sports piece.
I’m not a Snooker fan, but I enjoyed the passion and attention to detail that John has. What an enjoyable watch.
Fantastic video, I visited this shop about 20 years ago with my brother as he had some changes to the butt end (extra colours) of his cue and I purchased off the shelf Professional Cue (about £300) and now it costs about £600 new with whatever waiting list, great to see this shop still doing well and the workshop looks great, enjoy your new cue Mr Hendry :-)
John is a legend. I went to see him about 1980 and I simply could not afford it then. He had the reputation then, which has simply risen, as his cues collect world and global titles. Waiting list of 6 - 8 years says it all.
@vailudragon.......I am the proud owner of a John Parris cue - bought it over 10 years ago from one of the very few 'proper' snooker [cues and equipment] shops here in Hong Kong. Absolutely beautiful. The weight and balance are perfect.
@@thesoultwins72 I envy you with your cherished possession. It was a dream of mine that got away.
Thank you for sharing.
Wow! An eight year waiting list. That's unbelievable. Thanks Stephen for another great show. Love John Parris.
Why wait a year when you could wait around a month from a Thai maker that’s half the price and same or better quality it’s just a novelty to get parris as a collectors item in my opinion 👍
On his website he lists waiting times between 10 months and 7 years, depending on the model - for most models, they’re below two years. He also says there are cues in his showroom that you can buy on the day. So yes, it’s unbelievable, because it’s not entirely true.
@mm9773 shop only open on Saturday's bit of a joke really ain't it
Only becuase very few are actually doing it.
He must have a healthy order book.😋
Great video, I remember playing on that little table when I brought mine back in 1994, I turned pro the year before and my old 1 piece ash split during a game. John Street fixed it there and then but said I'll need a new one soon. Drove to JP's shop the next year, tried several from the rack and found the cue I still have and play with today.
Hendry is such a great host! Been binge watching everything on the channel. Top class!
Hendry was my favourite player growing up and got to see him play once, great see his personality come through on these videos , I think that 8 year waiting list may be 10 now.
It seems a bit pointless to me; turn pro > order a cue > cue arrives > retire. Haha.
Well interviewed, filmed, edited and so insightful to see the insight behind all the talk about Parris cues. Thank you Stephen and team!
Awsome. I remember going there 20 years ago for my cue, still going strong now. Well worth the money.
Another great masterclass Stephen. This is exactly what we all need to promote the viewing statistics for snooker, no matter whether we pick up a cue and join a club or we just watch on TV the game benefits because sponsors buy in and money comes to the game, win win all round.
Brilliant video. A JPU owner myself, I was lucky I got mines a good few years ago and waited less time than nowadays.
John has been brilliant since then with alterations, great to see he has kept staff for a long time too, they are all real craftsmen.
Can watch videos on Parris Cues all day long and never get bored.
The best. Bar none.
Quite enjoy the interviews he does with people who are in essence backstage in the snooker world. Would love a Clive Everton video.
Thank you show us one of the icons of the snooker world.
I was privileged enough to order a custom cue, after looking at all the makers I picked G Cues, and years later it’s still the best thing ever.
Loved this video. Great insight into how a cue is made. 8 years to wait for cue - wow! All the best with it Stephen.
I remember when it was 2-3 years and I thought that was crazy
I wonder if Stephen had to wait 8 years for his new cue?
I assume John Parris would have a number of blanks set aside for professionals so there was only a short wait time@@juchetony1910
Love ?
@@juchetony1910maybe 8 days 😂👌
I love these kinds of master craft workshops. So humble, but world beating, and the chaps make it all look so easy. Britain used to be full of them. Reminds me of the Morgan car factory.
Wasted love
I was lucky enough to meet John parris my brother took to his shop and John was there I was so happy to talk to him what a nice man to talk too it made my day and l left my cue with him and fixed it for me what a brilliant job he did with it that was ten years ago and it is still as good now hopefully one day I will get to see him again one of the best cue makers in the world
Bit of punctuation isn't gonna kill you fella
@@ahmedhaveliwala8279it triggered you so that’s good.
We didn't all go to English classes.
@@ahmedhaveliwala8279maybe he's talking into his phone instead of tapping it out
So cool to see the workshop and cues being made!
always wondered where pros get their cues from! Thank you Steve for the excellent deep-dive into this fascinating art form!
They get them free and get speedy built not like us joe public wait years for them
@@rockyalwayswins1495 just go win a few world titles if the wait bothers you so much
@@rockyalwayswins1495actually false buddy , the wood has to dry out through stages , one of my friends is a professional, he is well known and had to wait almost 3 years , if the wood doesn't dry out and cure properly it shows massively and can lead to warping over time .
Stephen is a top presenter,very natural and is so watchable,fascinating seeing how intricate and precise the handmade cues are made ,to the highest standard possible. I now wish I invested in a John Parris cue ,because I was never happy with my different cues and always blamed my bad play on them . If I had a John Parris cue ,then it would me was rubbish on that day
Absolutely beautiful craftmanship, thank you for the insight. That's quite a waiting list though, wow. I think maybe we've become too accustomed to quick deliveries, half expecting that things materialize in front of us after hitting the purchase button, forgetting that quality does in fact take time to produce and is rarely made beforehand.
For most people and most businesses these days, quality is not even something they care about. They just want style over substance, endless mass-manufactured junk in literally everything. Most people I find even vehemently attack anyone who cares about real quality, soul and craft being put into things.
As someone who loves a bit of snooker, thanks for some wonderful views into the amazing world of cue's! John's workshop was amazing! The craftsmanship going into the cues was too notch.
Thanks for the great video!
I have an urge to make a cue myself one day ( not to the level shown by here ) definitely something to tick off the wood turning bucket list!
Works of art for artists of the wonderful game!
I have never owned a cue but if I could afford one I know where I would go!
8 years wait, well worth it in my opinion.
Keep up the great work!
A lot of people are very jealous of the business John has built over the years and I understand the wait time over the last 10-12 years for any work is frustrating but I’ve always found John himself or Paul (the guy fitting the tip in the video) to be the best source of knowledge for cue care . I bought my first Parris cue in 1996 that lasted till I found his Cue Builder on the Parris website in 2011 then I’ve bought more than is healthy 😂
It is a shame the Forest Hill shop is closed except on Saturdays as catching John on a quieter afternoon is always good fun listening to the stories of Snooker Pro’s he has supplied over the years
Long may he flourish as he is a true gentleman & a British success story
who the hell can wait 12 years for a cue?
then just dump the one you have used all that time?
No the wait time has gone up over the last 10-12 years not having to wait 10-12 years but if the Chinese market keeps growing it may get to that length of wait time
Wait time for a 1 piece Ash Ultimate with any degree of splice work is around 7 years
I bought a John Parris cue about 6 years ago it took a good year from the order to delivery even then. Still have that cue and use it every week.
Been at the shop 2-3 times in the early to mid-90s. Had a couple of Parris cues, don't really play anymore. Anyway, lovely to see the old Church Vale 5 shop still there, working on the craft! Also lovely to hear that Stephen himself has not really a clue about cues, after all the Sheffield wins and all.
You able to sell
This video felt very nostalgic! Pure craftsmanship from a little corner of a disappearing London
Utterly fascinating.
Stephen is a natural at this youtube video work too.
Very relaxed, knows how to pace it all, confident.
A new career for sure
Agreed. As I watched I was thinking how natural and professional his style of presenting is. I know he's done TV work for a while now, but never seen him in a role like this.
I wish this vid was like 3 hours long. Could watch this all day. Fascinating. Thanks for the vid please make more with JP - Hes a legend and a natural on camera
Great insight into the Parris workshop. What struck me was in the 40+yrs he has'nt spent a penny on the workshop. Reminded me of a 80's carpentry factory
Plenty of trip hazards and ppl working close together, be doing well not to have any accidents
Shocking state of a working environment in 2023. I would've been ashamed to let Hendry and his cameraman through the doors. I had a Parris cue in 1991 to 2018. It was a lovely cue and no significant waiting times back then. But, i can tell you now people are paying for the name Parris. He does nothing different to any other reputable handmade cue maker in the country and if his shop is anything to go by his processes hav'nt moved on much if any from the 80's. Also the long wait time helps inflate the cue prices through like he mentioned " supply and demand" who on earth who loves to play snooker would wait 8yrs for a cue🙈💩
I've always liked things made out of wood, so this is fascinating to me.
Such beautiful craftsmanship.
If i waited 8 years for a snooker cue I'd expect it to pot the balls for me and drive me home.
After I’m legless drunk and didn’t even play a game 😂
haha and cook your dinner
With the world trophy in the boot. !
I'd want an interim cue in the meantime!
You don't wait 8 years... Like all things, got the cash? It gets made.
Or... Alternatively, got the "who you are" and it's made quickly.
Implying he's not got multiple high grade stock ready to go awaiting customisation for the right price.
I was fortunate enough to buy a Parris cue from John back in 1987, just after the big storm when he had all the ash he needed! Funnily enough, while we were there, he had a phone call from Steve Davis who'd just broken the tip off his cue. John told him to come round but hoped he was good at wallpapering as he was currently decorating the house. My cue is still going strong.
Just watched the Simon Jordan interview Stephen..listen mate no matter what anyone else says, I watched your entire career and for me you are still the best player to have ever picked up a cue…so they can keep the O’Sullivan’s and the Trumps and all the rest..mate you are still the best and the UA-cam vid “Days of our lives” brings genuine tears to my eyes…keep the channel going it’s fab mate👍👍👍
Lovely, that.
I've got a couple of John Parris cues (a maple 'Paragon' cue and an ash 'Classic' cue) from when I was playing seriously back in the mid-90s. I bought them off the rack in his Forest Hill workshop, but it sounds like that isn't an option anymore - seven-year waiting list! (I think, back then, even the custom-made ones were only a three or four months waiting time, so it shows how his reputation has grown exponentially since then).
They really are beautiful crafted items.
I love watching stuff like this, pure craftsmanship from a man who has mastered the art.
Brilliant brilliant video
Snookers definitely not a sport
I’ve had my John Parris Special Cue since the year 2000. Amazing craftsmanship. Actually will be stopping by to get it serviced and brought back to life soon.
So reassuring to see that there are still real craftsmen in this world.
2-8 years ... thats too much ... maybe more ppl need to work, but im so glad for this.
i'm 50 years old, Stephen was the man in the 90.s above all other legends , i used to collect video tap of him and the other legends , i'm so glad to see he has channel. they should make documentary about him.
Waiting 8 years for a cue is madness. I have know countless blokes over the years who have spent thousands on cues (John paris included) expecting its going to turn them into a world beater to which it obviously doesn't nor does it even improve them. The best one was my mate who spent about £1500 on a cue then one week during a league game accidentally played the whole frame using my cue which cost about £50 and he didn't even notice until I told him. I half understand for a pro spending that amount in the hope of marginal gains but so long as its half decent and straight it ain't gonna make alot of difference. Its a snooker cue not a magic wand, only practice will improve your game not how much you spend on equipment
@theironshiek
I can understand what you are saying and it's the same in other sports.
My sport was Tennis and when you start as long as you bought a decent racquet that was all you needed. If you start with a £10 racquet that's probably where you will stay. As you get better then it makes a difference to have a racquet that suits you style of play and the strings become important in type and tension along with the balls you use and grips.
I would imagine the same applies to the likes of golf.
Unfortunately my snooker is at such a low level a Mr Parris cue would make no difference to my game at all unfortunately.
That's true. You can have a taylor made decent cue made for you in a month or two and on amateur level you will not find a difference. Steven himself played with a crappy bent cue and won world titles with it. But having a Parris cue and waiting for such a long time for it, makes it special. I waited 6 years for mine and it arrived like 2 weeks before Christmas 🙂
why buy a Ferrari when a Yaris will do the same?! Well, two reasons, you can and you want to! Same with cues - if you want to spend £2k on a cue and can afford it, why not?
@@ianthomas7703 for the reason I have said but if you want to spend that kind of money then be my guest
I tried a few shots with a friend's Parris cue once. It felt comfortable instantly. The balance felt just right. It is hard to describe what was so nice about it, but it just felt really good.
The differences are marginal but definite. Exactly the same is true of top players, which is why many have the best to give them a slight edge over those who do not, or even to not let others have an edge over them.
Anyone who wants to try to get to the top needs to give themselves every chance possible & the cue is a component of that.
What a fantastic insight into a part of tbs snooker world. Thank you Stephen. Keep the videos coming!
Hope Hendry has been practicing and get onto the main draw for UK Championships 25th November. All eyes watching Stephen Hendry bring back the 90s.
The best snooker channel and this has to be one of the top episodes . Thanks Stephen and John.
learnt so much 😌 love this video Stephen
Fancy seeing you here.
thank u mr. youtube
Who?
UA-cam is proper gegging in on all the successful channels now 😂
@@DM-kv9kji know right 🙌 They love it when it starts to make them money 😂
In today's "everything has to be high-tech" world this is refreshing. In a world gone crazy with huge and long supply chains the world of the small hand-crafted shop ought to be much more known and valued. Wonderful little video.
Only advice I’d give John is
Be a little more patient when talking to people on the phone
We’re thinking of spending a lot of money and …. Well, just be nice, man!
So that's why you've been playing better! Keep at it Stephen, it's there, and slowly but surely it's coming out again...thanks for a great educational video.
A fascinating insight into something that I have always wondered about was a pleasure to have my curiosity satisfied
Lovely, the Saville Row of cues.
Love parris cues and I've had mine years but ever since covid its really hard getting any service from them. The store only open Saturdays and i work most Saturdays so cant ever get to the store and repairs and anything take ages to get done. Shame reslly as they make lovely cues.
