Hi, I'm a big Castello fan but I haven't bought a new one in over 20 years. I'm sure a lot of things have changed and I would like to learn more. So, if you have an interesting fact, story, etc. about Castellos please share it here. Thanks
I've always had the same problem. I love the finish but none ever end up being a shape I want. One Canadian was really nice but the draught hole was a half inch above the bottom of the chamber so I passed.I do love the deep and craggy SeaRocks, but their designs just don’t fall into the shapes I collect. Never owned one. But, I do like seeing pictures.
I can tell you for sure, that based on personal experience in Italy, the the Italian dealers "do" get first choice.Searock Fan - that's the oldest Castello I remember seeing!
I've seen some pretty shoddy Castello's at East Coat shops, some, as George points out, embarassingly bad
I learned to buy Castellos from the Italian vendors - they seem to get the pick of the litter and prices, even with shipping are more then competitive. I prize the smaller Castello's (KK), that also seem to be availabe only in Europe.
A good Castello is a thing to behold and smoke.
Cool. Now I don't feel that bad that I'll never own one.They run from quite nice (I have several and smoke them a lot) to embarrassingly bad.
My guess, since Castello is a mini-factory and not a person, that staff turnover and corresponding fluctuations in experience, skill, QA, etc. is the culprit. Orders must be filled and everything else follows, in other words.
Be especially wary of deep bent designs---I've seen some truly horrid Oom Paul type stuff. I'd also avoid any pipe with a shank extension. They don't seem to understand how to properly execute the design either materials-wise or layout-wise. I've been sent a LOT of them over the years.
Here's an example:
If you ever decide to sell out get in touch....I have 9 Castello Pipes. They range from 1950's to 2020. The newer pipes smoke the best in my opinion but they all smoke great. I prefer the rusticated sea rock or sand blast Old Antiquari size KK.
That's why they make more than one brand.Castello looks cute, but just not my thing. It's gonna be Peterson for me.