Montblanc Service Or Nib Exchange?

[Autococker07]

Hi y'all, so I have come upon a 149 with a less than spectacular nib.... it is a fine (or maybe XF), and it writes beautifully, but is too scratchy..... the left tine looks like it has been pushed back about 1/4mm, but is otherwise in alignment.... I can see no bends in the tines, and I don't want to screw with this thing to get it to write smoothly, at the risk of doing more harm than good.....

 

SOOOOOOO.... I am thinking about sending the pen in for a nib exchange (OBBB) .

 

I can see myself buying a new pen and getting the OBBB anyway, so this would allow me to convert an under-appreceiated 149 into one I would like better..... (and maybe appease the hurricane gods this year ).

 

The pen has a split ebonite feed that I would have to give up, I assume..... (or would they send the old nib and feed back?) plastic threaded piston, and two piece body, so its not anything special.....

 

Would I be better off sending it for a nib swap? (How much are those?) (Any chance they would leave my ebonite feed in place?)

 

Would it be the same price if I removed the nib/feed, and sent it to MB to fit a new OBBB?

 

Would it be better to send in for servicing + nib fix (I assume they would replace it anyway)? I have greased the piston, and the pen is flawless other than the itchy nib.....

 

Or would it be better to just get it serviced (or send to a nibmeister) to smooth it up? Any nibmeister suggestions for this route?

Edited May 2, 2018 by Autococker07

[zaddick]

Lots of options. Let me see where I can help. All answers are based on using the MB boutique in San Francisco so adjust accordingly.

 

Cost of a nib swap for a 149 = 360 plus tax and shipping if you don't go to a boutique for pick up.

 

The cost is the same is you pull out the nib and feed before sending in the pen.

 

They will not keep your ebonite feed. I have tried a few times in a few ways. The result is they always kept it.

 

If you want an OBBB this is an easy way to get one and you can pull the nib and feed to sell to recoup some costs.

 

If there is nothing else wring with the pen and you like the nib width, a nib smit could fix it for $25 to $40 plis shipping. Most people could do a simple job like yours.

 

I would get the O3B but I am very biased. You do get a 1 year warranty for the work done from MB.

[Autococker07]

  On 5/2/2018 at 4:49 PM, zaddick said:

Lots of options. Let me see where I can help. All answers are based on using the MB boutique in San Francisco so adjust accordingly.

 

Cost of a nib swap for a 149 = 360 plus tax and shipping if you don't go to a boutique for pick up.

 

The cost is the same is you pull out the nib and feed before sending in the pen.

 

They will not keep your ebonite feed. I have tried a few times in a few ways. The result is they always kept it.

 

If you want an OBBB this is an easy way to get one and you can pull the nib and feed to sell to recoup some costs.

 

If there is nothing else wring with the pen and you like the nib width, a nib smit could fix it for $25 to $40 plis shipping. Most people could do a simple job like yours.

 

I would get the O3B but I am very biased. You do get a 1 year warranty for the work done from MB.

 

 

Huh?

 

I assume that you are saying they will not leave it in the pen..... new nib ALWAYS=Plastic feed?

[zaddick]

Sorry, typing on the phone during my commute does not always lead to clarity and/or proper spelling thanks to random auto completions.

 

MB will not maintain the ebonite feed in the pen when it is returned to you. They will not return it to you either.

 

The pen when it comes back will have a modern, plastic feed.

 

Hopefully that removes questions for you.

 

I liken Montblanc servide to another MB, Mercedes Benz. They do not repair parts, they replace. If your old part is serviceable and compatible with modern replacement parts it will remain. If one part is changed then all aother complimentary parts will be changed too. For example if an old one piece barrel is broken and the replacement barrel doe not have the same trheads as the cap, you get a new cap too. Then you would just keep the clip and the nib.

[Autococker07]

Yup, rgr that!

 

I had gathered from here that Montblanc is comparable to other premium brands.... much more cost effective to replace than repair.... just wanted to confirm.....

