Mb Nib Exchange - What Is Going On?

[Driften]

 

This is not the thread about custom nibs. This is just "normal" customers who want a nib exchange.

 

 

Sorry I thought it was the Bespoke thread!

[Tom Kellie]

Perhaps, Tom, you could have a side business ordering people MBs from China. The process you describe sounds like it has to be perfect or else. Of course there's the small matter of import duties ...

 

 

~ empliau:

 

Bingo!

As this thread is about standard nib exchanges, I'll reserve comment for now about import duties.

Towards the end of this year or early next year I'll have more to say about that.

Tom K.

[Fountainnib]

As one who has had far too many bad experiences with Montblanc, I have read the postings on this thread with special interest. Recently (and against my better judgment), I purchased a Montblanc 146 sterling silver Solitaire martele from Appelboom in Holland, specifying a nib exchange for an extra-fine; and to my delight, the pen has proved to be excellent in every respect. The nib is a superb example of a true extra-fine, comparable to the American extra-fine nibs of old, and equal to the best regrinds by the foremost nib Meisters. This seems to be the exception--alas!--at least in my personal experience. Montblanc has a history of scratching pens, maladjusting feeds and nibs, making mistakes in their fulfillment of nib exchanges and even ruining nibs and feeds, and replacing parts that should never be replaced absent the most dire need. They also have so poor a reputation amongst accredited pen stores and agencies that there are quite a few outlets that will not sell their pens or deal with the company. This is never a good thing. They refuse to sell repair parts to even the best repairmen; their "boutique" personnel are largely ignorant of fountain pens; and their widespread policy of not allowing the customer to test pens is a disgrace. And while they make some truly gorgeous pen-holders (the pen itself, excluding the nib and feed), and while sometimes their nibs are of extraordinary quality, I have decided never again to risk purchasing another Montblanc pen; and I fear the day when one of my Montblancs needs a repair that can be done only by the firm itself, given their exclusionary policies on the sales of parts. Quite frankly, I cannot for the life of me see the reasoning behind the company's policies: they insist on a monopoly on repairs, while at the same time having one of the very worst repair departments in the business. They make some gorgeous writing instruments, calculated to win the hearts of both casual pen aficionados (who prize fountain pens as trophies, rather than practical writing instruments) and those of us who use fountain pens daily because they are superior writing tools; but they then besmirch their reputations and their corporate honor by sowing booby traps in the paths of those who would purchase their products. I can understand Montblanc's apparent reluctance to reform their repair department, for economic reasons: but if that be the case, then for God's sake, let them end their puerile attempts to maintain a monopoly on that which they do the worst, by selling parts to persons and companies who know how to repair and maintain pens. If they must maintain their monopoly on the repair of their pens, then let them at least beef up their repair department by replacing the boobs who now run it with dedicated artist-repairmen who give a damn about their work. Furthermore, I note an apparent weakness in their piston system: it seems to stiffen up after a few years or even months of use, even with the exclusive use of Montblanc inks and careful periodic cleaning, as per the firm's instructions; and I have had two instances in which the entire piston assembly came undone or snapped off--and I treat my pens with respect and with care. They ought to redesign their pens to make them more robust and user-maintainable: it should be possible to unscrew a nib or piston assembly (neither of which operations, I hasten to add, I have ever myself attempted to perform) for cleaning and lubrication. I do not see how their adopting more rational policies in regard to these things could possibly injure their bottom line, nor offend their bean-counters: on the contrary, they would almost certainly see a rise in sales--unless they deliberately intend their fountain pen department to acquire so bad a reputation that they are compelled, eventually, to get rid of it--which, if true, amounts to nothing short of corporate psychosis; but stranger things have happened in the past in fields so disparate as railroads and computer software. I fervently hope that Montblanc personnel get to read this rant of mine: I have in the past discussed these matters with their representatives; and it is past time that they did something about this state of affairs. I write these words with sorrow, but also with a deep and abiding respect for the positive aspects of Montblanc; and I, for one, should be pleased if they would heed my words and those of others anent this matter; for it would be a great pity for the company to abandon the manufacture of fountain pens, or to allow their standards to go entirely down the drain.

Edited October 29, 2017 by Fountainnib

[Tom Kellie]

~ Fountainnib:

 

Thank you for your thought-provoking post.

