Im new here and i have always looked at mont blancs. My question is what would be a good every day user? Im looking for something reasonably priced for a student as well. Thank you for your help.

Mark

For a reasonably-priced Montblanc for a student, definitely used or vintage is the way to go, imho.

I have been happy with the 342 I have; the 300-series pens were originally designed for students and working class people who couldn't afford fancy pens. That said, they're not fancy.

Here's an info page about them from fountainpen.de.

If you don't want a truly vintage pen (1950s or earlier, IMO), there are usually good used 146s that appear in the 'classifieds' periodically. I'd recommend a 146 not only because I like them, but because they are a good utilitarian size. MB nibs tend to run wider than the specified size--some Fs=M, and some EFs=F, etc. But for the money, a 146 is a good bet.

Deirdre is right about the vintage 34x series. 342s and 344s are somewhat less expensive being originally for the student market, but their nibs are delightful, even thought the pen diameter is a little small for me.

Some may recommend a 149, and I love my 149s, but they are large pens, and are bringing some high prices ($300++) on eBay and here in the 'classifieds."

Gook luck with your choice.

Eric

I use a Lamy Studio at work, but I have a MB 144 that is my main pen in my home office. I bought it used. That will definitely save you some money, but will also increase the chances of buying a fake. Read through the threads here so that you know what to look for. You could also buy one from someone off the board, that seems safer than eBay.

If you want to buy a new one, I think $250-$300 is the low end.

Eric, the 146 would be my next choice!

Because they're smaller, the 146 doesn't have the "collectibility" of the 149 (and thus often re-sells for less money), but because it's a piston filler, it has great ink capacity.

OK ill be looking on the Bay and posting the links to auctions and youall can give me the yea or neigh. Because im looking for a daily writer it dosent matter to me what it really looks like a long as it IS real and has that wonderful snowflake on the cap. Please stay tuned.

I echo the suggestions made thus far. I like the 146 size. For me, it's just about the perfect pen. The 144 is a bit skinny, and the 149 is slightly too large for me to write comfortable for longer periods.

The first thing I think you should do is try to get to a Montblanc Boutique or other dealer in and hold the demos in your hand, write with them a bit and see what is most comfortable for you. You may find that you like a Boheme, for example. A decent 144/146/149/Boheme standard writer is not overly expensive (compared to some of these ridiculously priced pens we chase after) but you don't want to find what you like best through trial and error suggestion purchasing (trust me, I've been down that road). Kinda like that old saying "Measure twice; cut once". After writing with them, you'll quickly know what is most comfortable to you... buy that one (get it used somewhere else if you don't want to pay the MSRP at the boutique). Seems I just love parenthesis (I have no idea why) perhaps it's an addiction (or a dependence) but costs nothing (though perhaps irritating to the reader)... ahhhh another habit to break (at least I can afford this one)

If you turn out to be insane like most of the rest of us, you'll wind up buying at least one or two of each anyway just to collect and trade with your friends... but you should buy the most comfortable size first.

http://cgi.ebay.com/MONTBLANC-34-vintage-G...1QQcmdZViewItem

this one looks nice and so far its at the right price too.

I have an extra Montblanc 32 in excellent shape. It is just a little smaller than a 34, otherwise identical. If you don't win the 34 auction, I'd consider selling it.