Mb 147 Traveller Problem

[Virobono]

I am having a problem with my MB 147 Traveller. I bought the pen in 2001 from an AD in Belfast, Northern Ireland. Almost immediately afterwards I went overseas on duty and when I came back I found I wasn't too keen on the medium nib (and of course was out of time to change it for free), so I used the pen rarely. However, I've always looked after it, flushing it and cleaning it. It's never been dropped or mistreated.

 

A few days ago I cleaned it, and inked it up. Now I have a couple of other pens, I realise how dreadful the MB is. The ink flow is too great, so that it writes very, very wet, and looks to me more like the output of a broad nib. It's impossible to write with my normal hand (which is quite small). I've taken a photo, with examples of two other pens for comparison.

 

 

Is this normal? I suspect not, but this is my only MB experience.

 

The next question is, what can be done? I have an MB Boutique nearby, but it seems very difficult to find out UK repair costs and I'm reluctant to just send it off and end up with a huge bill. In the alternative, can anyone recommend an independent repairer?

 

Thanks in advance.

[pp763]

Hi. Im a great fan of the 147. Its a shame MB no longer make them in metal. In short it cost me £215 for a new nib on my 149 so I would imagine it would be the same for the 147 but if you want the ink flow adjusting I reckon around £80. That would include replacing anything that needs replacing as well. Also are you using MB ink as different inks behave differently.

[Virobono]

Thanks for that, pp763.

 

I am using MB ink in it. I think that if the flow can be adjusted it'll be worth the £80, so I'll drop it into the MB Boutique at the weekend.

[orfew]

the 147 is a great pen,if it is working for you. Iwould send it to a nibmeister to adjust the flow. Remeber that these nibs are hand ground so there will be variation even between m nibs. Best of luck and I hope that you will be soon enjoying the 147.

Edited August 20, 2013 by orfew

[BrandonA]

the 147 is a great pen,if it is working for you. Iwould send it to a nibmeister to adjust the flow. Remeber that these nibs are hand ground so there will be variation even between m nibs. Best of luck and I hope that you will be soon enjoying the 147.

 

Not criticsing you but I don't understand why people always state that the pens should be sent to a non authorised individual to adjust - You have no warranty and they can only hack at what you present. Maybe for the experienced collector who has lots of pens and knows exactly what they like but I dont think they are the best option for inexperienced people who only have one or two pens.

 

The price pp763 stated seem correct to me. This should be the first option, you'll get a good service and a warranty on the work performed which virtually eliminates the risk

[PenBoutique]

Hi,

It would be better to send to the Montblanc service center at your local country/state. They will check and you can request the approval for quote before any repair or nib exchange is done. If you are not satisfied with the quote, you can always ask for the pen to be sent back. You will lose only the shipping charges. Just looked up and the MB UK customer service no. is +44 020 8332 4550.

 

Good Luck!

Edited August 20, 2013 by PenBoutique

[Calamus plasticus]

Try it with Montblanc Toffee Brown cartridges; it's a very dry ink and the result can be very different to other MB inks.

You can also contact an expert like John Sorowka (Oxonian) through FPN and ask him about the flow issue, just to compare it with the official MB service.

[Montblanc owner and lover]

I think the best is just go to a mb shop and ask to correct the flow to what you want.

[Opooh]

Why not mail to montblanc.com, within 3 days they normally send you an answer.

[jar]

Stop.

 

Before doing anything to the pen, get some Pelikan 4001 cartridges and give them a try.

[CS388]

If you do end up sending it off to anyone (incl MB): it might be a good idea to include a writing sample using this pen and comparative writing samples, using pens which you are happier with (as you show in your picture).

It will help the technicians to know what they are aiming for, as we all have different wants and needs.

eg. My writing is big and fast, so I want a wet writer.

 

As others have said: try other inks, too.

 

Good luck.

[Chrissy]

Not criticsing you but I don't understand why people always state that the pens should be sent to a non authorised individual to adjust - You have no warranty and they can only hack at what you present. Maybe for the experienced collector who has lots of pens and knows exactly what they like but I dont think they are the best option for inexperienced people who only have one or two pens.

 

The price pp763 stated seem correct to me. This should be the first option, you'll get a good service and a warranty on the work performed which virtually eliminates the risk

Hear hear! I thought I was the only person who thought this way.

 

OP if you didn't write with it for 6 weeks and the nib looks unused to the technician, Mb might even replace it for no extra charge when they see it.

Edited August 21, 2013 by Chrissy