Hello Everyone,

I recently acquired a Sailor fountain pen as a gift and started a new interest. I am a composer at the University of California- San Diego and do lots and lots of writing. I was constantly frustrated by smeared pencil and began writing in pen. Now, I only use my pen anytime I write anything longer than a few sentences.

If anyone has any suggestions on a nice, beautifully rich looking blue ink, something to jump off the page, but not be over-bearing, I am all ears. I'd prefer something rich and vibrant to a brighter colour. I also do a fair amount of grading and have always hated finding the loads of red ink on my papers, so blue is much better. It's a kinder and gentler sight.

The last interest of mine would be in finding a nice dip fountain pen. I'm new to this so I don't know just what is a good dip pen, and what will write well versus a pen that will just look nice.

One last enquiry, if I were to purchase another pen, what pen do you suggest? I'm not too concerned with appearances, but rather, with nib quality.

I think that's all. I'm looking forward to learning more and beginning a collection of my own!

Welcome. Aurora Blue is a nice rich, well saturated blue ink.

Welcome from just up the road in Riverside.

Can't help with the ink or the pen. It's a subjective thing. Have you seen the nibs for music?

Good luck,

C

Welcome to FPN! I would suggest the Pelikan Royal Blue or some blue black ink, like the Private Reserve Sonic blue.

Best,

Hello and welcome!

Welcome to FPN. Several members from San Diego area, and probably lots of former San Diegans. I moved to Texas from San Diego 3 years ago in September.

Regarding another pen, you should look at a Sailor or Platinum pen with Music Nib. Both are readily available on eBay, and the music nib is apparently particularly well suited to the purpose.

Donnie

Welcome to FPN!

Hello and welcome to FPN.

hello and welcome to FPN. Take a look around there is lots to see.

Kurt

Hi Donnie,

I'm happy to be in San Diego as it is a welcomed change from two past locations, near Chicago and near Cleveland. I actually received the Sailor pen specifically because it came with a music nib, but exchanged it for a more ordinary nib. I was frustrated by the calligraphic look and its imprecision. It has a beautiful look, but I computerize all my scores. I only needed a pen for writing and my scores are very detailed, so the fineness of the nib was important. All that said, I have been very happy with my Sailor pen and would recommend it to anyone.

As far as inks, I've been looking into the aurora black and private reserve DC supershow blue or the DC supershow electric blue. I ordered a bunch of Mont Blanc ink, thinking it would be a nice standard, but I have yet to make any decisions.

Thank you for the welcome

Ryan

(1) Hi and welcome!
(2) A Penguin, in any case. At least an M215. At most an M1000. In the middle how about an M400, M420, M450, M600, M620, M650 or an M800. That otta do the trick.

Mike

Hi. A very nice blue would be Private Reserve DC Supershow Blue.
If you grade lots of papers you don't want to use an expensive pen. Most paper clogs nibs. I use Parker Vectors to grade my papers.

Unless quick drying is a requirement, Levenger's Cobalt Blue is a beautiful color. It is reasonably well behaved with a fine nib.

I'm living in Carmel Valley just up the one exit up the Interstate from La Jolla. If you would like to see a nice assortment of fountain pens, (about 150 or so) just contact me back channel. (I'm NOT trying to make a sale.)

All the best,

Andy

Welcome and... enjoy!