Why does the MYU sell for $200 on eBay? At any moment there are between 4 and 10 of these being offered for sale and they all seem to sell for around $200. They are hardly rare as they seem to be permanently available, just there are people paying through the nose for these pens. Aren't they surprised that these so called rare pens are a permanent fixture on eBay?
It's a nice pen and I'd like one and I don't mind paying $100 but double that? I'd rather buy a Custom 823 instead...
Full Version: What is it with the MYU?
Hi Siv
I'll give my $0.02.....
Yes the "all" silver ones are offered weekly, mainly by a couple of "regular" Japanese sellers..they seem to control the market so to speak..offering only 1-2 pens each week (I don't think I've ever seen 10 MYU for sale at once on ebay). Rare...no...limited quantities yes. I guess it depends on what definition of rare you are using. A Black striped MYU is rare.
For what ever reason the MYU seems to be a "hot" pen right now. They are very cool and slick pens, rugged, nice writers, ellicit nice conversation when you pull one out to write with. I believe the current prices reflect the old addage of supply and demand..there seems to be a "limited and controlled" supply right now out of Japan, and the demand is high. Also it may reflect the weak dollar, as all these pens are sold in $USD...are our European counterparts driving up the price with their stronger Euro/GBP, and willing to bid higher? I don't know the answer. I've read in this sub forum that the place to get MYU's and other Japanese pens is on Yahoo Japan..but that site is in Japanese and I think you need to some third party set up to pay for the pens. There's a thread in here somewhere about that...
I started collecting Steel Japanese pens within the past year...I got my first MYU used here, from a fellow FPN'er..for about $150.I was curious about them, and started a post about how much they usually go for. I got some nice help and one regular FPN'er offered one to me at a great price...I got 2 others off Ebay from non-Japan based sellers, again for under $200 on Ebay, guys who had one and just wanted to sell. Stan, who posts here regularly, has MYU's off and on through his "Email Sales", and typically his are less than $200..but as with winning an Ebay auction..its whoever has the fastest typing skills to reply to the email the fastest will catch Stan's pens! There are deals out there...but I doubt you will get one for $100.
Rick
I'll give my $0.02.....
Yes the "all" silver ones are offered weekly, mainly by a couple of "regular" Japanese sellers..they seem to control the market so to speak..offering only 1-2 pens each week (I don't think I've ever seen 10 MYU for sale at once on ebay). Rare...no...limited quantities yes. I guess it depends on what definition of rare you are using. A Black striped MYU is rare.
For what ever reason the MYU seems to be a "hot" pen right now. They are very cool and slick pens, rugged, nice writers, ellicit nice conversation when you pull one out to write with. I believe the current prices reflect the old addage of supply and demand..there seems to be a "limited and controlled" supply right now out of Japan, and the demand is high. Also it may reflect the weak dollar, as all these pens are sold in $USD...are our European counterparts driving up the price with their stronger Euro/GBP, and willing to bid higher? I don't know the answer. I've read in this sub forum that the place to get MYU's and other Japanese pens is on Yahoo Japan..but that site is in Japanese and I think you need to some third party set up to pay for the pens. There's a thread in here somewhere about that...
I started collecting Steel Japanese pens within the past year...I got my first MYU used here, from a fellow FPN'er..for about $150.I was curious about them, and started a post about how much they usually go for. I got some nice help and one regular FPN'er offered one to me at a great price...I got 2 others off Ebay from non-Japan based sellers, again for under $200 on Ebay, guys who had one and just wanted to sell. Stan, who posts here regularly, has MYU's off and on through his "Email Sales", and typically his are less than $200..but as with winning an Ebay auction..its whoever has the fastest typing skills to reply to the email the fastest will catch Stan's pens! There are deals out there...but I doubt you will get one for $100.
Rick
QUOTE(Siv @ Jul 8 2008, 12:32 AM) [snapback]663158[/snapback]
Why does the MYU sell for $200 on eBay? At any moment there are between 4 and 10 of these being offered for sale and they all seem to sell for around $200. They are hardly rare as they seem to be permanently available, just there are people paying through the nose for these pens. Aren't they surprised that these so called rare pens are a permanent fixture on eBay?
It's a nice pen and I'd like one and I don't mind paying $100 but double that? I'd rather buy a Custom 823 instead...
It's a nice pen and I'd like one and I don't mind paying $100 but double that? I'd rather buy a Custom 823 instead...
We seem to be having the same problem. Unfortunately, what I have found is that a lot of those who win these auctions are actually sellers themselves. For instance, Mora Stylos has purchased three MYU in as many weeks. I was recently outbid by her (I don't know the gender of this seller, so I'll just refer to them with the feminine) at the last second on a MYU auction earlier this week. Of course, she is now selling them on her web site. It isn't an economy that can continue indefinitely, but we'll probably have to wait a very long while before we can take advantage of this particular economy.
So, what do we do? Well, see if you can pick something up for as little as you'd be willing to pay, otherwise wait to see if anyone decides to give one up.
Cheers!
