Just got this pen with a B. Nib. Cost $67+. Love the looks of the bourgogne! Did experience minimal feedback. A bit of 12000 grit micromesh takes care of alot.
That scratchy noise that the pen makes is probably the biggest reason why I want to buy it. It's so appealing to me like writing with a pencil or something. Your mic did very well on picking up that noise!
The platinum SF runs thinner than the pilot falcon's SF. it has the same line width with the falcon SEF that i got. the falcon has a better overall feeling for me (i do not know how else i could explain it), it is softer and it is more of a fun pen but the platinum is less toothy (than the falcon sef) and catches the paper less often and it is better for everyday writing than the falcon sef.
The Platinum Century 3776 ( I have a fine and a Broad) is my favourite pen of all time. Not necessarily because its the best writer, but it is just like my best mate hahaha
Depends where you live and how you get them. If you order from Japan directly then they will be a bit cheaper. In Canada they're around $200-$220 CAD (Not ordered form Japan. In the USA you could find them around $176 USD
I love my Platinum 3776 Chartres Blue (B)It worked perfectly straight out of the box. It stays in my daily rotation, along with the Visconti Classic I won in one of your giveaways. All the Platinum pens I have work well.
Really like this pen that I had to get the Bourgogne and the Chartres Blue in medium and broad... The medium has a lovely spring back while writing and the broad is lovely wet writer... Definitely recommend this pen if one wants a slightly different experience with a Japanese pen... Very different from Sailor and Pilots... Thank you for the review
I agree with Gordon Hall (below) the Platinum 3776 is the best pen value to be had, especially when buying direct. Stephen Brown's hands (by self-report) are very large, so average sized pens aren't going to be a good fit. For anyone with average (medium) to small hands, the 3776 is a wonderful, fuss-free writer, (although I have heard the fines and extra fines are VERY fine and therefore can be a touch scratchy.) The factory made versions may be a little bland if you're looking for flashy (in that case Platinum does make celluloids, maki-e and their cousins the Nakaya bespoke models, with virtually the same nibs.) It is a cartridge converter pen, so easy to clean and switch out inks (I can use iron gall and so-called more troublesome inks because it's a c&c fill.). The slip 'n seal cap system works very well to keep the nib and ink from drying out, so hard starts are nearly nonexistent. In the end, I've halted my perfect pen search at the 3776's and a couple of Pelikans, and feel no need to look further.
Delicious, that nib is fantastic. What a great writer this one makes for note taking or journaling alike. Meanwhile, it has amazing line variation for a stiffer "soft" nib. Thanks for presenting!
Great review! I have Platinum Bourgogne too. As a leftie I love the Japanese nibs. Now I'm waiting for my first Nagata Neostandard Heki-tamenuri with fine flex nib and golden kanji characters.
I just bought this exact pen after seeing your review and I couldn't be happier! The SF nib on my pen was aligned perfectly and writes very nicely. I would describe the feel as springy. I've not used a flex nib so I can't compare the feel. I also discovered J Herbin Violet Pensee` ink and really do like it a lot. Thanks for the great review.
Thanks for another great review. I've watched this several times, and have finally ordered one. All the attributes you highlight make it a perfect sketching pen - great nib, well sealing cap, lighter weight, touch on the dry side. And I suspect the real reason is that it's beautiful. ...The deep red looks quite lovely with the light shining through.
That's exactly what I thought about the 3776 sf. I wanted a fountain pen for sketching/drawing needed fine lines with just a touch of variation because I usually work small on A5 sketchbooks, and to be a touch on the dry side because I don't plan to just write traditionaly left to right with the pen, my arm will slide all over the place. I ordered the platinum 3776 in red with soft fine nib and still waiting for it to arrive. I am a little worried because some people say that their nibs were not alined and that they are too dry.
As with pens_and_Tea, I own a fine, which is, of course, a Western EF; ne'er a complaint for the five years I've used this scribe. Mine is black gloss, with a dragon upon the barrel. It has been consistently excellent, & ideal for labelling spare nib canisters, or check boxes on forms. The smooth flex nib looks very appealing, & like Stephen, I must post it, due to large hands; otherwise, a super efficient writing implement with 'quality' written (sic) all over same. Thank you for yet another detailed review, Stephen !! :)
I must admit, this might be one of the best buys on the market. Such an inexpensive pen to lay down that much ink, consistently and cleanly. Thanks for presenting!
Larry, (and SBRE) the best discounts on Japanese pens are on Japanese websites. Engeika Finest Shop is currently offering the 3776 M nib for about 70 bucks and a modest shipping cost. They use PayPal and seem reputable. FPN reports are good if I recall correctly. Or see if you can find it used.
