Yard O Led Grand Astoria

[ballboy]

Well, thanks to enablers GhostPlane, QM2 and Russ, I've finally taken the plunge and found a great deal on a YOL: Grand Astoria Pearl for nearly half price...at my own stores's website of all places. Not normally in stock at anytime, especially in store, but during a price matching promotion against a competitor, I found the offer of the reduction, my employee discount and store vouchers, too much to resist.

The quality feels solid of course, but also bespoke, as if I'd been to visit the Birmingham jewler personally and watched them make it for me there and then. The individuality is remarkable in this homogenised manufacturing attitude of today. The Bock nib is sharply defined yet smooth to control while the section is warm and comfortable: a revelation for metal sections; my second, after my Lamy Logo

I had the opportunity many times to try the Grand Retro in store, but found the colour too sombre and overwhelming on such a sized pen. The Pearl though impressively large still, is gentler and more beguiling on the eye. The box and packaging needless to say is politely understated; it lets the pen do the talking...and writing

 

In short, I am not sorry:

 

http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s149/bucketzoid/PENS/YOLAstoriaGcapnib.jpg

http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s149/bucketzoid/PENS/YOLAstoriaGrand.jpg

http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s149/bucketzoid/PENS/YOLwritingsample.jpg

[Russ]

Thank you for the review and photos! The cracked-ice material looks much nicer in your photo than in stock photos I've seen. Now I want one!

 

I'm glad you are happy with YOL. They're just great pens. Your comment about quality construction in an era of homogenization is apt!

[IWantThat]

Lucky, lucky you! I've been lusting after an Astoria Pearl for some time now. It's one of the most beautiful pens I've seen I hope you enjoy it for years to come; if not, let me know, and I'd be happy to take it off your hands

[reprieve]

Congrats! I am up to three Yard O Leds now. Just to warn you--they are addictive! The beautiful designs, just the right amount of heft, those glorious nibs...

[Ghost Plane]

That's a good start.

[pen2paper]

Oh my goodness..! do like the look of Yard O Led pens!

Everything.. the detail/shape of the section, the pearl stock, right down to the clip..

Thanks for sharing your YOL joy with Us!

[Ghost Plane]

I'm thrilled you got such a good deal and you're going to love this pen. They only get better with age.

[ballboy]

Thanks for the encouragement guys. It really is a whole lotta pen to handle! I never thought I get my hands on one of these 'babies'

 

I find FPNers' own pics more interesting and bring the pens to life more so than sterile stock photos.

[lewis]

Hi ballboy - another great pen you have got yourself. I've never used a YoL or seen one for that matter. Thanks for the pictures. What is it made from? Is it a (for want of a more technical word) plastic pen? I would imagine it being of metalic construction and quite heavy? It sure is a beautiful pen.

 

I'll also point out that Russ has been very influential in a recent acquisition for myself - a very knowledgeable chap.

 

Enjoy.

 

Lewis

Edited December 28, 2010 by lewis

[ballboy]

Hey Lewis!

It was Russ's review of his all silver Vicery Grand that tipped me over the edge towards getting a YOL Grand; my store helped with the rest!

I imagine the pen is of an acrylic of some kind from what I've read about it. It is beautifully balanced and the silver section and trim is solidly weighted. I could say it and the Leman complement each other for weight, balance and, rather nicely I say, quality/feel of construction.

 

After the 149, I really wasn't ready to dive into another pen purchase so soon, but, as I described, the circumstances were overwhelmingly compelling

 

Love your avi pic.

[lewis]

There are some great fountain pens available, but there aren't (IMO) that many draw droppers - and that certainly is one. congratulations.

 

Re the avi - Well I'm trying to convert as many people as possible! I am however waiting for delivery of my first Pelikan (M800). If they are as good as appears, my allegiance may be altered!

[Ghost Plane]

Can't use CdA at all. Their sharp step downs are right where I hold a pen.

[dnb]

Very nice! Great proportions, too! Enjoy it! I'd never seen one before. Can I get an employee discount, too???????????

[Ghost Plane]

I have the solid silver Grands, but this is one finish I might have to add to the herd. :hmm1:

[Russ]

I'm glad I have been such a positive influence regarding YOL! They are wonderful pens . . . and now, after my encouraging others, I find myself interested in the Astoria by your positive review(s)!

[Brian]

What a nice looking pen. A great buy and companion to your 149. Congratulations.

[ballboy]

There are some great fountain pens available, but there aren't (IMO) that many draw droppers - and that certainly is one. congratulations.

 

Re the avi - Well I'm trying to convert as many people as possible! I am however waiting for delivery of my first Pelikan (M800). If they are as good as appears, my allegiance may be altered!

I think you'll love the M800; I tried one at The Pen Shop. Very tempting indeed.

 

 

Can't use CdA at all. Their sharp step downs are right where I hold a pen.

I thought that would put me off. Once I got to try mine (also at same Pen Shop,) I found it just right. I hold it in a way that circumvents the sharp ring to black section step and find it one of my best handling writers

 

 

Very nice! Great proportions, too! Enjoy it! I'd never seen one before. Can I get an employee discount, too???????????

Sure, if you live at the same UK address as me, I could even nominate you as a secondary card holder

 

 

I'm glad I have been such a positive influence regarding YOL! They are wonderful pens . . . and now, after my encouraging others, I find myself interested in the Astoria by your positive review(s)!

Looks like we're completing the circle

[dandelion]

Lovely pen! Congrats!

[ballboy]

I've recently had my Astoria sent to get serviced for feed correction to remove the skipping problem I had. Now it's come back with a new 'medium' nib that writes like a luscious broad (just like my departed Pel M805.)

 

[lewis]

Nice one Roger, I'm glad you got it looked at and hope it is now as good as you'd always hoped. Enjoy.