... Pilot Custom 743 <Su> ...

[parnesh]

 

My 823 fine point is the wettest Japanese fine point I have. I think you have to take into account the larger nib and feed.

Fair point. I have no experience with gold Pilot nibs so yes take my previous comments with a grain of salt. However my two pilot steel fine nibs are very fine and most reviews of the pilot fine nibs in all physical nib sizes show there to be quite a difference. Pilot also have a FM nib which is available on many pens except the 823.

[parnesh]

proton007, on 05 Dec 2013 - 00:41, said:

 

Thanks!

No problems. Happy to provide a written sample if you would like one. Alternatively, check the nib nook at Goulet pens. They're pretty spot on.

 

Edit: Also I don't know where you are based but check out StationeryArt out of HK. If they still have Smoke or Amber in the nib size you want, I doubt you will get a better price. No Affil but that's where I got my 823 from earlier this year.

Edited December 4, 2013 by parnesh

[proton007]

No problems. Happy to provide a written sample if you would like one. Alternatively, check the nib nook at Goulet pens. They're pretty spot on.

 

Edit: Also I don't know where you are based but check out StationeryArt out of HK. If they still have Smoke or Amber in the nib size you want, I doubt you will get a better price. No Affil but that's where I got my 823 from earlier this year.

 

Wow. The prices at the site are really good! Thanks! I've taken a look at GouletPens, I've decided on the B size.

[johntdavis]

I've been wondering what the Pilot Custom stub/SU looked like. Thanks for posting the writing samples.

[Blue_Moon]

So, to the OP, some time has passed. Which do you like best now - the 743 or the 823?

[TMLee]

So, to the OP, some time has passed. Which do you like best now - the 743 or the 823?

 

Of late, I now prefer pens that are lighter in weight.

Hands that get tired quicker?

 

 

At times when I write with a heavier hand , like say after a bout of physical exercise, then I go for a FP with a heavier heft. And I find my handwriting pressure stronger during such times.

So the 823 , or the MB149 or the M805 demo (with brass piston parts) suit me well during such times.

 

The 823 is heavier becos of the piston steel innards and the larger reservoir of ink.

I don't find myself running out of ink midway writing so a large reservoir isn't a must for me.

 

 

 

So ...

the 743 is preferred for its lightness.

Especially when I have a lot of quiet, comfortable surroundings, a lighter hand during such times.

 

 

 

 

I like large nibs so that I can see the letters I am forming.

 

The nibs are definitely great as many have similarly reported.

So if you are looking for nib quality, I expect that you too like so many here, wont have a complaint about them nibs.

I shall not say more about the nib quality.

 

I like the 823 for its torpedo / cigar shape.

I like the shape ( not the weight) of the body.

Somehow it feels better in the hand.

Somehow there are slight differences in ergonomics.

 

In this same regard, the MB149 feels great in the hand too.

The taper towards the tail is i think - a very good feature.

 

The Platinum Century 3776 - which is much shorter and doesn't have that taper is also a negative point for me.

But Its writing nib however is excellent.

PLUS , its cap seal device is really really wonderful for me.

With this device , you don't at all experience dried out nibs.

I appreciate this very much.

 

So in terms of the shape ( not the weight) of the pen in your hand - the ergonomics - the 743 is not as good as the 823.

 

 

 

Pardon me if my post is confusing you.

I am only addressing the

- shape (ergonomics) ;

- weight

in my writing experience.

 

 

You may want to go to the shop and try out both pens in your hand to feel the heft and the ergonomics.

 

If you have no preference ( like myself many years ago) then my vote goes to the 823.

the shape is alot more aesthetic plus its heft from the piston parts and ink volume.

 

 

If you dont mind buying both, I think you should try that.

If you dont like one , then sell it away.

It will be snapped up pretty quickly.

 

At the moment I have one <F> 823 but stubbed by Mike-it-work :thumbup:

and

<SU> fitted onto the 823

both inked.

 

the 743 is unfilled and awaiting rotation.

 

I am currently still enjoying the <F> stub nib.