Love that you seem to like this pen: always feel that Platinum is less well thought of than Sailor or Pilot which upsets me as, if I was only allowed one fp, it would be my beloved Platinum 3776 EF Chartres bleu with rhodium trim - don’t get me wrong: love my Sailor’s and Pilot’s too but the Platinum is what I’d pick:)
An excellent review, as usual. i bought one just like this as a result of your review. It came direct from Japan to Europe and cost 89 euros including shipping. I agree with you that the color is extremely attractive. It is dryer than yours, with several inks. I contacted the seller about the possibility of receiving a different nib for it and discovered that Platinum doesn't offer nib replacements for this pen. However, the seller said he could receive the pen back and send me another one, but the postage both ways would up the cost. But he offered to sell me another one, but with a medium nib and in another color it I so wished, for 69 euros, shipping included (he said this was his cost). I went for this, choosing a Chartres Blue. That's what happened, and I'm very happy with the broader nib. As for the SF, nib, would you recommend that I attempt to open it up a bit using brass shims? I have a set of four from vintagepensacsandparts.com (0.001, 0.002, 0.003, and 0.005).
I just bought this pen with a soft fine nib, but it runs very fine and dry, skips and some times has hard start. Seems vastly different to the pen that you have. I tried with quite a few inks, and its still dry..
Henry Wang I received mine yesterday. And I'm experiencing exactly what you described. Could it be the ink that was included with the pen? I love the look and feel of the pen. But the writing experience was dismal. Too dry for my taste.
I have this pen. This nib is very toothy and feedbacky. I even hear that noise. It is different from "normal" (not soft) Platinum nibs. I have also 3776 Medium, and it has much more smoother and wetter feeling.
Stephen, I was wondering if you actually fixed the misalignment before doing the writing sample, or if that was done with the misalignment still present. Cheers
The draw of that pen is that UEF nib on it. Surprised you didn't get that because the UEF crowd is pleased to get that standard pretty available on a FP. I'm in that crowd.
It would be worth to do a shoot out between this Platinum 3776 Century Soft Fine and a Pilot 74 Soft Fine They are radically different nibs The Platinum is more a springy nib but does not respond well to a down stroke The Pilot is a limited flex that responds to an easy down stroke, so an I or a t is wider at the top like a brush mark
Someone probably asked you already, but would you say this or the pilot 74 is the better pen? I am on the fence as I hear pilot puts out nicer nibs but I love the Bourgogne color. Pilot custom 74s come in deep red also but I can't find one with a soft nib and I prefer the slight transparency on the 3776. I do. however, want a smooth and bouncy nib.
Stephen, another excellent review--thank you! It's a beautiful pen, and the translucence in person is really stunning (as is the case with the Chartres Blue). I've only tried the soft fine in person--have you tried the standard nibs to have a sense of how stiff they are in comparison?
I just purchased this pen and it doesn't write like yours. Lines are spider thin without pressure and so dry that Parker quink and noodlers black are barely visible. It flexes fine and does not dry up, just barely writes without pressure. Is this normal and is there any way to fix it
tl K I had the same experience. I'm still trying to decide what I want to do. I could open the tines up manually, but maybe I'd better just look to send this back to exchange it
Are all the 14k soft nibs? Because I would like to get a Platinum Century #3776 Soft Fine/Medium, but I would like to know if all 14 are soft, or if it is a special nib that has to have the description of being "soft" otherwise it is not.
The PTL 5000 seems a bit wetter than this one in your review (maybe because that one was a Medium?)...I'm trying to decide between the two:). This one is very tempting because of the soft fine nib, but about 30 euros more on Amazon than the 5000...Are they very different as a writing experience?
Hey, i just bought this pen with SF nib. I was too excited when i ordered it. Your sf nib writes beautifully. But mine is waaaaay too dry. Can anyone help to solve this issue?
I have been looking at the Platinum Izumo Tagayasan. It is made of some exotic wood and has standard Platinum 18K nib. Do you know anything about it, or anything similar? Any pitfalls to watch out for?
Why always you people r talking about Japanese n Asian pens prices, exorbitant n all ?.. May l know the prices of Auroras, Viscontis , Pelicans , MBs etc ?? ??
I just love how you mock what you believe to be the pronunciations of those less educated than you. It is indicative of a degree of gentility that is rare and to be admired.
Just got this pen with a B. Nib. Cost $67+. Love the looks of the bourgogne! Did experience minimal feedback. A bit of 12000 grit micromesh takes care of alot.
