Do you expect the same quality from group-order pipes ?

[AirOne]

Here's an example of the pipes we received for our forum's Pipe of the Year. They were ordered from a (supposedly) reputable pipe maker who is a member of the Accademia della Pipa Italiana. We placed an order for 15 pipes at $230 each. All 15 arrived significantly later than expected—though delays can happen, so that wasn’t a major concern.

The bigger issue is that most of the pipes have noticeable quality problems: poor drilling, wood splinters in the airways, severely restricted draw, and poorly fitted stem-to-shank connections (as shown in the attached photo).

Do you think group-order pipes should be held to a lower quality standard than a pipe maker’s regular production pieces?

 

[fireground_piper]

No. There should not be any dip in quality.

 

[HawkeyeLinus]

No - why would there be?

 

[Sigmund]

Well, that sucks!

They should be as good or better since they can set up and them in assembly line fashion...even if handmade.

In theory that should cut their time. If they excused errors its just becuase they decided they were "Good enough" and alread sold (and late).

Id be shopping elsewhere next time

No Im not a pipe maker but I do make handmade sax mouthpieces. Its faster for me to make 5 of the same model at once than 5 one at a time. Maintaining a level of quality, if you have the skills, is more about caring.

 

[Alejo R.]

The pipes I bought during my pipe club days were always up to par with the brand in general. Including Mastro de Paja and even artisan pipes, which were flawless. We also bought Spitfires or the Argentine Cassano or Luiggi pipes, which generally had the typical quality of each brand. Now, the pipe you're showing isn't even briar, so it's hard to justify 230.

 

[xrundog]

Very mysterious! Is that an olive wood cavalier?
For $230 you should get a well made pipe. In fact, if the company would like repeat business, maybe a little extra attention is in order.

 

[AirOne]

.

Very mysterious! Is that an olive wood cavalier?
For $230 you should get a well made pipe. In fact, if the company would like repeat business, maybe a little extra attention

Yes, that’s olive wood.

Thanks everyone — I just wanted to get some feedback before escalating this and making the disrespectful behavior public, since the response from the pipemaker was an absolute joke.

 

[Brendan]

Ohhh.... now we gotta see that response!

 

[Homer]

No.

 

[didimauw]

I am cheap. So i would be really upset if I spent that much and got that many issues.

 

[Waning Embers]

Yes I would. I once sat and watched Bruce Weaver make this one in a six hour period.




No reason a group buy shouldn't be great given enough time.

 

[AirOne]

I am cheap. So i would be really upset if I spent that much and got that many issues.

Two guys from our forum had to re-drill, re-bend, file,.... Yes, a very poor experience, and we'll let it be known!

 

[Homer]

Please tell us the carver.

 

[AirOne]

Please tell us the carver.

Home - BRENTEGANI PIPE

www.brenteganipipe.com

 

[hoosierpipeguy]

I did two group orders with Martin Cermak, one with Jack Howell and one with Ryan Alden. Quality was superb on all. All of these carvers are known for their quality, I would have been shocked if the pipes were less than superb.

 

[The Benedictine]

That is totally unexceptable

 

[AirOne]

I did two group orders with Martin Cermak, one with Jack Howell and one with Ryan Alden. Quality was superb on all. All of these carvers are known for their quality, I would have been shocked if the pipes were less than superb.

M. Cermak was on the list as far as I know. I like his work, although I am not a fan of the buttons of the pipes I saw in a recent pipeshow.

 

[hoosierpipeguy]

M. Cermak was on the list as far as I know. I like his work, although I am not a fan of the buttons of the pipes I saw in a recent pipeshow.

I have a number if Cermak pipes. They all clench nicely.

 

[Sobrbiker]

M. Cermak was on the list as far as I know. I like his work, although I am not a fan of the buttons of the pipes I saw in a recent pipeshow.

Interesting, I think his buttons are extremely well made.

 

[Sobrbiker]

Do you think group-order pipes should be held to a lower quality standard than a pipe maker’s regular production pieces?

Abso-f’ing-lutely not.
Why would a maker pawn less than their best to a club whose main interest is pipes, and can discuss the minutiae associated with a pipe ad nauseam.