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Montegrappa Miya Fine Nib


APHK

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My collection had grown rapidly to 4 German pens and 3 Japanese pens, with 2 being oversized and the others being the MB146 size by around the end of August. The collection had grown faster than I had initially expected when I re-kindled my fountain pen interest and so it was time to stand back and decide what type of pens I would like to add to the collection and which in the current collection should be sold.

 

First, although I like the big pens, it is their girth that made them feel right rather than their length and so a first decision would be to get rid of the Japanese pens: two Sailor 1911s and a Pilot 823. All the pens were either black or another dark colour and so a more colourful pen would be a welcomed addition. Enter the Italians. As all my previous pens were resin/plastic, a celluloid one would also be a good choice.

 

I had rounded the selection down to OMAS and Montegrappa. The big celluloid models of these brands were way above my budget (taking into account their QC issues) and so I settled for something cheaper, the Montegrappa Miya. The reviews of FPN were invariably full of praise for these pens but also warned of nib problems.

 

These pens have an RRP of USD525 and usually sold at a 20-30% discount by retailers. I decided to take a gamble on EBay since the lower price would not be so upsetting should the pen prove a dud. Finally, my winning bid for a turquoise fine nib model was even less.

 

First I need to describe the EBay experience. The four particular pens that I had bid on were all from a single seller. There appeared to be some invisible hand in the auction process that meant all four pens were sold at similar prices. Unfortunately, my winning bid was the most expensive by a small margin. Curiously, I received a second-chance offer on another pen that was won by a bidder who had been pushing up my win literally within minutes of the auction close. Of course, it is possible that the seller has many of these pens and the second-highest bidder for each of the four pens would have received an offer.

 

Additionally, when my pen arrived, I was thrilled with the writing condition of the pen but there are two caveats: firstly, the silver of the grip section of the pen near the nib had already been tarnished; and the nib was a single-tone affair without the 750 marking compared the two-toned samples marked with 750 that I have seen in photos on FPN.

 

I did query the seller on the nib and was informed that fine versions of the Miya nib are all single-toned. I find that dubious but will give him the benefit of the doubt. Whilst I do not think the pen is second-hand, it is definitely not brand-new of current year production.

 

So this review will be written as if the pen is authentic and new.

 

Appearance & Design (9/10)

 

This is a very beautiful pen. Its silhouette shows a short and thick pen in a wonderful colour that shimmers when viewed in the light. I have not held a celluloid pen before and was deeply attracted to the pen at first sight as all my previous pens were staid and conservatively designed.

 

When uncapped, the barrel reveals a bulge which slightly diminishes the good looks of the pen but the silver section makes up for the lost points.

 

The top of the cap is attractively adorned with the 1912 logo.

 

The nib design is again very attractive. I prefer nibs with wide shoulders and the Miyas (together with the Montblanc 149s) looks just right. As I mentioned before, my nib is single-toned whereas those displayed on the official Montegrappa website are dual-toned, which looks better.

 

http://img195.imageshack.us/img195/3616/img1364cx.jpg

 

Construction & Quality (10/10)

 

This pen feels very sturdy. The cap screws on in only one turn and sits there very securely, no wiggle at all. The pen unscrews around some way up the section near the threads. This is a nice feature since I would be concerned if joint is at the celluloid barrel.

 

The clip appears capable of heavy-duty. Again, no wiggle at all. Feels tougher than the Pelikan M1000.

 

Weight & Dimensions (8/10)

 

At around 135mm in length capped, this is a short pen. It is shorter than the Caran d Ache Equinox (which I also recently bought) and similar length pens such as the MB146. However, the pen does not feel small at all as its weight and girth allows for a secure grip. The pen is heavy for its size because of the sterling section.

 

The way I hold my pens, my fingers can grip the bulge as well as the section. The girth of the section feels OK although I would not mind it being a tad thicker.

 

I do not post caps to my pens.

 

http://img827.imageshack.us/img827/2366/img1359r.jpg

 

Nib & Performance (9/10)

 

I had wanted the nib in EF after reading Feiyes glowing report of its flex capabilities. The seller did not have EF and so I settled for F instead.

 

The nib I got feels stiff and can be made to flex slightly under medium pressure (much harder than my Pelikan M1000 nib for example) resulting in satisfactory line variation.

 

The nib feels very smooth indeed with no hint of tooth. The fact that it is quite stiff means that this nib is very easy to control. One of the most satisfying nibs in my collection.

 

I had encountered a scare with this nib. After inking the pen for test writing, the nib ran dry after about a page. The ink did not flow even after shaking the nib. Eventually, I opened the pen and pumped the converter a bit. The pen has been free flowing even since and the problem did not manifest itself again. There was probably a bubble blocking the ink flow. The ink stains around the breathing hole on the nib shows the ink bubbles created during the pumping. Fingers crossed.