 

 

It is also true that the 823 nib section collar cracks easily.

Dunno why.

I dont think the 743 has such problems.

 

 

 

Feel free to ask anything ...

 

Others too may observe something else that didnt appear to me.

Edited November 8, 2015 by TMLee

[Elandaria]

Here you go ....The nib is 14Karat , and its a size 15 nib (large) same size as the Custom 823 nibs.http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/FP/PILOT%20Custom%20743%20SU%20nib/002.jpghttp://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/FP/PILOT%20Custom%20743%20SU%20nib/005.jpghttp://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/FP/PILOT%20Custom%20743%20SU%20nib/006.jpgthere is a serial number at the leftside base of the nib. It says "112" and I dont know what it stands for.http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/FP/PILOT%20Custom%20743%20SU%20nib/0022.jpgWriting paper is MARUMAN High Quality Report Pad A5 sizeP163. White unlined. 68gsm. Very smooth paper. Light vs heavy writing pressure ...http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/FP/PILOT%20Custom%20743%20SU%20nib/011.jpgCloseup ... heavy pressure ...http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/FP/PILOT%20Custom%20743%20SU%20nib/012.jpgCloseup - light vs heavy pressure ...http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/FP/PILOT%20Custom%20743%20SU%20nib/013.jpghttp://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/FP/PILOT%20Custom%20743%20SU%20nib/017.jpgThe tailcone is short ... not too aesthetic I feel ...http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/FP/PILOT%20Custom%20743%20SU%20nib/017.jpghttp://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/FP/PILOT%20Custom%20743%20SU%20nib/022.jpgCompared against the 823 , where the tailcone is longer.The 823 is at the top.the 743 at the bottomhttp://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/FP/PILOT%20Custom%20743%20SU%20nib/020.jpgThe caps appear identical.the 743 is on the leftsideThe 823 on the rightsidehttp://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/FP/PILOT%20Custom%20743%20SU%20nib/023.jpgThe model number engraved on the gold rim ...http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/FP/PILOT%20Custom%20743%20SU%20nib/P1110478.jpghttp://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/FP/PILOT%20Custom%20743%20SU%20nib/P1110470.jpgThe PILOT Custom 743 <SU> Sutab nib.Here you can see the well-formed stub shapehttp://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/FP/PILOT%20Custom%20743%20SU%20nib/P1110481.jpgapologies for the not so sharp macro shots ...

Excuse me if I'm a little late, but could you please tell me se width of the Custom 743's SU nib? How do you compare it to a 1.1 Stub nib?

 

Thank you!!

[TMLee]

Excuse me if I'm a little late, but could you please tell me se width of the Custom 743's SU nib? How do you compare it to a 1.1 Stub nib?

 

Thank you!!

 

Erm ...

Which brand of 1.1 Stub nib are you referring to?

 

Perhaps those of you who can help, can you pls post samples written on 5mm grid paper?

so that any comparison can be meaningful.

 

Thanks

[TMLee]

Okay .... here you go ...

 

The writing sample is compared against the broadest stubs I have.

 

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/FP/PILOT%20Custom%20743%20SU%20nib/DSCF5061.jpg

 

Left to Right

DELTA DOLCEVITA STANDARD but with 18K Factory <Stub>

LAMY JOY <1.1>

middle : the PILOT CUSTOM 743 <SU> Sutab nib

DELTA FUSION 500.IT PEN <S>

STIPULA ETRURIA ALTER EGO <1.1>

 

 

Here is the writing sample.

I wrote in such a way you can compare the nibstrokes upclose.

All are dipped into PELIKAN Brilliant Brown ink except for the STIPULA which is always filled (with the same ink).

The writing pressure in all samples are lighthanded.

Some nibs are wetter, but dont confuse wetness/darkness of shading with the strokewidths.

Look only at the strokewidths.

Darkness has nothing to do with strokewidths.

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/FP/PILOT%20Custom%20743%20SU%20nib/DSCF5062.jpg

 

 

 

 

Look at the vertical and horizontal strokes that can fit into one grid square.

