This is the first of the new Megalith. While it’s technically being introduced as a new model I have done this shape for years. In fact, the Monolith shape that it somewhat resembles grew out of this shape, and now this shape grows out of the Monolith. Sorry, it all can get so confusing with tampers on multiple design paths and keeping up with it all. But, whatever preceded what or followed what, or influenced whatever, the Megalith shape differs significantly from the Monolith. With the Monolith the slanted top wasn’t so nearly slanted. With the Megalith the top is slanted much more drastically to give the tamper a far more streamlined and rakish profile. Also, I have move the logo from the very top of the tamper as was the case with the Monolith to the lower portion of the piece right above the tamp end.
The key to the Megalith is simplicity, elegance, and function. Yes, much of what I do can be anything but simple, but like my Whisper shape, sometimes more is less, and sometimes a whisper can be louder than a shout. And, as with any understated design, it must be just right. I think that the Megalith hits the mark. That said, I always like to have even my simplest designs to have a very personal element to each piece, so I allow each tamper to exhibit it’s own variance in shape, a subtle degree asymmetrical, that variance dictated by my hand, especially due to my dominant right hand. No matter how simple the design it remains paramount to me that each piece has its own unique nature. That, if for any reason, is why I have not and never will use a lathe. I have nothing against them except that for me it would be the death of what I do.
As to this material, well, quite frankly I have “screwed the pooch”. I have looked at this material for years and assumed that it was Goldfinger. Then, a week or so ago I took another look at it and realized that it differs significantly from Goldfinger in that it has far more orange to it as well as more creamy wispy inclusions that give it a complexity that even doesn’t exhibit. Like Goldfinger it is completely different in looks when viewed from the front and the sides. But where I screwed up with this one is that in all the time that I could have been obtaining this one, called “Bugs”, I wasn’t thinking that I already had it. Now that I discovered my error I have come to find out that it is discontinued with the supply of it quickly running out. Oh well. I hate it when that happens. I’ll get what I can, but it probably won’t be very much.
Okay, back on the Megalith. Right now I am using full bars of material to make them, so they are right around five inches long. That’s a lot of tamper, and the really good news is that with that tapered/swept of a shape with so much beef up top the lower part is a great fit in most bowls. Some of the Megalith will be beefier than others and some thinner. This one has lots of wiggle room in a Rad Davis pipe that I keep at my computer with a 7/8” bowl that is roughly 1.5” deep. A megalith like this will be great in medium to larger bowls yet functional is smaller bowls as well.
One more thing about the Megalith shape. And what I’m about to say will be more apparent with ones made from other materials. When I work materials I so often see amazing patterns in the cross-section that end up invisible in the final shape of the tamper. But, with that angled top it opens up such a cross-section and slews it into a wide oval offering quite a view and very often striking patterns. The Monolith shape does that to a degree, but with the much more steeply slanted top of the Megalith opened all that much more to view.
Okay, I’ve said enough about the new Megalith, but, I should also mention that these things are a blast to make. They really make me grin. So, I am going to keep pricing on these very moderate reflecting how much fun I have making them. I love it when that happens.
This tamper will come nestled in a Neil Flancbaum crafted buckskin leather pouch as well as a laminated photo ID ownership card. Domestic USPS Priority shipping and air mail for foreign orders is included in the listed price.
To order, either email me at mingkahuna@aol.com or call at 404-543-1672. Paypal is welcome as is your personal check or money order.