Montblanc Meisterstuck 145; Hommage To Frederick Chopin

[Shangas]

In Australian dollars, in Australia, the cost for a Montblanc Meisterstuck 145 is a pricy $610. I purchased mine from a boutique in Kuala Lumpar, Malaysia, however, and it cost me just $300AUD. Given that I managed to get a bottle of ink and a box of cartridges for just a little more expenditure, I think it was worth the money; especially since I've wanted one of these pens for years.

 

So, for 300 AUD (about $ 250/€190) you get what basically is a standard plastic pen with a nib that's worth about € 30 (about $40/AUD45) and a converter that's worth about € 5 (about $6,50/AUD 7,50). Yes, it's a fair discount and it's nice looking, but I wonder how that can be worth the money?

 

Well let's see...

 

You need to get the gold for the bands, the nib and the clip, You need the engravers, the nib-makers, nib-testers, pen-assemblers, you need the converters, the feeds, the sections, the marketing, the packaging, the ink, the 100-years of reputation is a top-flight pen-maker...

 

I can very well see why their pens are so expensive, and justifyably so.

[damien]

Hi people,

 

I'm new to this forum. Juz dropped in to thank Shangas for the great review. I own an MB 145P and it is currently on its way back (I live in Singapore) from the US because I got it custom-ground by Gustavo Rodriguez.

 

As Shangas had mentioned, the 145 has a great design, looks classy, and writes great. My 145 had a round nib originally but I wanted an italic nib and MB's italic nibs don't really suit my writing... they tend to skip quite abit, hence the engagement of Gustavo's services. Hope it arrives back safe and sound.

 

 

[waynephillips]

I love my new chopin. Just arrived today.

Funny thing is that the guy selling it on ebay, advertised it as a mozart. However, when it arrived I noticed two things: 1) longer than what a mozart is advertised to be

2) converter/cartridge fill mechanism.

[Dvenosa]

mine slips a bit too...

[Shangas]

Interesting, I haven't peeked in here, recently.

 

To the guys who posted a few weeks ago, I'm glad you like your Chopins. I love mine too. Hope yours bring you lots of pleasure.

[graceaj]

Any chance you could tell us where exactly in KL you got it?

[Shangas]

**Pulls out documentation**

 

1 Utama Shopping Centre, Bandar Utama, 17800 Tetaling Jaya, Selangor Darul Eshan.

 

I just copied that out of the business-card I have in the box that came with my pen. The address is in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

[djrsf42]

Loved your take about the MB 145. I have a few MB and I love em all!!! I use em' everyday. I have some other great pens (Pelikans, Omas), but my MB's are my favorite. I really don't know why either. They write great, look great, and I rock one everywhere I go! MB FOR LIFE!!!

[philippi]

Fountain pen writers are known to be sometimes over-accurate. So am I. Please notice that the man's name was Frédéric. As my son's. Perhaps somewhat too sensitive, I guess.....

Charles Philippi

 

I promised a photo. Here it is.

 

The Montblanc Meisterstuck 145, Hommage to Fredrick Chopin.

 

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a215/Fruffles/MontblancMeisterstuck145HommagetoFr.jpg

 

That is a photo of my own pen. I hope I did a satisfactory job.

 

First impressions.

 

My first impressions of the Meisterstuck, ever since I saw it in magazine photos, in pen-shops and in online galleries, was the simplicity of design, and the pure classiness. To me, the pen always did, does, and forever will scream - "I like my pens". And you would have to, to own one like the Meisterstuck. For those clueless to Montblanc and it's pens, Meisterstuck is German, and means "Masterpiece".

 

The thing that first caught my eye about the Meisterstuck, as I mentioned above, was the simplicity. And it is a ridiculously simple design. Jet black through-and-through, apart from a few gold rings here and there, to break up the expanse of darkness. The gold banding stands out like Churchill at a Nazi rally, and adds a certain air of class to the pen. It tells people that the pen isn't just and ordinary, mass-produced fountain pen bought in a cheap plastic pocket, but rather one to be admired and treasured for generations.