 

If I keep the nib/feed/collar assembly will it maintain a significant value? I have no need for a spare 14K nib and ebonite feed, but wonder if it could bring enough to justify pulling it (I'll have to buy a wrench).

 

Again, many thanks!

 

Jim

[zaddick]

Market price is all over the place, but maybe $150. You should be able to just pull out the nib and feed with your hands if you proceed with caution. After all its not like they would have to go back in.

[Autococker07]

One more question on the subject, if I may indulge?....

 

If I were to somehow sneak a Dumas LE into the house around momma's watchful eye, would Montblanc do a paid nib exchange for an OBBB and would the new nib have the Fleur-de-lis as the original had?

 

There are evil plans afoot in my head at the moment.....

[zaddick]

It would be a Dumas nib, but I am not sure if they have O3B in stock. If not, you would have to ask if they would make one or not. My guess is yes, if you are pleasant and persistent.

[jslallar]

  On 5/2/2018 at 4:49 PM, zaddick said:

Lots of options. Let me see where I can help. All answers are based on using the MB boutique in San Francisco so adjust accordingly.

 

Cost of a nib swap for a 149 = 360 plus tax and shipping if you don't go to a boutique for pick up.

 

The cost is the same is you pull out the nib and feed before sending in the pen.

 

They will not keep your ebonite feed. I have tried a few times in a few ways. The result is they always kept it.

 

If you want an OBBB this is an easy way to get one and you can pull the nib and feed to sell to recoup some costs.

 

If there is nothing else wring with the pen and you like the nib width, a nib smit could fix it for $25 to $40 plis shipping. Most people could do a simple job like yours.

 

I would get the O3B but I am very biased. You do get a 1 year warranty for the work done from MB.

 

I had similar problems with my 149 but lesser budget. So I sent the nib to have it re-tipped (Greg Minuskin - no relations - just a satisfied customer). It is a beautiful 1.4 mm stub now. The cost was I think $75 then (- almost three years now).

 

An original nib can also be had from other sources. Look in eBay or martiniauctions.com.. I have bought an O3B from later a beautiful spatula of a nib. That too cost me $275. Smaller nibs were a little cheaper.

[niksch]

  On 5/5/2018 at 2:52 AM, zaddick said:

It would be a Dumas nib, but I am not sure if they have O3B in stock. If not, you would have to ask if they would make one or not. My guess is yes, if you are pleasant and persistent.

 

When I toured the MB Factory, it was explained to me that after manufacturing the number of pens they intended to produce, and an amount of spares, they destroyed the "casts & dies" (my words), so counterfeits could never be made in the future. It never hurts to ask, but even if they produced an O3B for either Dumas, I doubt they'll make one.

 

Unless they have changed their practice on this.

[Chrissy]

  On 5/5/2018 at 3:28 AM, niksch said:

 

When I toured the MB Factory, it was explained to me that after manufacturing the number of pens they intended to produce, and an amount of spares, they destroyed the "casts & dies" (my words), so counterfeits could ever be made in the future. It never hurts to ask, but even if they produced an O3B for either Dumas, I doubt they'll make one.

 

Unless they have changed their practice on this.

 

I've never been fortunate enough to visit the Mb factory, but this was also my understanding on LE pens. They mentioned that they often make different sizes in LE nibs, but once they are gone, they are gone and there will be no more.

 

Some are specified as only available with F, M or B nibs, so one can assume they are the only sizes they make in those particular designs.

 

On the other hand, I recently wanted to send a bordeaux Mozart for repair, and one part it needed was the front part that includes the section band and nib collar. I had heard/read that bordeaux parts were no more, but they confirmed that they had this particular part in stock. So sometimes you can be lucky enough to get something they still have. Doesn't hurt to ask.

[Autococker07]

  On 5/5/2018 at 3:13 AM, jslallar said:

 

I had similar problems with my 149 but lesser budget. So I sent the nib to have it re-tipped (Greg Minuskin - no relations - just a satisfied customer). It is a beautiful 1.4 mm stub now. The cost was I think $75 then (- almost three years now).

