Hello,

Thanks to the advice of several people on FPN I have decided to get a Lamy Al-Star as my general 'work-horse' pen and first fountain pen of my own. But, to immediately begin my 'collection' (collection = more than one pen) I will also be soon purchasing a Parker Sonnet. At least; I think I will. Alas, my first FP is not even here yet, yet I find my appetite has been tantalisingly whetted...

But I need some advice from experienced Sonnet users. I am going to get the cheaper version which is stainless steel with the steel nib. I have read some reviews on the internet and here but details on the line thickness created by the various nibs seems lacking. I think I heard that Parker nibs are usually wider than the majority of nibs so I think I may need an extra fine if the fine is anything like a medium - I have small handwriting. Would this be wise?
Also, more general information, how does she handle? Is the Sonnet a wet or dryish writer? Are they durable, easy to use, finely balanced etc. Any scrap of info is welcome! As I say I have read as much about it as I can but generally seem to find details lacking. Also, there's no-where that I can purchase or try them locally so the internet is my only recourse - if anyone knows of any good deals on the Sonnet in the UK I would be very happy to know.

If I think of any more questions to raise I shall post here again.

Thank you ever so much for reading,

Patrick.

EDIT: Ah, now I remember the other question I was going to ask... to use bottled ink, does this pen need the standard Parker converter or something else (does it come with one?)

EDIT 2: I was also considering the much cheaper Parker 45 but found that it had no extra fine nib option and only a fine. Is the fine on a 45 really a fine fine? (That's a lot of fines)

I use a Parker Sonnet Medium (Steel nib). I have never used A Fine or XF Sonnet so I can't comment on those, but if it's any indication, I had a Sheaffer Targa Medium that I found wrote too thin compared to my Sonnet Medium.

My Sonnet writes a nice wet line, I suspect a Sonnet Medium is more like a Medium-broad in some other brands but I love my Sonnet. It is a nice and wet writer, sometimes it needs a split second to get started, but I am fine with that - as long as the pen dosent skip while writing, and my Sonnet never skips.

My Sonnet looks really well made, the fit and finish look good. I am very satisfied, I can't even nitpick. I am very comfortable using my Sonnet, but then I like pens that are kinda on the heavy side, so this may be a YMMV thing.

My Sonnet came with one cartridge, and one delux convertor. The pen came in a heavy gift box.

I have a parker 45 Medium. The pen writes a smooth line that is wet but looks like a medium-broad again. The only thing going against the 45 is the narrow sweet spot, but that is just my opinion.