 

Another iconic fitting on the Meisterstuck 145, as with all MB pens, is the famous White Star logo, representing the snow-capped peak of Montblanc, the famous mountain in the Alps. Interestingly enough, the star has six points, and looks very similiar to the Star of David. Some MB pens produced in Middle-Eastern countries don't have the White Star on top, due to the religious connotations.

 

Appearance and finish.

 

The Meisterstuck 145 has a wonderful, shiny black resin finish, easily maintained and kept shiny, by a simple wiping down with a cloth, a tissue-paper, or even a (clean and fresh, please), handkerchief.

 

The most famous part of the Meisterstuck's design is the bands on the pen's cap, and barrel, which are plated with gold, and in more recent times, platinum. Looked after carefully, the pen will shine and sparkle when poking out of a breast pocket, or when lying on a desk with a lamp shining on it.

 

Size.

 

Measuring 5.5 inches capped, and 6 inches when posted, the Meisterstuck's Hommage to Fredrick Chopin fits perfectly into a shirt pocket. The small circumfrence of the grip means that it is well-suited to the hands and fingers of several people. For those with smaller hands, the MB Meisterstuck 145 is a better choice of writing instrument than it's bulkier cousin, the 149, which is significantly larger.

 

Nib design & peformance.

 

Nibs in the Meisterstuck range are shiny and made of 14-18kt gold. In the case of the Hommage to Fredrick Chopin, the nib is 14kts, as engraved on the nib; along with the prerequisite 4810, the height of Montblanc in meters.

 

Fresh out of it's box, the nib of the Meisterstuck is smooth to the point of slippery, tending to slide across paper as though the sheet was rubbed with grease. With regular use, however, the nib will wear down slightly, and will tend to be less slippery. Still smooth, but less slippery and easier to control. With time, the writer will get used to it. I found the nib sizes to be rather inaccurate. Even something supposed to be 'medium' looked about as wide as a paint-roller on paper. I finally settled with a 'FINE' nib, and, after I had the pen broken-in, had established a line-thickness with which I was happy with. Be mindful of the width of the nib when purchasing one of these pens. You MUST try before you buy, because the widths advertised next to the nib-sizes in the brochures etc, are not especially accurate.

 

The Filling System.

 

The Montblanc Meisterstuck 145, Hommage to Fredrick Chopin; may be filled using both cartridges or a twist-fill converter. All fountain pens in the current Meisterstuck range, with the EXCEPTION of the Hommage to Amadeus Mozart, are designed to hold TWO cartridges. One to be punctured and used by the writer, and the other to be turned upside down and stored in the barrel of the pen as a reserve.

 

The converter for the 145 is simple, effective and easy to use. When pumping ink out of the pen for cleaning, or for changing ink-colours, one will notice no (or very few), bubbles, which form from excess ink; something which I have noticed in other pens.

 

Cost & Value.

 

In Australian dollars, in Australia, the cost for a Montblanc Meisterstuck 145 is a pricy $610. I purchased mine from a boutique in Kuala Lumpar, Malaysia, however, and it cost me just $300AUD. Given that I managed to get a bottle of ink and a box of cartridges for just a little more expenditure, I think it was worth the money; especially since I've wanted one of these pens for years.

 

While a flashy looker, a smooth writer and a reasonably decent price and value-for-money, the Montblanc Pen Company does not offer a lifetime warranty with it's goods. In fact, the warranty only lasts TWO years, which is the only setback which I managed to find.

 

Overall opinion.

 

Despite the setbacks regarding nibs and warranties, the Montblanc Meisterstuck Hommage to Fredrick Chopin is a fine and well-made writing instrument. Designed and garauranteed to make a statement, and designed and garuanteed to be a smooth writer, it is an essential to ANY pen-collector's...eh...collection. It is without a doubt, one of, if not THE, most famous fountain pen in the world. The simple but stylish design is instantly recognisable the world-over, and so will you, if you have one. I've wanted one of these pens for YEARS, and now that I finally do have one, I can assure you, I haven't been dissapointed.