Thank you for your kind compliments regarding my sales.It is appreciated more than you can believe.
I have never liked the Myu or Murex. Several reasons.
From an ergonomic standpoint, they do not fit in my hand well. I have a tight grip that causes them to slip. Being a leftie might help cause this as well. When I bought my Nakaya, Mr. Yoshida spent more than two hours trying to get the nib just right for my writing style. If all that tells you anything.
I could never understand the enthusiam for the pen at the price point at which it sells. As an architect, I appreciate great design and the Myu might be a classic in this regard. It has not made the collection of the NY Museum of Modern Art yet. Yet! It still can as it is a unique piece of work.
the Myu sold for somewhere near the lower middle third of the standard lineof pens made by Pilot in the 1970s. Basically, steel was cheap. It did not sell at the time as cachet of owning a pen with a gold nib was far too strong. thus, there is a lot of overstock still sitting in back rooms of old stationary shops, where most of the Myu that hit market are found.
From my perspective a good Myushould be worth about $120, tops. For some time they sold on Yahoo Japan for about $90-$100. Only within the last two years has the Yahoo Japan priced spiked up to, in some cases, over $225. where do the buyers sell them? I haven't a clue. Their supply seems endless so, what they will go for in the future is anyone's guess.
My question is what happens to all of the used Myu in America? Where are they resold? Are they? Or, are they tossed?
I have a used one for sale rightnow for $75. anyone interested should send me an email for specifics.
I have never liked the Myu or Murex. Several reasons.
From an ergonomic standpoint, they do not fit in my hand well. I have a tight grip that causes them to slip. Being a leftie might help cause this as well. When I bought my Nakaya, Mr. Yoshida spent more than two hours trying to get the nib just right for my writing style. If all that tells you anything.
I could never understand the enthusiam for the pen at the price point at which it sells. As an architect, I appreciate great design and the Myu might be a classic in this regard. It has not made the collection of the NY Museum of Modern Art yet. Yet! It still can as it is a unique piece of work.
the Myu sold for somewhere near the lower middle third of the standard lineof pens made by Pilot in the 1970s. Basically, steel was cheap. It did not sell at the time as cachet of owning a pen with a gold nib was far too strong. thus, there is a lot of overstock still sitting in back rooms of old stationary shops, where most of the Myu that hit market are found.
From my perspective a good Myushould be worth about $120, tops. For some time they sold on Yahoo Japan for about $90-$100. Only within the last two years has the Yahoo Japan priced spiked up to, in some cases, over $225. where do the buyers sell them? I haven't a clue. Their supply seems endless so, what they will go for in the future is anyone's guess.
My question is what happens to all of the used Myu in America? Where are they resold? Are they? Or, are they tossed?
I have a used one for sale rightnow for $75. anyone interested should send me an email for specifics.
QUOTE(stan @ Jul 8 2008, 04:40 AM) [snapback]663366[/snapback]
Thank you for your kind compliments regarding my sales.It is appreciated more than you can believe.
I have never liked the Myu or Murex. Several reasons.
From an ergonomic standpoint, they do not fit in my hand well. I have a tight grip that causes them to slip. Being a leftie might help cause this as well. When I bought my Nakaya, Mr. Yoshida spent more than two hours trying to get the nib just right for my writing style. If all that tells you anything.
I could never understand the enthusiam for the pen at the price point at which it sells. As an architect, I appreciate great design and the Myu might be a classic in this regard. It has not made the collection of the NY Museum of Modern Art yet. Yet! It still can as it is a unique piece of work.
the Myu sold for somewhere near the lower middle third of the standard lineof pens made by Pilot in the 1970s. Basically, steel was cheap. It did not sell at the time as cachet of owning a pen with a gold nib was far too strong. thus, there is a lot of overstock still sitting in back rooms of old stationary shops, where most of the Myu that hit market are found.
From my perspective a good Myushould be worth about $120, tops. For some time they sold on Yahoo Japan for about $90-$100. Only within the last two years has the Yahoo Japan priced spiked up to, in some cases, over $225. where do the buyers sell them? I haven't a clue. Their supply seems endless so, what they will go for in the future is anyone's guess.
My question is what happens to all of the used Myu in America? Where are they resold? Are they? Or, are they tossed?
I have a used one for sale rightnow for $75. anyone interested should send me an email for specifics.
I have never liked the Myu or Murex. Several reasons.
From an ergonomic standpoint, they do not fit in my hand well. I have a tight grip that causes them to slip. Being a leftie might help cause this as well. When I bought my Nakaya, Mr. Yoshida spent more than two hours trying to get the nib just right for my writing style. If all that tells you anything.
I could never understand the enthusiam for the pen at the price point at which it sells. As an architect, I appreciate great design and the Myu might be a classic in this regard. It has not made the collection of the NY Museum of Modern Art yet. Yet! It still can as it is a unique piece of work.
the Myu sold for somewhere near the lower middle third of the standard lineof pens made by Pilot in the 1970s. Basically, steel was cheap. It did not sell at the time as cachet of owning a pen with a gold nib was far too strong. thus, there is a lot of overstock still sitting in back rooms of old stationary shops, where most of the Myu that hit market are found.
