Within the past year I purchased a Visconti Van Gogh Maxi FP with a M nib in black. I love this pen. It's the smoothest writing FP pen I own and, in black, it's very elegant. I must admit that when I purchased it I hadn't done my homework on Visconti pens--just fell in love with it while at the pen store. After purchasing the pen and doing more research I noticed that Van Gogh's are primarily known for their unique marbling finishes--something my black pen doesn't feature. I also noticed that there are Van Gogh Midi's.

To add to my collection I'm interested in purchasing a Midi in a marble finish. I've written with one in the pen shop a while back that had a medium nib. I liked it, but it wasn't as smooth as my Maxi. I believe it may have been because the Midi had a steel nib.

My questions:

1. Does Visconti make a Van Gogh Midi with a gold nib rather than steel?

2. If so, what is a reasonable price for such a pen and/or place to purchase it? I live in Dallas/Fort Worth and Paradise Pens is my only source. They treat me well, but they don't have much of a selection right now. Additionally, last time I checked they only have medium steel nibs. If gold is an option, I'd prefer it.

3. Does anybody have a Midi with a broad nib, either in gold or steel? What is your experience with it? I prefer pens on the broader side rather than fine. Is the broad too broad?

4. What is your favorite color of Van Gogh pen and why?

I appreciate insights on any or all these questions. Thanks!

Will--Fort Worth

Yes, I'm pretty sure the Midi Van Goghs are available with gold nibs, although they may be monotone rhodium plated gold, as well as steel.

For a good look at the colours, you can have a look at my Van Gogh that I posted in the Photos forum. Those are Maxi size, but the colours are the same.

I have owned 4 Midi's and still own one tortoiseshell demostrator.Love the pens! Well worth their price in my humble opinion.

Jim

Thanks, Neo. I took a look at your Visconti collection. They are all beautiful and impressive--good photography, too. I look forward to collecting these pens in the years to come.

Will

I have a van Gogh Midi in tortoise demonstrator, and it came with a gold nib (steel was not an option). I like it because it's not colorless, but it's translucent enough for me to see how much ink remains in the converter.

My own experience is that all of the colors in this line can vary quite a bit from pen to pen. For instance, with the tortoise, I've seen in person some examples that have white blobs, white striations, white swirls, or almost no white at all (like mine). Same goes for the dark veining in the tortoise--it can vary (mine has some accents of dark veining, while others have almost none). Similarly, I've seen some "green" pens that are predominantly green and others that look more brown. If you're going to order online and you're particular about how it should look, try to ask ahead of time to see the shop has one that approximates what you have in mind.

All of the colors of the Visconti Van Gogh Midi were available with a gold nib for an additional charge at one time. Sadly, that is no longer the case and I'm told that only the Tortoise Midi is equipped with a gold nib from the factory. If you're so inclined, 'm willing to bet that a quality vendor would be willing to install a gold nib on any Midi of your choice.

But don't rule out the steel nib. I've had a Van Gogh Midi for years (well, I did, until it up and walked away at the Columbus Pen Show) and it was one of my very favorite pens. Its steel nib was one of the smoothest and most reliable nibs I've ever had the pleasure to use. Sure, it was stiff, but the 14K gold nibs that came with the Midis weren't exactly paragons of flexibility or softness. Personally, I am not sure the premium one has to pay for the gold nib is justified. I would not hesitate to recommend a Midi with a steel nib one to anyone.

Ghost Plane could probably tell you more about the Broad nibs, but they are everything stated above, only more so. The Visconti nibs I've used all tend to write wide and wet, so be forewarned. But boy are they smooth! I don't think you'll be disappointed.

James

Thanks for all the replies. It would be nice to have one in every color. I'm feeling drawn toward the Tortoise demonstrator, both because of the look and because it has a gold nib. Of course it's the most expensive of the Midis! I appreciate James P.'s comment about the steel nib being a good nib. I'm definitely not opposed to having a steel nib--just remember writing with the Midi in the shop and there was a noticeable difference between the smoothness between it and my current Van Gogh Maxi.

I'd appreciate handlebar Jim's thoughts on the differences between how his steel-nib Midis compared to his Tortoise.

Will

I don't have any midis as I infinitely prefer the long perfection of the Maxi. However I continue to write and keep a Pericles with a steel nib as it's smoother than many another pen's gold nib. As it's my only steel nib, I can't tell you if I got the perfect one or if they're consistent. It's just a great writer. In fact, it was the Pericles that set me off on my Visconti obsession, so that'll give you an idea HOW good.