 

http://img16.imageshack.us/img16/1206/img1361jv.jpg

 

Filling System & Maintenance (7/10)

 

This pen is converter filled. The capacity is seems quite large compared to the Sailor 1911s that I had sold. I think the size of the pen does not allow for a piston mechanism. I have no preference for the type of filling method since having a piston creates more opportunities for break-downs (OMAS) and a sealed barrel can it difficult to flush the pen.

 

I have read that the nib is friction fitted and can be pulled off.

 

Cost & Value (9/10)

 

Even at the normal street prices of around USD400, this pen represents good value since you would get a celluloid/sterling pen with an 18K gold nib that is as smooth as silk from a venerable Italian manufacturer. I do not have photos of the box since it is at my office, but I can say that it is a top-notch product. Other Montegrappa reviews on FPN have photo samples.

 

Conclusion (52/60)

 

This is one of the best pens in my collection and has really made me ask myself why I had splurged on the MB149 costing more than double this pen. This relatively cheap model is a good introduction to the Montegrappa brand. I hope to buy a 1930 Extra sometime in future.

Edited by APHK
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I traded some art for one of these last year and sold it shortly after. Very nice pen - but it didn't really do anything for me. Your review makes me wish I had kept it though - but I probably still wouldn't use it. :P

Beautiful pen. That blue is gorgeous.

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Nice review.

 

For what it's worth, I have a 1930 Extra with EF nib and it's very much a EF, needle like, so perhaps you're lucky that the seller had the F nib instead. I am not sure whether the 1930 Extra nibs are different or not than the Miya pens, but my EF is 2 tone.

 

Its a good looking pen and hope it gives you years of pleasure.

 

Use it in good health.

 

cheers

 

Wael

“Non Impediti Ratione Cogitationis”

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Nice review.

 

For what it's worth, I have a 1930 Extra with EF nib and it's very much a EF, needle like, so perhaps you're lucky that the seller had the F nib instead. I am not sure whether the 1930 Extra nibs are different or not than the Miya pens, but my EF is 2 tone.

 

Its a good looking pen and hope it gives you years of pleasure.

 

Use it in good health.

 

cheers

 

Wael

 

Wael,

 

Thanks for the info; if I do buy the 1930, I would be sure to test out the nibs at a brick & mortal shop rather than buy from Ebay.

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Thanks for your review and images as well.

Montegrappa makes very nice pens and I like the design of the nibs.

But their pens are a little too short for me.

Only the NeroUno, but I'm not comfortable with this build in nib.

 

Sascha

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Your story tells me you were watching Zvipen on ebay. Amazing how the same bidder is winning all four of his auctions at once. And he does the second chance a lot also. You can also notice that he gets feedback immediately after the auction saying fast shipping, etc. That all being said, if you win an auction from him, his merchandise is top notch and he is even flexible about nib choices and he does ship extremely quickly.

 

I have the exact same Miya but did not get it off ebay. Definitely a nice pen and nice review.

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Thanks for your review and images as well.

Montegrappa makes very nice pens and I like the design of the nibs.

But their pens are a little too short for me.

Only the NeroUno, but I'm not comfortable with this build in nib.

 

Sascha

 

I'm surprised that you find the Montegrappa pens too short. I don't have a Miya but I would say that the rest of my Montegrappas are certainly not among my short pens.

 

Here are the dimensions as shown on John Mottishaw's site for the Montblanc 149 compared to several current Montegrappa offerings.

 

http://www.fototime.com/A35535AC6EDF141/orig.jpg

Edited by jar

 

My Website

 

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Thanks for your review and images as well.

Montegrappa makes very nice pens and I like the design of the nibs.

But their pens are a little too short for me.

Only the NeroUno, but I'm not comfortable with this build in nib.

 

Sascha

 

I'm surprised that you find the Montegrappa pens too short. I don't have a Miya but I would say that the rest of my Montegrappas are certainly not among my short pens.

 

Here are the dimensions as shown on John Mottishaw's site for the Montblanc 149 compared to several current Montegrappa offerings.

 

http://www.fototime.com/A35535AC6EDF141/orig.jpg

 

Hi jar,

for example the Miya:

Closed Length: 5.25inch (13.335cm)

My rule of thumb for uncapped is minus 1.5cm. (When it's not given)

So the effective length is 11.84 cm (12cm).

That's why I want to get the Onoto Magna Classic Engraved as an extended version. (122mm + 10mm)

I like writing with some bigger pens like my YOL, Churchill, M1000.

 

Sascha

 

The only exception will be the new GvFC Intuition Grenadilla.

It's a little bit shorter but has the right diameter.

Edited by SHK
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Nice review.

 

For what it's worth, I have a 1930 Extra with EF nib and it's very much a EF, needle like, so perhaps you're lucky that the seller had the F nib instead. I am not sure whether the 1930 Extra nibs are different or not than the Miya pens, but my EF is 2 tone.

