Visconti Van Gogh As A Gift?

[DNC]

Does anyone have any experience with a Visconti Van Gogh (regular size)? I would like to gift one to someone I know. Are they on par with their other models or are they an entry level with a lessor nib? Thank you.

[Cordovian]

I own a Van Gogh Starry Night and a Michelangelo Back to Black which is basically the same pen.

 

They both have steel nibs; the Starry Night is a fine and the Back to Black is a medium. Don't confuse steel with sub par when it comes to nibs. Both of these pens are wonderful writers that lay down a nice wet line.

 

While they may not be on the same level as a Homo Sapiens or a Ragtime, they are very nice pens that would make a nice gift. I certainly wouldn't mind if someone gave me another.

[torstar]

Pens are tough to effectively gift out.

 

Depends on your budget, the interest of the recipient, whether they will use it,.

 

Anyone on here would like a nice pen, but non-freaks are usually not worth it, unless you can use it when they don't.

[DNC]

I own a Van Gogh Starry Night and a Michelangelo Back to Black which is basically the same pen.

 

They both have steel nibs; the Starry Night is a fine and the Back to Black is a medium. Don't confuse steel with sub par when it comes to nibs. Both of these pens are wonderful writers that lay down a nice wet line.

 

While they may not be on the same level as a Homo Sapiens or a Ragtime, they are very nice pens that would make a nice gift. I certainly wouldn't mind if someone gave me another.

 

Cordovian, Thank you for your response. The nib was a great concern to me, thanks for addressing that. If these pens write as good as they look I know the gift will be treasured. I was just wanting to make sure I was not just buying a pen that looked good.

[DNC]

Pens are tough to effectively gift out.

 

Depends on your budget, the interest of the recipient, whether they will use it,.

 

Anyone on here would like a nice pen, but non-freaks are usually not worth it, unless you can use it when they don't.

 

Torstar, I agree with you; pens are a tough gift, but in this case I am confident about giving a fountain pen. I was more concerned about the quality of the pen as I have never owned one of these, or any Visconti for that matter. The Van Gogh Series is just so handsome.

[sharonspens]

I have had a van Gogh for a number of years. It's a fine nib, and tends to write very very well. The nib ranks in line with most of other pens in that price range (I own everything from Pelikan 620 series to Pilot, Platinum and Waterman down to Monteverde in the line of modern pens). I do not consider this to be a lessor pen, if I understand your question correctly. Although you did not ask, probably the worst thing about it is that some people will not enjoy the slippery metal section.

 

In short, it is not just a pretty face - it is also a smart, useful one.

 

Sharon in Indiana

[DNC]

I have had a van Gogh for a number of years. It's a fine nib, and tends to write very very well. The nib ranks in line with most of other pens in that price range (I own everything from Pelikan 620 series to Pilot, Platinum and Waterman down to Monteverde in the line of modern pens). I do not consider this to be a lessor pen, if I understand your question correctly. Although you did not ask, probably the worst thing about it is that some people will not enjoy the slippery metal section.

 

In short, it is not just a pretty face - it is also a smart, useful one.

 

Sharon in Indiana

 

Sharon, It is great to hear the opinion of a long time owner. I feel better about this pen given what you described. Thank you.

[sharonspens]

 

Sharon, It is great to hear the opinion of a long time owner. I feel better about this pen given what you described. Thank you.

 

Any time.

[Ceelo]

I have a Salvador Dali, which is essentially a Van Gogh with different styling. It's a great pen, the nib is fantastic for a steel construction as it writes nicely wet and looks nice. As a gift just make sure the pen is not for use at work if they are the corporate type, as it certainly doesn't fit the subtle category.

[mcorrea]

I have not tried this pen, however, I would caution you about slippery metallic sections. The reason why I don't have this pen is exactly that, I cannot stand a slippery section. And I believe I'm not nearly alone here. Are you sure that the recipient of the gift would use a pen with a slippery section?

 

If someone gave me this pen Id either sell it (if they are not someone I see often) or put it on display, but I would never use it.

 

Matias

[Ghost Plane]

It was a Visconti Pericle steel nib some years back that got me hooked on the brand. They're really good nibs. Also among the few brands that offer B nibs as opposed to the tiresome F & M retreads that put so many people off modern fountain pens, thinking they're all scratchy or dry writers.