Just got this pen in broad nib and i am in love, the colour is so elegant and the nib is smooth yet with a nice amount of feedback
That scratchy noise that the pen makes is probably the biggest reason why I want to buy it. It's so appealing to me like writing with a pencil or something. Your mic did very well on picking up that noise!
lol same I love that too
Sailor Pro Gear also have this graphite pencil feeling
The platinum SF runs thinner than the pilot falcon's SF. it has the same line width with the falcon SEF that i got. the falcon has a better overall feeling for me (i do not know how else i could explain it), it is softer and it is more of a fun pen but the platinum is less toothy (than the falcon sef) and catches the paper less often and it is better for everyday writing than the falcon sef.
The Platinum Century 3776 ( I have a fine and a Broad) is my favourite pen of all time. Not necessarily because its the best writer, but it is just like my best mate hahaha
Depends where you live and how you get them. If you order from Japan directly then they will be a bit cheaper. In Canada they're around $200-$220 CAD (Not ordered form Japan. In the USA you could find them around $176 USD
@@PensandTea as low as $95 USD on Amazon - which I think is an incredible bargain for such an awesome pen.
I've had mine for three years now, and it's still my favorite pen.
the soft fine is my favorite platinum nib! I have this pen and love it very much. It is lovely and bouncy and writes amazing!!
I bought one just like this and it arrived today. I'm very happy to have it. Your review was a major factor in my decision.
+Sue Anderson I'm glad my video was helpful to you!
I love my Platinum 3776 Chartres Blue (B)It worked perfectly straight out of the box. It stays in my daily rotation, along with the Visconti Classic I won in one of your giveaways. All the Platinum pens I have work well.
Really like this pen that I had to get the Bourgogne and the Chartres Blue in medium and broad... The medium has a lovely spring back while writing and the broad is lovely wet writer... Definitely recommend this pen if one wants a slightly different experience with a Japanese pen... Very different from Sailor and Pilots... Thank you for the review
I agree with Gordon Hall (below) the Platinum 3776 is the best pen value to be had, especially when buying direct. Stephen Brown's hands (by self-report) are very large, so average sized pens aren't going to be a good fit. For anyone with average (medium) to small hands, the 3776 is a wonderful, fuss-free writer, (although I have heard the fines and extra fines are VERY fine and therefore can be a touch scratchy.) The factory made versions may be a little bland if you're looking for flashy (in that case Platinum does make celluloids, maki-e and their cousins the Nakaya bespoke models, with virtually the same nibs.) It is a cartridge converter pen, so easy to clean and switch out inks (I can use iron gall and so-called more troublesome inks because it's a c&c fill.). The slip 'n seal cap system works very well to keep the nib and ink from drying out, so hard starts are nearly nonexistent.
In the end, I've halted my perfect pen search at the 3776's and a couple of Pelikans, and feel no need to look further.
Congratulations on finding your Holy Grail fountain pens. I wish I could do the same.
Michele Harvey pilot falcon is an even better pen value. Can be used as an eye dropper, & most flex for a modern pen. Same price as 3776
This is the exact colour/nib combo I was intent on buying so thank you very much! Sometimes we just get lucky.
How is the pen do you like it now that you have it?
Delicious, that nib is fantastic. What a great writer this one makes for note taking or journaling alike. Meanwhile, it has amazing line variation for a stiffer "soft" nib. Thanks for presenting!
Great review! I have Platinum Bourgogne too. As a leftie I love the Japanese nibs. Now I'm waiting for my first Nagata Neostandard Heki-tamenuri with fine flex nib and golden kanji characters.
Sounds beautiful!
the soft fine is not meant to be flex, just bouncy. I like it more than the Falcon SF. it's cheaper too.
I just bought this exact pen after seeing your review and I couldn't be happier! The SF nib on my pen was aligned perfectly and writes very nicely. I would describe the feel as springy. I've not used a flex nib so I can't compare the feel. I also discovered J Herbin Violet Pensee` ink and really do like it a lot. Thanks for the great review.
You're very welcome!
I wished the MontBlanc M149 would be made in that deep, translucent red.
Writing sample 7:55
I've really come to rely on your reviews of pens and ink...always very thorough and descriptive.
Thanks for another great review. I've watched this several times, and have finally ordered one. All the attributes you highlight make it a perfect sketching pen - great nib, well sealing cap, lighter weight, touch on the dry side. And I suspect the real reason is that it's beautiful. ...The deep red looks quite lovely with the light shining through.
+Vicki Wood Thank you, I am glad this was useful!