It must have been painful to write, yet needs to be said.

Tom K.

[Matlock]

Your points are well made Fountainnib. I love Montblanc pens but I have been growing more and more concerned about the direction they are going. My other favourite pens are Pelikan and it seems that they have a more realistic outlook. First, they provide a wider choice from student pens to luxury items. Second, the nib units are user exchangeable which has the added advantage that the piston can be lubricated if necessary (usually only if the pen has been stored for some time, with dried ink). Thirdly, and perhaps more importantly, is the price difference. Here in the UK I can get a M1000 for £380 whilst the (roughly equivalent) 149 is £650. The M800 is £290 whilst the Le Grand is £490. I know that not everyone likes the Pelikan range but it does show a marked difference in company attitude to their respective customers.

[Chrissy]

As one who has had far too many bad experiences with Montblanc, I have read the postings on this thread with special interest. Recently (and against my better judgment), I purchased a Montblanc 146 sterling silver Solitaire martele from Appelboom in Holland, specifying a nib exchange for an extra-fine; and to my delight, the pen has proved to be excellent in every respect. The nib is a superb example of a true extra-fine, comparable to the American extra-fine nibs of old, and equal to the best regrinds by the foremost nib Meisters. This seems to be the exception--alas!--at least in my personal experience. Montblanc has a history of scratching pens, maladjusting feeds and nibs, making mistakes in their fulfillment of nib exchanges and even ruining nibs and feeds, and replacing parts that should never be replaced absent the most dire need. They also have so poor a reputation amongst accredited pen stores and agencies that there are quite a few outlets that will not sell their pens or deal with the company. This is never a good thing. They refuse to sell repair parts to even the best repairmen; their "boutique" personnel are largely ignorant of fountain pens; and their widespread policy of not allowing the customer to test pens is a disgrace. And while they make some truly gorgeous pen-holders (the pen itself, excluding the nib and feed), and while sometimes their nibs are of extraordinary quality, I have decided never again to risk purchasing another Montblanc pen; and I fear the day when one of my Montblancs needs a repair that can be done only by the firm itself, given their exclusionary policies on the sales of parts. Quite frankly, I cannot for the life of me see the reasoning behind the company's policies: they insist on a monopoly on repairs, while at the same time having one of the very worst repair departments in the business. They make some gorgeous writing instruments, calculated to win the hearts of both casual pen aficionados (who prize fountain pens as trophies, rather than practical writing instruments) and those of us who use fountain pens daily because they are superior writing tools; but they then besmirch their reputations and their corporate honor by sowing booby traps in the paths of those who would purchase their products. I can understand Montblanc's apparent reluctance to reform their repair department, for economic reasons: but if that be the case, then for God's sake, let them end their puerile attempts to maintain a monopoly on that which they do the worst, by selling parts to persons and companies who know how to repair and maintain pens. If they must maintain their monopoly on the repair of their pens, then let them at least beef up their repair department by replacing the boobs who now run it with dedicated artist-repairmen who give a damn about their work. Furthermore, I note an apparent weakness in their piston system: it seems to stiffen up after a few years or even months of use, even with the exclusive use of Montblanc inks and careful periodic cleaning, as per the firm's instructions; and I have had two instances in which the entire piston assembly came undone or snapped off--and I treat my pens with respect and with care. They ought to redesign their pens to make them more robust and user-maintainable: it should be possible to unscrew a nib or piston assembly (neither of which operations, I hasten to add, I have ever myself attempted to perform) for cleaning and lubrication. I do not see how their adopting more rational policies in regard to these things could possibly injure their bottom line, nor offend their bean-counters: on the contrary, they would almost certainly see a rise in sales--unless they deliberately intend their fountain pen department to acquire so bad a reputation that they are compelled, eventually, to get rid of it--which, if true, amounts to nothing short of corporate psychosis; but stranger things have happened in the past in fields so disparate as railroads and computer software. I fervently hope that Montblanc personnel get to read this rant of mine: I have in the past discussed these matters with their representatives; and it is past time that they did something about this state of affairs. I write these words with sorrow, but also with a deep and abiding respect for the positive aspects of Montblanc; and I, for one, should be pleased if they would heed my words and those of others anent this matter; for it would be a great pity for the company to abandon the manufacture of fountain pens, or to allow their standards to go entirely down the drain.

