Space between gourd body and meerschaum bowl on strambach calabash

[coli]

Hey guys, I recently purchased a new Strambach ebonite calabash. I know that it is normal to have the space between the meer bowl and gourd body. Should I first smoke the pipe, then once it is warm try and gently push the bowl further into the gourd? I don't want to do any damage..This is why I am asking. Any advice is welcome.
Thanks in advance.
Col

 

[topd]

Strambach uses authentic African gourd for his body material, so I wouldn't try to force it, you could crack the gourd. After a few smokes the cork seal will loosen up/relax and your bowl will settle to the body with no problem. I wouldn't try pushing it in just after it gets warm on the first several smokes.

I have one that's a bit loose after years of use. I read in an old post by Fred to use Lanolin to recondition the cork and that works just fine.

 

[coli]

Thanks for the advice. I won't mess with it then. One other question I have, once taking the bowl out of the gourd body..Is it difficult to put back in, because of the cork seal? After smoking they say you should take it apart so the pipe can dry out properly. is this right? I'm just worried that I will battle to get the meer bowl back in place after taking it out.
Thanks again mate.

 

[pstlpkr]

Lanolin maybe ok, but I would recommend you go to your local musical instrument dealer and pick up some cork grease.

It is to be used on woodwinds with cork connections between segments. Works great and comes in a dispenser like chap stick. Couple of bucks or less and will last your damn near forever.

 

[jbbaldwin]

Lanolin maybe ok, but I would recommend you go to your local musical instrument dealer and pick up some cork grease.

...but the grease from the Schilke company has lanolin. It smells faintly (but pleasantly, IMO) of sheep.

The chapstick-tube grease may smell faintly of mint. You may or may not like that.
Avoid this:

It's stickier than tar on a hot day. (Works fine for metal slides, though.)