From my perspective a good Myushould be worth about $120, tops. For some time they sold on Yahoo Japan for about $90-$100. Only within the last two years has the Yahoo Japan priced spiked up to, in some cases, over $225. where do the buyers sell them? I haven't a clue. Their supply seems endless so, what they will go for in the future is anyone's guess.
My question is what happens to all of the used Myu in America? Where are they resold? Are they? Or, are they tossed?
I have a used one for sale rightnow for $75. anyone interested should send me an email for specifics.
PM sent regarding the pen for sale since my other MYU is now a pile of spare parts.
Thanks for all your insights. I never thought that other sellers may be buying them up on eBay. If that is the case then the eBay price is probably the lowest easily available price point on the market. Of course I'm not including people like Stan etc who are trying to maintain some sanity.
I think I better not get a MYU. While I appreciate the design, engineering and looks it'll probably drive me down a acquisition path that will ultimately be a waste of money. I have been hesitant over getting a Nakaya but a MYU BS goes for the same price as a Piccolo (~$400+)! I'll get myself a Nakaya and stop looking for these steel pens...
PS, Stan, how does one get on your mailing list?
I think I better not get a MYU. While I appreciate the design, engineering and looks it'll probably drive me down a acquisition path that will ultimately be a waste of money. I have been hesitant over getting a Nakaya but a MYU BS goes for the same price as a Piccolo (~$400+)! I'll get myself a Nakaya and stop looking for these steel pens...
PS, Stan, how does one get on your mailing list?
I concur with what talkinghead and stan have said, having been watching vintage Japanese pen sales on eBay over the last 3-4 years.
For a long while, there was not much choice in Japanese eBay sellers. Soundboy_jp and Tokyo_russ dominated the scene. At that point they were scoring nice caches of NOS MYU's from old stationery stores throughout Tokyo and other large Japanese cities. I'd heard one rumor that shop owners were clueless about the market value and were sometimes letting them go for insanely cheap prices. Then, the "prospector" turns around and sells the pen on eBay and makes a killing. Back about 4 years ago, I'd seen MYU 701's in NOS condition selling between $120-$180. Both of those sellers were letting them go one at a time, about every other week or so, in order to keep up the impression of rarity. Meanwhile, you had plenty of them moving about on Yahoo Japan (closed market to just Japanese buyers/sellers).
The relative prices of MYU/Murex pens has gone up and down a bit over the years. When more sellers came on the scene and interfered with the two prior dominant sellers, the prices slipped down a bit. But then, as eBay made headway into more countries, more buyers came on board. All you need are just *2* bidders to cause a price to go up and up. That's not much. Anyway, the cheapening US dollar means these pens are even more accessible to international bidders. Thus, despite the increase in inventory, the buyers take up the slack. But who knows... there could be a saturation point. No doubt there are pen sellers who snatch them up to sell through other channels where they get more. The regular collector gets his fill and will likely not buy more. What's the motivation to continue buying? Resale.
Anyway, I agree with Stan. These pens are not great writers for everyone. No nib flex or spring. Sharp tapered grip. But if you get used to them, they're fun to use.
My advice: Just wait. There's always going to be plenty of them floating around (don't listen to Tokyo_russ exclaiming "these are getting rare--you might not see another one ever!"). And Stan has the most reasonable prices I've seen around. He's not in love with them so when he gets them through his inventory channels, he sells them off and doesn't seek to reap an eBay-like profit. Just keep your eye out for his announcements.
For a long while, there was not much choice in Japanese eBay sellers. Soundboy_jp and Tokyo_russ dominated the scene. At that point they were scoring nice caches of NOS MYU's from old stationery stores throughout Tokyo and other large Japanese cities. I'd heard one rumor that shop owners were clueless about the market value and were sometimes letting them go for insanely cheap prices. Then, the "prospector" turns around and sells the pen on eBay and makes a killing. Back about 4 years ago, I'd seen MYU 701's in NOS condition selling between $120-$180. Both of those sellers were letting them go one at a time, about every other week or so, in order to keep up the impression of rarity. Meanwhile, you had plenty of them moving about on Yahoo Japan (closed market to just Japanese buyers/sellers).
The relative prices of MYU/Murex pens has gone up and down a bit over the years. When more sellers came on the scene and interfered with the two prior dominant sellers, the prices slipped down a bit. But then, as eBay made headway into more countries, more buyers came on board. All you need are just *2* bidders to cause a price to go up and up. That's not much. Anyway, the cheapening US dollar means these pens are even more accessible to international bidders. Thus, despite the increase in inventory, the buyers take up the slack. But who knows... there could be a saturation point. No doubt there are pen sellers who snatch them up to sell through other channels where they get more. The regular collector gets his fill and will likely not buy more. What's the motivation to continue buying? Resale.
