What are the differences between these pens, other than the substantial cost difference?
Both offer a very interesting range of nibs. The 742 looks like pretty good value.

The main difference is that the 742 has a nib #10 whereas the 743 has a nib #15. Both nibs are equally reliable, and the quality control is stellar. I have a 742 with a FA (falcon) nib which is the closest you can get to vintage flex in a contemporary, off-the-shelf nib. I have a nib #15 in a 845; it's a fine nib which has performed flawlessly, with excellent flow and consistency (though, it's finer than a Western Fine).

I have a 743 in M. It's pretty much like the 823, but uses a push converter, instead. It's a great pen that holds a decent amount of ink. I was going to get the 823, but I didn't like the idea of having to unscrew two different knobs in order to write with it. I highly recommend the pen. The large nib took a little while to get used to, but it's quickly become one of my favorite writers -- very, very smooth.

Any tips on good places to buy Pilot pens on line? I've been searching on eBay, but I'd like to see the whole range of the custom series...

Kind regards,
Karl

See the whole Pilot and Sailor range for the Japanese market at Ujuku where he sells them at MSRP but try obtaining whatever you like from Engeika, Tokyo Russ or even Ron Dutcher (Kamakura pens) by e-mailing em. Or watch their auctions at e-bay. For example, Ujuku sells the Pilot Custom 845 Urushi that Escribiente mentioned at around four hundred and a half, you can get them at auction for around US$330.00. There is a chap in England that sells them but the prices he posted in his website are equally atrocious if not more than Ujuku's. Apparently, you have to e-mail him too to get an ok price. Search the e-bay member's profiles for their contact links.

I looked around and confirmed that Ujuku on the 823 and 845 seem high. But his price for the Custom 74 (which I'm interested in, music nib, actually) seems very competitive and a great value for any decent gold nib FP. I haven't gotten a handle on 742 pricing yet.
I'm hankering for a 74 music and a 742 falcon. And a Legno 89 in red. And ... oh dear ....

Thiss "chap" is Richie at sales@cyberpens.co.uk. I bought my Custom 743 with FA nib from him. He gave me free delivery, a knockout price and superb service. Email him for a quote.

While we're talking about the 742 and 743 ... does anyone know if these are available in rhodium/silver trim? On Ujuku they all seem to be in gold trim.

gold trim only... unforunately...

I'm in contact with Richie about the Pilot custom range. Haven't decided yet as of which one to get, I'm considering the 743 or the 823 but I'm leaning towards the 823 as it's a piston filler. The fact that Richie mentioned something about a 823 with custom nib grinding might factor in as well... The saga continues...

Kind regards,
Karl

It is really a vac filling mechanism you see from the vintage Sheaffers and Eversharps as well as the modern power filler found in some Visconti pens. The filling mechanism is pretty cool. I have one and it writes like a dream even before it got turne into a "condor" nib by Richard Binder. Now it writes like a dream x2!

Al

I notice these aren't even listed on Richie's website now, is he still selling them?

I e-mailed him and he quoted $200 for the 742...$250 for the 743. His price on the 743 is better than Ujuku's on eBay, but not his price on the 742! I'm so confused. I thought Cyberpens was going to be such a deal on the 742 after Richie gave me a quote on the 743. Maybe I just oughta spring for the 743 Falcon?!