i have to agree there IS a noticable difference between a low-mid grade pipe, and a pipe of Chono's caliber. Infact, there is just no comparison.. Id wager that 9 oiut of 10 would pick a Top-teir pipe against a low to mid range pipe in a blind taste test
oddly enough, im not too crazy about chono's style.
Ive only seen 1 or 2 of his pipes that i really loved, and they were taken, and their owners were not willing to part with them
But as soon as i see one that speaks to me (and is for sale) im sure ill snag it!!
Like bruce said, hes not making many pipes anymore, and i fear his days may be numbered. I felt the same way about Cooke.. even though hes still pumping out pipes, the surgery on his wrists must take its toll.. and i see his carrear being shortened by it, at the very least, his output will drop alot in hte coming years, which means even longer waiting lists, and even more expensive..
ahh i digress..
-hyp