That's exactly what I thought about the 3776 sf.
I wanted a fountain pen for sketching/drawing needed fine lines with just a touch of variation because I usually work small on A5 sketchbooks, and to be a touch on the dry side because I don't plan to just write traditionaly left to right with the pen, my arm will slide all over the place.
I ordered the platinum 3776 in red with soft fine nib and still waiting for it to arrive.
I am a little worried because some people say that their nibs were not alined and that they are too dry.
3776 is the best value for your money! 14k nib fantastic nibs. you can buy it cheap from Japanese sellers for ~$80.
search ebay, Amazon, engeika.com, Rakuten.com
+Gordon Hall 80 is pretty much the retail price of the pen (10000 yen). It's about 7500 yen on Amazon. That's barely even 60 dollars.
the cheapest I found was 120$
As with pens_and_Tea, I own a fine, which is, of course, a Western EF; ne'er a complaint for the five years I've used this scribe. Mine is black gloss, with a dragon upon the barrel. It has been consistently excellent, & ideal for labelling spare nib canisters, or check boxes on forms. The smooth flex nib looks very appealing, & like Stephen, I must post it, due to large hands; otherwise, a super efficient writing implement with 'quality' written (sic) all over same.
Thank you for yet another detailed review, Stephen !! :)
I must admit, this might be one of the best buys on the market. Such an inexpensive pen to lay down that much ink, consistently and cleanly. Thanks for presenting!
I'm waiting for this exact pen (and nib) to be released from customs..
Happy with the review.. Great job, as always.
Larry, (and SBRE) the best discounts on Japanese pens are on Japanese websites. Engeika Finest Shop is currently offering the 3776 M nib for about 70 bucks and a modest shipping cost. They use PayPal and seem reputable. FPN reports are good if I recall correctly. Or see if you can find it used.
I got the blue for $72 from Engeika
Good pen
Beautiful pen. Thank you Stephen!
Lost it at bur-gog-ne lol. Considering between this, Pilot 74 and Sailor 1911.
Platinum nibs has a bit feedback, which I like.
I am considering this pen for a long time. Thanks for the review.
Love that you seem to like this pen: always feel that Platinum is less well thought of than Sailor or Pilot which upsets me as, if I was only allowed one fp, it would be my beloved Platinum 3776 EF Chartres bleu with rhodium trim - don’t get me wrong: love my Sailor’s and Pilot’s too but the Platinum is what I’d pick:)
Love your handwrighting
Thank you!
An excellent review, as usual. i bought one just like this as a result of your review. It came direct from Japan to Europe and cost 89 euros including shipping. I agree with you that the color is extremely attractive. It is dryer than yours, with several inks. I contacted the seller about the possibility of receiving a different nib for it and discovered that Platinum doesn't offer nib replacements for this pen. However, the seller said he could receive the pen back and send me another one, but the postage both ways would up the cost. But he offered to sell me another one, but with a medium nib and in another color it I so wished, for 69 euros, shipping included (he said this was his cost). I went for this, choosing a Chartres Blue. That's what happened, and I'm very happy with the broader nib. As for the SF, nib, would you recommend that I attempt to open it up a bit using brass shims? I have a set of four from vintagepensacsandparts.com (0.001, 0.002, 0.003, and 0.005).
Shootout vs Falcon perhaps?
Perhaps only if you want to experience the hard starts and railroading that most Falcons exhibit. ;)
Nice to see something other than royal blue :) Great review, as always!!
I just bought this pen with a soft fine nib, but it runs very fine and dry, skips and some times has hard start. Seems vastly different to the pen that you have. I tried with quite a few inks, and its still dry..
Henry Wang I received mine yesterday. And I'm experiencing exactly what you described. Could it be the ink that was included with the pen? I love the look and feel of the pen. But the writing experience was dismal. Too dry for my taste.
im excited if ill ever see an review on the wonderfull montblanc blue hour solitaire 146
I understand that this Pen was re designed to enable it to take 'waterproof inks' - enabling it to be used for drawing with a watercolour wash
Interesting
I have this pen. This nib is very toothy and feedbacky. I even hear that noise. It is different from "normal" (not soft) Platinum nibs. I have also 3776 Medium, and it has much more smoother and wetter feeling.
Stephen, I was wondering if you actually fixed the misalignment before doing the writing sample, or if that was done with the misalignment still present. Cheers
The draw of that pen is that UEF nib on it. Surprised you didn't get that because the UEF crowd is pleased to get that standard pretty available on a FP. I'm in that crowd.