 

[sean2901]

I'm planning to buy one with an oblique nib. Anyone any experience with that nib? But I'm doubting whether to buy a meisterstuck with a cartridge filler or not. I read that it was possible to place a reserve catridge in the Chopin? What are the pro's and the cons?

 

Great review. Greets.

[goodguy]

Happy you like the pen.

Here is another proof Mont Blanc makes pens that are lookers and good writers.

Thanks for the wonderful review.

Edited August 31, 2009 by MYU
Removed full quote of original post

[tomee]

hey guys,

 

im looking to purchase one of these, is there a newer MB out now that is similar in size to it?

 

newbie here, sorry

[bengine]

@tomee,

 

You can check here:

 

Black Resin & Gold Chopin (145)

 

Black Resin & Platinum Chopin (145)

 

Regards,

 

Ben

[bbbiswas]

Fountain pen writers are known to be sometimes over-accurate. So am I. Please notice that the man's name was Frédéric. As my son's. Perhaps somewhat too sensitive, I guess.....

Charles Philippi

 

<!--quoteo(post=276634:date=Apr 20 2007, 01:02 PM:name=Shangas)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Shangas @ Apr 20 2007, 01:02 PM) 276634[/snapback]</div><div class='quotemain'><!--quotec-->I promised a photo. Here it is.

 

The Montblanc Meisterstuck 145, Hommage to Fredrick Chopin.

 

<img src="http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a215/Fruffles/MontblancMeisterstuck145HommagetoFr.jpg" border="0" class="linked-image" />

 

That is a photo of my own pen. I hope I did a satisfactory job.

 

<b>First impressions.</b>

 

My first impressions of the Meisterstuck, ever since I saw it in magazine photos, in pen-shops and in online galleries, was the simplicity of design, and the pure classiness. To me, the pen always did, does, and forever will scream - "I like my pens". And you would have to, to own one like the Meisterstuck. For those clueless to Montblanc and it's pens, Meisterstuck is German, and means "Masterpiece".

 

The thing that first caught my eye about the Meisterstuck, as I mentioned above, was the simplicity. And it is a ridiculously simple design. Jet black through-and-through, apart from a few gold rings here and there, to break up the expanse of darkness. The gold banding stands out like Churchill at a Nazi rally, and adds a certain air of class to the pen. It tells people that the pen isn't just and ordinary, mass-produced fountain pen bought in a cheap plastic pocket, but rather one to be admired and treasured for generations.

 

Another iconic fitting on the Meisterstuck 145, as with all MB pens, is the famous White Star logo, representing the snow-capped peak of Montblanc, the famous mountain in the Alps. Interestingly enough, the star has six points, and looks very similiar to the Star of David. Some MB pens produced in Middle-Eastern countries don't have the White Star on top, due to the religious connotations.

 

<b>Appearance and finish.</b>

 

The Meisterstuck 145 has a wonderful, shiny black resin finish, easily maintained and kept shiny, by a simple wiping down with a cloth, a tissue-paper, or even a (clean and fresh, please), handkerchief.

 

The most famous part of the Meisterstuck's design is the bands on the pen's cap, and barrel, which are plated with gold, and in more recent times, platinum. Looked after carefully, the pen will shine and sparkle when poking out of a breast pocket, or when lying on a desk with a lamp shining on it.

 

<b>Size.</b>

 

Measuring 5.5 inches capped, and 6 inches when posted, the Meisterstuck's Hommage to Fredrick Chopin fits perfectly into a shirt pocket. The small circumfrence of the grip means that it is well-suited to the hands and fingers of several people. For those with smaller hands, the MB Meisterstuck 145 is a better choice of writing instrument than it's bulkier cousin, the 149, which is significantly larger.