 

An original nib can also be had from other sources. Look in eBay or martiniauctions.com.. I have bought an O3B from later a beautiful spatula of a nib. That too cost me $275. Smaller nibs were a little cheaper.

 

 

Oh trust me, the budget is not nearly as impressive as it should be to be messing with these fine pens.... just thought I had a chance at a Dumas at a relative bargain, but have not heard back .... being a Louisiana boy, the Fleur-de-lis would be really neat on a special pen.....

 

What did your stub start out as? I currently have a fine nib 149 that needs tweaking, and have toyed with sending that pen in for an O3B, but that costs as much as the whole pen did

 

I did not know that nibmeisters could retip from a small to a much larger nib (ie there are limits right?)

 

Thank you for the information, it is another possibility that I had not thought of before!

[Autococker07]

  On 5/5/2018 at 3:28 AM, niksch said:

 

When I toured the MB Factory, it was explained to me that after manufacturing the number of pens they intended to produce, and an amount of spares, they destroyed the "casts & dies" (my words), so counterfeits could ever be made in the future. It never hurts to ask, but even if they produced an O3B for either Dumas, I doubt they'll make one.

 

Unless they have changed their practice on this.

 

This is what I am afraid of..... I can see severely limiting production of LE pieces..... it is not smart to leave the option to create more than the edition # on these high priced items.....

 

BUT-- as far as destroying the dies...... I would bet that is marketing fluff..... for example, if you drop your super exclusive LE and destroy the nib (I am talking us mortals, not you mr pen repair guy ), it would be much more cost effective for Montblanc to simply print you a new nib as opposed to fix your old one......

 

Come to think of it, a die and stamp seems like a large cost low return option..... are these nibs not engraved via CNC as most tiny engravings are done now? Seems like a more streamlined optioned they could always "hide" the cnc program so that it is only accessible in situations such as the above......

 

I love your post, much more food for thought! Thank you!!

[Autococker07]

  On 5/5/2018 at 4:40 AM, Chrissy said:

 

I've never been fortunate enough to visit the Mb factory, but this was also my understanding on LE pens. They mentioned that they often make different sizes in LE nibs, but once they are gone, they are gone and there will be no more.

 

Some are specified as only available with F, M or B nibs, so one can assume they are the only sizes they make in those particular designs.

 

On the other hand, I recently wanted to send a bordeaux Mozart for repair, and one part it needed was the front part that includes the section band and nib collar. I had heard/read that bordeaux parts were no more, but they confirmed that they had this particular part in stock. So sometimes you can be lucky enough to get something they still have. Doesn't hurt to ask.

 

Much of my questions to niksch could also apply to your reply.... You two are like the super twins of this forum! I love yall!

 

To expand, I doubt that MB makes their "regular" pens with stamp and die technology (eventually we would see variation of some sort). CNC engraving would allow exact replicas and every nib would be uniform.

 

If the above is true, why would MB spend extra money on machinery, dies and training to produce a LE when the CNC machinery could literally run a new program and make the switch to LE nibs on the fly (all from standard blank stock, may I add).

 

Why would MB purposely ignore the ability to create a bespoke nib for a LE pen? If they got the original nib out of circulation, there would be no threat, and a customer would spend more money.... win-win right?

 

I dunno, I am just spitballing, as I am ignorant to several powers on the subject, but I really do appreciate all yalls patience with me .

[niksch]

  On 5/5/2018 at 2:02 PM, Autococker07 said:

 

This is what I am afraid of..... I can see severely limiting production of LE pieces..... it is not smart to leave the option to create more than the edition # on these high priced items.....

 

BUT-- as far as destroying the dies...... I would bet that is marketing fluff..... for example, if you drop your super exclusive LE and destroy the nib (I am talking us mortals, not you mr pen repair guy ), it would be much more cost effective for Montblanc to simply print you a new nib as opposed to fix your old one......

 

Come to think of it, a die and stamp seems like a large cost low return option..... are these nibs not engraved via CNC as most tiny engravings are done now? Seems like a more streamlined optioned they could always "hide" the cnc program so that it is only accessible in situations such as the above......

