Platinum 3776 Music vs President Fountain Pen Review

[@hrnekbezucha]

You're right about the converter and moulding seams, that shouldn't be the case with pens around $200. It's not like they can't afford it, the margins are generous enough for this not to be an issue. _And that's what really grinds my gears._

[@InkquiringMinds]

I agree!

[@thomasfrater855]

This is a great idea for a video. My interest was recently sparked by the Platinum President, so this is right up my alley.

[@InkquiringMinds]

Thanks, Thomas!

[@tobymulder196]

Another great review and fantastic musical intro. I have several of the 3776s and you might want to save up for one of the celluloids as they are fantastic to the touch and have no seams. Also enjoyed the music lesson. Brought me back to my clarinet teacher of yesteryear.

[@InkquiringMinds]

Cool, thanks! I keep an eye out for a celluloid.

[@Braynstorm]

I appreciate the fact that the ink was a Deep Purple to match the tune :)

[@InkquiringMinds]

And it was an accident! LOL

[@739sf6mwq6pRdocosbaiTxocmKlkes]

I was researching the music nib recently. Looking forward to watching this review.

[@InkquiringMinds]

Cool! Thanks!

[@pauliepipes2593]

Great intro song .... I am enjoying my 3776 Christmas gift!

[@InkquiringMinds]

Congrats! What finish?

[@sadmanislam5111]

Dear Mr Douglas Rathbun, Thank you for all the wonderful videos. Lovely review. I like you r guitar 🎸 music 🎼 in the introduction. Your videos are unique and interesting to watch. Thanks, Sadman.

[@InkquiringMinds]

So nice of you! Thank you, Sadman!

[@stevenparsons4076]

I enjoyed the video ,in between cleaning my 456 struggled to get feed out,.480 niango arrived at last 456 on the way.Thanks.

[@InkquiringMinds]

Mine arrived as well. The tail fell off!

[@stevenparsons4076]

@@InkquiringMinds will await your next ,I've ordered Diamine Arctic Blue read good things about its gold shimmer.

[@edisontrent5244]

Don't forget the Procyon and Curidas. The Procyon uses the same cap mechanism. Atlas Stationers has some new more professional colors available.

[@InkquiringMinds]

Yes, the Procyon is named after a star. I don't know what a "curidas" is though. Perhaps a cidada or a cockroach?

[@edisontrent5244]

@@InkquiringMinds unless quality has improved it is short for over priced, steel nibbed, plastic bodied vanishing point.

[@InkquiringMinds]

@@edisontrent5244 That's what I've heard.

[@tomshult3044]

Another great opening. Very good review.

[@InkquiringMinds]

Thank you 🤗

[@edwardwiper1323]

Hi Doug once again a very intresting subject & well covered.Not a great start to the new year forgetting the writing samples & running out of ink,but it just goes to show your human like the rest of us😆.I totally agree with you about the writing experience with Platinum nibs buttery smooth with just the right amount of feed back.

[@ichirofakename]

Buttery smooth + feedback, you say?

[@InkquiringMinds]

Yes, Ichiro. It is buttery smooth with feedback. Very interesting.

[@InkquiringMinds]

Happy new year! No, it wasn't a great start. I shot video for hours and then discovered there was no audio. So I had to reshoot and the shoot the extra music writing sample and reshoot a head to head. So there was little sleep for me in the last three days.

[@oteliogarcia1562]

next engineering project: mate that nib/feed/grip section with the barrel of the Procyon

[@anniebus105]

Loved the music lesson on notes and such and the new intro...wonderful! I have to say, I love the Platinum Century 3776 broad nib, it's feedback and line. I'm not good at flex writing or with using a wonky nib. The Falcon nib has the slightest flex-give and I have to be careful when I write with it....and it's not considered a flex-type nib. Give me a Platinum broad nib any day. Good pen, lovely body. I agree about the plastic lines on the section and wish the section was larger. I hate skinny sections. Super fun as always. Take good care and stay healthy! Thank you!

[@InkquiringMinds]

That's why I love my President (the pen) so much.

