Should this be everyone’s grail pen? | Montblanc Meisterstuck 149 Review 

I have enjoyed writing with my 149 since I purchased it in 1984. Over the years, it has been a reliable anchor in my array of fountain pens. My preference for fountain pens began in the 1950s, as a student, when we learned to write with nib pens, dipping into the ink bottle in the inkwell in the school desk. In the ‘60s, I used Parker pens in university, and in 1966 I bought a Lamy 2000 to write my Masters thesis. I encountered several Montblanc aficionados in the ‘80s, and discovered the unique excellence of the Montblanc “Diplomat” 149. The pen became my “daily writer” and held that role for many years. In recent years, my 149, showing the patina of a well used creative tool, is semi-retired, but remains my preferred selection for special assignments, and it will ultimately be passed down to my children, who are well aware of how attached I have been to this very treasured possession.

Great! One of my best combo, fountain pen and good drink ✒️🥃. We have to try to don't skip the video, because we lost the essence of beauty, everything needs its time. Instead of a particular pen I would like to see a new ink, the Robert Oster river of fire with different nib size. Thanks

Is that a fine nib or extra fine nib? Nice video btw!

Absolutely not. Despite the advertisement, this is merely an excellent daily writer if it fits you. If you're going to cherish it, and keep it in a collection it's a total waste. I got mine for the equivalent of USD $570 and use it/have it in my pocket daily. Before this was a luxury item it cut It's teeth as an everyday excellent writing instrument.

I've owned one or more 149 pens for 48 years. I bought my first one because I needed a pen with a very large ink capacity and there weren't too many options in 1972 in rural PA. I own many pens now, but picking up a 149 has that emotional sensation of "coming home" in my right hand. I have a somewhat large palm and short fingers, yet the 149.fits me perfectly. I tried a 146 and was so dissatisfied that I sold it.

why did I watch 40 minutes of this and actually... enjoy it? Subscribed.

Great video, do you happen to know which nib you are using, EF, F, M?

The audio quality and the timbre of your voice makes you sound as if you are flying a 747 and giving an update from the cockpit during a most enjoyable flight.

My first luxury pen came via gift and was a Montblanc 149 (mid-1990s, so still metal piston). I confess I had no idea how much it had cost. Although a university business professor, I am somewhat oblivious to luxury trademarks (never had to have a Lexus when the top end Toyota was great, for example; truth is I drive a Subaru). Here is my experience. I was disturbed by the ink constantly collecting in the cap and ending up on the nib & section, so I asked our architect, a German who always wrote with a 149. His comment, “Oh, that is just a part of the experience. You must always have a cleaning cloth.” I could talk of other disappointments. Now that, in old age and retirement, I have converted wholly to the fountain pen, I can emphatically say that I do not believe the Montblanc pens are the world’s best. It is a visible trademark and is impressive, especially to the snob-based executives in NYC and other capitals. At the top end, I consider my Pelikan M1000 and M800s to be better. I would consider my Pilot Custom Urushi and my Sailor King of Pen superior. Since I never pay more than $750 for a fountain pen, I cannot comment on the ultra expensive Grail pens of the elite collectors. So, while I prize my Montblanc 149, I seldom use it. I do not carry it, especially after the cap came unscrewed in my most expensive suit’s inside coat pocket, ruining the suit. (I am bitterly disappointed in the quality of the Montblanc Writer’s Edition, Charles Dickens version, with a piston likely to fail soon; it was my most expensive purchase and does write well.) In summary, the Montblanc 149 Meisterstuck is a good fountain pen. It will impress your fellow executives (unless you are practicing law in a smaller city, or teaching law, where they will likely think you shallow.) However, it is definitely not the world’s best fountain pen. If you use a medium point or higher, likely the best everyday writing fountain pen is still the Lamy 2000, but the snobs will scoff at your everyman’s choice. The Lamy 2000 is a masterful design, with a nib that always stays wet and easy to write, never leaves ink on my fingers (with a semi-hooded nib), and is not blatantly garish to anyone. It was intentionally designed by German engineers and designed for its warm touch, its Bauhaus simplicity, and its functioning superiority. After all, it is a fountain pen you need rather than a symbol of your superior disposable income. At around 1/10th the price of the Montblanc 149, I think it shows me the kind of professional I want advising me financially.

