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Hello Fellow Sailor Lovers - I have a Sailor Pro Gear that originally came with a music nib. This nib wrote beautifully, but I loved the pen so much I wanted to convert it from a once-in-a-while writer to a daily writer. I hired a nibmeister to convert it to a medium nib, which turned out to be impossible because the ball tipping material wasn’t there. He reduced its size and made it smoother, but it’s not working for me at all. I’m open to suggestions, including nib replacement (is this possible on a Pro Gear?), alternate nibmeisters, etc. I don’t want to end up with a stub or anything unusual. I prefer standard medium or fine nibs, or perhaps a smooth cursive nib like Lamy offers. Thanks, GNL

A while back I posted a note asking if the nib an feed on a Laban Mento were friction fit. I got no response. Here is what I found: Through trial and error I found that the nib and feed on the Laban Mento is friction fit. I also found that they are in there very tight. Two of my pens the nib and feed came out by wrapping a kitchen towel around the nib and feed to protect them. Then, using a flat jawed pair of pliers with moderate and even pressure gave a good a tug. They came out. The third was having none of it. I ended up buying a replacement nib unit. There are two options here: 1. Go to isellpens.com and buy a new nib unit (nib,feed & section). Cost $25. 2. Replace the #6 nib with a Goulet Pens #6 jowo nib. They are a perfect match. Cost $15. I've attached a photo which shows the nib assembly and protective container as it would come from isellpens. Also in the photo a disassembled nib, feed and section. I've placed a Goulet #6 nib along side of the Laban one. They are identical. There the only two places I know of now that stock these nib units today, is isellpens and Pen Heaven in the UK. If you find that you have damaged the feed itself, they are identical to the feed on the Jinhao 159. The whole pen will cost you $9. I would buy two by the way. If you like the Mento, you are going to like the 159. Or you can go on the bay and search for Jinhao fountain pen tongues.(not my term) These Laban Mentos are wonderful pens to write with. They are short and fat much like a Monblanc 149, with smooth writing nibs.