 

<b>Nib design & peformance.</b>

 

Nibs in the Meisterstuck range are shiny and made of 14-18kt gold. In the case of the Hommage to Fredrick Chopin, the nib is 14kts, as engraved on the nib; along with the prerequisite 4810, the height of Montblanc in meters.

 

Fresh out of it's box, the nib of the Meisterstuck is smooth to the point of slippery, tending to slide across paper as though the sheet was rubbed with grease. With regular use, however, the nib will wear down slightly, and will tend to be less slippery. Still smooth, but less slippery and easier to control. With time, the writer will get used to it. I found the nib sizes to be rather inaccurate. Even something supposed to be 'medium' looked about as wide as a paint-roller on paper. I finally settled with a 'FINE' nib, and, after I had the pen broken-in, had established a line-thickness with which I was happy with. Be mindful of the width of the nib when purchasing one of these pens. You MUST try before you buy, because the widths advertised next to the nib-sizes in the brochures etc, are not especially accurate.

 

<b>The Filling System.</b>

 

The Montblanc Meisterstuck 145, Hommage to Fredrick Chopin; may be filled using both cartridges or a twist-fill converter. All fountain pens in the current Meisterstuck range, with the EXCEPTION of the Hommage to Amadeus Mozart, are designed to hold TWO cartridges. One to be punctured and used by the writer, and the other to be turned upside down and stored in the barrel of the pen as a reserve.

 

The converter for the 145 is simple, effective and easy to use. When pumping ink out of the pen for cleaning, or for changing ink-colours, one will notice no (or very few), bubbles, which form from excess ink; something which I have noticed in other pens.

 

<b>Cost & Value.</b>

 

In Australian dollars, in Australia, the cost for a Montblanc Meisterstuck 145 is a pricy $610. I purchased mine from a boutique in Kuala Lumpar, Malaysia, however, and it cost me just $300AUD. Given that I managed to get a bottle of ink and a box of cartridges for just a little more expenditure, I think it was worth the money; especially since I've wanted one of these pens for years.

 

While a flashy looker, a smooth writer and a reasonably decent price and value-for-money, the Montblanc Pen Company does not offer a lifetime warranty with it's goods. In fact, the warranty only lasts TWO years, which is the only setback which I managed to find.

 

<b>Overall opinion.</b>

 

Despite the setbacks regarding nibs and warranties, the Montblanc Meisterstuck Hommage to Fredrick Chopin is a fine and well-made writing instrument. Designed and garauranteed to make a statement, and designed and garuanteed to be a smooth writer, it is an essential to ANY pen-collector's...eh...collection. It is without a doubt, one of, if not THE, most famous fountain pen in the world. The simple but stylish design is instantly recognisable the world-over, and so will you, if you have one. I've wanted one of these pens for YEARS, and now that I finally do have one, I can assure you, I haven't been dissapointed.<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->

 

On the Star:

To link the snow splat with Star of David is far fetched. How can you dislike or hate this beautiful trade mark of Montblanc pens. However, I thought all MB pens are made in Germany. But are those made outside like Middle East? Maybe Montblanc Company don't put the star for export to Muslim countries of Middle East. Someone may make fake MB pens without the star and sell to Middle East people. That smart guy is encashing their hatred for the star. How many prongs are there in the "crescent & star" symbol of Islam - can anybody please tell.

[markb]

Wow, a lot of people seem quite happy with their Montblanc 145. It seems I am not as fortunate with mine. I purchased one and am quite dissapointed with it. It skips a lot. If I write a fair bit at one with it the ink flow will be ok after a while, but if I leave it for a little while and come back to it, it takes a while to get ink flow back again. Funny thing is, my girlfriend has one too and it is a very nice writer (which is what convinced me to get mine). I may have to send mine to Montblanc and have them work on it, but I am seriously considering selling mine. Too bad, because it is a nice looking pen and should be a good writer.

