* If a stick is marked Open 2 Offers or Available, it means that it is priced for sale or that I am open to any SERIOUS offers for it.   Many of my stikz have sold in a broad range from $200-$700. I'm also open to trade, what that could be, you tell me. As far as trade, I'm never really looking for anything specific, just let me know your offer and I'll tell you if I'm interested. I spend a LOT of time and effort making these so if you're interested in acquiring a custom stick of the highest quality then email me with any reasonable offers or questions...

Byrdo Stik Info

I started out as "Tha Darkside" but now I just go by my nickname "Byrdo". As far as credentials, my custom arcade stiks have gained exposure in major magazine publications likeWired, WWE Official Magazine, SYNC, Gamepro, along with other smaller publications. I've also done several interviews, most notible was a live broadcast on BBC Radio, and my "custom stikz" have been the subject of various website articles. In the end, I'm just glad that my efforts have contributed to the recognition and growth of the arcade enthusiasts as well as the fighting game community. If my work has influenced or inspired in some way, then "I am truly honored..."

To be honest, I've built so many custom arcade joysticks that I like to let my work speak for itself, but I know there's a few people that may want an explanation.  Since I'm really into fighting games, I build everything from a gamer's view, I don't just want to create something that's simply great to look at, it has to be a great experience to play on as well.  Since my custom stiks are designed with practicality & portability in mind, they are ideal for travel and tournaments.  As an artist, I aim to create works of art, rather than "just another stik", so my main areas of focus are on quality, craftsmanship, aesthetics, functionality, and comfort.  Believe me, I take all these into account when I build each one. I like to experiment with different techniques and materials, as a result I've developed several case designs and continue to refine my methods. I've built my cases out of a variety of materials ranging from oak, aluminum, stainless steel, poplar, mdf, teak, pine, douglas, aspen, maple, etc. Most of my methods are not set or standard because I like to go in my workshop and create without every step having rules or guidelines. I'm always looking for ways to improve any aspect of the process.

When it comes to the graphics, the software I mainly use are Photoshop, Illustrater, and PainterX. Again, there's not really a set method when it comes to my digital design process. Some of the work has been originally drawn by me on a Wacom tablet. On quite a few others I've taken several images and heavily "photoshopped" them into a singular composition. Some images have also had either minor alterations or are submitted by clients. Overall, I like to try and create stiks that are unique to my other designs. The majority of my custom stiks are "one of a kind" and if I decide recreate a particular one (VERY RARE) I still tend to change aspects of it in order to keep it anomalous.

I only use high quality "arcade grade" parts.  This is very important because these are the most durable and best performing components you can get. Whether its precision and accurate movements or mashing rapid commands these parts are made to the highest standards. The majority of joysticks and buttons I use consist of Sanwa, Seimitsu, and/or Happ brand parts.  I normally prefer to use official Sony brand dualshock controllers for the pcb because they are VERY compatible with a wide range of adapters for various systems.  Along with ps2 and psone compatibitity, adapters/converters can make my stikz functional on others systems like the dreamcast, xbox, gamecube, pc, xbox360, ps3, etc... I don't usually supply adapters/converters because they are readily available from several online sources. I can usually wire a stik for a specific system if someone prefers and this does include wireless PS3 and Xbox360 stiks.

-Byrdo-