(the grid paper is 5mm square)

This is to illustrate how many strokes can be written into one grid.

You can see that the <SU> nib strokewidth is discernibly narrower than the western nibs.

I don't have a caliper to measure, but I trust this gives you a good idea with the 5mm grid to compare.

I guesstimate the <SU> is about either :

- slightly over half of the 1.1 width ;

or

- 2/3 of the 1.1 width ?

Others here may wish to chime in.

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/FP/PILOT%20Custom%20743%20SU%20nib/DSCF5067.jpg

 

 

 

another pic

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/FP/PILOT%20Custom%20743%20SU%20nib/DSCF5068.jpg

 

 

 

My experience is that the <SU> nib is a dryish writer.

( I like my pens to be 8/10 in wetness)

But thats just me

 

I like the PILOT 823 and 743 size 15 large nibs , becos the nibs are more tapered, ie not so broad shoulders.

Just like the MB149, huge nib but it tapers for a distance.

The advantage in this is that you can see more of the paper and your handwriting , somehow it helps in the writing experience.

Imagine a quill - long sharp instrument laying down ink ...

The PILOT's girth are slightly narrower than the MB149.

This affects your ergonomics , which impacts your writing comfort, and impacts your penmanship.

 

My favourite writer is the STIPULA Etruria becos of its ergonomics - the concave nib section plus curved barrel is very comfy.

But its a heavy pen (celluloid plus metal piston innards), so fatigue sets in after a prolonged bout of writing.

 

 

Hope this helps.

 

Feel free to ask anything.

 

edited with better pics ...

Edited September 16, 2016 by TMLee

[rutherfordr]

Mr. Lee,

 

Just FYI, the number "112" on the left side at the base of your <SU> nib is the month and year in which the nib was made.

 

This code is on all modern Pilot gold nibs: the last two numbers indicate the year that it was made, and the first one or two numbers (from 1 to 12) indicate the month.

So the number "112" shows that your pen was made in January, 2012.

Edited September 15, 2016 by rutherfordr

[TMLee]

 

Mr. Lee,

 

Just FYI, the number "112" on the left side at the base of your <SU> nib is the month and year in which the nib was made.

 

This code is on all modern Pilot gold nibs: the last two numbers indicate the year that it was made, and the first one or two numbers (from 1 to 12) indicate the month.

So the number "112" shows that your pen was made in January, 2012.

 

 

 

Yes thanks ,

 

post #8 answered that too

 

[Elandaria]

Okay .... here you go ...

 

The writing sample is compared against the broadest stubs I have.

 

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/FP/PILOT%20Custom%20743%20SU%20nib/DSCF5061.jpg

 

Left to Right

DELTA DOLCEVITA STANDARD but with 18K Factory <Stub>

LAMY JOY <1.1>

middle : the PILOT CUSTOM 743 <SU> Sutab nib

DELTA FUSION 500.IT PEN <S>

STIPULA ETRURIA ALTER EGO <1.1>

 

 

Here is the writing sample.

I wrote in such a way you can compare the nibstrokes upclose.

All are dipped into PELIKAN Brilliant Brown ink except for the STIPULA which is always filled (with the same ink).

The writing pressure in all samples are lighthanded.

Some nibs are wetter, but dont confuse wetness/darkness of shading with the strokewidths.

Look only at the strokewidths.

Darkness has nothing to do with strokewidths.

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/FP/PILOT%20Custom%20743%20SU%20nib/DSCF5062.jpg

 

 

 

 

Look at the vertical and horizontal strokes that can fit into one grid square.

(the grid paper is 5mm square)

This is to illustrate how many strokes can be written into one grid.

You can see that the <SU> nib strokewidth is discernibly narrower than the western nibs.

I don't have a caliper to measure, but I trust this gives you a good idea with the 5mm grid to compare.

I guesstimate the <SU> is about either :

- slightly over half of the 1.1 width ;

or

- 2/3 of the 1.1 width ?

Others here may wish to chime in.

