Welcome back JPL!!! I have a Parker 61, that my grandfather passed down to me, as well as a Parker Graduate from my mom when I graduated in 2022, they're pretty good! I like how Parker is always going to be there and they're never gonna go out of style.
I have a Parker Sonnet from around 1996, with an 18k gold nib. It's a very nice pen, and I do really love how it writes. For me, though, the more I write with slightly girthier pens, the more I think the Sonnet is just thinner than a perfect pen should be. I don't have especially large hands; it's just a matter of taste. But I use the pen regularly, and I'm glad I have it. Also, you can send the pen back to Parker and they'll repair the nib. The pen has a lifetime warranty, if I'm not mistaken.
That's exactly my impression: I have different Sonnets with steel and gold nibs and different finishes from different decates. They are all very reliable and write nicely and I use them for EDC pens, but I'd like it girthier, too.
I can second that. Last year, I sent out an old Parker Sonnet Cisele to Newell for a cap that wouldn't seal. I paid $40 for return shipping from France to the US (LA).
I have a Parker Sonnet that I picked up in the 1990s in New York City. It was made in France. Just two days ago I took it out and cleaned it and tweaked the nib and filled it with a nice "wet" ink [Diamine "Imperial Purple"]. It is a remarkably smooth writer, perhaps the smoothest of all my pens. The nib is a medium and lays down a lovely line of ink. It is not a calligraphy pen, but is an excellent writer. I find it an elegant pen. I find the vintage Parker pens that were made in the U.S., such as the 45 and the 51, 21, and 61 pens, among the best ever. They all post wonderfully, the 45 exceptionally. The Sonnet posts very well. It is a delight to use, but is, while being elegant, somewhat nondescript. The nib is smooth and feels flexible, although it is not a "flex" nib. The Sonnet is a writer's pen, not an artist's or a calligrapher's. The Mont Blanc pen brand is actually from Germany. The mountain it is named after is in France, and the elegance of, for example, the Mont Blanc 149, seems French in its lovely and ergonomic design...but it is a German pen. Nice review. I agree with you, the Parker Sonnet is a pen that deserves more appreciation. It is an exceptional fountain pen for the price. CAVEAT: The Parker pens in my experience made in this century are dreadful. They were bought out, changed hands again, and are going the way of Sheaffer and Cross. The design of the 2021 Parker "51" is abysmal, as is the quality control. I don't know if the Sonnet is still made as well as it once was, perhaps it is. I hope it is. But I am dubious. But an older Parker will write for many years and then be passed down to the next generation and write beautifully.
Good review. I have the same version of the Sonnet, dating from the early 2000s. Very reliable, no skipping or hard starting. They are great little pens. I got mine off EBay in mint condition in a fancy case for around £35. Quite a bargain. I also have a "flame red" version with the 18k nib, which is even better, though pricier. Another EBay purchase, which is a very economical route for the upgraded nib. As is said often, Parker's QC isn't always great these days. However, I have a recent (2018) Duofold Centennial "Big Red" which is fabulous - mainly down to the spectacular nib. I'd also say that the IM is a pretty good pen. Well made with lots of finishes. Some of the more recent ones can hard start a bit, though.
Your writing sample shows well how it's in the cursive writing where the quality of the Parker sonnet nib really shines. I have one too from perhaps 2006? I bought it for myself! And I agree that it writes nicely and feels well balanced when posted- and I prefer to post all my pens and haven't ventured yet into trying or buying a pen that can't be posted. Because I haven't got a huge or expensive collection I'd say it's definitely my most luzurious feeling pen, along with the lamy studio in brushed steel which I also love, and is cheaper new, but you have to be more careful with the finish of the lamy brushed steel, but it's beautiful, I love it, along with the black grip section. Only the steel nib, which is nice and smooth though. The rest of my collection are lamy safari, vista, Al-star, Pilot Kakuno and TWSBI Go which is perhaps the nail hardest nib I've ever used.
Holy fuck man!!! I remember your original videos! You're back now with a deeper voice and some scruff, but the same Aussie twang 😅 Great to have you back and see you're well, this genuinely made me happy
Excellent video. Subscribed. I still use a 1997 French made Sonnet with the blue lacquer and a steel nib. One of my favourites and still going strong. I can recommend the first generation French pens, which are still available on E-Bay.
I love the Sonnet... I have this same Silver model :) I received as a gift also, from someone special to me. I have quite some pen, but I'm always looking forward to write some pages with this beauty. One time I accidentally dropped it, but I changed the gold nib ... and the story continues. :) All the best wishes!
