The Agony Of Waiting: Montegrappa Extra Zebra

[GranTorino25]

GranTorino25,

Congratulations on your lovely acquisition! Does the Montegrappa OB nib provide any line variation? Can you post a writing sample?

I will do, but the short answer is no. This is quite typical of many brands stock oblique nibs though- e.g., my Montblanc 149 OBBB had zero flex, and neither did my Pelikan M805 OBB (Typically these lines have variation in their nibs). Perhaps companies typically make their obliques less flexy because it is very difficult for a lot of people to understand when to use that flex on an oblique? That said, my MB Rouge et Noir OB is very soft and beautiful!

 

I don’t mind though, as my favourite oblique is firm one that I can just write on and on with! I don’t use flex/variation in my writing beyond the occational letter

[GranTorino25]

Strange that the nib is very firm. I recently picked up an extra with a fine nib and it can eek out decent line variation with little pressure. By no means flexible but definitely soft. A modern Duofold nib by comparison is what I’d call firm with no give.

I think there is also a difference between the finer and the broader nibs, as there is a lot less nib material in the tines to flex on an EF compared to a BB or OB for example. That said, I have a Pelikan M1000 with a super soft B nib, but they may be the exception to the rule generally. I do quite like soft nibs along the M1000 style, but for obliques I don’t mind firm

[GranTorino25]

Writing sample from the Montegrappa Extra Veneziano Butterfly

Edited June 1, 2018 by GranTorino25

[europen]

Gran Torino, that is a beautiful pen and it creates an impressive writing sample (I think all reviews should include a sample). Either in this thread or in a new one I'll post a sample from my Extra (FG) in comparison with my other Montegrappas.

 

For more and different pangrams (other than 'quick brown fox' and the latest one about 'boxing wizards') see Millard Port's Wits and Wiseacres: 251 Pangrams for Everyday Use. Find it on amazon/kindle . Here are some samples:

 

Quizzically and for exaltation, kangaroos jump with bold vigor.

Joust a minute! Only a qualified knight will oxygenize my porcelain bevy!

Polly coaxed the squirming joey away from various outback hazards.

 

and other similar.

[GranTorino25]

Thank you

 

And I will look into some new ones!

[Ceelo]

I think there is also a difference between the finer and the broader nibs, as there is a lot less nib material in the tines to flex on an EF compared to a BB or OB for example. That said, I have a Pelikan M1000 with a super soft B nib, but they may be the exception to the rule generally. I do quite like soft nibs along the M1000 style, but for obliques I don’t mind firm

 

You might be right here, though that OB nib looks divine too - thanks for taking the time to post a sample. I would definitely recommend trying a finer Montegrappa Extra nib, it is reasonably soft and adds a nice touch of character and flair to writing.

[GranTorino25]

I'm organising to buy a friend's Montegrappa Disedero which has a very springy nib by the looks, and will be less than half the price of a second Extra! Still on my wishlist though!!

[Ceelo]

I'm organising to buy a friend's Montegrappa Disedero which has a very springy nib by the looks, and will be less than half the price of a second Extra! Still on my wishlist though!!

Awesome, good luck with it. I, on the other hand, have over indulged somewhat and also picked up a second extra. Its a blue marbled extra from the first run that I couldnt pass it up.

Edited June 3, 2018 by CeeElle

[GranTorino25]

Oooo nice! Which nib does it have?

[Ceelo]

Oooo nice! Which nib does it have?

 

Just a regular old medium, but given how pleasant the fine I'm using is I am looking forward to it

[fpupulin]

Awesome, good luck with it. I, on the other hand, have over indulged somewhat and also picked up a second extra. Its a blue marbled extra from the first run that I couldnt pass it up.

 

 

Would you be so kind to post a photo of it when you will receive your pen?

 

Montegrappa Extras of the first batch (not 1930) have been rarely photographed in detail, and I would like seeing the blue one from closer.

 

Thank you.

[Ceelo]

 

 

Would you be so kind to post a photo of it when you will receive your pen?

 

Montegrappa Extras of the first batch (not 1930) have been rarely photographed in detail, and I would like seeing the blue one from closer.

 

Thank you.

Unfortunately the pen was received and there were a few undisclosed issues with it so it was returned to the seller. Gutted, I wanted to keep it, but in the end I felt I couldnt live with the issues it had. The celluloid colour was beautiful midnight blue and some nice swirls in it that caught the light beautifully. Oh well, the search goes on... Edited June 20, 2018 by CeeElle

[fpupulin]

Unfortunately the pen was received and there were a few undisclosed issues with it so it was returned to the seller. Gutted, I wanted to keep it, but in the end I felt I couldnt live with the issues it had. The celluloid colour was beautiful midnight blue and some nice swirls in it that caught the light beautifully. Oh well, the search goes on...

Thank you for your reply.

 

Time ago, I had a Extra blue in my radar, but the price was too high. I made a couple of very reasonable proposals to the owner, which he refused, and we did not reach a deal. I confess you that I was a bit worried about the blue. From the few pics that I saw on the net, it seems a very dark blue, but maybe the swirls are simply difficult to catch with a camera...

 

Now Montegrappa put in production an Extra 1930 in Mediterranean Blue celluloid. You will have to pay top dollars for the pen, but that’s a color! I own a Emblema in Mediterranean blue, and it is simply f a n t a s t i c !

 

So, maybe the issues with the Blue would give you a chance to look also to the Mediterranean blue... ah, temptations...