The Pipes Magazine Radio Show – Episode 169

Hi Brian,
No pipe tonight, getting over a cold.
Nice tips on pipe selection. When you get to the bottom line, you develop the capability to select the pipes that you like.
I am not familiar with Zach's pipes. I may have run into him at a pipe show. You do tend to get feedback while displaying pipes at a show. He seems to be sourcing top quality materials.
Music - Old blue eyes with a Christmas Medley - nice.
Rant - Savor the moments - take time to enjoy what you have.
Nice show.

Hi Brian,
Liked your piece on pipe selection,the pipes I select have to have a 2 inch or more bowl height. I took a look at Zack's website, he does nice work. Frank Sinatra, great choice, I like Dean also.Savor the moments, I enjoy what I have, a great lady, great friends and family, and my pipes.Grat show as always!

Whoops"s I meant great.

The basics of selecting a pipe are fairly straightforward. Does it appeal to your eye?? Does a pipe cleaner go through it (preferably easily). Does the pipe feel comfortable in your mouth. Is the weight of the pipe acceptable. Is the nomenclature crisp and readable (the more the pipe costs the more important this is)? Is the draft hole properly drilled and located? Does the stem come out without too much effort. Like you I prefer 1/4" of wood around the bowl. If you are buying a pipe because you want a certain shape in your collection be sure the pipe is really that shape. Just because the carver says it is doesn't mean it really is.
Zach is an older "new" carver. He has actually developed a style that is his own. I can usually identify the pipes he carves. His wife Greta is just a lovely person. Interesting to see all the places Zach sources his materials.
Can't hardly object to Old Blue Eyes singing Xmas songs. Interesting he picked songs more associated with Bing Crosby.
I really get into the Xmas season and continue to be amazed at how many people are so "Humbug" about the whole thing. I put up a bunch of outside Xmas decorations. All the neighbor kids can't wait until Thanksgiving Evening when I turn on the lights. As I get older this is getting harder to do. I firmly believe we should all engage in small random acts of kindness particularly during the holidays. Maybe being nice to someone might keep them from putting their head in the oven.

Nice Show Brian. This Pipe Parts about how to chose a pipe was again, very informative! I had a Neerup pipe that I really liked, but could not put a pipe cleaner through it at all! I eventually sold it. So, even though it had a beautiful grain and design, it lost its charm because of the trouble I had with it everytime.
Great interview with Zach! Lot's of great tips! I liked what he said about not worrying so much about making a perfect pipe right from the beginning but to perfect the process little by little.
Now, the rant about appreciating the small things of everyday life, which turn out to be the greatest things we have in life like our family and friends was helpful indeed. Thanks for that Dr. Brian!!
Can't wait for the next one! Wish to hear you interviewing the guys from L J Peretti.

Another great show. I finally met Zach at the NOLA pipe show and he is a great talent. He and Greta are a pleasure to be around.
I'm more a Bing fan, but Old Blue Eyes did a nice job.