One of the great things about this hobby is that there's room for varying viewpoints. I was really into Parkers early in my days in the hobby (early 90's) -- modern and vintage so I have a few Sonnets. I like them but they're not tops for me; a bit small and thin for my hand, writes on the broad side etc
Yes a bit small and thin indeed. I've got one. It's in black and gold trim. It does feel very good from an ergonomic point of view, feels well balanced in my hand when posted- I like to post my pens. The weight feels good. My nib is fine, still on the broad side, but like a finer medium. That's also my preference. Cause yes Parker mediums tend to be on the broad side. I'm currently really liking the TWISBO Go from the width of the body point of view, and how it feels holding the pen. It's much lighter but it also feels great when posted, and its much cheaper. But the nib isn't as bouncy. Not that the sonnet is super bouncy, but just a touch soft and bouncy without any any line variation like JPL said.
The Sonnet doesn’t get much attention because these days no Parker pen gets much attention. The brand is being run into the ground by Newell Rubbermaid.
@@VitNg-vl9ek yeah, the parent company since 2000; the company owns mainstream stationary brands like Sharpie but also does a lot of other kitchen and home products.
I love my Parker Sonnets (plural). They come with many nibs, fit in the hand, and are perfect for daily writing. While I like the Lamy 2000 better, I really do love the Sonnet. I'm kinder about some of the other Parker models. The Duofold is one of my favorites, though I'll admit to waiting for a good price on those pens...
Congrats ! I have 3 Sonnets... One is gift from my father in 1994 (black matt) made in France . I write with this pen and with a Vector for more than 20 years. The 2nd (white pearl ) with a 18k nib bought in a Greek store 50% discount . The last Sonnet (a gift of my wife ) Queens platinum jubilee in 2022. Every pen has a different nib and with special emotion of writing.
I have a lot of Sonnets (and admittedly, some from the parents. LOL!). The one thing keeping Sonnets (and other Parker pens) from being great is the dryout. It's those blasted holes under the clips. Ostensibly, it is there so that when you uncap, there won't be a vacuum sucking up the ink from the barrel and onto your hands and clothes. That problem has been solved by Platinum Preppy and other penmakers, but Parker just refuses to learn the lesson and is obstinately sticking with their 1950's holey dogma. Seal those freaking holes, Parker. However, to be fair, I do have a sterling silver Sonnet Fougere. That one is airtight, no holes. But it's more the exception than the rule. (Btw, welcome back. Didn't know your were posting again.)
Love the video! Buuuuut I’m afraid I’ll have to disagree. My first fountain pen was also a Sonnet, and I’ve have eight more over the years. Unfortunately one trait, they all shared, was a tendency to rust at the front of the section. Every single one I had did that. Most of them also needed nib adjustments. I had a stub at one point that was amazing. I sold it and still regret it. I love the look of them, I just wish Parker would use more robust materials.
I don't have a Sonnet, but I do have a Parker IM, and despite Parker not enjoying the best reputation in the world of modern fountain pens, it's actually one of my favorite pens.
I have one Black Varnish that I got at a great discount from Amazon and another with silver trim that I bought second hand, the quality is great in both, and unlike yours, they have sections made (apparently) from the same material as the barrel. But they both have a HUGE issue, they dry out very fast, I believe their caps don't seal well at all, but I've been lazy in finding a solution for that 😅
Thank you for this video. I have a blue laque Sonnet and it is just lovely to use. I also have a matching ball pen and I would like to obtain a matching 0.5mm pencil.
I believe Parker is basically French now. In fact, I personally think they are made by their sister company, Waterman. At least the ones made in France are, but all of the other low-end Parkers are made in China, I believe. Waterman makes some excellent fountain pens at low prices ($25 at Staples), but I think they kind of want Parker to be demoted to a gift box pen like Screivener. Parker caught my attention on Amazon almost a year ago, and 19 pens later, I still don't have a Parker. If I did get one, I'd be tempted to get the Sonnet, but I may as well get a Waterman Expert at that point.
Not a bad FP in my eyes, but not a great buy either. And the biggest drawback is that the surface regularly tarnishes badly. I live in Thailand, so high temperatures and high humidity are the norm, but the ugly and constant tarnishing of the material makes me easily to not use it. I didn't expect that, not at that price and not from the brand, which is certainly no longer what it used to be. Unfortunately!
