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Brands

Rainer Barbi

Tier:

Affordable	Mid-grade	Elevated	High-grade	Top
				X

Maker's own site: http://www.rainer-barbi.com

Country: Germany

Price: € 250 -1300

Production method:

Factory	Machine-assisted	Freehand
		X

Notes: Germany's best known carver, generally recognised as one of the foremost stem makers in the world. He is also regarded as one of the most versatile shape creators.

Though fellow German Ingo Garbe is more expensive, Barbi has become the more famous. This is partly due to approachability, both of the pipes and the person - his communicative nature and the very reasonable prices of his entry-level pieces ensure an ever growing following.

Grading is somewhat complicated (in ascending order): CC, CB, CA, BC, BB, BA, AC, AB, AA, C, B, A, A0, A1, A2...

Comments: Along with Cornelius Mänz, Rainer is my favourite German carver (and one of my global preferences, too). Despite huge diversity of design, he maintains a coherent style - more so than many carvers with a much smaller shape repertoire.

A bit made by Barbi must be felt to be believed. It surpasses anything produced elsewhere. Since Barbis are often very light and always supremely balanced, the overall effect is one of total smoking ease.

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