Choosing between Meerschaum vs Morta versus Gourd Calabash

[64alex]

I started smoking pipe about 6 months ago and I definitely enjoy it. Until now I used just corn cob and basic briar. At this point I am thinking to step up to a higher quality pipe and I am thinking to three options: a Meerschaum (by Baki), a Gourd calabash (also by Baki) and a Morta (by Davorin, il Duca or Mimmo Provenzano).

I am interested in these ones as they look the ones which should be the best in bringing up the true taste of tobacco without affecting it as well as less prone to ghosting. I would like to hear comparative experiences on their pros and cons by anybody who owns them (ideally all of them for a true comparison).

 

[ahmadothman]

Well, I'd give you a counter opinion, except for the meerschaum, the calabash and morta are quite a heft investment, and needs quite tending.. I'd say you go with the meerschaum OR get a decent briar first and get used to it before spending big money..but again, that's just another viewpoint

 

[foolwiththefez]

Those are going to be nice pipes, but you're going to be disappointed if you expect a huge leap in smoking experience. Assuming your cob is a MM cob, you're getting a good smoke that has little effect on the taste of your tobacco.
My advice, buy the pipe you like the best and don't stress about some mythical ability to elevate your smoke sessions. Good technique is more important than a good pipe.

 

[64alex]

I absolutely agree and understand that a good MM cob gives a good smoke and there is not much space left for improvement on the pipe side and that most important is technique.
I am trying to get a sense of things positive or negative to keep in account, not all related to quality of smoke but which can have an impact in choosing. In some way I am most trying to find out any negative points I might not have considered before. At the end I agree it is just a matter of choosing the one which appeals the most. As in everything part of the pleasure in buying something special stays in the search process.

 

[drennan]

Neither morta or meerschaum are completely neutral in my experience, they might not add a flavour as such, morta does untill it's 'broken in', but they effect the flavour of the tobacco in an unpredictable manner, just like briar.
I have three morta pipes that I smoke virginia and VaPer blends in, one seems completely neutral and the other two exaggerate the high notes and this effects the blends I choose to smoke in the pipes. I have a single morta pipe dedicated to English blends and it loves latakia, it brings that winey, spicey, sweet, woody, smokey flavour to the front, great with English blends heavy on latakia not so much with oriental forward English blends as it's prone to muddying the flavour.
I have three meerschaum pipes, one smokes most virginia blends well, one does truly magically things to FVF and the last is a red-headed step child that has muted everything I've ran through so far.

 

[kanse]

If you are getting just one pipe, get a meerschaum.

They need the shortest rest inbetween smokes.
Still, if I were you I'd get a bunch of cheaper pipes with different shapes and sizes.

I believe there is a lot more difference to be made with that rather than

the material or artisanship for a beginner.
P&C has some unfinished Savinellis for 50$

 

[drunkblowhard]

Baki.
Best pipe I own.
Best pipe I've ever owned.
And stupid beautiful.
That's my 2 cents. And it might be overvalued at that.
Cheers!

 

[andrew]

I'd get a meerschaum, just make sure it's a quality one, without the plastic threading for the stem. Usually a yellow plastic stem indicates a cheap quality meerschaum.

 

[64alex]

I tend to bend more and more toward Meerschaum and specifically toward a Baki one. Any idea if, in addition to the ones in stock, Baki does customized pipes and if yes how long it takes to have a customized one made?

 

[jonasclark]

I don't know re: turnaround times on Baki. I smoke mostly meerschaum and, although I don't own a Baki pipe, I hear nothing but stellar things about their quality.
I love some of Baki's takes on semi-classic forms, particularly this one (this pipe has already been well-smoked; I forgot where I found the photo)

I'd agree that if you're willing to spend and you want an excellent (new) pipe, but not simply a briar, meerschaum is a great way to go. And if you're less into carved heads and animals, or lattices, but like interesting smooth or rusticated forms, Baki is the way to go.
IMP meerschaum also makes some really fascinating non-traditional shapes, but I cannot attest to remembering any particular reviews of them, good or bad, like I can with Fikri Baki. Here's a photo of an IMP I saved a while back, having liked the vibe: