Testing a Montblanc

[flybigj]

I'm interested in purchasing a 149 or a LeGrand, but I would like to write with one first. Before I go into a boutique and embarass myself, can someone tell me if they will let you actually write with one of these pens before you purchase them? I didn't know if they kept some of them inked for this purpose or not.

[wspohn]

If they don't allow you to dip the pen and test it, I'd walk right back out.

 

That would be like asking you to buy a car without letting you start the engine or drive it.

 

Bearing in mind that MB tends to be sold by jewellery stores rather than pen stores, it wouldn't surprise me if they didn't have a bottle of ink handy. Let us know!

[Kalessin]

If you can go to a MB boutique, they should definitely let you write with a variety of pens. Set aside some time and try out all the models that catch your eye. If you are a casual dresser, this would be a good occasion to dress more formally, it'll help if you present yourself as a serious buyer who wont hurt the demonstrator models, and who might buy a pen right then and there.

 

Any of the larger/older fine pen stores should have no problem letting you test pens, though some of them are cranky about it. Presenting yourself as a serious buyer definitely helps.

[Allan]

I'm interested in purchasing a 149 or a LeGrand, but I would like to write with one first.  Before I go into a boutique and embarass myself, can someone tell me if they will let you actually write with one of these pens before you purchase them?  I didn't know if they kept some of them inked for this purpose or not.

Yes, a boutique will let you try different pens and nibs to your heart's content. I have never had a problem in that respect. Of course now that I have my own salesman at my local boutique and he knows full and well that I am a serious buyer, he will hand me any pen in the building, which is more of a bad thing than a good one :-)

 

Allan

[patrick_y]

Most boutiques won't let you test brand new pens. What they'll usually have are Le Grand 146 pens usually of different nib sizes all filled with ink for you to test.

 

Personally, I don't particularly dress for the occassion (I live in California) when acquiring a Montblanc pen and I receive paramount service nonetheless. Yet again, I'm never wearing anything of poor taste to begin with so I'm in the clear.

 

Do not go in and simply demand to test this pen and that pen specifically. The fountain pens that they allow you to test are the ones they have already inked for this purpose.

 

1. Go into the boutique and express your desires to acquire a fountain pen.

2. Then request the staff to present you with a "Nib collection box."

3. The staff will present you with a box or a tray filled with pens (usually all LeGrand 146 pens and a few 145 Chopin pens) all filled with ink and with different nib sizes. They will also present you with a pad of paper on a small desk.

4. Take your time, start with an F or M and work your way up first and then down. Most people don't bother to try the "Oblique" nibs which are slanted horizontally. Your perogative.

5. Narrow it down to two nib sizes. They should be consecutive in size. For example you can't decide between F and M. Don't come down to F and B.

6. Make your final decision based on practicality, what will the pen be used for? For daily writing (including signatures), consider an F or EF. If the pen is used only for signatures, consider a B or BB. If you write characters (such as Chinese characters) of a different language consider something thinner...

7. Acquire the pen.

 

I suggest you acquire a 146 over a 149. It's much more practical as a daily user. It's also the best seller among daily Montblanc users. Personally, I use a Montblanc 146 F nib myself.

 

Make sure you buy from an authorized dealer. Fountain pens do leak and you might need the repair warranty.

 

Good luck...

[georges zaslavsky]

At Mora stylos or BHV or even Point Plumes or Montblanc boutique in Paris, you can write with pens and test them. I suggest you a 146 or a 149 with a medium nib. Good luck whatever you decide.

[kazoolaw]

MB Boutiques mirror the people that work in them. I've been totally ignored while wearing a suit in Chicago, and treated like a long lost rich uncle while wearing torn jeans in Charleston.

 

Patrick gives you good advice in telling you be practical, and weigh extensive use vs occasional signature. As you do so think in terms of how long you will be holding the pen. I disagree with Patrick that a 146 is "much more practical". Which pen you will be more comfortable using at length depends entirely on your hand and your writing. Trying the pens out and having one fit you will determine which will be better for you to use. They're like shoes: too big or too small both end up uncomfortable and rarely used.

 

Savor the shopping process, and be sure to let us know what you decide.

 

gary

Edited January 27, 2007 by gary

[flybigj]

Thanks so very much for all the wonderful advice. I live in College Station, Texas, so I will probably shop the MontBlanc Boutique at the Galleria in Houston. I was there once before and they were most helpful. With any luck at all, I should get by there on Tuesday.

 

I will keep you posted on what I decide and how things go.

 

Again, I really do appreciate all the great advice.

[franjov]

I've been to the Galleria Boutique in Houston, and every single one of the people of the staff were nice and polite.

 

I personally prefer the 149 over the 146, but the size of your writing hand is paramount to find the right choice for you.

 

Inform us of your choice, but I can tell you right now, that you can't go wrong with your Montblanc.