Anyway, I agree with Stan. These pens are not great writers for everyone. No nib flex or spring. Sharp tapered grip. But if you get used to them, they're fun to use.
My advice: Just wait. There's always going to be plenty of them floating around (don't listen to Tokyo_russ exclaiming "these are getting rare--you might not see another one ever!"). And Stan has the most reasonable prices I've seen around. He's not in love with them so when he gets them through his inventory channels, he sells them off and doesn't seek to reap an eBay-like profit. Just keep your eye out for his announcements.
There's a black stripe MYU on eBay Buy-It-Now for only $680!
. . . Thank goodness this isn't one of the pens I HAVE to have, but I do love the way they look and probably would find comfortable to use. Maybe in the future. 
QUOTE(Sharkle @ Jul 9 2008, 06:37 PM) [snapback]665141[/snapback]
There's a black stripe MYU on eBay Buy-It-Now for only $680! . . . Thank goodness this isn't one of the pens I HAVE to have, but I do love the way they look and probably would find comfortable to use. Maybe in the future.
. . . Thank goodness this isn't one of the pens I HAVE to have, but I do love the way they look and probably would find comfortable to use. Maybe in the future. I've seen that one from that seller as far back as March of this year.....I also think that a Muyrex can be gotten at a
cheaper price. Patience,Sharkle!
John
QUOTE(sumgaikid @ Jul 9 2008, 03:46 PM) [snapback]665152[/snapback]
QUOTE(Sharkle @ Jul 9 2008, 06:37 PM) [snapback]665141[/snapback]
There's a black stripe MYU on eBay Buy-It-Now for only $680! . . . Thank goodness this isn't one of the pens I HAVE to have, but I do love the way they look and probably would find comfortable to use. Maybe in the future.
. . . Thank goodness this isn't one of the pens I HAVE to have, but I do love the way they look and probably would find comfortable to use. Maybe in the future. I've seen that one from that seller as far back as March of this year.....I also think that a Muyrex can be gotten at a
cheaper price. Patience,Sharkle!
John
I've sold several black stripe Myu for between $275 and $375 this year.
$680 is dumb!!!
QUOTE(stan @ Jul 9 2008, 08:09 PM) [snapback]665219[/snapback]
I've sold several black stripe Myu for between $275 and $375 this year.
$680 is dumb!!!
$680 is dumb!!!
Don't I know it! I missed on your last one probably by only minutes!!! Darn it!
Rick
QUOTE(stan @ Jul 9 2008, 08:09 PM) [snapback]665219[/snapback]
QUOTE(sumgaikid @ Jul 9 2008, 03:46 PM) [snapback]665152[/snapback]
QUOTE(Sharkle @ Jul 9 2008, 06:37 PM) [snapback]665141[/snapback]
There's a black stripe MYU on eBay Buy-It-Now for only $680! . . . Thank goodness this isn't one of the pens I HAVE to have, but I do love the way they look and probably would find comfortable to use. Maybe in the future.
. . . Thank goodness this isn't one of the pens I HAVE to have, but I do love the way they look and probably would find comfortable to use. Maybe in the future. I've seen that one from that seller as far back as March of this year.....I also think that a Muyrex can be gotten at a
cheaper price. Patience,Sharkle!
John
I've sold several black stripe Myu for between $275 and $375 this year.
$680 is dumb!!!
Stan,
I like your avatar.....is that a peregrine falcon or a kestrel?
John
QUOTE(stan @ Jul 10 2008, 12:09 AM) [snapback]665219[/snapback]
QUOTE(sumgaikid @ Jul 9 2008, 03:46 PM) [snapback]665152[/snapback]
QUOTE(Sharkle @ Jul 9 2008, 06:37 PM) [snapback]665141[/snapback]
There's a black stripe MYU on eBay Buy-It-Now for only $680! . . . Thank goodness this isn't one of the pens I HAVE to have, but I do love the way they look and probably would find comfortable to use. Maybe in the future.
. . . Thank goodness this isn't one of the pens I HAVE to have, but I do love the way they look and probably would find comfortable to use. Maybe in the future. I've seen that one from that seller as far back as March of this year.....I also think that a Muyrex can be gotten at a
cheaper price. Patience,Sharkle!
John
I've sold several black stripe Myu for between $275 and $375 this year.
$680 is dumb!!!
Patience I have
. And I was HOPING $680 was dumb! I get kind of turned off when a pen that isn't incredibly rare and wasn't particularly expensive to begin with somehow gains this special status and a price to match. I mean, this is a really, really cool pen, but my interest will be restricted just for this reason. I really appreciate that someone brought this topic up--I always bump into these pens on ebay when I look for Pilot FPs and was wondering what the deal was.
I think I'm going to wait for the pens I have to become "rare" e.g. 30 years time then I'll be on eBay selling them for silly prices. 
The black stripe MYU in NOS condition has sold mostly in the $400's as of late on Fleabay. Funny thing, that $680 is a ridiculous price, but... some guy bought two of them from the seller. TWO! Talk about clueless. But I guess that's why some sellers leave those high priced B-I-N auctions dangling around (as someone said, since March). You never know what flush-with-funds buyer will wander on by and just say "hey, that looks nice"--kaching, sold.
