Anyone Modify Their Stock Mbs?

[Blade Runner]

For example, switch out nibs, use a different clip, re-plate the trim, and other modifications.

Anyone do this? Show examples if possible.

[zaddick]

There are people on this site who sell replated pens. Often it is a 149 with a different nib color combination or platinized trim.

[Joe in Seattle]

Any number of people have the Nibs reground to their taste. Curiously, some of them end up for sale here in the marketplace.

[Dutchpen]

I can do the trim modification. There are samples of a modificated mb 149 pen (rhodium) in the mall section on this board.

[Wolverine1]

I have 2 149s boxed up ready to go to the Post Office to Mike Masuyama. The Medium nibs on both these pens are too broad of my liking, and I have asked Mike to make one into a Fine nib, and the other into a Japanese Medium-Fine nib.

[Michael R.]

Interesting question; I'm curious to see the replies!

 

I do this ocasionally both on modern and vintage pens. E.g. I've:

 

- switched nibs on both modern and vintage pens with other pens of the same type

 

- had a modern 149's trim rhodinated

 

- had a custom clip made to "create" a modern 139 look-alike with a pen which came to me without any clip

 

- reground and/or tune nibs to improve the writing experience

 

- switched feeds to improve writing quality

 

- also changed "bad" parts on vintage pens with "good" parts

 

All is done in a way that pens can be returned to their original state or at least look original.

 

 

While this is not heavy modifying it can have a significant impact on the pleasure to use my Montblancs.

 

Cheers

 

Michael

Edited November 23, 2014 by Michael R.

[I like mango cheesecake]

I'm getting my 146bb stubbed by PB as we apeak

[Barry Gabay]

At the NYC Pen Show (sadly no longer held since Marianne Zucker's death) several years ago, I purchased an Ariel Kullock 149 sterling silver overly. It is called "Millennia" and contains historical and cultural scenes from several millennia of world history: Roman architecture to the Beatles and many others. Ariel made several of these for 149s and Parker 51s, each one slightly different. I have seen mine plus two others. The one I bought has a one-piece barrel, solid ebonite feed, and two-tone 14C nib. Full overlay except for the snow crown at top of cap.

[Dutchpen]

Here are some samples of custom plating.

[Blade Runner]

Interesting replies. Like modifying cars and trucks, I think modifying MBs is a cool idea, making them unique and personalized.

[Jeff_H]

Just out of curiosity, how long would it take and approximately how much would it be to rhodium plate all the furniture on a 146? I realize there would be disassembly/ reassembly time and charge as well.

 

Thank you.

[Medsen Fey]

Here are a pair of 149s with the Ariel Kullock treatment. Nothing like adding a little bling!

One of them just came back from Pendleton Brown after the getting the butterline nib treatment.

 

Some of the purists here might say these are an abomination, but frankly, I think they are some of the most beautiful art pieces I've seen.

 

Heck, I'm ready for Xzibit to come in here an start filming...

PIMP MY WRITE!!!

 

 

 

 

[Mister Mont Blanc]

Here are a pair of 149s with the Ariel Kullock treatment. Nothing like adding a little bling!

One of them just came back from Pendleton Brown after the getting the butterline nib treatment.

 

Some of the purists here might say these are an abomination, but frankly, I think they are some of the most beautiful art pieces I've seen.

 

Heck, I'm ready for Xzibit to come in here an start filming...

PIMP MY WRITE!!!

 

 

 

 

Wow! Very cool pens and amazing work!

[TLMG]

I essentially ALWAYS have my nibs reground depending on what I'm using it for. Normally a true EF for writing notes.