Hi: If you are looking for a master cue, i want to share my experience with you. My friends and I have bought 4 master cues in the past 6 months.(2 custom hand made and 2 machine made) i own those 2 hand made cues. however, the first one does not have a good balance(18.5oz). the weigh all goes to the butt. then i ordered a second one(18oz maple cue) which the balance is just about right but the maple is really low grade(too soft). i studied my two cues with my friends two machine cues. i realized that the TM2(Williams replica) has the same problem as my first cue(no good balance). the other one is just as good as my hand made one(good balance, straight and even better craftsmanship than my hand made one(i do not know why)). So, it is a good idea to invest a non william's repliace machine cue. It costs only 65-70 USD. btw, master cue does not make 6" ebony mini butts. they are made by plastic. I do not really like that but i have no other choice.
Where to balance a cue should the cue has a good balance? Does it depend on the weighting? ie a heavier cue such as 19oz should be balanced much more forward than the lighter one? Do you have any idea?