It is a good-looking pen, but the Sonnets that I have owned were all stinkers, with nibs that dried out quickly, suffering from feed issues. They would just stop writing. Just stop. I'd never buy another. Parker of the last thirty or so odd years is a far cry from its glory days in the 1940s and up to the mid 1960s. I gave them another chance with the reintroduction of the Parker 51 a couple of years ago--the worst pen I have ever purchased. A real piece of junk.
I have a Parker sonnet from the first decade in the 2000's and it works well. However my boyfriend got me one with a gold nib for my birthday and I told him to return it because the gold nib was not up to par straight out of the box, and I just want to hold out for a bigger and better pen in all respects. Maybe some day someone will rescue the brand and actually do proper innovations and quality control again?
I agree. The Parker "51" from 2021 is the worst fountain pen I've ever purchased. Terrible design, ugly. And it barely wrote. It was easily the poorest writer of all my fountain pens. Hard starts, skipping, scratchy. Last weekend I took it apart and tweaked the nib and re-seated the nib and feed and it seems to be writing OK now. But considering the cost, it is inferior to the three-dollar Chinese Hero clones I used to get in Chinatown in NYC. They wrote beautifully--were better in every way. Most wrote flawlessly. I had problems with a couple, but for $3.... And the nib of the Parker "51" is a Jotter nib manufactured in China, as is the feed. It didn't even have its own nib....The original Parker 51 is my favorite pen of all, and the 61 was a brilliant upgrade of it, and even better. But Newall's "51 Redux" was a callous, tasteless rip-off. It was less true a Parker 51 than anything Hero or its subsidiaries and partners have done.
Welcome back JPL!!! I have a Parker 61, that my grandfather passed down to me, as well as a Parker Graduate from my mom when I graduated in 2022, they're pretty good! I like how Parker is always going to be there and they're never gonna go out of style.
I have a Parker Sonnet from around 1996, with an 18k gold nib. It's a very nice pen, and I do really love how it writes. For me, though, the more I write with slightly girthier pens, the more I think the Sonnet is just thinner than a perfect pen should be. I don't have especially large hands; it's just a matter of taste. But I use the pen regularly, and I'm glad I have it.
Also, you can send the pen back to Parker and they'll repair the nib. The pen has a lifetime warranty, if I'm not mistaken.
Wow that's amazing if the Parker pens have life time warranties! Or at least the Parker sonnet model! Wow.
That's exactly my impression: I have different Sonnets with steel and gold nibs and different finishes from different decates. They are all very reliable and write nicely and I use them for EDC pens, but I'd like it girthier, too.
I can second that. Last year, I sent out an old Parker Sonnet Cisele to Newell for a cap that wouldn't seal. I paid $40 for return shipping from France to the US (LA).
I have a Parker Sonnet that I picked up in the 1990s in New York City. It was made in France. Just two days ago I took it out and cleaned it and tweaked the nib and filled it with a nice "wet" ink [Diamine "Imperial Purple"]. It is a remarkably smooth writer, perhaps the smoothest of all my pens. The nib is a medium and lays down a lovely line of ink. It is not a calligraphy pen, but is an excellent writer. I find it an elegant pen. I find the vintage Parker pens that were made in the U.S., such as the 45 and the 51, 21, and 61 pens, among the best ever. They all post wonderfully, the 45 exceptionally. The Sonnet posts very well. It is a delight to use, but is, while being elegant, somewhat nondescript. The nib is smooth and feels flexible, although it is not a "flex" nib. The Sonnet is a writer's pen, not an artist's or a calligrapher's.
The Mont Blanc pen brand is actually from Germany. The mountain it is named after is in France, and the elegance of, for example, the Mont Blanc 149, seems French in its lovely and ergonomic design...but it is a German pen.
Nice review. I agree with you, the Parker Sonnet is a pen that deserves more appreciation. It is an exceptional fountain pen for the price. CAVEAT: The Parker pens in my experience made in this century are dreadful. They were bought out, changed hands again, and are going the way of Sheaffer and Cross. The design of the 2021 Parker "51" is abysmal, as is the quality control. I don't know if the Sonnet is still made as well as it once was, perhaps it is. I hope it is. But I am dubious. But an older Parker will write for many years and then be passed down to the next generation and write beautifully.
Good review. I have the same version of the Sonnet, dating from the early 2000s. Very reliable, no skipping or hard starting. They are great little pens. I got mine off EBay in mint condition in a fancy case for around £35. Quite a bargain.
I also have a "flame red" version with the 18k nib, which is even better, though pricier. Another EBay purchase, which is a very economical route for the upgraded nib.
As is said often, Parker's QC isn't always great these days. However, I have a recent (2018) Duofold Centennial "Big Red" which is fabulous - mainly down to the spectacular nib.