[Bill Broome]

I've got a 145 too, and it also has ink flow problems. I have to hold it at such an acute angle with the surface of the paper that it's just not comfortable, and I don't use it. I wish I could.

 

Maybe I should send it for service. If I do, should I send it to Montblanc or to a nib meister?

[wtlh]

Wow, a lot of people seem quite happy with their Montblanc 145. It seems I am not as fortunate with mine. I purchased one and am quite dissapointed with it. It skips a lot. If I write a fair bit at one with it the ink flow will be ok after a while, but if I leave it for a little while and come back to it, it takes a while to get ink flow back again. Funny thing is, my girlfriend has one too and it is a very nice writer (which is what convinced me to get mine). I may have to send mine to Montblanc and have them work on it, but I am seriously considering selling mine. Too bad, because it is a nice looking pen and should be a good writer.

 

 

I've got a 145 too, and it also has ink flow problems. I have to hold it at such an acute angle with the surface of the paper that it's just not comfortable, and I don't use it. I wish I could.

 

Maybe I should send it for service. If I do, should I send it to Montblanc or to a nib meister?

 

 

If you purchased the pen new then you can just ask Montblanc to replace the nib free of charge.

[wtlh]

Fountain pen writers are known to be sometimes over-accurate. So am I. Please notice that the man's name was Frédéric. As my son's. Perhaps somewhat too sensitive, I guess.....

Charles Philippi

 

<!--quoteo(post=276634:date=Apr 20 2007, 01:02 PM:name=Shangas)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Shangas @ Apr 20 2007, 01:02 PM) 276634[/snapback]</div><div class='quotemain'><!--quotec-->I promised a photo. Here it is.

 

The Montblanc Meisterstuck 145, Hommage to Fredrick Chopin.

 

<img src="http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a215/Fruffles/MontblancMeisterstuck145HommagetoFr.jpg" border="0" class="linked-image" />

 

That is a photo of my own pen. I hope I did a satisfactory job.

 

<b>First impressions.</b>

 

My first impressions of the Meisterstuck, ever since I saw it in magazine photos, in pen-shops and in online galleries, was the simplicity of design, and the pure classiness. To me, the pen always did, does, and forever will scream - "I like my pens". And you would have to, to own one like the Meisterstuck. For those clueless to Montblanc and it's pens, Meisterstuck is German, and means "Masterpiece".

 

The thing that first caught my eye about the Meisterstuck, as I mentioned above, was the simplicity. And it is a ridiculously simple design. Jet black through-and-through, apart from a few gold rings here and there, to break up the expanse of darkness. The gold banding stands out like Churchill at a Nazi rally, and adds a certain air of class to the pen. It tells people that the pen isn't just and ordinary, mass-produced fountain pen bought in a cheap plastic pocket, but rather one to be admired and treasured for generations.

 

Another iconic fitting on the Meisterstuck 145, as with all MB pens, is the famous White Star logo, representing the snow-capped peak of Montblanc, the famous mountain in the Alps. Interestingly enough, the star has six points, and looks very similiar to the Star of David. Some MB pens produced in Middle-Eastern countries don't have the White Star on top, due to the religious connotations.

 

<b>Appearance and finish.</b>

 

The Meisterstuck 145 has a wonderful, shiny black resin finish, easily maintained and kept shiny, by a simple wiping down with a cloth, a tissue-paper, or even a (clean and fresh, please), handkerchief.

 

The most famous part of the Meisterstuck's design is the bands on the pen's cap, and barrel, which are plated with gold, and in more recent times, platinum. Looked after carefully, the pen will shine and sparkle when poking out of a breast pocket, or when lying on a desk with a lamp shining on it.

 

<b>Size.</b>

 

Measuring 5.5 inches capped, and 6 inches when posted, the Meisterstuck's Hommage to Fredrick Chopin fits perfectly into a shirt pocket. The small circumfrence of the grip means that it is well-suited to the hands and fingers of several people. For those with smaller hands, the MB Meisterstuck 145 is a better choice of writing instrument than it's bulkier cousin, the 149, which is significantly larger.