[FOUR X FOUR]

Unless you're set on Visconti, you CAN get a sub 200 dollar pen with a gold nib. In as far as price goes, I would call them, Viscontis entry level pens

[sandy101]

Sounds like a wonderful idea. I have the Rembrandt and have no complaints about the medium nib. It gives a generous live and is not scratchy. My friend who also loves FPs tried it out and fell in love with it.

[DNC]

I bought the Van Gogh Irises to gift and it arrived today. I had to try it for myself so I inked it up with absolutely no issue whatsoever. The converter is the smoothest most effortless I have ever used pulling a full amount of ink the first time. The only way it could have been easier is had it jumped out of the box and inked itself. Wrote perfect without skipping a beat. This is a great nib (fine). As Ghost Ship mentioned, I think I maybe hooked on this brand. It is my first Visconti. Yes, "my" Visconti. I placed an order for a second one to gift as this one isn't leaving home. I cannot remember liking a pen this much so quickly. Thank you to all who responded to my post. Your responses gave me the courage to give this pen a try and discover a completely new brand of pen. Take care.

[sharonspens]

I bought the Van Gogh Irises to gift and it arrived today. I had to try it for myself so I inked it up with absolutely no issue whatsoever. The converter is the smoothest most effortless I have ever used pulling a full amount of ink the first time. The only way it could have been easier is had it jumped out of the box and inked itself. Wrote perfect without skipping a beat. This is a great nib (fine). As Ghost Ship mentioned, I think I maybe hooked on this brand. It is my first Visconti. Yes, "my" Visconti. I placed an order for a second one to gift as this one isn't leaving home. I cannot remember liking a pen this much so quickly. Thank you to all who responded to my post. Your responses gave me the courage to give this pen a try and discover a completely new brand of pen. Take care.

 

How exciting! Do enjoy that beautiful pen!

 

Sharon in Indiana

[Ghost Plane]

Another convert to the Italian side. My work here is done.

[langere]

Let me chime in. I have five Van Goghs, a Rembrandt, two Wall Streets, an Opera, and Homo Sapiens. In my opinion, the Van Goghs are the best Viscontis. Not only do they have amazing colors, but they are much better balanced than the Operas and the Wall Streets. The Homo Sapiens is in a category of itself (and much more expensive). I bought my first one in 2005, so I have had a lot of experience with the Van Goghs.

 

I have never had any trouble with the nibs on the Van Goghs, both my 14k gold nibs or my steel ones. There is no functional difference. And they are all creamy smooth.

 

So, go ahead and enjoy!

 

Erick

[DNC]

Let me chime in. I have five Van Goghs, a Rembrandt, two Wall Streets, an Opera, and Homo Sapiens. In my opinion, the Van Goghs are the best Viscontis. Not only do they have amazing colors, but they are much better balanced than the Operas and the Wall Streets. The Homo Sapiens is in a category of itself (and much more expensive). I bought my first one in 2005, so I have had a lot of experience with the Van Goghs.

 

I have never had any trouble with the nibs on the Van Goghs, both my 14k gold nibs or my steel ones. There is no functional difference. And they are all creamy smooth.

 

So, go ahead and enjoy!

 

Erick

 

Erick, The Van Gogh is my first Visconti so I have nothing to compare it to but other brands. I really, really like this pen, not just the nib but the size too. Although I have large hands I am not a fan of large pens which the Van Gogh has reminded me. After your post I am content with enjoying the Van Gogh line and feel no push to try a flagship Visconti. Thank you.

[torstar]

 

Torstar, I agree with you; pens are a tough gift, but in this case I am confident about giving a fountain pen. I was more concerned about the quality of the pen as I have never owned one of these, or any Visconti for that matter. The Van Gogh Series is just so handsome.

 

Good to hear DNC, wish I had more people like you choosing out gifts for me, and me for them....

[DNC]

 

Good to hear DNC, wish I had more people like you choosing out gifts for me, and me for them....

 

Torstar, I chose good friends who would do the very same for me. The extra that came out of this is I have a new favorite pen. I have turned into a big fan of the Visconti Van Gogh!