Newcomer Seeking Advice Mont Blanc Fountains..

[thammer]

Hey all,

 

I'm a newcomer to this forum, and to the world of fountain pens generally, so hello!

 

I'm just trying to make a decision on a first fountain, and would love some help. I've been yearning for a Mont Blanc for years, but not had the finances to support, or justifiable reason. I now have both, and am looking to make a move.

 

I have tried the Le Grand and the Chopin - I have gathered from the reading I've done that these are the 146 and 144 respectively? I haven't yet tried the 149. I liked the thinner style of the Chopin, but notice that it gets very little mention amongst the forums. I would greatly appreciate any advice and/or comparisions on these pens specifically, but also if there was more general advice on buying one's first MB fountain?

 

Thank you in advance!

[litmajor]

Sorry, I have no advice on MB's, but I just wanted to say hello and welcome. The people here are really nice

[kaisede]

Chopin = 145 not 144

I have both the 146 and 145 and I love them both.

First and the most important thing is which pen feels right in your hand.

146 is more popular b/c many people finds the size fit for their writing. In addition, 146 also offers much more varieties, such as silver or SS, than the 145.

 

 

Personally I got the 145 first b/c it cost less however, soon after the purchase I also brought the 146.

As you get use to use FP you will tend to move to a larger size pen.

 

You can also look at the review section here to get an better idea of the pro and cons.

 

Good luck with your purchase.

 

Andy

Edited July 21, 2010 by kaisede

[raulfragoso]

Welcome to FPN

 

My suggestion is to go to a MB boutique and try them all before you decide. Feel which pen model best fits your hand and writing style. As Andy mentioned above, the 146 is more popular due to its ideal girth for average hand size. I have medium-to-big hands and my favorite is the 149, but I also have a couple of 146's that I use regularly, with the 3rd one (vintage model though) on its way.

[jasam]

I agree that you should try the 149 before you get any MB. The 146 and 149 also offers piston filling system which to some is a plus.

 

I also like the 149 more than any other meisterstuck

[thammer]

Chopin = 145 not 144

I have both the 146 and 145 and I love them both.

First and the most important thing is which pen feels right in your hand.

146 is more popular b/c many people finds the size fit for their writing. In addition, 146 also offers much more varieties, such as silver or SS, than the 145.

 

 

Personally I got the 145 first b/c it cost less however, soon after the purchase I also brought the 146.

As you get use to use FP you will tend to move to a larger size pen.

 

You can also look at the review section here to get an better idea of the pro and cons.

 

Good luck with your purchase.

 

Andy

 

Hi Andy,

 

thank you for your comments, it's particularly helpful to hear from someone with both pens!

 

Can I ask, do you still use both the 145 and 146? And I take it that both are still popular amongst your collection?

 

Thanks also for the comment about the tendency to go for a larger pen in time; longevity is something I'm obviously concerned about. Would you have any further advice regarding that side of things? Part of me is leaning towards the 145, as it seemed to feel the best, leaving me to simply add to the collection later with a larger style. Now that's the kind of dangerous thinking that these sites promote!

 

Cheers,

 

Andrew

Edited July 21, 2010 by thammer

[tanalasta]

You really do need to try out both pens at a MontBlanc store or other pen dealer.

 

I would also recommend you try the FountainPenHospital if you want a 'new' pen and want to order online as their service has been quite exceptional for me. (and their pricing is good)

 

I too once started with a smaller pen but have slowly gravitated towards a larger, more relaxing grip section with a light touch over the years. Modern MontBlanc pens have quite stiff nibs but that may be actually something you like, as opposed to the softer, more flexy vintage pens.

 

I personally found the Chopin nib size and grip section too small when I tried the pen. The MB 146 really is a lovely, practical size. If you prefer a cartridge over a piston fill, you could consider the MB 147 traveller. Advantages of a piston filler however are economics (ink by the botle is cheaper), more choices and increased capacity but the pen does need to be flushed/maintained properly.