 

Its a good looking pen and hope it gives you years of pleasure.

 

Use it in good health.

 

cheers

 

Wael

 

Wael,

 

Thanks for the info; if I do buy the 1930, I would be sure to test out the nibs at a brick & mortal shop rather than buy from Ebay.

 

When it's time to buy a 1930, I recommend FPN member Bryant. However, Tay from pensinasia.com can get them. Bryant really needs no introduction on FPN so keep him in mind, as you can't always find exactly what you're looking for ebay. Also with Bryant or Tay, you can get whatever nib you like.

 

cheers

 

Wael

“Non Impediti Ratione Cogitationis”

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Nice review.

 

For what it's worth, I have a 1930 Extra with EF nib and it's very much a EF, needle like, so perhaps you're lucky that the seller had the F nib instead. I am not sure whether the 1930 Extra nibs are different or not than the Miya pens, but my EF is 2 tone.

 

Its a good looking pen and hope it gives you years of pleasure.

 

Use it in good health.

 

cheers

 

Wael

 

Wael,

 

Thanks for the info; if I do buy the 1930, I would be sure to test out the nibs at a brick & mortal shop rather than buy from Ebay.

 

When it's time to buy a 1930, I recommend FPN member Bryant. However, Tay from pensinasia.com can get them. Bryant really needs no introduction on FPN so keep him in mind, as you can't always find exactly what you're looking for ebay. Also with Bryant or Tay, you can get whatever nib you like.

 

cheers

 

Wael

 

I'd also add John Mottishaw to that list.

 

My Website

 

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I did query the seller on the nib and was informed that fine versions of the Miya nib are all single-toned. I find that dubious but will give him the benefit of the doubt. Whilst I do not think the pen is second-hand, it is definitely not brand-new of current year production.

 

You sent me into the closet in search of mine (not in rotation currently). I have the red with a fine nib, and the nib is two-toned.

 

Thanks for the review - I'm a big fan of this pen.

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After everybody talking about the two-tone nib, I had to run downstairs and check mine. I also have the Turquoise but with an EF nib and it is single toned. Mine I know was purchased from Niklas at Stylos.se during his summer Italian sale before his prices increased. He is a reputable dealer so I think yours is just fine. I am assuming that newer stock are now arriving with single tone nibs.

 

Also, when I bought my first pen from him, I also looked over my pen to see if it was legit. His ebay tactics stink but his pens are authentic and new.

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After everybody talking about the two-tone nib, I had to run downstairs and check mine. I also have the Turquoise but with an EF nib and it is single toned. Mine I know was purchased from Niklas at Stylos.se during his summer Italian sale before his prices increased. He is a reputable dealer so I think yours is just fine. I am assuming that newer stock are now arriving with single tone nibs.

 

Also, when I bought my first pen from him, I also looked over my pen to see if it was legit. His ebay tactics stink but his pens are authentic and new.

 

efchem, that is reassuring. I have had an off-line discussion with another FPN member whose Miya is also single-toned and bought from a bricks & mortar shop. Looks like there is some variability in the nibs being shipped.

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Nice review.

 

For what it's worth, I have a 1930 Extra with EF nib and it's very much a EF, needle like, so perhaps you're lucky that the seller had the F nib instead. I am not sure whether the 1930 Extra nibs are different or not than the Miya pens, but my EF is 2 tone.

 

Its a good looking pen and hope it gives you years of pleasure.

 

Use it in good health.

 

cheers

 

Wael

 

Wael,

 

Thanks for the info; if I do buy the 1930, I would be sure to test out the nibs at a brick & mortal shop rather than buy from Ebay.

 

When it's time to buy a 1930, I recommend FPN member Bryant. However, Tay from pensinasia.com can get them. Bryant really needs no introduction on FPN so keep him in mind, as you can't always find exactly what you're looking for ebay. Also with Bryant or Tay, you can get whatever nib you like.

 

cheers

 

Wael

 

I'd also add John Mottishaw to that list.

 

I've bought multiple pens from both John Mottishaw and Bryant, and have been pleased with them both every time. :)

 

John Mottishaw has good prices, is a well known nibmeister, and tunes all pens bought from him. Bryant has even better prices. Both have excellent customer service.

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Thank you for your lovely review. It's been a little difficult to find many reviews on the Montegrappa Miya!

In Rotation: MB 146 (EF), Noodler's Ahab bumblebee, Edison Pearl (F), Sailor ProGear (N-MF)

In storage: MB 149 (18k EF), TWSBI 540 (B), ST Dupont Olympio XL (EF), MB Dumas (B stub), Waterman Preface (ST), Edison Pearl (0.5mm CI), Noodler's Ahab clear, Pilot VP (M), Danitrio Densho (F), Aurora Optima (F), Lamy 2000 (F), Visconti Homo Sapiens (stub)

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