 

Good luck,

 

Franco

[Allan]

Thanks so very much for all the wonderful advice. I live in College Station, Texas, so I will probably shop the MontBlanc Boutique at the Galleria in Houston. I was there once before and they were most helpful. With any luck at all, I should get by there on Tuesday.

 

I will keep you posted on what I decide and how things go.

 

Again, I really do appreciate all the great advice.

Well since you are going to MY store (heh) might as well ask for MY salesman! See if Jonathon Griffin is there, he is the assistant manager and although I have had no bad experiences from anyone there, he is my favorite. Tell him Allan Hall (the Ramses and Boheme Morron guy) sent you, cant hurt!

 

Allan

[flybigj]

Allan, I will be sure and do just that. Thanks!

[WatchFan1]

BUT.....aren't boutiques pretty much required to charge full MSRP though ??

 

Since 149 is now $615...you can save 'easy' $130 as many "Authorized MB dealers (probably at the same shopping mall !!) would give you 20% off.

 

You can save even 30% off 149 if you buy it online (also brand new and with warranty from Authorized dealers that give normally 25% off and do not charge sales tax).....

 

But I guess if the 'warm and fuzzy' from buying at the MB Boutique is important - why not ?

[Allan]

And there is more too it than "warm and fuzzys", but not everyone will appreciate it.

 

Allan

[patrick_y]

Yes, personally, I prefer to buy from a true brick and mortar store than from the online website. The main thing is that most online retailers will not stamp the warranty booklet. And if they did, their stamp wouldn't hold up at the boutique should you need warranty work.

[rrrgcy]

Walked into my very first MB store last week, the boutique in Aventura, FL. Was asked by a late-20's saleswoman, possibly European descent, what i was interested in, i replied "why, pens. can i look at some and test?" She drawers out a ballpoint, i said No, fountain pens. i add "A Meisterstruck, 146, but id ilke to try the different nibs" She retrieves a tray and hands me one 146, and claims all the testers are 146 with different nibs. I test write on the pad (an OM evidently, by my hand and still good enough eyes) and then ask about the nib. She said they only come in, like Fine, Medium. I ask what about broad, or oblique m, oblique b etc? She says, "Oh, obliques are for left handed writers". I ask if i can test w a different pen, an upgraded version, with a different better nib, she replied "Oh, the nibs are pretty much alike, and again, we only have these testers (the 146's). I'm seriously considering walking in and chastising the manager - being old to vintage, but new to MB (i have a few vintage ones), I'm speechless at the boutique's lack of focus. It was terribly insulting because her attitude and conversation was borderline all-knowing and demeaning in tone. Wow, what an introduction to the boutique MB-world i experienced.

[TLMG]

Also... HAGGLE.

They are more than happy to play around with pricing. If you pay MSRP I will fly down and slap you!

[VaN GoGh]

I have 149 & 147 ( same with 146 but with catridge) both are M nib. If you really need a daily writer 146 is perfect but if you look for signature and getting some attention than 149 is what you need. But at the end you should try each because of the size.

[nycevan]

They should certainly let you test out anything in the MB store. I am sad to hear about your bad experience rrrgcy, lets hope that doesn't happen again. It is a an expensive luxury item , lets be honest here when selling pens that average around $600 or so they need to step up the service notch a bit !

[TLMG]

Walked into my very first MB store last week, the boutique in Aventura, FL. Was asked by a late-20's saleswoman, possibly European descent, what i was interested in, i replied "why, pens. can i look at some and test?" She drawers out a ballpoint, i said No, fountain pens. i add "A Meisterstruck, 146, but id ilke to try the different nibs" She retrieves a tray and hands me one 146, and claims all the testers are 146 with different nibs. I test write on the pad (an OM evidently, by my hand and still good enough eyes) and then ask about the nib. She said they only come in, like Fine, Medium. I ask what about broad, or oblique m, oblique b etc? She says, "Oh, obliques are for left handed writers". I ask if i can test w a different pen, an upgraded version, with a different better nib, she replied "Oh, the nibs are pretty much alike, and again, we only have these testers (the 146's). I'm seriously considering walking in and chastising the manager - being old to vintage, but new to MB (i have a few vintage ones), I'm speechless at the boutique's lack of focus. It was terribly insulting because her attitude and conversation was borderline all-knowing and demeaning in tone. Wow, what an introduction to the boutique MB-world i experienced.

 

Tough situation, definitely, but you have to understand that they are probably extremely jaded to people coming in and wrecking their pens. I think your request for an "upgraded, better nib" compared to a Medium gave them pause and that when she said "they are pretty much alike" she meant in terms of the quality of the nib. It is likely that they dont have a full set (weird considering each pen probably costs like $20 to make) because they don't sell many B, OB, etc.

[meiers]

I have always been treated like royalty in the MB boutiques I visit.

And I am not a formal dresser.