 

The MB 149 may be too large if you're not used to oversized nibs or place it in a shirt pocket, but most people at some time who are interested in MB's will try or purchase the MB flagship

 

A fountain pen is a personalised choice, especially in the MontBlanc range. I cannot recommend actually dipping or trying a pen prior to purchase enough. Also try the different nib sizes to see what works best for you. Do you want a daily writer or a signature pen? Although MB offer a nib swap service for a new pen, you want to get it right first time if possible.

 

If MontBlanc's are your first fountain, please do read a little about proper maintainance, ink choices (or purchase a cheap Lamy safari to try). A MontBlanc is a very nice pen and needs looking after

Edited July 21, 2010 by tanalasta

[Ghost Plane]

You'll also want to try the nibs if you can, as they're wet, luscious, and in the case of B and higher, run slightly stubbed, which means people who normally buy M nibs often prefer the Bs for the line variation. They also come in a variety of sizes not offered by many brands and you may find a nib other than the "default" F and M offered by pen sellers who don't know any better suits your hand better.

 

I have small hands and love the 149 as the size lets me write with it all day without hand cramps. So don't follow the herd if it feels better to you.

 

I concur with Fountain Pen Hospital for pricing and service. Also Swishers and PenGallery.com [the latter posts prices in USD but being out of country does affect their prices].

 

Much will depend on if you're travelling with your pen a lot and want the convenience of cartridges or write at your desk and can indulge in the beauty of bottled ink. The 146 and 149 are piston fillers and will only drink from bottles.

[shrinknib]

Welcome to FPN fellow countryman!

 

No such thing as a "wrong " choice I think.

 

Depending on where you are try to check out an MB boutique or other pen stores that stock MB to try them out.

 

Read some reviews here of some of their pens. Figure out how much you want to spend.

 

Figure out if you want a new pen or second hand (I like second hand pens cos if you buy from trusted people they work really well).

 

Figure out what you'll be using the pen for- journal,signatures, notes etc as that will help with nib selection.

 

Just buy something!!!!!

 

And let us know how it turns out... :embarrassed_smile:

[tanalasta]

Oh yes ...

 

A heads-up that MontBlanc prices in Australia are atrocious.

 

There are a few overseas retailers that ship to Australia (authorized retailers) but some will only do so to existing customers. Feel free to msg me for tips. What state are you in?

 

 

[meiers]

There is a lot of outstanding advice in this strand so far.

All I will add is my personal greetings

 

This network is a great place. People are helpful and generous with their advice.

 

 

Matt

Edited July 21, 2010 by meiers

[kaisede]

Chopin = 145 not 144

I have both the 146 and 145 and I love them both.

First and the most important thing is which pen feels right in your hand.

146 is more popular b/c many people finds the size fit for their writing. In addition, 146 also offers much more varieties, such as silver or SS, than the 145.

 

 

Personally I got the 145 first b/c it cost less however, soon after the purchase I also brought the 146.

As you get use to use FP you will tend to move to a larger size pen.

 

You can also look at the review section here to get an better idea of the pro and cons.

 

Good luck with your purchase.

 

Andy

 

Hi Andy,

 

thank you for your comments, it's particularly helpful to hear from someone with both pens!

 

Can I ask, do you still use both the 145 and 146? And I take it that both are still popular amongst your collection?

 

Thanks also for the comment about the tendency to go for a larger pen in time; longevity is something I'm obviously concerned about. Would you have any further advice regarding that side of things? Part of me is leaning towards the 145, as it seemed to feel the best, leaving me to simply add to the collection later with a larger style. Now that's the kind of dangerous thinking that these sites promote!

 

Cheers,

 

Andrew

 

 

Hi Andrew,

 

Both pen are currently in my rotation right now along with the 149.

 

The 145 is very light suitable for quick and fast writing and the convertor is great for quick ink (Color) change.

 

Right now I have maybe around 40 ish FPs and I pay more attention about the nib size than the pen size.

 

I think in the long run you might also want to get the 146 or the 149 if you get the 145 b/c, each pen gives you a different feel when you write.