 

I love your post, much more food for thought! Thank you!!

 

Well, we ARE talking about a 1996 production of an WE FP. So by today's standards of production, I think you have a great point.

 

BTW, I have dropped a nib or four, but thankfully not an LE or WE nib.

[niksch]

  On 5/5/2018 at 2:31 PM, Autococker07 said:

You two are like the super twins of this forum! I love yall!

 

 

 

Chrissy and I are both chuckling with a wry smile because we are like the bickering siblings just getting ready to slug each other.

[niksch]

I should have asked this question up front. How familiar are you with oblique nibs or with BB or BBB nib widths?

[Autococker07]

  On 5/8/2018 at 2:06 AM, niksch said:

I should have asked this question up front. How familiar are you with oblique nibs or with BB or BBB nib widths?

 

Not much! I have recently got my first BB, and love it however!

 

Prior to the wider nib, I had figured fountain pens useful only for art, or those blessed with steady hands. I have found that the wider nib conceals some of my shakiness, and slows down my writing, which makes it neater.

 

I have yet to try an Oblique nib, and do not think it will be best for me, because I do not rotate the pen as I hold it, so I have a nibmeister making me a O3B knockoff with a Lamy 1.9 italic at the moment.

 

I LOVE the Lamy 1.9 Italic nib, and can write very well with it, but the Montblanc BB is of course MUCH smoother and more forgiving. I wish I could get a flat BBB from Montblanc (without the bespoke fee LOL).

[kandarp]

Glad you are enjoying the BB. Is the pen scratchy due to the nib width or due to an alignment or feed issue? I've had pens with clogged feeds which makes them quite dry and scratchy. A good flush usually fixes it.

 

If the pen is in good conditionn then why not sell it and purchase an OBB (might take some looking) or use the money from the sale towards a new one with the nib you want?

 

Do try one out in person before you pull the trigger. I enjoyed them, but only for signing documents and not for my daily note taking or correspondence.

[Autococker07]

  On 5/8/2018 at 1:42 PM, Fountainpencrazy said:

Glad you are enjoying the BB. Is the pen scratchy due to the nib width or due to an alignment or feed issue? I've had pens with clogged feeds which makes them quite dry and scratchy. A good flush usually fixes it.

 

If the pen is in good conditionn then why not sell it and purchase an OBB (might take some looking) or use the money from the sale towards a new one with the nib you want?

 

Do try one out in person before you pull the trigger. I enjoyed them, but only for signing documents and not for my daily note taking or correspondence.

 

 

Don't worry, the two 149s I got from you are bulletproof!, (but may have spoiled me) I have a 3rd that is a bit scratchy, and a bit dry.... not unusable, but not right next to the 14c I have toyed with a paid nib exchange, but I think it may actually be cheaper to get a new pen from Joost, and sell this one. it is in fine shape, I am just too timid to fool with the nib.

 

I think the problem is many-fold.... firstly, before the BB 149, I had always had cheaper pens (Lamy's were the best to that point), the Montblanc floored me with its smoothness, and the fine nib one does as well, absolutely NO scratchiness, and an almost undetectable feedback even on rough paper. I love the 149's size also, as my Lamys needed a bunch of tape on it to make the grip comfortable during longer writing sessions.

 

The main problem with my writing is me.... I have some arthritis in my hands, and it is very evident with a fine-line pen of any kind. The Lamy italic (and Montblanc BB) nibs help hide the shakiness a bit.

 

I do not think I "need" an oblique nib (I do not turn the pen, and can write fine with a stock Lamy 1.9 Italic). But that is the broadest nib that MB offers, and I am now officially curious......

 

I am having a mockup 03B nib made from a Lamy 1.9, so when that gets back I will know whether the 03B is right, or will even work for me. If so, I will probably order a new 149 and nib swap.

 

I am also searching for a Pelikan BBB nib, but it looks like I have a better chance of an all expenses paid trip to Hamburg to see the MB factory falling into my lap than finding that......