Ready For My First 149. Where To Buy In Houston?

[nickmazur]

I am ready for my first Montblanc. I have an Aurora 88 Large and now I would like to buy a 149 or Legrand. Ideally, I'd like to try each out really well before I make my decision. Which place would you recommend for shopping in Houston, Dromgooles or the MB boutique?

 

By the way, I am dreaming of having a shopping experience of the Matsuya Fountain Pen Hospital. Only possible in Japan?

[jar]

Dromgoole's

[nickmazur]

Dromgoole's

Thank you. Could you be more specific? Do they allow testing pens? Do they carry the 149 in different nib widths?

[A1979]

 

By the way, I am dreaming of having a shopping experience of the Matsuya Fountain Pen Hospital. Only possible in Japan?

I hadn't seen that video before. Nice!

[jar]

Thank you. Could you be more specific? Do they allow testing pens? Do they carry the 149 in different nib widths?

 

Give them a call and ask. The boutique will not let you test 149s.

[Wolverine1]

I doubt that they will let you test out brand new pens in the different sizes.

[jsolares]

Thank you. Could you be more specific? Do they allow testing pens? Do they carry the 149 in different nib widths?

 

Not even all boutiques have the 149 in different nib sizes, the boutique should have the tester 146 with all the different nibs though, None will let you test a 149 afaik, hold sure but not ink it.

You should call both of them and see if they have the 146 to test the different nibs.

[dubhe]

Try the 146 nib sizes out, but remember you will not really be sure until you get the pen home and start using it naturally. I tried all the 146 nibs in store and decided I needed a B or BB, but when a good price on a F came up I bought it and could not be happier. Trying nibs in store, generally standing up, with the pressure of making a decision, you will still not really know. Alternatively, look at the size of your writing, the bigger it is, the bigger the nib.

 

Both my 146 and 149 (if you do not buy a 149 now you will eventually) are secondhand, in excellent condition and cost half the new price. It is worth buying used if you are not sure as they hold their value much better than new and are easy to sell on a site like this.

[BillZ]

Larry and Willie will let you test almost any pen in the store.

[meiers]

I purchased one of mine right here in the FPN classifieds. There are some amazing pieces up for grabs right now.

 

Buying second-hand is the way to go.

Edited July 20, 2015 by meiers

[nickmazur]

Thank you all for the suggestions. The second-hand option does sound attractive. However, being a really new fountain pen user, I am not sure how much risk I am prepared to take on a pen that's not quite right. I will stop by Dromgoole's first and see what they have in stock. I am hope they'll have each pen with a fine nib. That's my first choice, I think.

[bernardo]

There's a MB boutique and a Paradise Pen shop in The Galleria; they could be a good option. Neiman Marcus sells MB pens too.

[scoli83]

Dromgoole's, without a doubt!

[Wolverine1]

Go to Dromgooles, that is your best option. Actualy call them and ask when Dr Steve will be present, and plan your visit when Steve is there. You can select your MB 149 pen, and have the nib fine tuned by Steve. Dr Steve Pustulnik is very good with pens, and you would be better off if you could arrange your visit when he is there. Dr Steve is busy at his "real" job, so he isnt available at Dromgooles every day, therefore, check with them before your visit.

[BillZ]

Nickmazur,

I was in Dromgoole's yesterday and mentioned to Larry that someone wanted to buy a 149 but wanted to try it out first. He got all excited and said" I hope he comes by". So he's waiting for you. As afr as Dr. Nick goes, he usually comes in on Saturday afternoons. Good luck.