I'd also say that the IM is a pretty good pen. Well made with lots of finishes. Some of the more recent ones can hard start a bit, though.
Your writing sample shows well how it's in the cursive writing where the quality of the Parker sonnet nib really shines. I have one too from perhaps 2006? I bought it for myself! And I agree that it writes nicely and feels well balanced when posted- and I prefer to post all my pens and haven't ventured yet into trying or buying a pen that can't be posted. Because I haven't got a huge or expensive collection I'd say it's definitely my most luzurious feeling pen, along with the lamy studio in brushed steel which I also love, and is cheaper new, but you have to be more careful with the finish of the lamy brushed steel, but it's beautiful, I love it, along with the black grip section. Only the steel nib, which is nice and smooth though. The rest of my collection are lamy safari, vista, Al-star, Pilot Kakuno and TWSBI Go which is perhaps the nail hardest nib I've ever used.
Holy fuck man!!! I remember your original videos! You're back now with a deeper voice and some scruff, but the same Aussie twang 😅 Great to have you back and see you're well, this genuinely made me happy
Excellent video. Subscribed. I still use a 1997 French made Sonnet with the blue lacquer and a steel nib. One of my favourites and still going strong. I can recommend the first generation French pens, which are still available on E-Bay.
I love the Sonnet... I have this same Silver model :) I received as a gift also, from someone special to me.
I have quite some pen, but I'm always looking forward to write some pages with this beauty. One time I accidentally dropped it, but I changed the gold nib ... and the story continues. :)
All the best wishes!
One of the great things about this hobby is that there's room for varying viewpoints. I was really into Parkers early in my days in the hobby (early 90's) -- modern and vintage so I have a few Sonnets. I like them but they're not tops for me; a bit small and thin for my hand, writes on the broad side etc
Yes a bit small and thin indeed. I've got one. It's in black and gold trim. It does feel very good from an ergonomic point of view, feels well balanced in my hand when posted- I like to post my pens. The weight feels good. My nib is fine, still on the broad side, but like a finer medium. That's also my preference. Cause yes Parker mediums tend to be on the broad side. I'm currently really liking the TWISBO Go from the width of the body point of view, and how it feels holding the pen. It's much lighter but it also feels great when posted, and its much cheaper. But the nib isn't as bouncy. Not that the sonnet is super bouncy, but just a touch soft and bouncy without any any line variation like JPL said.
The Sonnet doesn’t get much attention because these days no Parker pen gets much attention. The brand is being run into the ground by Newell Rubbermaid.
Exactly so. It is very sad.
Please forgive my stupidity...what is Newell Rubbermaid? is it the new owner of the Parker Co.?
@@VitNg-vl9ek yeah, the parent company since 2000; the company owns mainstream stationary brands like Sharpie but also does a lot of other kitchen and home products.
I love my Parker Sonnets (plural). They come with many nibs, fit in the hand, and are perfect for daily writing. While I like the Lamy 2000 better, I really do love the Sonnet.
I'm kinder about some of the other Parker models. The Duofold is one of my favorites, though I'll admit to waiting for a good price on those pens...
Congrats !
I have 3 Sonnets...
One is gift from my father in 1994 (black matt) made in France . I write with this pen and with a Vector for more than 20 years.
The 2nd (white pearl ) with a 18k nib bought in a Greek store 50% discount .
The last Sonnet (a gift of my wife ) Queens platinum jubilee
in 2022.
Every pen has a different nib and with special emotion of writing.
I have a lot of Sonnets (and admittedly, some from the parents. LOL!). The one thing keeping Sonnets (and other Parker pens) from being great is the dryout. It's those blasted holes under the clips. Ostensibly, it is there so that when you uncap, there won't be a vacuum sucking up the ink from the barrel and onto your hands and clothes. That problem has been solved by Platinum Preppy and other penmakers, but Parker just refuses to learn the lesson and is obstinately sticking with their 1950's holey dogma. Seal those freaking holes, Parker. However, to be fair, I do have a sterling silver Sonnet Fougere. That one is airtight, no holes. But it's more the exception than the rule. (Btw, welcome back. Didn't know your were posting again.)
It's sooooo good to see you posting pen related videos again! I hope everything is OK buddy. 🙂
My Parker jotter fountain pen has lasted 7 years and still going strong.
I have seen reviews of the jotter that said it's very good. :) Such as from My Fountain Pen Journey.
It's really great you still treasure the pen your grandfather gifted to you.
Definitely one of the best Parkers.