I just got my Pilot MYU from Stan, and I am very happy with it!
I think he is a great guy, with a lot of patience.
^_^
Since I wasn't familiar with the pen at all, only seen the pictures on the Internet, I asked quite a few questions. He was so kind to answer them for me. He also ships real fast. I live in the Netherlands and received it in a week!
The pen itself has, compared to my Parker Vector XF, writes like an XXF. I like this extremely thin nib, it gives the nib a bit more grib. But unfortunately, the ink doesn't contiously flow when interrupted for a short moment. It misses the first 3 milimeters before the ink starts flowing again. That can get a bit annoying.
Is this normal with the Pilot MYU?
Grt,
m
I think he is a great guy, with a lot of patience.
^_^
Since I wasn't familiar with the pen at all, only seen the pictures on the Internet, I asked quite a few questions. He was so kind to answer them for me. He also ships real fast. I live in the Netherlands and received it in a week!
The pen itself has, compared to my Parker Vector XF, writes like an XXF. I like this extremely thin nib, it gives the nib a bit more grib. But unfortunately, the ink doesn't contiously flow when interrupted for a short moment. It misses the first 3 milimeters before the ink starts flowing again. That can get a bit annoying.
Is this normal with the Pilot MYU?
Grt,
m
Marnixmoed,
The MYU should not dry out that quickly. Stan does flush the pens before sending to be sure they're clean, but it might be a good idea to do an extra flushing with a 1:9 ammonia solution or warm soapy water, in case there's any stubborn residue left inside. Also, what ink are you using? I find Noodler's Ink works very well, as well as Pilot ink. Good luck.
The MYU should not dry out that quickly. Stan does flush the pens before sending to be sure they're clean, but it might be a good idea to do an extra flushing with a 1:9 ammonia solution or warm soapy water, in case there's any stubborn residue left inside. Also, what ink are you using? I find Noodler's Ink works very well, as well as Pilot ink. Good luck.
QUOTE (MYU @ Jul 16 2008, 08:22 PM) 
Marnixmoed,
The MYU should not dry out that quickly. Stan does flush the pens before sending to be sure they're clean, but it might be a good idea to do an extra flushing with a 1:9 ammonia solution or warm soapy water, in case there's any stubborn residue left inside. Also, what ink are you using? I find Noodler's Ink works very well, as well as Pilot ink. Good luck.
The MYU should not dry out that quickly. Stan does flush the pens before sending to be sure they're clean, but it might be a good idea to do an extra flushing with a 1:9 ammonia solution or warm soapy water, in case there's any stubborn residue left inside. Also, what ink are you using? I find Noodler's Ink works very well, as well as Pilot ink. Good luck.
I need to respond.
Generally, I try to clean pens as best as possible. There exist three four exceptions. theremightbe more and these come to mind.
1. New pens with stickers. As many stationary shops allowed seller try out their pens and they did not always clean them as diligently as desired, some may have dried ink inside. I rarely clean stickered pens unless there are obvious indications of ink on the nib or use.
2. Pens that look new. Here I need to be more careful. There are many pens out there that for all practical purposes are new but, are not. Many pens are bought and tried for a very short time. To me, unless there is obvious damage, they are new. This is no different from someone returning a product which they did not like. I miss on some of these and do not clean them. I am getting better!
3. Old eyedroppers. I sell them as is. Some look new and I call them as I see them.
4. Used pens. There are some pens I do not clean as I did not expect to sell them when I did. They are priced such that the new owner should not complain they are used. Mostly, they do not appear to have any dried ink in them. If they did, I would clean them.
I think that the pen in question may have had some dry ink inside the section. A decent cleaning would not hurt. I clean pens with a solution of 409 and water. Occasionally, I will use ceramic tile cleaner on certain models that have difficulty being cleaned. As I clean the pens they are repeatedly flushed and resoaked. I blow through the section with my mouth (don't worry about germs) and an aerosol can of compressed air. Even so, if some ink remains in the feed air can pass through and the pen appear clean. I cannot say this is what happened but, think further cleaning might help.
BTW, Myu should have little problems with cleaning. Their feed is very simple. Any other issue might be with the nib and tines. I've not heard of a similar issue with slow starting.
Please let me know how this works out.
PS: My brief list is not all-inclusive.
Well MYU prices are one of the reasons I just bought a Pilot Volex to go with my black MYU - two nice long/short style pens but without the integrated nib - but still share some of the qualities and appearance. I have a Murex that I like a lot - but can see how they are not for everyone. Very fine lines.
All of them are picky about ink. Pilot ink works great although I'm getting bored with the blue/black (blue is a bit washed out in such a fine nib for me) - I've also had good success with Waterman and some Noodlers, but not all. Baystate Blue didn't too very well in my Murex, and neither did Ellis Island - both did not flow that well. Currently I have a mix of 40:40:20 Luxury Blue:American Blue:Waterman Violet in my Volex and it is writing great!