What nib size is that pen?

Keep going back to this video, so soothing. :) Quick note in regards to your written content: MB 149 was certainly not introduced in 1924, but a lot later - in 1952. The year you mentioned was for the very first Meisterstuck (which had little to do with the streamlined, cigar-shaped styling started in the 1950s that we recognize today).

I have many pens that vary from moderate to high price. I found a new 149 with a triple broad oblique nib that has rendered my entire collection useless now😊. This 149 is so smooth that I don’t even notice it on the paper. By far my best experience ever and doubt it can be duplicated. Thanks for this video

I find that Montblanc's marketing and pricing strategy is so focused on these pens to be the iconic signature pen (very successfully I might add) that people forget how good the Montblanc nibs are. I agree that it is a large pen but it's mainly the girth of the 149 that is a hit or miss for different hand sizes and grips. I personally don't mind it eventhough I have small hands. I love my 149s; I acquired all of the oblique nibs they made over the years, and even the latest 'modern flex' nib they came out with, is an unexpectedly great expressive nib. I find myself coming back to these particular pens in my collection mainly for the writing experience. Funnily enough, I have never used any of them for signing anything throughout the years... maybe I should at some point. Just to fulfill its "iconic purpose" 😁

I've owned several #146s (in various forms .. standard, Ramses II, etc) since the 1980s and find them to be my favorite over all pen. I bought my first #149 two years ago, and after some nib work by a nibmeister, It now is a favorite writer. The size is larger than I prefer, but when in the mood ... it's my favorite larger pen. I don't often get caught up in the commercialization/fashion/marketing hype aspects of pens, but do enjoy unique design, filling systems, materials, nib grinds. However there is something timeless about the #149 that I've denied myself for too long and I'm glad I finally 'gave in'. It's a stunning pen and that nib ... oh what a nib!!!! Thanks for a terrific video. whether you planned it or not ... you have really struck a chord with a lot of folks.

"Should this be everyone’s grail pen?" - No. I don't give a crap about Montblanc or its reputation. If it is not a clear, colorless, transparent demonstrator, I have no interest in it.

The Meisterstück 149 was my grail pen for 15 years or so. I finally acquired one almost a year ago. In that time, I’ve gotten a few other grail worthy, or potentially grail worthy pens (Pilot Custom 845, Visconti Homo Sapiens Bronze Age, Aurora 88 and Optima), and no matter how much I enjoy those others, I always gravitate back to the 149. Probably because I built it up for so long in my estimation, but ultimately, the way it feels in my hand, it’s buttery smoothness on the page, I could use it for hours and hours and not feel the slightest hint of a hand cramp. I think it’s magnificent.

A fine Spencerian hand. Most attractive!

I actually use a Montblanc Walt Disney special edition because I’ve loved Disney since I was a kid and because I know the Montblanc company is a quality company. I’ve been writing almost non stop for a month and I am not disappointed at all.

I love my MB 146 and 149. I simply ignore the haters. For me it is the pen - everything else is just a rip off or wannabe. My grail pen is a Montegrappa Age of Discovery that I will never possibly own. My 'realistic' grail pen would be a 149 in British Racing Green but that's probably never going to happen. I asked them to make one and they ignored me. The company is like a pedigree cat: independent and haughty, who barely deign to acknowledge their customers. I agree that the vintage ones are better, isn't that the case with most things?

I also forgot to mention .. there are certain classic products with classic designs that have stood the test of time and are often the gold standard against which all other designs are compared against ie - a Hasselblad medium format camera , a Rolex Day Date, a Porsche 911. The MB 149 is in that group

this is the greatest pen review on this platform, hands down, pens up. love the captions lmao

Grail pen ... I dunno, maybe. What I do know, I love mine! I recently purchased it new at 60% off retail. Still a lot of money, but well worth it, in my opinion! Now, I finally see what all the "hu bub" is about. I prefer girthier pens, and this pen fits the bill. What does surprise me, it's not as big as everyone makes it out to be. I just inked it up for the first time, and it's in this month's rotation!