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/FP/PILOT%20Custom%20743%20SU%20nib/DSCF5067.jpg

 

 

 

another pic

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/FP/PILOT%20Custom%20743%20SU%20nib/DSCF5068.jpg

 

 

 

My experience is that the <SU> nib is a dryish writer.

( I like my pens to be 8/10 in wetness)

But thats just me

 

I like the PILOT 823 and 743 size 15 large nibs , becos the nibs are more tapered, ie not so broad shoulders.

Just like the MB149, huge nib but it tapers for a distance.

The advantage in this is that you can see more of the paper and your handwriting , somehow it helps in the writing experience.

Imagine a quill - long sharp instrument laying down ink ...

The PILOT's girth are slightly narrower than the MB149.

This affects your ergonomics , which impacts your writing comfort, and impacts your penmanship.

 

My favourite writer is the STIPULA Etruria becos of its ergonomics - the concave nib section plus curved barrel is very comfy.

But its a heavy pen (celluloid plus metal piston innards), so fatigue sets in after a prolonged bout of writing.

 

 

Hope this helps.

 

Feel free to ask anything.

 

edited with better pics ...

Whoaaaa!!! Thank you so much for taking your time to give such a complete answer!!!

 

It looks like the SU nib of the 743 is to narrow for me, and there is not so much line variation either.

[ehemem]

Whoaaaa!!! Thank you so much for taking your time to give such a complete answer!!!

 

It looks like the SU nib of the 743 is to narrow for me, and there is not so much line variation either.

 

 

You get a lot more line variation with a stub if you hold the pen so that the nib is at 45 degrees to the writing line, not flat.

[TMLee]

Whoaaaa!!! Thank you so much for taking your time to give such a complete answer!!!

It looks like the SU nib of the 743 is to narrow for me, and there is not so much line variation either.

Most welcome 🙂

 

I thought the <SU> offered the best nibstrokewidth variation?! 🤔

Practically bordering on producing results like a cursive italic nib.

Edited September 18, 2016 by TMLee

[Algester]

I did a comparison against my PILOT Custom 823 <B> DIY Stub .

 

I reshaped the factory <B> nib myself...

as I felt more comfy with stub nibs.

The 14K nib was very good to work on.

 

This is the PILOT Custom 823 <B> DIY Stub nib

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/FP/PILOT%20Custom%20823%20B%20DIY%20Stub/002.jpg

 

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/FP/PILOT%20Custom%20823%20B%20DIY%20Stub/003.jpg

 

There is a serial number at the leftside base of the nib...

It says "A609" and I dont know what it means...

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/FP/PILOT%20Custom%20823%20B%20DIY%20Stub/006.jpg

 

Here is a writing sample, done with light writing pressure and heavy writing pressure...

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/FP/PILOT%20Custom%20823%20B%20DIY%20Stub/014.jpg

 

Closeup ... heavy pressure ...

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/FP/PILOT%20Custom%20823%20B%20DIY%20Stub/015.jpg

 

Closeup - light vs heavy pressure ...

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/FP/PILOT%20Custom%20823%20B%20DIY%20Stub/016.jpg

 

I find the 823 a wetter writer. https://www.fountainpennetwork.com/forum/public/style_emoticons/#EMO_DIR#/thumbup.gif

But I am not sure if its due to my releasing the tailcone by about 2-3mm.

Interesting so the nib manufacture dates are on the left hand corner of the nib

The AXXXX you see is pretty much how you know the date your nib was made and where

A609 would mean line A hiratsuka plant, june 2009 just for further info

[TMLee]

Interesting so the nib manufacture dates are on the left hand corner of the nib

The AXXXX you see is pretty much how you know the date your nib was made and where

A609 would mean line A hiratsuka plant, june 2009 just for further info

 

 

I see ,

 

thanks

 

So , does that mean there other plants that PILOT manufactures their nibs ?

How many and where ?

That would be interesting to find out ...

 

The <SU> nib on the CUSTOM 743 didn't have any alphabet prefix.

 

But the CUSTOM 823 <B> nib had. Hmmmm ...

 

Does anyone here have different experiences like as in your <SU> nib has an alphabet prefix?