 

As far as the latest Meisterstück 146 and 149 sizes are concerned, these are now made with unscrewable nib units. I know this doesn't help anyone who bought earlier pens, but at least it seems like Montblanc has acknowledged that a nib unit can be something that a user can unscrew. This does help owners of these latest pens, because at least if you can remove the nib unit, you can address a dry piston from that end.

 

Montblanc could go one step further and sell nib units so that users can change them, but I doubt this will ever happen.

[Ghost Plane]

Pity, as I suspect there’d be a run on the larger nib sizes as users bought up all those F/M presentation pens and turned them into writers.

[Tom Kellie]

Pity, as I suspect there’d be a run on the larger nib sizes as users bought up all those F/M presentation pens and turned them into writers.

 

 

~ Ghost Plane:

 

Ah, yes. No feet-shuffling, demure hesitancy here.

The sweet reverberation of a grand slam homer sailing past the pennants and out of the stadium.

Tom K.

[Ghost Plane]

Me, biased? Have a cookie.

 

*Blueberry oatmeal with a tad extra mace, cloves, nutmeg and allspice as opposed to the usual cinnamon.

[Dcharles]

I called the concierge Monday morning, was told they would look into it and call me back by the end of the day yesterday, which they did not do. I called back this morning for an update and was told that the repairs would be completed with no charge. I am still unclear as to if my pen was destroyed in transit, by their own staff, or if this was just a big error. Regardless, I decided not to press the issue, I just want my pen back. I will not purchase another modern MB, so this will hopefully be the last time I have to deal with the rodeo clowns in Fort Worth masquerading as technicians. I also asked for an update on my 1912 that skips following its nib exchange. The concierge (who by the way was very polite and helpful) told me they had generated an estimate for that as well, apologized, and said she will make sure it is waived. So now I wait...

Edited November 1, 2017 by Dcharles

[Tom Kellie]

I called the concierge Monday morning, was told they would look into it and call me back by the end of the day yesterday, which they did not do. I called back this morning for an update and was told that the repairs would be completed with no charge. I am still unclear as to if my pen was destroyed in transit, by their own staff, or if this was just a big error. Regardless, I decided not to press the issue, I just want my pen back. I will not purchase another modern MB, so this will hopefully be the last time I have to deal with the rodeo clowns in Fort Worth masquerading as technicians. I also asked for an update on my 1912 that skips following its nib exchange. The concierge (who by the way was very polite and helpful) told me they had generated an estimate for that as well, apologized, and said she will make sure it is waived. So now I wait...

 

 

~ Dcharles:

 

Your forbearance in putting up with this is exemplary.

Were I in your position, I'd struggle to be so patient.

Thank you for the update.

Tom K.

[Dcharles]

 

 

~ Dcharles:

 

Your forbearance in putting up with this is exemplary.

Were I in your position, I'd struggle to be so patient.

Thank you for the update.

Tom K.

Tom,

 

I struggle as well, however as the service center staff hides behind the concierges, it would be both unjust and unproductive to unleash my wrath upon the wrong party. Were I able to communicate directly with Fort Worth I guarantee I would not exhibit restraint.

[Ghost Plane]

Tom,

 

I struggle as well, however as the service center staff hides behind the concierges, it would be both unjust and unproductive to unleash my wrath upon the wrong party. Were I able to communicate directly with Fort Worth I guarantee I would not exhibit restraint.

Not my idea of a fun road trip.

[muepahut]

Over the course of the last few years I've sent a dozen MB FPs to Hamburg for nib exchange, either via Boutique/AD or by myself. Most of the time the serviced pens returned in a timely manner and in good conditions. Three of the bad experiences are:

1) I sent in a 90 Years Meisterstück 146 FP last year, and due to "a bottleneck of EF replacement nib" I waited two months to get it back. Usually I get the serviced pens back within 2 weeks, and considering I'm in Germany, two months is quite a long service time;

2) I bought a 100 Year Anniversary FP (from 2006) last year from a French AD, brought it back to Germany, and sent it to Hamburg via Boutique. Hamburg refused to change the nib for free, saying there were scratches on the nib, although it was new and I couldn't find any visible scratches. The FP returned unrepaired, and I took it back to the French AD, who sent it to Paris. Fortunately Paris replaced the nib and the French AD sent it back to me. Now the EF nib writes wonderfully.