Happy Fountain Pen Day, and I admire your penmanship. The music sounds very calming any time I like to write with my pens for long writing sessions. I only own four of my pens and still a beginner for almost 4 years! I would love to experiment different varieties when I'm comfortable spending a bit more money. Keep writing, Hari

I have 3 Montblanc fountain pens, namely, 1 Solitaire blue hour legrand and 2 JFK (one burgundy and one dark blue); I am not sure if the on-line sellers really gave me nib "f" as per my order. If I am going to buy another Montblanc, I have no doubt to choose this iconic 149. Can you tell the one in the video is "M" or "F"nib?

Your handwriting is really beautiful...I love it! In your case the MB 149 does a good job... On the contrary in my case it is a rather boring, overrated fountain pen made of plastic. (MB says a precious resin...:) The performance is very modest... I'm sure of one thing, he writes better than Jinhao 159X! :)

I just love love love the 149, perfect size, perfect grip, perfect weight. Unfortunately, the modern ones stand no chance against the ones produced in the 1960s and 1970s. I love them so much I have over 10+ of these urushi and Maki in many designs (I know, I’m crazy) 😆😆

Personally, I’m not a fan of how light the 149 is for its size. A little over a year ago, before the world closed down, I was debating between getting a 149 and a Visconti Homo Sapiens Bronze Age. I ultimately went with the Visconti because while I absolutely love the feel of the nib on the 149, it didn’t feel substantial in hand. That’s said, I have a 146 that I absolutely love because the weight feels right for that size

I’ve never handled the 149, but even my 146 feels a little big at times. With that said, once I’m writing with it, it feels perfect.

Mình nên đọc phụ đề hay đọc chữ anh viết đây? Thôi có 2 con mắt nên đọc cả 2 luôn :))

I bought a new 149 in Rose Gold about 2 years ago. Have large hands, so I find the 149 fits me well. Was it worth the money? For me it was. It has, however, killed my pen collecting habit. Perhaps when the shock of the price has worn off, I'll start buying pens again 😀

You have what? A Montblanc Mstastuk? :-) It's a MEISTERSTÜCK!

Three answers to your question: 1. Yep. 🫵🏽🧔🏾‍♂️👍🏾 2. Yes 🫵🏽🧔🏾‍♂️👍🏾 3. Indeed 🫵🏽🧔🏾‍♂️👍🏾

Wow, this is definately one the most worthy handwriting that matches the Pen perfectly. The beauty seems to diminish compared to the writing. 👍

Beautiful pen. I wish i could afford one. I wonder what the original price of the montblanc was in 1924. Anyone know? Thanks

Do you have writing videos with MontBlanc ballpoint and rollerball pens?

I don't have the most extensive or expensive collection, but I do happen to own an EF 149. It writes incredibly smoothly, has a nice bounce, almost feels italic in how sharp the edges of the nib are, and is sufficiently wet on the page. This being said I still reach for my custom 823, platinum 3776, or sailor 1911 progear more often. Something about the size and lack of gradiant in the diameter of the section put me off when considering it for everyday use.

A handsome, well-made pen with an impeccable nib, certainly. A grail pen? No, not for me. I could get one at any time with no effort needed to find it, at a price most Americans could pay if they really wanted to. It's a pen so iconic that it's almost generic. If given one as a retirement gift, I'd be pleased and appreciative, and I'd use it often. But it's not one I'd go out of my way to buy. It's staid and reliable, not exciting. Now a Nakaya, an Onoto, a David Oscarson. That's not something you see every day. Saving the money for it is a bigger challenge for most of us; it won't be mistaken for anything else. Nothing generic about any of those.

i know three pens that are better - 1. ST dupont line D, 2. waterman carene, 3.sailor king of pens ebonite series

First time I own this pen I have a bad experience I have to sent it back , the nib was inconsistent, for such an expensive pen quality was disappointing.

It’s a nice signature pen. It’s very well made and a pleasure to use. I find it too clumsy for everyday use and I only use it at home.

Thanks for the video. I will definitely not be able to afford the pen.

Your Leonardos, Montegrappas, and Pelikans are fine , but they don’t have a soul like a 149...

my 149 shows up today :D but its not my grail pen. Also the nibs and pen arent too big, youre just too small for the pen :P

I know this video is 3 years old, but is this a fine (F) nib on your 149? And is it a vintage one or a newer one?