The biggest issue I've had is with CON20 converters which seem spotty and don't always fit snugly or work properly in my experience.
All of them are picky about ink. Pilot ink works great although I'm getting bored with the blue/black (blue is a bit washed out in such a fine nib for me) - I've also had good success with Waterman and some Noodlers, but not all. Baystate Blue didn't too very well in my Murex, and neither did Ellis Island - both did not flow that well. Currently I have a mix of 40:40:20 Luxury Blue:American Blue:Waterman Violet in my Volex and it is writing great!
The biggest issue I've had is with CON20 converters which seem spotty and don't always fit snugly or work properly in my experience.
Dear Stan and MYU,
thank you both for replying. It could perhaps be that the nib is so thin, or the Pilot black ink dries a bit faster that for example Parker blue ink, causing a discontinously flow.
I suspect this, because it only happens when the pen is uncapped, standing by for writing. When it is capped, there is no problem and ink is instantaneously available.
As reference, I have been using the Parker Vector with XF nib and it allways offer immediate ink flow. Even when I have left it open/uncapped for 10 minutes. With the Pilot MYU, even 1 or 2 minutes is enough to have it dried up.
I will try to clean it and see if their is any improvement.
Grt,
m
thank you both for replying. It could perhaps be that the nib is so thin, or the Pilot black ink dries a bit faster that for example Parker blue ink, causing a discontinously flow.
I suspect this, because it only happens when the pen is uncapped, standing by for writing. When it is capped, there is no problem and ink is instantaneously available.
As reference, I have been using the Parker Vector with XF nib and it allways offer immediate ink flow. Even when I have left it open/uncapped for 10 minutes. With the Pilot MYU, even 1 or 2 minutes is enough to have it dried up.
I will try to clean it and see if their is any improvement.
Grt,
m
QUOTE (sumgaikid @ Jul 9 2008, 06:09 PM)
QUOTE (stan @ Jul 9 2008, 08:09 PM)
QUOTE (sumgaikid @ Jul 9 2008, 03:46 PM)
QUOTE (Sharkle @ Jul 9 2008, 06:37 PM)
There's a black stripe MYU on eBay Buy-It-Now for only $680! . . . Thank goodness this isn't one of the pens I HAVE to have, but I do love the way they look and probably would find comfortable to use. Maybe in the future.
. . . Thank goodness this isn't one of the pens I HAVE to have, but I do love the way they look and probably would find comfortable to use. Maybe in the future. I've seen that one from that seller as far back as March of this year.....I also think that a Muyrex can be gotten at a
cheaper price. Patience,Sharkle!
John
I've sold several black stripe Myu for between $275 and $375 this year.
$680 is dumb!!!
Stan,
I like your avatar.....is that a peregrine falcon or a kestrel?
John
It is a hayabusa, or peregrine falcon.
I don't post much, but on this subject I have something to add. I lived in Japan between 1975-1977,81 and bought several of the MYU's at the ridiculous price of around $10-$15!!. I gave a 701 away, broke the stripped one (I know, I know), and loaned a Volex to a colleague who promptly bent the nib. I am now trying to build that collection back up and am astonished at the incredible prices these pens are. I liked writing with the stripped one, but it was bit scratchy. The 701 just slipped out of my hands and the Volex was a bit too fine. I also owned the black MYU which was a dream to write with. I used it so much that I wore the "paint" down on the cap. I appreciate the varied comments and advice I have heard here. Thanks.
QUOTE (talkinghead @ Jul 7 2008, 10:50 PM)
...I don't think I've ever seen 10 MYU for sale at once on ebay...
Right now there are 6 for auction and 2 in eBay stores (2 of the 8 are Volex). Close enough?
Rare? I don't think so...
QUOTE (Siv @ Jul 21 2008, 08:16 AM)
QUOTE (talkinghead @ Jul 7 2008, 10:50 PM)
...I don't think I've ever seen 10 MYU for sale at once on ebay...
Right now there are 6 for auction and 2 in eBay stores (2 of the 8 are Volex). Close enough?
Rare? I don't think so...
Hi Siv,
Wow..my original post was just an opinion and thought. I meant no ill will towards you..I even pointed out that I got some MYU's for for less than $200, and deals could be found. And I never said they were rare...I said I felt there were limited quantities and for whatever reason the demand is high. Sorry if you misconstrued my comments..I did not mean to offend in any way.
Rick
Rick, I absolutely did not intend for that to some across as harsh, neither did I take your post that way!
I was just trying to show that there really are a lot out there!!!
Maybe I should use more of these in my posts
I was just trying to show that there really are a lot out there!!!
Maybe I should use more of these in my posts
QUOTE (Siv @ Jul 22 2008, 07:37 AM)
Rick, I absolutely did not intend for that to some across as harsh, neither did I take your post that way!
I was just trying to show that there really are a lot out there!!!
Maybe I should use more of these in my posts
I was just trying to show that there really are a lot out there!!!
Maybe I should use more of these in my posts
Cool..no worries mate!