3) I ordered a 146 online (Galeria Kaufhof) and picked it up in one of their branches. I didn't bring it home and left it at their service desk so they could send it in on the next day. After a while Galeria called me saying Hamburg refused to replace the nib for free because of scratches. It ended up with Galeria paying for the replacement costs...

[Chrissy]

Over the course of the last few years I've sent a dozen MB FPs to Hamburg for nib exchange, either via Boutique/AD or by myself. Most of the time the serviced pens returned in a timely manner and in good conditions. Three of the bad experiences are:

1) I sent in a 90 Years Meisterstück 146 FP last year, and due to "a bottleneck of EF replacement nib" I waited two months to get it back. Usually I get the serviced pens back within 2 weeks, and considering I'm in Germany, two months is quite a long service time;

2) I bought a 100 Year Anniversary FP (from 2006) last year from a French AD, brought it back to Germany, and sent it to Hamburg via Boutique. Hamburg refused to change the nib for free, saying there were scratches on the nib, although it was new and I couldn't find any visible scratches. The FP returned unrepaired, and I took it back to the French AD, who sent it to Paris. Fortunately Paris replaced the nib and the French AD sent it back to me. Now the EF nib writes wonderfully.

3) I ordered a 146 online (Galeria Kaufhof) and picked it up in one of their branches. I didn't bring it home and left it at their service desk so they could send it in on the next day. After a while Galeria called me saying Hamburg refused to replace the nib for free because of scratches. It ended up with Galeria paying for the replacement costs...

 

I assume that for pens 2 & 3 that you purchased from AD's, you had completed warranty booklets, that confirm a free nib exchange is available for 6 weeks after purchase.

 

If I had purchased those pens, with completed AD warranties, I would also have insisted on free nib exchanges in the safe knowledge that whoever paid for them, it wouldn't be me.

 

If a brand new pen has a nib that has too many scratches on it for Hamburg to call it a 'new and exchangeable' nib, then it's not good enough to be sold to me as a brand new pen.

[Matlock]

Sadly from all that has been posted, and my own experience, I will never buy a new MB again. It's a shame that a once so highly regarded pen maker has become nothing more than a "money machine".

[muepahut]

 

I assume that for pens 2 & 3 that you purchased from AD's, you had completed warranty booklets, that confirm a free nib exchange is available for 6 weeks after purchase.

 

If I had purchased those pens, with completed AD warranties, I would also have insisted on free nib exchanges in the safe knowledge that whoever paid for them, it wouldn't be me.

 

If a brand new pen has a nib that has too many scratches on it for Hamburg to call it a 'new and exchangeable' nib, then it's not good enough to be sold to me as a brand new pen.

True, I had the booklets with AD stamp and signature.

[Ghost Plane]

Sadly from all that has been posted, and my own experience, I will never buy a new MB again. It's a shame that a once so highly regarded pen maker has become nothing more than a "money machine".

Key is the service of the dealer. My Skeletons are awesome, but I knew I had the dealer behind me and wouldn’t have to worry because they’d be checked before sending them on.

 

I’m more concerned about the used pens I used to buy with impunity knowing I could get quality repairs at a decent price.

[Dcharles]

I called MB Monday for an update, the 149 is awaiting its nib from Germany, so who knows how long that will be. I asked about my 1912 as well, after several minutes the concierge said he would have to do some further research and call me back. I'm thinking to myself that they lost my pen. That evening as I'm arriving home UPS pulls in, hands me a familiar looking package and says it needs a signature...it was my 1912. I don't know if MB is aware that I have it, oh well. I never did hear back from the concierge.

It appears to be writing better thus far, though I haven't spent much time with it yet. There is a mark on the body that I am 99% certain was not there when I sent it in, but at this point I am so tired of dealing with them I'm not going to pursue it.

Now I just need my 149 back and I will hopefully be permanently finished dealing with the 'Fools of Fort Worth' aka, MB NA Service Center.

[Tom Kellie]

~ Dcharles:

 

At last!

Thank you for updating us about your 1912. While it's positive news that it writes better, that's unfortunate that a mark now flaws the barrel.

I hope that your 149 will soon arrive.

The travails you've experienced would exasperate the most patient fountain pen user.

May this all come to a moderately satisfactory conclusion.

Tom K.