Love the video!
Buuuuut I’m afraid I’ll have to disagree. My first fountain pen was also a Sonnet, and I’ve have eight more over the years. Unfortunately one trait, they all shared, was a tendency to rust at the front of the section. Every single one I had did that.
Most of them also needed nib adjustments. I had a stub at one point that was amazing. I sold it and still regret it.
I love the look of them, I just wish Parker would use more robust materials.
Fair enough. I’ve heard of the issue and thankfully I’ve seemed to have been able to avoid all of them. I may have gotten very lucky here. Cheers
I don't have a Sonnet, but I do have a Parker IM, and despite Parker not enjoying the best reputation in the world of modern fountain pens, it's actually one of my favorite pens.
This is a good channel, you should upload more reviews
I have one Black Varnish that I got at a great discount from Amazon and another with silver trim that I bought second hand, the quality is great in both, and unlike yours, they have sections made (apparently) from the same material as the barrel. But they both have a HUGE issue, they dry out very fast, I believe their caps don't seal well at all, but I've been lazy in finding a solution for that 😅
Thank you for this video. I have a blue laque Sonnet and it is just lovely to use. I also have a matching ball pen and I would like to obtain a matching 0.5mm pencil.
I believe Parker is basically French now. In fact, I personally think they are made by their sister company, Waterman. At least the ones made in France are, but all of the other low-end Parkers are made in China, I believe. Waterman makes some excellent fountain pens at low prices ($25 at Staples), but I think they kind of want Parker to be demoted to a gift box pen like Screivener. Parker caught my attention on Amazon almost a year ago, and 19 pens later, I still don't have a Parker. If I did get one, I'd be tempted to get the Sonnet, but I may as well get a Waterman Expert at that point.
Isn't related but I might buy an old parker 45 lol. I really love vintage pens or mechanical pencils.
The Parker 45 is a good choice. It is an amazing pen. And you can still find NOS Parker 45s out there or used in good condition.
@cbooth2004 yea I've found a pretty good deal. It's gonna be awesome to own one
Montblanc french? This hurts my German heart :(
Man how did I bugger that up. Must have read the script wrong
Good review. I’m going to search for a used one.
Excellent review
The Sonnet is indeed a great pen. I still want one for my own collection (or a Duofold)
Even the Explorer GT is a brilliant pen for everyday use...i own one in F nib, which is a great writer...
My Parker Sonnet has quality problem with gold plating clip and on the front band. My Cross has not the same problem. I have both of them.
Not a bad FP in my eyes, but not a great buy either. And the biggest drawback is that the surface regularly tarnishes badly. I live in Thailand, so high temperatures and high humidity are the norm, but the ugly and constant tarnishing of the material makes me easily to not use it. I didn't expect that, not at that price and not from the brand, which is certainly no longer what it used to be. Unfortunately!
I prefer a Waterman to a Parker.
Enjoyed the review. Have you ever tried the Pilot Elite?
Very informative
It is a good-looking pen, but the Sonnets that I have owned were all stinkers, with nibs that dried out quickly, suffering from feed issues. They would just stop writing. Just stop. I'd never buy another. Parker of the last thirty or so odd years is a far cry from its glory days in the 1940s and up to the mid 1960s. I gave them another chance with the reintroduction of the Parker 51 a couple of years ago--the worst pen I have ever purchased. A real piece of junk.
I have a Parker sonnet from the first decade in the 2000's and it works well. However my boyfriend got me one with a gold nib for my birthday and I told him to return it because the gold nib was not up to par straight out of the box, and I just want to hold out for a bigger and better pen in all respects. Maybe some day someone will rescue the brand and actually do proper innovations and quality control again?
I agree. The Parker "51" from 2021 is the worst fountain pen I've ever purchased. Terrible design, ugly. And it barely wrote. It was easily the poorest writer of all my fountain pens. Hard starts, skipping, scratchy. Last weekend I took it apart and tweaked the nib and re-seated the nib and feed and it seems to be writing OK now. But considering the cost, it is inferior to the three-dollar Chinese Hero clones I used to get in Chinatown in NYC. They wrote beautifully--were better in every way. Most wrote flawlessly. I had problems with a couple, but for $3....
And the nib of the Parker "51" is a Jotter nib manufactured in China, as is the feed. It didn't even have its own nib....The original Parker 51 is my favorite pen of all, and the 61 was a brilliant upgrade of it, and even better. But Newall's "51 Redux" was a callous, tasteless rip-off. It was less true a Parker 51 than anything Hero or its subsidiaries and partners have done.