gerigo Posted March 12, 2017 Author Share Posted March 12, 2017 Everyone, thanks for all the wonderful responses. Pravda, now that I have gone through this experience, I would recommend getting a nib that would really leverage the expertise of Montblanc exactly where the sweet spot it. They offer quite a few more unique nibs that are not part of their nib exchange. Such as an ultra fine, a flexible nib, a signature nib that looks very similar to my nib, and also nibs for non English calligraphy. In all honesty, the Japanese such as Sailor own the super and ultra fine category so don't really bother with those. I also would not bother with the flex nib because it's really more of a bouncy nib than a flex. The only ones I will whole heartedly recommend are the super extra wide calligraphy and signature nibs. Those are unique to Montblanc and you really can't get it from any one else. Dcharles, I personally have not seen a Montblanc music nib so I don't know how different or similar it is. I have many other music nibs including those by the big 3 Japanese pen makers, the Franklin Christoph and even an old Waterman music nib. Japanese music nibs are pretty much stub nibs, the FC nib is really a 1.9 calligraphy nib, and the old Waterman a flexy italic nib. This is a very stiff nib designed for calligraphy. The way Axel described it was that this nib is designed to deliver ink consistently across the entire width of the nib with clean edges. He told me that was not an easy design brief to deliver to. Here is a picture of it compared to other wide nibs I own. The Pilot Parallel 2.4 and the Franklin Christoph 1.9 Music. There is also small cursive at the bottom of the page. That was written with the corner of the nib. It truly is a privilege to own this grail pen/ nib, and I am happy to be able to share the experience with you all. Link to post Share on other sites
amberleadavis Posted March 12, 2017 Share Posted March 12, 2017 Oh, that's a nice comparison. Fountain pens are my preferred COLOR DELIVERY SYSTEM (in part because crayons melt in Las Vegas). Want to get a special letter / gift from me, then create a Ghostly Avatar Ink comparisons: The Great PPS Comparison 366 Inks in 2016 Check out inks sorted by color: Blue Purple Brown Red Green Dark Green Orange Black Pinks Yellows Blue-Blacks Grey/Gray UVInks Turquoise/Teal MURKY Link to post Share on other sites
Tom Kellie Posted March 12, 2017 Share Posted March 12, 2017 ~ gerigo: You're many rays of sunshine breaking through on an overcast, rainy morning. Such beauty! The strokes you've shown from your pens are magnificent. Thank you for the clarity with which you've explained your experience and pens. Also, thank you for such a colorful image above. The comparison is definitive. Your bespoke experience is ‘the very stuff of dreams’. With Happiness and Appreciation, Tom K. Link to post Share on other sites
Cryptos Posted March 12, 2017 Share Posted March 12, 2017 Nobody has asked so I guess I shall have to. How much does this cost? Link to post Share on other sites
thygreyt Posted March 12, 2017 Share Posted March 12, 2017 I think it was about 1k on top of the pen, iirc. http://instagram.com/Reed.Thoughts Link to post Share on other sites
Soot Posted March 12, 2017 Share Posted March 12, 2017 I thought it was around US$ 2,500... "Reality is merely an illusion, albeit a very persistent one." -- A. Einstein Link to post Share on other sites
otw Posted March 12, 2017 Share Posted March 12, 2017 WOW! This is a very cool story and amazing nib. It's a good thing you had your calligraphy notebook with you when you went to the mall! the economical penster - celebrating inexpensive pens! Link to post Share on other sites
thygreyt Posted March 12, 2017 Share Posted March 12, 2017 https://www.fountainpennetwork.com/forum/index.php/topic/214967-bespoke-mb-nibs/?hl=%2Bbespoke+%2Bnibs http://instagram.com/Reed.Thoughts Link to post Share on other sites
gerigo Posted March 12, 2017 Author Share Posted March 12, 2017 (edited) It's definitely more than 800 at this point in time. I believe with both the pens, which was a platinum 149 and an ultra black 146 plus the 2 nibs, we are talking close to 4.5k USD give or take 500. They made some errors in the calculation, and overcharged me, and I got an M out of the price I paid as well. Also please keep in mind prices in China are about 10-20% higher. I sort of decided not to think too much about since this was going to be a once in a lifetime experience. It's definitely not cheap but considering the uniqueness, I'd do it again in a heart beat. I might consider doing a narrower width nib, maybe 1.8 or 2.0 to go with my 90th skeleton. Edited March 12, 2017 by gerigo Link to post Share on other sites
jmccarty3 Posted March 12, 2017 Share Posted March 12, 2017 Your calligraphy nib is magnificent. Wish I had the talent to use such a thing! Rationalizing pen and ink purchases since 1967. Link to post Share on other sites
Tom Kellie Posted March 12, 2017 Share Posted March 12, 2017 Your calligraphy nib is magnificent. Wish I had the talent to use such a thing! +1 Tom K. Link to post Share on other sites
Tom Kellie Posted March 12, 2017 Share Posted March 12, 2017 Also please keep in mind prices in China are about 10-20% higher. I sort of decided not to think too much about since this was going to be a once in a lifetime experience. It's definitely not cheap but considering the uniqueness, I'd do it again in a heart beat. I might consider doing a narrower width nib, maybe 1.8 or 2.0 to go with my 90th skeleton. ~ gerigo: Everything you've expressed is identical to my own experience and thoughts about Montblanc's Bespoke process. You're doing a great service by patiently explaining all of this. Thank you! Tom K. Link to post Share on other sites
Ghost Plane Posted March 12, 2017 Share Posted March 12, 2017 The thought of a 2.0 in a Skeleton... *swoons* Link to post Share on other sites
Astronymus Posted March 12, 2017 Share Posted March 12, 2017 Beautiful nib and a beautiful way to use it. Link to post Share on other sites
888007888 Posted March 12, 2017 Share Posted March 12, 2017 +1 Tom K.+2 Link to post Share on other sites
meiers Posted March 12, 2017 Share Posted March 12, 2017 Thank you for the writing sample. It made my day. Link to post Share on other sites
awl1688 Posted March 12, 2017 Share Posted March 12, 2017 Wow! I wish my writing was good enough to deserve a bespoke nib as yours. Congrats on finally getting your pens and sharing such a wonderful story. Link to post Share on other sites
Havana_Club Posted March 12, 2017 Share Posted March 12, 2017 Lovely piece of art, that one! Link to post Share on other sites
BlueJ Posted March 12, 2017 Share Posted March 12, 2017 I'm pleased to see this, because it shows that Montblanc, or at least some part of the company, is still serious about handwriting and not just about personal or desk ornaments, "lifestyle accessories" and so on. It is especially great that they test the customer to see that he or she can actually use the instrument as intended before they agree to the sale! Link to post Share on other sites
fpupulin Posted March 13, 2017 Share Posted March 13, 2017 gerigo: this is probably the most outstanding nib I have ever seen! And your calligraphic skills well deserve it. It is fantastic to think that such a gorgeous nib has found such an extraordinary hand to work with. Great, great, great! Link to post Share on other sites
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