Before You Buy a Typewriter … Six Top Things You Need to Know

[@vitzbig]

For me the feel is everything. It can be ugly, but if the feeling is heavingly light and fast, I fall in love for it

[@TheWriteStuffPro-DamonDiMarco]

I know this feeling well, @vitzbig. And I agree. If he feeling isn’t there, there’s really no reason to proceed. Ideally, the heart and the head should both be involved in the decision. Here’s hoping your machine(s) are treating you well. Thanks for watching and checking in.

[@jimmydowns]

I just wanted to thank you for this and the other videos in your series. Your recommending Gramercy Typewriter Company was a big help. I bought my first typewriter in 30 years from them yesterday and they were lovely and helpful people to spend time with.

[@TheWriteStuffPro-DamonDiMarco]

That sounds exactly like Jay and Paul Schweitzer, two of the best people you’re likely to meet in one of the best businesses. I’m pleased to have helped @jimmydowns, and very pleased to accept your gift. Thank you! Wishing you all good things with your new machine!

[@jamesaritchie1]

I was a professional writer for thirty years. When I had time, I used a fountain pen for the first draft. When a deadline got too close, I used a manual typewriter. I still have my two sentimental favorite typewriters, an Underwood Model 5, and a Royal Quiet Deluxe made in 1949. I got the Royal in 1982, but it was still brand new. It had one sample letter typed on it, and that was it. It still works all these decades later. This was Ernest Hemingway's favorite typewriter for a number of years, right up until the end, and I see why. The Underwood needs no introduction, of course. I wish I could remember the model of the typewriter I used to write my first short story that sold. It was a Smith-Corona from the mid-sixties, and I think it was a pale blue, but that's all I can remember, and I may be wrong about the color. I only used it for a few months in the late seventies, and then replaced it with an Underwood Master. I bought a Hermes 3000 at the same time, but never did warm up to it. It just didm't feel right, even though I had it worked on. The finny thing is I bought another 3000 a few years later and loved it to death.

[@TheWriteStuffPro-DamonDiMarco]

James, this all resonates, especially the part about typewriters not feeling right for a long time then mysteriously fitting the bill. I had the exact same thing happen to me with the Hermes 3000. All I can say looking back is that it was there when I was ready for it, and I’m thankful. Also agreed that the Royal QDLs are great machines. I’ve had a few of them and they’re all just stalwart and good. Appreciate your comments and appreciate you watching.

[@trivistum]

Hello. I am only 15 and I seen this machine on one of the films and I liked it so much… I am thinking about starting to write some novels and I like typewriters so much… Thank you so much for amazing content, keep going, your videos are so quality and you helped me with this video so much! 💯

[@damondimarco2251]

I'm so happy to hear that you're writing, Trivistum. Keep it going and thanks for watching!

[@TheWriteStuffPro-DamonDiMarco]

You da bomb, Trivistum. