Paul Mottey began playing pool after graduating from high school in 1964. He taught himself how to
play and soon became a threat to all the players in the Pittsburgh area. During the late 1970's
and early 80's many considered Paul one of the top semi-pros in the country, usually finishing in
the money in the tournaments he played. In 1983, Paul along with a group of friends competed in
and won the BCA National Team 8-Ball Championship. Today, Paul occasionally competes in local and
national tournaments and is considered one of the best players in the Pittsburgh area.
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Paul, as a high-level pool-player, was never satisfied with the mass-produced cues on
the market. He knew he could produce a better custom cue to suit the needs of players.
In 1983 he purchased his first lathe and a cue-maker was born. He started slowly, taking
in repair work and making simple cues. In 1984 an illness forced Paul to quit playing
pool on the semi-pro level. Not being able to stay away for the game he loved, Paul
decided to concentrate his efforts and become a full time cue maker.
Many of Paul's
earlier designs reflected previous works from legendary cue makers like George Balabushka,
Gus Szamboti and Frank Paradise. In short time Paul was creating his own designs and
unique style. Word of Paul's ability in the art of cue making quickly spread. His precision,
execution and attention to detail became trademarks of a Mottey Cue. By the late 1980's,
Paul was an established cue maker. Many considered his point sections and inlay work to
be among the best in the world. Today, Paul specializes in one-of-a-kind custom cues.
He designs and builds each cue to the clients exacting specifications -- never straying
from the quality that makes a Mottey Cue great.
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As a player, Paul has always felt that the feel of the cue is most important. It has
to have a solid hit and the proper balance. When the cue is put together it should feel
like it is one piece -- the surface from tip to butt must be smooth and seamless. "Close
your eyes and let your sense of touch tell you whether a cue is well made or not."
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Paul makes all the components in a Mottey Cue except for tips, bumpers and screws that
are custom-made to Paul's specifications. Mottey Custom Cues are guaranteed indefinitely
against manufacturing defects not the result of abuse or normal wear.
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