Montblanc Solitaire Calligraphy Gold Leaf Flex Nib

[mjchuang9]

The question is that are GL still available? They already sold out here.

[freshmaker]

It's still available from a few sites online in the U.S.

[mjchuang9]

Unlike the EF tip on 149 flex, the tip on GL is much broader like BB, GL is more stable if you choose the right inks.

[mjchuang9]

I have used both 149 and GL flex for almost half a year. I feel flex is like manual watch and normal nibs are like automatic watches. You can use flex as a daily driver but remember they are Calligraphy series, you should write slowly and enjoy.

[James-B]

On 1/22/2020 at 2:38 AM, uticarose said:

Corrected version: For what its worth, Id like to add my experience with the Mb Flex Gold Solitaire. Unlike all of my other MBs, getting the ink to flow adequately is an almost daily problem. To start writing I frequently have to adjust the ink flow with a twist of the piston filling system to release a drop or two of ink. Related is frequent railroading when flexing, even with a slow, deliberate downstroke. Once the ink is flowing well, I will say that I can produce some attractive writing that obviously comes from a flex nib. So, its largely a finicky, fair-weather friend. For close to $2K, I expected more from Montblanc. I wasnt expecting the performance of a vintage flex and am content with its modest flex capability, but its unreliability is a serious deficiency.

I bought a 149. Writes perfect. Next I bought a 146 calligraphy. I have the issues. False starts and lots of railroading. Tried Montblamc ink and Waterman and Iroshizuku same issues. It's scratchy and unreliable. I will probably take it to Montblanc in New York City. I hope they don't want to send it to the repair shop in Texas for several weeks. What a disappointment. I had such high hopes for this pen. 

[gerigo]

1 hour ago, James-B said:

I bought a 149. Writes perfect. Next I bought a 146 calligraphy. I have the issues. False starts and lots of railroading. Tried Montblamc ink and Waterman and Iroshizuku same issues. It's scratchy and unreliable. I will probably take it to Montblanc in New York City. I hope they don't want to send it to the repair shop in Texas for several weeks. What a disappointment. I had such high hopes for this pen. 

James, I am very familiar with the Montblanc store in NYC. Unfortunately they no longer have a technician on staff as there was a staff reduction a few years back. They will send ANY pen with a problem to Texas for an evaluation. While the team knows about the product, they are less certain about technical issues and cannot problem solve for you.

[James-B]

5 hours ago, gerigo said:

James, I am very familiar with the Montblanc store in NYC. Unfortunately they no longer have a technician on staff as there was a staff reduction a few years back. They will send ANY pen with a problem to Texas for an evaluation. While the team knows about the product, they are less certain about technical issues and cannot problem solve for you.

Thanks the retailer is amazing and sent me a DHL label and said he would fix it or replace it ASAP. So pleased to buy from a good retailer. Bought two a 149 and this 146 from appleboom. They are great. 

[Nick T]

4 hours ago, James-B said:

Thanks the retailer is amazing and sent me a DHL label and said he would fix it or replace it ASAP. So pleased to buy from a good retailer. Bought two a 149 and this 146 from appleboom. They are great. 

@James-BI had the exact same thing happen with this retailer too. They replaced my 146 Calligraphy with a new one and sent it back to me FedEx. The second calligraphy writes perfectly. Best wishes for a happy ending too!

[axio]

@mjchuang9Is there a chance that GL being broader is sample variation? From the pictures of the GL available online, the nib appears as sharp as ever, in line with the 146 and burgundy versions.

How do you find the flex nib for Asian calligraphy? Is that a limiting factor that only down strokes get variation for the flex nib?

On 3/4/2020 at 8:31 PM, mjchuang9 said:

Unlike the EF tip on 149 flex, the tip on GL is much broader like BB, GL is more stable if you choose the right inks.

 

[InesF]

1 hour ago, axio said:

From the pictures of the GL available online, the nib appears as sharp as ever, in line with the 146 and burgundy versions.

That's interesting @axio. The GL calligraphy (which is different from GL standard) which I bought 2021 has this flat disk (puck) shaped nib. You can see macro photos here.

My pen did have some fat or grease residues at the nib and was a bit under tension. After intense rinsing it now requires ink with low surface tension to work properly - if I do, it is absolutely flawless.

[InesF]

On 11/17/2019 at 3:03 PM, Michael R. said:

Still I'm very curious to find out how identical or different the design is on individual pens!

Sorry, a bit late to the party.

I compared your photos with my pen (I have in use today): they are completely identical! I guess, the gold flocks are somehow printed? It's only the closed cap has a different position.

A photo of mine is also here.

[CS388]

15 hours ago, InesF said:

Sorry, a bit late to the party.

I compared your photos with my pen (I have in use today): they are completely identical! I guess, the gold flocks are somehow printed? It's only the closed cap has a different position.

A photo of mine is also here.

 

Oh, I'm surprised to hear this. I thought they were all individual.

However, looking at pictures on the internet, it seems that you are correct (although there were a couple of pictures which didn't appear to tally with the rest?)

I'd very much like one, but it's beyond my means, at the moment.

Great pen, congratulations!

[InesF]

6 hours ago, CS388 said:

 

Oh, I'm surprised to hear this. I thought they were all individual.

However, looking at pictures on the internet, it seems that you are correct (although there were a couple of pictures which didn't appear to tally with the rest?)

I'd very much like one, but it's beyond my means, at the moment.

Great pen, congratulations!

I admit, I like such mysteries!

Maybe one random looking pattern per continent the pen is sold? We can only guess, this time the secrets are all at Montblanc. 🥲

 

PS: a collectors bait? Collect all patterns of MB Gold Leaf?