[@JoelTurrell]

Wonderful video, including the music lesson. As i say in my note to I.C., prices on these pens vary significantly, and a careful shopper can get one for $100 USD. At the price, a terrific value

[@InkquiringMinds]

eBay Japan has some great prices as does Amazon now and then. Thanks Joel!

[@MateuMatheu]

A little odd that I got the Chartres Mu cheaper from a retailer. Black box plus a converter at 140€, European taxes included. A nice exception to the rule that the prices of Japanese imports are a lot higher here than in America.

[@InkquiringMinds]

@@MateuMatheu that's a great deal Mateu!

[@chrisrap52]

I prefer Pilot nibs to Platinum. As a whole the nibs are softer & their soft nibs are soft, very smooth with slightly less feedback. I have 2 Pilot music nibs and they bounce & tines spread, unfortunately feed won't keep up when flexed. Something I haven't been motivated to fix. I have not been able to pull nibs from the 3776s. I heard not easy to swap. I agree President is a much better pen but you pay for that. I bought most of my Japanese pens on eBay from Japan, with shipping saved a lot.

[@InkquiringMinds]

I only have the Pilot e95s and the Platinum President with which to compare. My Pilot Falcon isn't a fair comparison nib. The e95s is supersmooth and glassy. The President is wet and smooth but has a unique feedback that I really enjoy. They are really apples and oranges.

[@ungabungus01]

Pelikan m200 vs the higher end models have the same thing with injection molding seams on the m200 only

[@InkquiringMinds]

Yes, I've noticed that as well. At least the 3776 is significantly larger than the tiny, thin Pelikan m200.

[@TweakMDS]

16:55 - Doug, have you ever tried Diamine "Smoke on the Water"? It's a great teal ink that would have gone great in this video :D Edit: aww, you spoiled it later, I was trying to be clever by breaking out the guitar :p

[@InkquiringMinds]

Not yet! I've heard of it.

[@sathishrao7926]

I’ve ordered a 3776 Bourgogne Fine from a Japanese importer in India who advertised it for less than $100 ! I’m waiting for it, keeping my fingers crossed 🤞since the price from other sellers is almost twice !

[@InkquiringMinds]

That is a beautiful colour!

[@MrAndrew1953]

There's a lot of Ps in this video. The only 3 tine nib I have in my collection is the Noodlers Triple Tail with which it is possible to get good line variation. Sbrebrown acknowledges it does flex. It's one of my favourite all time pens and I use a Noodlers purple - a deep purple colour.

[@InkquiringMinds]

Thanks for sharing! I wasn't going to push this nib because it doesn't belong to me.

[@Braynstorm]

I have a Triple Tail on the way, coincidentally! I've been eyeing it for a really long time. Glad to hear how much you like it! I'm sure I will too!

[@InkquiringMinds]

@@Braynstorm I was interested in a Triple Tail at one time. I'm not sure I can deal with another stinky pen though.

[@Braynstorm]

I'll report back on the funkiness upon arrival. I've been told that this one doesn't so much, but that particular source actually enjoys the smell of those Charlies... So I've taken that with a grain of smelling salt.

[@ichirofakename]

@@InkquiringMinds Your nose must also be stronger than mine. I detect no odor from my Triple Tail. I'm not yet convinced a flex nib is something useful for me, but I do like how wet it is.

[@derekdavis5720]

Interesting video I had both of these pens. Eventually I had to get them tuned. Rather tellingly I have part exchanged them both for other pens. The Platinum music nib is more expensive than other #3776 fountain pens. I love a music nib although I’m not musical in any way. That said the Pilot Music Nib is sublime for a little more money. The Sailor Music nib also is excellent. Great D

[@KD-bp7xj]

Hi, about your commend that a music nib is not supposed to flex I would beg to differ. From the line variation you could just as well use a stub. The 3 tines are needed to support such a broad nib with enough ink to flex. So in terms of original use intended by the inventer it was supposed to flex. Although beautiful and as a fountain pen fan in no way unnecessary, it is actually against it's original purpose to create a not flexing music nib :)

[@ichirofakename]

Nowadays people who write music with a flex fountain pen must be few and far between. I take the term to refer to any 3-tined pen.