It would be worth to do a shoot out between this Platinum 3776 Century Soft Fine and a Pilot 74 Soft Fine
They are radically different nibs
The Platinum is more a springy nib but does not respond well to a down stroke
The Pilot is a limited flex that responds to an easy down stroke, so an I or a t is wider at the top like a brush mark
That smear during the writing sample might inspire one recall the old days of the Brown Benchmark. Such a pity the Inkcyclopedia has fallen away.
Someone probably asked you already, but would you say this or the pilot 74 is the better pen? I am on the fence as I hear pilot puts out nicer nibs but I love the Bourgogne color. Pilot custom 74s come in deep red also but I can't find one with a soft nib and I prefer the slight transparency on the 3776. I do. however, want a smooth and bouncy nib.
I've heard several other people say that the pen was miss allined when they got it, is this a thing that is common?
It is common. Pity.
Stephen, another excellent review--thank you! It's a beautiful pen, and the translucence in person is really stunning (as is the case with the Chartres Blue). I've only tried the soft fine in person--have you tried the standard nibs to have a sense of how stiff they are in comparison?
How does it compare with Pilot Custom 92?
I have Platinum Century 3776 pens; I like them more than Sailor or Pilot pens. Nibs are thiner than Europeans or Americans.
Thank you Stephen. Very nice review...
So would you call this a proper/actual flex nib or simply a 'softer' nib that flexes?
I just purchased this pen and it doesn't write like yours. Lines are spider thin without pressure and so dry that Parker quink and noodlers black are barely visible. It flexes fine and does not dry up, just barely writes without pressure. Is this normal and is there any way to fix it
tl K I had the same experience. I'm still trying to decide what I want to do. I could open the tines up manually, but maybe I'd better just look to send this back to exchange it
tl K similar experience here. Love the look and feel. But the writing experience is dismal. Too dry. May have to exchange it.
The same here. It doesn't write without pressure at all, even with Sailor Miruai. Really frustrating.
Are all the 14k soft nibs? Because I would like to get a Platinum Century #3776 Soft Fine/Medium, but I would like to know if all 14 are soft, or if it is a special nib that has to have the description of being "soft" otherwise it is not.
She's a beauty! Thank you Stephen!!
You're very welcome!
The PTL 5000 seems a bit wetter than this one in your review (maybe because that one was a Medium?)...I'm trying to decide between the two:). This one is very tempting because of the soft fine nib, but about 30 euros more on Amazon than the 5000...Are they very different as a writing experience?
Lisse A Yes, I think this one feels a bit less cheap.
Great video Stephen! Very informative!.
Hey, i just bought this pen with SF nib. I was too excited when i ordered it. Your sf nib writes beautifully. But mine is waaaaay too dry. Can anyone help to solve this issue?
A nibmeister can fix that
BOurGoGNE moDeL - that in itself made me like and share
I have been looking at the Platinum Izumo Tagayasan. It is made of some exotic wood and has standard Platinum 18K nib. Do you know anything about it, or anything similar? Any pitfalls to watch out for?
+Peter J Puleo I've held it but I don't own one
Thank you. I cannot find any reviews anywhere.
Forgive me Stephen of I`ve already asked you this but will you be doing a review of that gorgeous Visconti you had for your birthday?
I'll definitely review it! So far, my impressions are very good.
sbrebrown Brilliant. I`ll look forward to seeing it.
How would you increase flow in a soft nib like this?
Mario Pellegrino You could modify the feed
I was thinking it might be the feed or that the tines were too close. When you say modify the feed, can you elaborate?
Mario Pellegrino You can carefully widen the feed channel
Hmm, I never tried that before. I'll look up how to do it and keep my fingers crossed lol. Thanks for the advice.
Mario Pellegrino it's not difficult. Take a sharp, fine knife, and go very very slow. Practice on a cheap pen first
Excellent video. By the way, what is the Byzantine hymn that opens your video?
It is Thy Grave, Saviour
Why always you people r talking about Japanese n Asian pens prices, exorbitant n all ?..
May l know the prices of Auroras, Viscontis , Pelicans , MBs etc ?? ??
8:45 you sounded like a combo of Donald Trump and Ryan Gosling
bruh gog knee. classic.
No other choice? You had a choice, sir. You could have said 'no'!
Bergoggne model HAHAHAHAHA!
I just love how you mock what you believe to be the pronunciations of those less educated than you. It is indicative of a degree of gentility that is rare and to be admired.
japanese fine = western extra fine? i think not.
No? That is my experience after using dozens of Japanese pens.
Platinum nibs has a bit feedback, which I like.