Rick
Wow, $10-$15 for a MYU! Even in 1970's dollar valuation, that is a phenomenal price. It's amazing how perceived values of things can change over the years.
Thanks for posting that FleaBay snapshot, Siv. I think it fairly represents what has been going on lately. There are a lot of MYU 701's being sold these days. Curiously, the price hasn't gone down much at all. Judging by the repeat winners, I suspect there are people plucking them off the auction board and selling them back channel. Darn opportunists!
Thanks for posting that FleaBay snapshot, Siv. I think it fairly represents what has been going on lately. There are a lot of MYU 701's being sold these days. Curiously, the price hasn't gone down much at all. Judging by the repeat winners, I suspect there are people plucking them off the auction board and selling them back channel. Darn opportunists!
QUOTE (MYU @ Jul 22 2008, 01:10 PM)
I suspect there are people plucking them off the auction board and selling them back channel. Darn opportunists!
I think with all the focus on older pens, some of the new ones are going really cheap. I have managed to score some modern pens at prices well below the cheapest retail (e.g. a brand new 1911 Naginata-Togi for $158 + shipping).
I can't blieve that someone is willing to pay more than that for a MYU!
A bit OT -- how do you like the Naginata-Togi nib? How does it compare to the standard Sailor nibs?
QUOTE (MYU @ Jul 22 2008, 06:35 PM)
A bit OT -- how do you like the Naginata-Togi nib? How does it compare to the standard Sailor nibs?
I'll tell you in a couple of days - this is my first Sailor. I really enjoy using it though and it's quite versatile (when I remember that I can vary the line size). Very smooth but then all my Pilots are too - I haven't had a bad Japanese pen yet.
QUOTE (Siv @ Jul 22 2008, 07:47 PM)
QUOTE (MYU @ Jul 22 2008, 06:35 PM)
A bit OT -- how do you like the Naginata-Togi nib? How does it compare to the standard Sailor nibs?
I'll tell you in a couple of days - this is my first Sailor. I really enjoy using it though and it's quite versatile (when I remember that I can vary the line size). Very smooth but then all my Pilots are too - I haven't had a bad Japanese pen yet.
I've had great experiences with Pilot nibs as well. The only Sailor I have is the cheap "ink pen", but that stainless steel nib is superb for the price. I've also heard of some opinions that place Sailor a little above Pilot. I think you can't go wrong with either one. Does the Naginata-Togi nib allow you to write from fine to broad in line width? Is the angle required for a fine line fairly generous or narrow?
QUOTE (MYU @ Jul 22 2008, 06:52 PM)
I've had great experiences with Pilot nibs as well. The only Sailor I have is the cheap "ink pen", but that stainless steel nib is superb for the price. I've also heard of some opinions that place Sailor a little above Pilot. I think you can't go wrong with either one. Does the Naginata-Togi nib allow you to write from fine to broad in line width? Is the angle required for a fine line fairly generous or narrow?
I find the n-t to be a nice western medium with written with normally (nib I have is a NMF). It's very easy to get a nice fat line by angling the pen down. The line variation is gradual so at a very shallow angle it's very fat and it gradually gets narrower as the pen is moved upright. At almost vertical, you get a Japanese medium - this isn't really a practical way of writing for me though. Upside down, the nib is a Japanese fine which is great for making margin notes etc and the nib is just as smooth upside down as the right way up. My only frustration is the tiny converter size. I think I'm going to buy some cartridges for this one...
I don't want to cause a ruckus but as a committed student of the prices paid on ebay for new and second hand MYUs over the last few years I think that I have seen a slight softening in the price of new with sticker MYUs in the last few weeks.
If the magic that surrounds Tokyo Russ' sales is discounted, a significant number of new pens seem to be selling for less than $200.
If the magic that surrounds Tokyo Russ' sales is discounted, a significant number of new pens seem to be selling for less than $200.
Yeah, Tokyo Russ is partly attributed for the inflation. His grandiose explanations are often ridiculous. What really irks me is his incessant claims like "I don't see these often--who knows how long they will last; get one while you still can!" Meanwhile, more and more turn up each week. One doesn't have to buy *that* particular MYU and can easily wait until the next one. Also, Russ is mostly all-business; hard to get him to chat about anything else, despite his wealth of pen knowledge.
QUOTE (MYU @ Jul 27 2008, 07:54 PM)
...Also, Russ is mostly all-business; hard to get him to chat about anything else, despite his wealth of pen knowledge.
Wow, what a difference with Stan. He was very helpfull with all the questions I had. It was one of my rare times to buy over the internet without a fail safe. But with all the notes he placed here, and all the positive feedback and responses, I decided to give it a try.
And my personal experience was very good. The pen arrived in good condition. Though without box (I bought a second hand pen) it was well packed with bubble wrapping and arrived within a week (from the US to the Netherlands). Unfortunately, he did not had the blue cartridges I requested and send me black ones instead.
If you are willing to buy outside eBay or regular store, I would recommend Stan.