[@InkquiringMinds]

Well, my point was, THIS particular nib is not intended to flex. Why would you flex a stub? The Noodler's Triple Tail is a three tined nib designed to flex as it starts narrow and gets wider.

[@KD-bp7xj]

@@InkquiringMinds Watch this at min 1:12 and you understand why its a "music nib"... ;) kzbin.info/www/bejne/m2nSdJuQi5iWhNU&ab_channel=GourmetPens

[@InkquiringMinds]

@@KD-bp7xj That was not a Platinum Music nib. The music nib in THIS pen is stiff as a board and since it doesn't belong to me, I wouldn't even attempt to do what she is doing here.

[@countduckula9977]

Hey Doug, Wonderful video - very informative never knew there was a music nib with three tines. WTH are Platinum playing at not sorting the finish and not including a convertor. Interested about the selection of nibs once you get up to this price range - UEF - wow!

[@InkquiringMinds]

Yes, the 3776 is one of the few models of fountain pen with a large array of colours and such a large selection of nibs available. TWSBI has a large selection of nibs but their colour range is limited - although getting better.

[@countduckula9977]

@@InkquiringMinds I think I am happy with the nibs they provide in the Preppy & Plaisir [I don't own a Prefounte]; the steel nibs are wonderful and that seal on the caps is brilliant. Maybe, if i win the lottery. I was trying to remember what the cartoon you used was & it finally brain went into gear - Rocky & Bullwinkle.

[@InkquiringMinds]

@@countduckula9977 The nib on the Prefounte is the same as the Preppy and the Plaisir.

[@countduckula9977]

@@InkquiringMinds I know, but I don't need to buy a Prefounte just Preppys if I have a mishap with the Plaisir - really like the fine and extra fine nibs as they work well with the cheap paper I have to use at work. Might treat myself to a medium nib to see what they are like.

[@SirianaEvera]

Hhm, I just checked my Platinum 3776 Chenonceux for the lines. Could not feel them, but with a magnifier I could make out one of the 2. No deal breaker for me (as I already own it), especially as this precious plastic got me hooked to the pen world. I still love my "princess". Thanks for this review, as getting another Platinum just for the music nib has been in my head for over a year now, and I think now I can put this idea to her final rest. Any stub gets the job done too, maybe not as wet as with three tines and double feed canals, but that's what wet inks are for, imho. And, holy smokes, if that President is Broad then I am fearful of what ultra extra fine must look like. After seeing your writing sample I'd be more inclined to select extra broad, but for that to happen I will wait until all that Brexit wake has cleared... or my usual pen drug dealer in the Netherlands will carry the President.

[@InkquiringMinds]

That 3776 Chenonceu white and gold is to die for. What a gorgeous pen. And I got caught in the Brexit debacle when I ordered a Lamy Studio Palladium from Cult Pens at Christmas. They charged my card and then sent me a note saying they wouldn't be able to ship until late January, early February because of Brexit. I'll be going to Appelboom from now on.

[@SirianaEvera]

@@InkquiringMinds yep, that is another very elegant pen. also good variety in nib widths to choose from. Looking forward to the review of the Lamy Studio, especially regarding haptic. My one and only Lamy is more on the small side, when I bought it some 28 years ago it was one of the few metal models (with a chevron engraving that I also loved). Even for my smaller hands it is a bit too thin. But I loathe the plastic Safaris, regardless of color they come in. The Platinum 3776 cured me of the plastic anxiety. But I still like nibs like Platinum, Sailor etc. more than the Lamy ones (flat little buggers...)

[@BCM_Music]

Smoke on the water with a fountain pen review??? This is a good day 😌😌

[@InkquiringMinds]

LOL!

[@hokeatseng4094]

Love ...ly song....ThankY...I have to say I love you in the pens😁

[@InkquiringMinds]

Thank you, Ho Keat seng!

[@hokeatseng4094]

Should be thanking you ....great videos..Keep it up

[@Anton_the_Vampire]

The tune is "smoke on the water" but there should be A and D flats in bar two. lol

[@InkquiringMinds]

I copied it from some online sheet music.

[@Anton_the_Vampire]

@@InkquiringMinds OK. I was just saying that the fret 6 position on those strings actually is d flat (g string) & a flat (d string) so their mistake, not yours. Lol

[@Anton_the_Vampire]

I meant no offence to you. I'm sorry if I did offend you.

