Visconti Nibs

[BobR]

I've been lucky to obtain a Laguna Verde from Swisher's and need to decide on nib size. This is a Van Gogh Maxi with 14kt nib. This is my first Visconti and I have no experience of their nibs which I hear are wonderful. Also that the fine writes more like a medium. Does anyone have thoughts to help me decide? I like smooth and not too wide as I haver small handwriting, but I like a good ink flow. I know, I want it all! Thanks

[Chris C]

In my Opera Club the 14kt medium nib provides a high ink flow with a cartridge but no so with a converter. The medium nib is more like a broad in my opinion. My handwriting is also small. If I were you I'd go for the fine.

[greencobra]

I find Visconti fines (or all their nib sizes actually) to be broader than I'd like. And I have a Laguna Verde from Swisher's too with a fine. This is no exception. I have never used a cartridge in any of my Visconti's so I can't confirm what Chris said but yes, the heavier the flow, the wider the line put down will become. I have however an Opera Club with a dryer ink flow, with a fine nib. This is close to what I think a fine shoud be.

[Shelley]

Whilst it is an Italian pen the Nib is German (made by Bock), and like a lot of German nibs (IMO) tends to run on the wide side, however it is also very smooth...

[girlieg33k]

I've found current production Visconti nibs do run a bit wide. Nibs on out of production Visconti pens seem to be more true to form. Richard Binder and I had a conversation about this the last time I sat at his table at the NY/NJ Pen Show. It appears that even though many pens use Bock nibs, each one has their own specs as to how the nibs will be manufactured. Visconti obviously changed their specs along the way because my out of production Visconti nibs are more springy and a real delight to use, compared to the more stiff, wider current production Visconti nibs.

[FrankB]

All of my Viscontis are older models. The nibs are wonderful. They are indeed springy and have something of a vintage feel. But even my older nibs run a bit wide and flow ink generously.

[Ghost Plane]

I'm blissfully happy with my B nib Laguna Verde. Wet, smooth and luscious. Dunno how you lot manage with those little slivers you call nibs. :hmm1:

[BobR]

Thanks to all for your advice. I am going with the fine nib, it seems right for me. Ghost Plane, this latest purchase of mine is all your doing! :roflmho: Now the hard part, waiting for it.

[Ghost Plane]

That's me, leading willing victims into temptation.

[Stylo]

I've found current production Visconti nibs do run a bit wide. Nibs on out of production Visconti pens seem to be more true to form .... my out of production Visconti nibs are more springy and a real delight to use, compared to the more stiff, wider current production Visconti nibs.

About when would you say the switch occurred? Does this apply to existing models too? For example, some colors of the Opera Club are now discontinued. Did that model experience a change in nib characteristics at some point? Thanks in advance for any info.