 

When I got my 145 few years ago I never thought about getting another fountain and the 145 felt better in my hand because I was not used to use a larger pen. Compare Bic ball point pen to 145, the 145 is larger. However eventually I got used to using larger pen and went for the 146 than the 149. Some of my pen are getting larger than the 149.

 

Sorry I cannot be blunt and just say get the 145 or get the 146 because being a long time FP user we know that your taste will change especially if this is your first fountain pen.

 

At first I did not believe other FPN user saying that larger pen with a good balance is more comfortable to use but now I agree with them.

 

Andy

Edited July 21, 2010 by kaisede

[thammer]

Hi all,

 

first, thank you so much for all the advice! I agree, there really is some outstanding advice there, and I appreciate the access to the wisdom. Thanks also for the friendly welcomes.

 

I agree that the prices for new MBs I've seen are pretty outrageous, but I guess if you've nothing to compare with it's hard to know. I'm in Queensland at present, though moving in the next couple of months. I'll definitely check out the sites suggested.

 

I'd love to try a vintage, or older/2nd hand option, though wouldn't know where to start looking (outside the forums on this site). Also, it's hard to know if you'll like it and if the buyer is trustworthy. I guess this site helps somewhat with the second concern as well.

 

Anyway, thanks again all for your time and thoughts. All very helpful to a keen newbie! Now I've just got some more searching, and more testing to do. Definitely worse ways to spend one's time I think!

 

Andrew

[shrinknib]

 

. What state are you in?

 

 

confused?? :roflmho:

[meiers]

Hey all,

 

I'm a newcomer to this forum, and to the world of fountain pens generally, so hello!

 

I'm just trying to make a decision on a first fountain, and would love some help. I've been yearning for a Mont Blanc for years, but not had the finances to support, or justifiable reason. I now have both, and am looking to make a move.

 

I have tried the Le Grand and the Chopin - I have gathered from the reading I've done that these are the 146 and 144 respectively? I haven't yet tried the 149. I liked the thinner style of the Chopin, but notice that it gets very little mention amongst the forums. I would greatly appreciate any advice and/or comparisions on these pens specifically, but also if there was more general advice on buying one's first MB fountain?

 

Thank you in advance!

 

The Chopin is amazing. I own one. It's selling feature is the cartidge/convertor which makes it a great travelling pen. Popping in cartridges is really easy. I don't want to be messing around with ink bottles on an airplane. Chances are that I wouldn't be allowed to bring a bottle of ink on board anyway.

 

My advice is: go to a retailer and handle them all. Then pick the one you like.

 

Matt

[Wael El-Dasher]

Firstly, welcome to FPN and the MB forum.

 

There isn't very much I can add to the advice you've read so far. The only thing perhaps worth considering are vintage pens. Given the dimensions of the Chopin you favor, I would suggest a 136 as a viable option, if you want to go the vintage route. They're fantastic pens, at good value and with probably the most flex nibs MB made (my personal opinion obviously).

 

cheers

 

Wael

[yachtsilverswan]

Welcome Andrew.

 

Please fill out your profile when you have time so we'll know more about you.

 

The Chopin is one of the smaller pens in the Meisterstuck series, and lacks the elegant high volume piston filled mechanism of the 146 LeGrand and the flagship 149 Diplomat. It's a tiny little pen.

 

Other posters who suggested you visit a Montblanc Boutique are giving you sound advice. If a Boutique is nearby (Is anything really nearby down under?), you can spend an hour or two trying the different models for size, and writing with demonstrator 146 pens in different nib widths. That's the best way to decide. Try Fine, Medium, and Broad nibs. Try XF and BB nibs. Try the pens posted (with the cap stored on the end of the barrel) and un-posted (with the cap off and set aside). Don't be pushed into a Medium by the sales staff. They push Mediums because they mostly have Mediums in stock. If you write math and science equations, definitely consider a Fine or XF to resolve exponents and subscripts. If your handwriting is larger and you mostly write short notes, consider a Broad. I use a 149 with a Broad ultrasmooth Binderized Cursive Italic nib tuned a little wetter than factory settings as my daily writer. I've used the same pen for decades.