 

<b>Nib design & peformance.</b>

 

Nibs in the Meisterstuck range are shiny and made of 14-18kt gold. In the case of the Hommage to Fredrick Chopin, the nib is 14kts, as engraved on the nib; along with the prerequisite 4810, the height of Montblanc in meters.

 

Fresh out of it's box, the nib of the Meisterstuck is smooth to the point of slippery, tending to slide across paper as though the sheet was rubbed with grease. With regular use, however, the nib will wear down slightly, and will tend to be less slippery. Still smooth, but less slippery and easier to control. With time, the writer will get used to it. I found the nib sizes to be rather inaccurate. Even something supposed to be 'medium' looked about as wide as a paint-roller on paper. I finally settled with a 'FINE' nib, and, after I had the pen broken-in, had established a line-thickness with which I was happy with. Be mindful of the width of the nib when purchasing one of these pens. You MUST try before you buy, because the widths advertised next to the nib-sizes in the brochures etc, are not especially accurate.

 

<b>The Filling System.</b>

 

The Montblanc Meisterstuck 145, Hommage to Fredrick Chopin; may be filled using both cartridges or a twist-fill converter. All fountain pens in the current Meisterstuck range, with the EXCEPTION of the Hommage to Amadeus Mozart, are designed to hold TWO cartridges. One to be punctured and used by the writer, and the other to be turned upside down and stored in the barrel of the pen as a reserve.

 

The converter for the 145 is simple, effective and easy to use. When pumping ink out of the pen for cleaning, or for changing ink-colours, one will notice no (or very few), bubbles, which form from excess ink; something which I have noticed in other pens.

 

<b>Cost & Value.</b>

 

In Australian dollars, in Australia, the cost for a Montblanc Meisterstuck 145 is a pricy $610. I purchased mine from a boutique in Kuala Lumpar, Malaysia, however, and it cost me just $300AUD. Given that I managed to get a bottle of ink and a box of cartridges for just a little more expenditure, I think it was worth the money; especially since I've wanted one of these pens for years.

 

While a flashy looker, a smooth writer and a reasonably decent price and value-for-money, the Montblanc Pen Company does not offer a lifetime warranty with it's goods. In fact, the warranty only lasts TWO years, which is the only setback which I managed to find.

 

<b>Overall opinion.</b>

 

Despite the setbacks regarding nibs and warranties, the Montblanc Meisterstuck Hommage to Fredrick Chopin is a fine and well-made writing instrument. Designed and garauranteed to make a statement, and designed and garuanteed to be a smooth writer, it is an essential to ANY pen-collector's...eh...collection. It is without a doubt, one of, if not THE, most famous fountain pen in the world. The simple but stylish design is instantly recognisable the world-over, and so will you, if you have one. I've wanted one of these pens for YEARS, and now that I finally do have one, I can assure you, I haven't been dissapointed.<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->

 

On the Star:

To link the snow splat with Star of David is far fetched. How can you dislike or hate this beautiful trade mark of Montblanc pens. However, I thought all MB pens are made in Germany. But are those made outside like Middle East? Maybe Montblanc Company don't put the star for export to Muslim countries of Middle East. Someone may make fake MB pens without the star and sell to Middle East people. That smart guy is encashing their hatred for the star. How many prongs are there in the "crescent & star" symbol of Islam - can anybody please tell.

 

If you search through the Montblanc forum, you will find that there existed Montblancs with white triangles on them instead of the star that are sold in mid-east. There had been an incident where a plane hijacker mistakenly saw the Montblancs star as the Star of David and it nearly cost the life its poor owner…

[BV1961]

I had the same problem with mine, bought new in December 2007.

I was disappointed - what fixed mine was having a mammoth writing fest which seamed to work it in - its now fine - well fairly broad and wet for a medium nib actually.

[breaker]

nice review