What size is the nib on the 149 in this video? Fine? Medium? Would be useful to know.

Anyone who is in question about if the 149 will be comfortable in hand can purchase a montverde sequoia. I see them as low as 50$, & there about the same dimensions as the 149. Not a bad pen either for the price.

I love your speaking english Very easy to understand for me. I love Meisterstuck pens

What Nib is it....what nib you are using ..is it the Fine or Oblique nib

I like your hand writing ✍ It's very Stylish and Elegant. I'm sure you can write ✍ like this with any other comman pen 🖊 too and most importantly I believe that good thoughts and right wisdom is important if you are writing ✍ a book 📖 or a novel. It doesn't matter what type of pen you use all that matter is your beautiful mind and thoughts you are pening down on a paper.

149 is a fantastic pen. I do not own one. I do own a 145. Very smooth but way too small for me. My grail pen is the Pelikan m600 and m800. I own both. The M800 is a perfect size for me, for extended periods of time. It also looks very regal to me. Grail pens: must be classic but stylish Smooth nib Balanced weight to pen. Stylish nib Postable cap. I also like the understated but stylish look of the Lamy 2000

What size nib is he writing with? I'm guessing an F?

The 149 is a spectacular pen with an outstanding nib.

What's they music you are playing with

my wife gave me one on our first anniversary, 25 years later, i still use that same pen every single day, it had belonged to her grandfather, who bought it when it first launched in 1924, so its priceless, she told me "my grandfather used to tell me that the pen was the key to a mans success, and that when he died he left the pen to me saying to give this to the man you love, that way he will always be successful", i also learned that the pen had survived nagasaki being bombed, my wifes late grandfather was living on the outskirts of nagasaki when the bomb dropped, when he went through the rubble the only thing in tact and undamaged was his pen

What glove size are you?

The Mont Blanc 149 you writing with is a Medium or Fine nib?

:54 which pen was that with the red cap? 👀 (noob alert)

Inherited my father's montblanc collection (8/9 pens & pencils) including a 149, love it. Only issues are occasional flow problems, however that is most likely maintenance / nib.

I have my Meisterstück for around 6 years now and I admit, I was never looking for anything new, because it leaves nothing to be desired.

In answer to your question: Definitely not; there are a number of salient factors in choosing a GRAIL pen - dimensions, nib type & size; aesthetics - colour, accents - silvered, gold, black - or indeed, any metal/plastic finish in between. I always consider the true acid test, is of longevity, ergo, how long can you write with any, one implement before fatigue sets in....for myself, the longer the better - so ergonomics (& therefore comfort) are significant. I actually own a 149, as well as a couple of 146's - all work for me, because I have large hands; I think the nib size in & of itself is not really important - but that's my opinion. Being the flagship model of the Montblanc brand, well certainly, it's a wonderful scribe - the nib is smoothness itself; I purchased mine previously owned - the modern 149's are not as well built, & hence my decision to buy second-hand; mine was manufactured in the early '80's, so I know it's one of the more solid models. MB tend to run thru' phases of quality control: Currently, I don't believe they're on top of their game just now - reasons for which are not immediately apparent (& no, it has nothing to do with Covid-19). If you're looking to buy one, go for the models constructed in the 1940's, '50's, '60's, & '80's - these are the best decades to select from. Thank you for Satie - always a soothing audible balm - stay safe, Sir :)

Hello, I'm Japanese. I always watch the video. How thick is this fountain pen nib?

I'm concidering to make this pen one of my life goals if I ever get to make enough money but I'm not sure if the material is worth the high price. I just got into the fountain pen business a short time ago and my little pen collection mysteriously disappeared. Unpleasant but it's no big tragedy as my pens are mont high schooler as I'd call them haha. By the way stay strong during this nasty pandemic :-)

I have a 146 and a 149. I love them both, the 146 has a medium nib and the 149 is a broad.

I love the soul satisfyingly long writing samples.

149 is beautiful but too big … 146 is perfect for me 😍

Wow! Who is the lucky lady to receive your love letter? ❤️

It’s a great writer but i dislike the design

what is the size of the nib on 149?

Truly a delight observing your writing. Keep writing!

Are you using a Broad Nib ?

I love Parker galaxy.... Derived from its ancestor Parker 45. It fits best in my hand.. and to me the best ergonomically designed pen.