[@InkquiringMinds]

@@Anton_the_Vampire No worries, Gary!

[@michaelmichael5643]

nice video , the sailor music nib seems to perform better somehow not sure but this music nib might be too broad for its own good....

[@InkquiringMinds]

Fair enough!

[@AdamGoodson]

I love the Hashtag joke. I think that was a well-given joke and jib to us all. thank you for that.

[@InkquiringMinds]

Oh YOU"RE the one that got it! LOL

[@i.c.3157]

Something I've heard/read is that the 3776 goes for around $70 to $80 in Japan, pretty crazy how much the price is inflated here in the US. It's one out of the few reasons that stop me from buying one from Goulet, Anderson, or Nib Smith, as I just feel like I'm being cheated for a plasticky pen with an "okay" nib. Another thing with Platinum is the feedback on their gold nibs, I've always heard about it but never heard anyone try to describe, all they say is "you gotta try it to understand" which is not at all helpful, a similar thing was said about Faber Castell's nibs and once I tried it for myself I was kind of letdown even with low expectations, it still didn't feel like anything special like some people were hyping it up to be.

[@ichirofakename]

Feedback is low-level scratchiness. I'm baffled why anybody wants it - give me buttery smooth on glass, please.

[@i.c.3157]

@@ichirofakename I personally enjoy a bit of feedback as I'm a fast writer and need some resistance or my writing just looks messy and cramped.

[@ichirofakename]

@@i.c.3157 That's the first explanation I've heard that makes sense. Thanks.

[@InkquiringMinds]

I agree IC. I have had Jack put some feedback INTO glassy nibs in the past just to give them more traction so I have more control over the nib. Too glassy and it slides all over. Plus there is something about the pencil-like feel of my President that I just love.

[@JoelTurrell]

I.C., I want to reply in a different vein. I have been able to get both a Chartres and a Bourgogne in like new condition for $100 each, incl. shipping from US sellers thru eBay. Each came from private seller, one was never inked. I understand your reluctance, but at my costs, these are great pens (nibs are F & M), even if they are a bit small/short. I especially appreciate the Slip & Seal. Today, Amazon has them with Prime shipping for as little as $100 new. It's a great value for the money

[@lucm6476]

it's all fun and games 'till you run out of ink...🤪 nice comparaison , thank you Doug

[@InkquiringMinds]

Glad you enjoyed it! I didn't! That was my third attempt at shooting video. The first attempts = no audio. Grrr.

[@ichirofakename]

1. So you actually can feel a difference between the two bodies? They look SO similar. 2. I don't see the point of the unflexible music nib that performs identically to a stub. 3. Those seams on the section are a deal breaker for me. 4. Speaking for the under $100 crowd, I remain untempted by premium pens. Except for Nakaya, of course.

[@InkquiringMinds]

1. DEFINITELY a big difference in the two pens - you can see in the size comparisons 2. I think the idea is to provide two channels for better ink flow? 3. It is perplexing to me. They've been like this for years. 4. There aren't many over $100 pens that I've felt are worth the extra money.

[@ichirofakename]

@@InkquiringMinds 1. Maybe I need new glasses... 2. So it's an extra-wet stub. That's a perfectly good idea, esp. if stub is dryish.

[@LazyDogTypewriters]

Nice. I've long wanted a 3776. But now, I think I'll pass. I do wish my Jinhao 100 (Ice blue) worked on par with the other colors. I still think the feed is partly to blame - especially as others have had problems with that particular model. Even after a nib swap. So it goes.

[@InkquiringMinds]

The Jinhao Centennial is a nice nib holder. All you need is a nice nib and feed! :)

[@alexmood6407]

I prefer the nib on Platinum President. At least for cursive writing, it may be different if you’re writing in Japanese.

[@InkquiringMinds]

I'm really enjoying my new President! :)

[@ericrollo615]

Isn't it the same every time you tell people how well behaved the kids are and then they play up at the most inappropriate time😁. So what should i buy injection moulded $300 pen or quality resin $50 pen 🤔🤔. Was a very nice nib.