 

Failing the ability to spend a pleasant hour playing at a Montblanc Boutique, for guys I usually recommend the flagship 149. The 149 is longer and has a wider girth. The wider girth makes the pen more comfortable - it allows your fingers more room to relax in the grip. I use my 149 unposted (with the cap removed and set aside or palmed) because I think the balance of the pen is better unposted. If you really prefer to use a pen posted (with the cap fitted onto the end of the barrel) then I think the 146 LeGrand is better balanced when posted. Be warned that posting your pens will inevitably result in fine scratches on the resin where the cap fits onto the barrel.

 

The 149 has the largest, springiest nib available from Montblanc. It's amazing. The 146 Legrand has a good nib too, but nothing compares to the 149 nib.

 

One other issue - the flagship 149 is only available in black resin with gold plated trim. The 146 LeGrand is available in black resin with either gold plated or platinum plated trim.

 

And a parting thought -

If you buy the 146 and are happy, you'll wonder whether you'd be happier still with the 149 (you would).

If you buy the 146 and are unhappy, you'll wonder wether the 149 is better (it is).

So just buy the 149 in the first place and you'll save money - the money you would have wasted on the 146 preliminaries.

 

Have fun in your quest. Montblanc Meisterstucks are amazing instruments that will serve you for decades. Expect excellence.

[tanalasta]

 

The 149 has the largest, springiest nib available from Montblanc. It's amazing. The 146 Legrand has a good nib too, but nothing compares to the 149 nib.

 

One other issue - the flagship 149 is only available in black resin with gold plated trim. The 146 LeGrand is available in black resin with either gold plated or platinum plated trim.

 

And a parting thought -

If you buy the 146 and are happy, you'll wonder whether you'd be happier still with the 149 (you would).

If you buy the 146 and are unhappy, you'll wonder wether the 149 is better (it is).

So just buy the 149 in the first place and you'll save money - the money you would have wasted on the 146 preliminaries.

 

Have fun in your quest. Montblanc Meisterstucks are amazing instruments that will serve you for decades. Expect excellence.

 

Fantastic advice - and spot on...

 

Except that I wouldn't consider the modern 18k MB 149 nib that springy. Mine is really quite rigid and nowhere as springy or soft as I remember my VIsconti 23k Pd nib or the Pelikan M1000 I dipped.

 

My points are:

1. If you buy the 146 and are happy ... you'll wonder ... and probably end up buying the 149 anyway.

2. If you buy the 149 and use it everyday, you may not ever need to buy another fountain pen. But will probably do so anyway.

 

I fit in category 1...:embarrassed_smile:

[fuchsiaprincess]

 

The 149 has the largest, springiest nib available from Montblanc. It's amazing. The 146 Legrand has a good nib too, but nothing compares to the 149 nib.

 

One other issue - the flagship 149 is only available in black resin with gold plated trim. The 146 LeGrand is available in black resin with either gold plated or platinum plated trim.

 

And a parting thought -

If you buy the 146 and are happy, you'll wonder whether you'd be happier still with the 149 (you would).

If you buy the 146 and are unhappy, you'll wonder wether the 149 is better (it is).

So just buy the 149 in the first place and you'll save money - the money you would have wasted on the 146 preliminaries.

 

Have fun in your quest. Montblanc Meisterstucks are amazing instruments that will serve you for decades. Expect excellence.

 

Fantastic advice - and spot on...

 

Except that I wouldn't consider the modern 18k MB 149 nib that springy. Mine is really quite rigid and nowhere as springy or soft as I remember my VIsconti 23k Pd nib or the Pelikan M1000 I dipped.

 

My points are:

1. If you buy the 146 and are happy ... you'll wonder ... and probably end up buying the 149 anyway.

2. If you buy the 149 and use it everyday, you may not ever need to buy another fountain pen. But will probably do so anyway.

 

I fit in category 1...:embarrassed_smile:

 

+2.

[Ghost Plane]

+3