Well, I got that beauty 466 in deep cerise with some black marbling - sweet pen but I must say the nib is a bit peculiar. It writes a nice wet line, but it squeaks when it goes across the page. Anyone else have this issue on CS pens or others?

Does it on right to left or left to right or on both directions?

I hadn't tested it before but both directions and more even more pronounced from right to left. I just noticed, too, that there is an ever-so slight bend to the nib tip...

Last time I experienced something similar it was a flexy nib which had a tin misalignement, probably the left tine may be lower on your's and also the iridium may be a bit rough (I mean it may present some sharp edge in the middle face). On my particular case, using 20x magnifying glass I corrected the alignement which improoved dramatically the behaviour. After that, a very light smoothing and final polishing did the rest. As I do not have experience in grinding I stop here as excessive smoothing can end with a baby bottom or worst things. You may get some more info at the Repair Q&A (?) perhaps a nib guru shows up, who knows?

I have a few CS's that have squeeky nibs but it is caused by being very smooth but a little toothy (drag).
The feeling is that nothing catches on the paper but there is slight resistance and a very slight squeek, not scratchy sound. A bit like walking in very clean fine sand on the beach.
I find this toothy feeling good for forming characters whereas too slippery tends to skid all over the place.
One of my broader duro nibs definitely has this trait and there is nothing wrong with nib alignment or iridium tipping at all.
I may be wrong but as I've only found this on my CS's it could be a common thing ?.
Gary

Kelly, I've just put a call in to a very good friend of mine who I class as an authority on pens IMHO.

He asks that if you move the pen faster or slower does the pitch of the squeek change ?.
He believes that the nib is resonating on the paper weave. CS pens in particular with smooth but toothy nibs can exhibit this. Buttery smooth nibs don't have enough drag for this to happen. Also he mentions that a well used nib has become "paper polished" and this will occur.

Something to consider ?.

Gary

Thanks, Gary. Maybe it is a worn nib? Not sure, it's a good writer just a little nib tweaked. I'm actually thinking of selling it already - It's a sweet little pen, I'm just not that into it as I thought I would be and the nib squeak is putting a damper on it as well. Just trying to decide on a fair price.

Kelly,

The nib doesn't have to be that worn. My guess is that it only squeeks on sideways strokes ?

Gary

Thats what I call a Sideways Music Nib...
And for this effect there has to be some part of the tip giving enough drag to start the movement which brings the nib into resonance.

Oh well done Jopen. sideways music nib..very cool..we could start a band.

Jopen and the Squeekers

Gary

Yeah... I like it...

I recently bought a new CS 58 with a fine nib. It wrote with a nice wet line but when I wrote quickly, especially on slick or finished paper, it would give out the damnedest squeak I've ever heard. It didn't seem to affect the pen's writing qualities at all, but it was irritating on a pen of this quality. I smoothed the nib very, very slightly and the problem stopped. I might add that I viewed the nib with a 10X loupe before I smoothed it and everything appeared to be perfect. Hope this helps!!!

221BBakerSt or is it Sherlock ?

Smoothing to remove any tooth on the paper would rectify this abnomaly as it is the vibration caused by slight drag that will cause this squeek...we think .

Thanks for the input.

Gary

So basically I have the "singing 466". It reminds me of 'singing' wine glasses! Thanks for all of your input. I don't have any pen repair gagetry at the ready, boys, so I'm thinking of sendng it in to one of the pros. I need some grinding done on another pen and could piggy-back the CS along with it. It probably is a very simple adjustment but I'm not savvy enough (yet) in the nib smoothing to do it myself but something is going to have to give as what was once a charming little quirk is now an annoyance.

Kelly, now I know why you have this problem..you have the Conway Stewart 466 Soprano The tenor version is much more tolerable..it even sounds
Italian when it squeeks.

Gary

ps do keep us informed when you get your squeekless pen back.

Good one, Gary, but is it going to make me an offer I can't refuse?!

Update on the squeak: Our own Dillo was able to smooth it out by a little polishing and it now writes really well and, most importantly, quiet Yay!

Hi,

The tipping was pitted under inspection under my powerful microscope, so I polished the point carefully until it shone like the sun, then I figured that it was ready to go.

Dillon

Yes, I call tat "common sense"...