Gillott 303 Nib

Joe Vitolo in his book Learn to Write Script in the Copperplate Style recommends this nib as very serviceable for Copperplate Script. For this script he writes: The nib must have a sufficiently flexible point to allow for the formation of shaded down strokes by applying downward pressure to the pen. It should also be sharp enough to allow for fine hairlines to contrast the shades. Other modern nibs he recommends for Copperplate-style scripts are the Leonardt Principal, Gillott 1068A, Hunt 22b, and Hunt 56.

This is a great calligraphy nib for pointed-pen script, but the Gillott 303 will cause you a lot of frustration as a beginner. It is very sharp, and it will likely catch and splatter on the upstrokes. You need to have a lighter than air touch to use the 303 Gillott.

The 303 makes exceptionally fine upstrokes and nicely fat downstrokes with the lightest touch. It is not a nib for beginners, who often have a heavy hand. For them, the Gillott 404 would be a better choice (or one of the G-pens).

The quality control isn't great, but this is one of my favorite pens for Spencerian. The hairlines are remarkably fine and precise - as long as you keep your touch light you will be pleased with the results!

These are excellent nibs when you get a good one. Every once in a while you run into one that is rather temperamental on the upstrokes but the good ones are just superb.Not a beginner's nib but those with a light touch would fall in love with the good ones.