[@InkquiringMinds]

I usually check ink levels before a writing sample. But this time, I had to film the writing samples twice because the audio didn't record the first time! Grrrrrr.

[@archivist17]

Practically Perfect Platinum probe!

[@InkquiringMinds]

Douglas Poppins.

[@amyr.862]

I learned Every Good Boy Deserves Fudge/Does Fine. We were sugar fiends in grade school so it worked. That price though. They seem to go for a little over $100US on Amazon regularly so that's something. Except for that faceted model. Getting it from Japan would be an option once they start shipping regular post again. Those seams are a letdown. They designed it and never looked back 😂

[@InkquiringMinds]

Thanks, Amy! Yes, some bargains can be had on eBay and Amazon. I use camelcamelcamel on Amazon to set a price to watch and I get notified if it meets that price.

[@josephhargrove4319]

I agree with your assessment of the Lamy nib as ugly. Same for the nibs on the Platinum Preppy and Prefounte. They lack grace. They don't look like bold, modernist statements. They look like they were designed to be stamped out in their thousands by machines with only the slightest of human interference. Oh wait, they are! Of course, that's one reason you can get a pen that writes as well as the Preppy (once you get past the garish graphics and lurid colors designed to appeal to older children) for well under US$ 10. But at least I'm not bitter, richard -- MAGPIE, n. A bird whose thievish disposition suggested to someone that it might be taught to talk. -Ambrose Bierce, writer (1842-1914)

[@m.birinci]

Merhaba tekrar. Bu videoya da Türkçe alt yazı ekler misiniz lütfen teşekkürler 🙂

[@InkquiringMinds]

Bundan sonra oluşturduğum tüm videolara Türkçe ekliyorum. Dili eklemek için yüzlerce videoma geri dönmek benim için çok fazla iş! Bunu senin için yaptım.

[@m.birinci]

@@InkquiringMinds bunun için minnettarım 🙂

[@wendyholiday2021]

Reminds me of the razor with more the 2 blades...do they really shave better??Haha

[@InkquiringMinds]

Actually, yes. The multiblade razor is better. However, past three and they are just jacking up the price. For the music nib, it isn't really different from my broad cursive italic Italix.

[@wendyholiday2021]

I'm fair and not hairy so 1 blade on the leg is ok. I do enjoy a stub nib.

[@InkquiringMinds]

@@wendyholiday2021 Get a sharp stub nib and you can do your legs with it. It would take a while though.

[@tedariesdaguro6517]

Those molding leftovers are also irritatingly present on the Sailor sections, even the Large model which is a dierct competitor to the President...cheapens the feel, but the Sailor fountain pens are arguably superior in their plastic

[@InkquiringMinds]

That's disappointing. I have been on the lookout for my first Sailor.

[@tedariesdaguro6517]

Don't be...the Sailor nib will gladly make up for all that

[@mayurpatel2901]

President to be proud of? Yup. We are working it.

[@InkquiringMinds]

How is it going so far?

[@mayurpatel2901]

@@InkquiringMinds A hard start. Very dry, this one.

[@oscarmedina1597]

“Here are four gorgeous nibs and one ugly one.” Gee, I wonder which one it is **coughcoughlamycough**

[@lunaronion9400]

Thanks for another entertaining review, Doug. It's the first time I've seen a musician explain a music nib. Regarding nib swaps, this video by Inky.Rocks kzbin.info/www/bejne/q3TdeotsZdpqg6c says the music nib and feed will fit any 3776 but non-music feeds are wider and won't fit a music-nib section.

[@InkquiringMinds]

Thanks! I never took the nib/feed apart on this pen because it does not belong to me, but I expect the feed has two channels.

[@childishking8]

music was the best part

[@InkquiringMinds]

Thank you so much!

[@melgeorge6790]

N

[@InkquiringMinds]

Y!

[@Thoughtomobile]

@Inquringminds! I used to own a model called PLATINUM Very Presidential with a Press Fit Cap (as opposed to Screw/Unsrew type) I lost it. I want to buy that type. Are they still available?

[@InkquiringMinds]

My Platinum President is a screw on cap. And Platinum have stopped making the President model.