Grt,
m
I don't think it's just the description that drives up the prices from a particular seller - it's reputation too.
Example: Sailor 1911 Naginata Togi MF pen
June 16 at $250
July 21 at $226
July 26 at $181
Seems Ron, being the most reputable Japanese pen seller on eBay, commands the highest prices and Taizo (engeika/japan_antique) gets the lowest with Tay somewhere in the middle! Of course this is based on my casual observation and I'm sure I could be well mistaken!
Example: Sailor 1911 Naginata Togi MF pen
June 16 at $250
July 21 at $226
July 26 at $181
Seems Ron, being the most reputable Japanese pen seller on eBay, commands the highest prices and Taizo (engeika/japan_antique) gets the lowest with Tay somewhere in the middle! Of course this is based on my casual observation and I'm sure I could be well mistaken!
As best I know, all of the sellers from Japan are reputable. As I do not frequent eBay often, please take this with as many grains of salt as you need.
FWIW, here's my take on prices paid to different sellers.
1. Presentation means a lot. It shows decent stability as a seller despite occasional gaudiness and ostentation.
2. Being around for awhile matters, as do the number of negatives. The negatives used to mean more but, today, it's pretty hard to get one.
3. Pictures. Quality and quantity count.
4. Timing. Certain times of the day and week are better for sales.
Dropping $200 for a pen is a lot to many and buying a Myu or a Sailor with a super-charged nib is a big deal and likely someones first expensive purchase. It is a natural tendency to go with whoever seems to have the most integrity. For some, Ebay might be the only source which they are currently aware for thier pen too. They've read and heard the mystique and have to have one. It was a big decision.
Go back and look at the list of buyers from the top Bay sellers. How many are newbies to the pen world? How many are just moving up?
The Myu has had a mystique since before Ron or Russ. Years ago, I recall a friend speaking in awe of his newly acquired stainless steel integral nib pen. This was before they became popular or in the quantity they now show up on the 'Bay. I even remember the first time I saw and handled one. It was like, "WOW!" Personally, I never got it as I have always had a difficult time writing with them.
Be reasonable and not go overboard with any pen. I've bought more than my share of losers and I've had enough regrets to last a lifetime.
If you really want a Myu, figure out how much you are really willing to spend. Then, assuming you want to buy from eBay, check out several auctions and see where prices are headed. Buy when you are confortable with your price. Do not bid twice as much to guarantee you win. You will lose! Let someone else spend their money. Get it?
IMHO, Myu sell for too much and should be in the $120 range. The supply on eBay seems almost endless. They are not rare! At one time I did until I had three boxes of them in front of me. Ask yourself this. What has happened to all of the now used Myu that have been sold for the last five or six years? One never sees them for resale. Are they trashed? Most are probably darn good writers and worth $60-80. Guess most don't want to take a $100+ loss on their new toys. Think about where have all the Myu gone. Myu heaven?
More commentary will eventually show up on my site. Take care and be careful with your wallet.
FWIW, here's my take on prices paid to different sellers.
1. Presentation means a lot. It shows decent stability as a seller despite occasional gaudiness and ostentation.
2. Being around for awhile matters, as do the number of negatives. The negatives used to mean more but, today, it's pretty hard to get one.
3. Pictures. Quality and quantity count.
4. Timing. Certain times of the day and week are better for sales.
Dropping $200 for a pen is a lot to many and buying a Myu or a Sailor with a super-charged nib is a big deal and likely someones first expensive purchase. It is a natural tendency to go with whoever seems to have the most integrity. For some, Ebay might be the only source which they are currently aware for thier pen too. They've read and heard the mystique and have to have one. It was a big decision.
Go back and look at the list of buyers from the top Bay sellers. How many are newbies to the pen world? How many are just moving up?
The Myu has had a mystique since before Ron or Russ. Years ago, I recall a friend speaking in awe of his newly acquired stainless steel integral nib pen. This was before they became popular or in the quantity they now show up on the 'Bay. I even remember the first time I saw and handled one. It was like, "WOW!" Personally, I never got it as I have always had a difficult time writing with them.
Be reasonable and not go overboard with any pen. I've bought more than my share of losers and I've had enough regrets to last a lifetime.
If you really want a Myu, figure out how much you are really willing to spend. Then, assuming you want to buy from eBay, check out several auctions and see where prices are headed. Buy when you are confortable with your price. Do not bid twice as much to guarantee you win. You will lose! Let someone else spend their money. Get it?
IMHO, Myu sell for too much and should be in the $120 range. The supply on eBay seems almost endless. They are not rare! At one time I did until I had three boxes of them in front of me. Ask yourself this. What has happened to all of the now used Myu that have been sold for the last five or six years? One never sees them for resale. Are they trashed? Most are probably darn good writers and worth $60-80. Guess most don't want to take a $100+ loss on their new toys. Think about where have all the Myu gone. Myu heaven?
More commentary will eventually show up on my site. Take care and be careful with your wallet.
Stan, thanks so much for posting this. Excellent food for thought and advice.
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