I really enjoy the insights this channel gives on the world of snooker, and especially like Stephen's congenial personality. As a Yank who is a relatively recent fan of snooker, I wasn't fully aware of Stephen Hendry as a snooker player. Now that I'm fairly familiar with the current big names, I wish I'd had a chance to see Stephen playing in his prime.
Amazing insight into the skills involved. To have a waiting list of 8 years at anyone time you are certainly doing alright for yourself
Thanks for that Stephen had a warm smile on my face all the way through
Still a Legend
Another great video! John Parris seems like a top bloke and very skilled!
He is to the pro players,,,,not so much to Joe Public.
great to see something being made by hand with love, and pride 👍
A ton of information about how one needs the Cue to be perfect!Thank you Stephen Hendry.
Best video yet. Old Skool craftsmanship. Brilliant
Now these cues are worth so much due to the amount of time it takes to make them 2-8 years for a cue is definitely a long time
doesn't take 2-8 years to make them. just a few months. The waiting list is 2-8 years because of the amount they need to make
Professionals wouldn't be waiting that long you can be sure.
I’ve not heard the greatest things about this guys service and attitude.
Would be great if he went to Thailand to cover some of the Thai cue makers like Ton Praram and Maximus cues.
I bought both my cues from O Min snooker in Min Buri over 20 years ago, still use both of them regularly, all I've ever done to them is put new tips on.
Good stuff. Two great guys. Mr Hendry is such a humble gent.
We now need to see your review of each cue in practice 🙌🏻
Wonderful to see masters performing their art. Keep this type of content coming Stephen. Cheers!
What amazing skills! Great video Stephen, loving this channel
Congratulations on being in love
The best video I’ve seen on You Tube for years. Brilliant
Just shows you the genius of Stephen Hendry to win 7 world titles with a bog standard £40 cue his dad picked up for him while others like Jimmy and Davis were using these incredible, handmade John Parris cues.
Don't think Jimmy or the Nugget would have bought a Parris cue to start off with probably one they picked up down the club or in Jimmy's case one he nicked !!!
The cue Tony Drago came over from when he first came over from Malta with was very basic, the tip was 9mm at best,closer to 8mm probably...
They r not that incredible.
my earliest memory of a snooker match was Ray Reardon in 1976 watched it constantly since then and still enjoy matches today.
8 year waiting list is absolutely insane!
Pros don’t wait though lol
Yeah that's for just a rando coming in and ordering a John Parris cue out of nowhere. Stephen doesn't need to wait 8 years. Probably only a few months for someone like him. Maybe a year for some of the lower ranked, lesser well known and connected pros.
Thats b*llocks think Johns going a bit senile, 8 weeks maybe, months if your a pleb, days if your Ronnie or Selby
16 years for Peter Ebdon.
Sales tactic to show how in demand he is. People will pay for another so it's win, win.
Great to see the owner more concerned about his beautiful hand made cues and his reputation.
I bet corporations hate that they can't buy him out or reproduce what those skilled hands are making. Keep up the great work.
If you make a new channel where you upload your practice sessions, you can be sure there will be enough of us spurring you on to keep at it!
Got one couple of years ago still loving it proper craftsmanship
I'd like to encourage you to make a follow up video with John Parris. There's so much more to crafting and perfecting a cue and I'm sure I'm not the only one interested in seeing it all.
Stephen can even be entertaining when talking to a guy who just makes sticks out of trees! 🙂
Wow, an 8 year waiting list! Well done Mr Parris, your business history is just as inspiring as the beauty of your cues.
I saved up and bought myself a cue and case as a retirement present, it took 57 weeks to receive it and whilst the cue was amazing I found Mr Parris to be very arrogant and dismissive when I spoke to him on the phone. His daughter was very nice though
Yep had similar experience with him. Went to his shop with my friend for 2 new cues. He was really rude, just pointed at the rack and basically told us that's all he had. We left, drove to Tooting and bought two better cues from Robert Osborne. Much better quality and far better customer service
Enjoyed this!... Shame about the negative comments?
@@schmurgen5242I have watched loads of clips of him with the professionals, he can’t be any nicer…. Ordinary punters he is not interested.
I asked if I could have a picture with him holding my cue and case - he refused
@schmurgen5242 did he hurt your feelings?
@@davidgeorgemarr8694it’s called an opinion…. Have you ever had any dealings with Mr Parris? £1300 down and the customer experience when dealing with him was poor
Fascinating film Stephen, very funny about Alex describing your cue. An old friend of mine was his bodyguard occasionally, he had a busy life
Absolutely brilliant I loved that
What a thoroughly bloody good chap Stephen is. Surprising, after seeing only his game face for all those years.
3:12 what on earth is that guy planning