Masterpiece ♥️

What is the nib size at 7:40?

Beautiful hand writing

What lovely manuscript you have!

Que relajante es ver como escribe, y con la música de Erik Satie

What is the nib size ?

🤔...?...Meisterstuk 149...is that a German knockoff of the Jinhao 159?

I was gifted the classic size many years ago from my aunt as during her position she was gifted such things from all kinds of succesful people. She said the converter is broken. I told myself this is a nice looking pen but didn't know how to get the converter repaired. After years I got to know of this brand and I regret not storing it better as I thought it was a regular cheap pen. When I replace the converter, I'm interested how will it write. I got a few letters out of it and it felt smooth. It has some scratches but when I found how much do these pens cost, I'm hoping on becoming a succesful person to buy Meisterstuck 149

Mine skips

Is this the “Denver The Guilty Dog” music?

Would a 146 be best for a Viet lady?

Grail Pen? That's a loaded question.. let me elaborate. I own 6 Monthblanc pens, besides 2, they're all fountain pens... and by least expensive one by far is the 149.. the remainder are selling for $1900-$2100 right now... I also have an ST Dupont limited of 100 made, with 13 diamonds, and amazing Chinese lacquer work... as well as a Montegrappo EXTRA OTTO custom with fossilized ivory and celluloid body, solid silver plated in gold hardware, etc.. with a cost 4 times that of a 149... they are almost all objectively finer and more "Grail" worthy than the 149... BUT.. the 149 is a benchmark pen.. it's a standard pen of it's kind.. a writers pen, with a uniquely large nib.. (I happen to have the B)... so it's a must have for ANY collector in my mind, but not really a grail pen.

my grail pen is still only about 300$ 🥺

Interestingly I got a 146 calligraphy flex after holding briefly a 149 and thinking it was too big. I was also disappointed by one m800 (thought it was uncomfortable at first). After a few months of using the mb 146 and m800, a friend showed my their mb 149 and I thought it was pretty confortable. I don't know if it is also getting adjusted to the material/weight and shape of the grip, but it did evolved over time. I was also initially put off by m1000, but now I know better: never say never. Plus, I agree with you that B or BB are nice with bigger pens!

I bought my 149 in 1976. It’s a fantastic pen to use, 1 also have a 146, it to is a fantastic pen. BUT, they both have a problem, don’t carry your pens in your coat pocket as they will sweat around the knob and you will end up with ink everywhere.

Is this a fine or medium nib ? Thank you for the lovely video and samples. Ok i got the answer by scrolling the comments and seeing your reply. Its an EF. But your writing is so elegant. I initially thought it was a Fine nib

What nib did it have and what's the notebook you use? I use this video as a screensaver on my oled tv lol. Just watching 30+ minutes of writing.

I just found this channel and I love it so much. Also question: Do you write with your hand or your arm, can’t tell. And if you use your hand, when do you plan to use your arm? - I’m trying to write cursive and I heard from a large majority of people that writing with your arm is better.

No

Nope.

simply wow....such beautiful nib pen

I don’t like the cigar shape. Nope, the 149 is not my grail pen. I am wishing for a Visconti someday!!

Why would this be anyone's grail pen when there's the much superior Jinhao 159?

Are you writing with an M nib or F nib in this video?

Nice, I never can write so beautifully.

Lovely review. Didn’t get the nib size. I purchased mine new back in 2011 in nib size B. Like your pen, occasionally suffers from hard starts . I learned that if i hold mine perpendicular to the paper rather than slanted , it will write every time although that’s not the most comfortable position. Is the pen worth it? To me absolutely but , like you said, at the old prices . My criteria for pens in my collection i guess is aesthetics, build quality, interesting nibs . For me, i also enjoy the big pens ie 149, M1000, etc. There is something else, something intangible associated with a luxury item “ a feel good factor” and I think MB has it! Anyway, came across your review and I enjoyed it

My grail pen would be a Pelikan M1000 or a Pilot Custom Urushi

Pity you added the music covering the writing sounds. I bet it would be a wonderful ASMR video if you let us hear the nib scratching the paper.

I love my mpntblanc writers edition Hemingway, but Namiki Emperor Vermillion is also my favorite.