Mont Blanc: The brand I'd love to hate to love

[Waterman]

Well folks, I've sent my MB 146 to my mont blanc boutique to have my M nib exchanged for a F nib and a week later I get it back and now I have it home with me. However, I clearly told them that my piston was a bit stiff and when I went there the sales rep was like "now the piston is still a bit stiff...." so I let that go and now the fine nib seems to be getting worse. Maybe it's just me but the nib is scratchy the line variation from my M to F doesn't seem to make much sense. My M was pretty scratchy too. So now what! I've bought a very expensive pen that doesn't write well, I would go back and get the nib replaced but I just don't know what nib to try, I've always wanted to try the B nib but I'm not sure how wide the line is and it might go through the paper. I've also wanted to try the OM nib but I don't really understand what oblique nibs are so if anyone has any experience with these nibs, maybe you can post some writing samples from a MB 146?

 

Thanks

BRad

[jaytaylor]

I found the 146 Medium and Fine nibs just too wide, I like my fine nibs to actually put down a fine line.

 

I own two 146s both were also scratchy due to unbalanced tines, after some quick adjustments to the tines I ground the nibs on both, one to an extra fine and the other to a fine cursive italic.

 

Both pens now write wet and smooth with no fault. (until my nephew damaged one of the nibs)

 

I would change the nib again until you get the line your after and check to nib at the MB store for any tooth, this can be usually be fixed very easily.

[MYU]

I recommend reading up on Richard Binder's website: Richard's Nib Primer

 

Sorry to hear of your MB troubles... it can be hit-or-miss with these pens. When you hit it, they write well and reliably, akin to a finely crafted Mercedes Benz (same initials--LOL). MB prides itself on reputation. Do not put up with something unsatisfactory. Push, push, push--that's part of what you paid for, the service.

Edited September 25, 2007 by MYU

[Nikolaos]

I agree with Jay and Gary. I have several MBs and they are all working great. Keep going back until you are happy with the nib that works for you, but first do some reading to see what the options are. You should get the service that you are paying for.

 

Good luck

Nikolaos

[Waterman]

TUrns out that I was able to get it fixed myself but thanks for all the reply guys.

 

Thanks

Brad

[OboeJuan]

How did you fix it? Mine is scratchy, too.

[Waterman]

How did you fix it? Mine is scratchy, too.

 

It's a long story and I think I got lucky cause I'm nots ure if my way would work for you. I think the best thing for you is to just send it back to mont blanc to have them fix it for you cause if you do it yourself, you may void the 2 year gurantee.

 

Thanks

Brad

[vibin247]

I'm in the process of sending my 146 back to MB a 2nd time, and for the same reasons. I'm just hoping that they resolve the issue because it's a great pen and I wouldn't want to hate it because of it being unreliable.

[OboeJuan]

How did you fix it? Mine is scratchy, too.

 

It's a long story and I think I got lucky cause I'm nots ure if my way would work for you. I think the best thing for you is to just send it back to mont blanc to have them fix it for you cause if you do it yourself, you may void the 2 year gurantee.

 

Thanks

Brad

 

Well, that is good advice, but mine is about 17 years old, so I doubt they will take it back. Oh, well.

 

Kath

[Kalessin]

While MB will still repair older Meisterstuck pens if they have parts available (and 17 years old shouldn't be a problem), getting the nib tweaked right might be better done by one of the nib specialists that hang out on FPN.

 

[Waterman]

Yeh, no matter how hard I try it still doesn't write as smooth as I want it to be so I'm thinking of sending it to Richard sooner or later once I get some more money. But honestly though, and I know I've been warned by many FPN'ers (thanks) but cause of my curiosity I've spent almost 400 dollars on a pen that can't even write as smooth as my $120 sailor 1911M. So the question is, what's with mont blanc's nibs? Is it cause of the way they make it cause I know the way they tip their nibs are sorta different from other brands.

 

Thanks

BRad

[mr T.]

Yeh, no matter how hard I try it still doesn't write as smooth as I want it to be so I'm thinking of sending it to Richard sooner or later once I get some more money. But honestly though, and I know I've been warned by many FPN'ers (thanks) but cause of my curiosity I've spent almost 400 dollars on a pen that can't even write as smooth as my $120 sailor 1911M.

 

Why don't you go back to the MB shop and ask your money back (and buy a Sailor 1911M)?

Edited September 29, 2007 by mr T.

[Waterman]

Yeh, no matter how hard I try it still doesn't write as smooth as I want it to be so I'm thinking of sending it to Richard sooner or later once I get some more money. But honestly though, and I know I've been warned by many FPN'ers (thanks) but cause of my curiosity I've spent almost 400 dollars on a pen that can't even write as smooth as my $120 sailor 1911M.

 

Why don't you go back to the MB shop and ask your money back (and buy a Sailor 1911M)?

 

I'm pretty sure you can't do that.

[Dillo]

Hi,

 

They are actually tipped the exact same way as other nibs. (electrically arc welded) The thing that is different is the shape they grind the tip.

 

Dillon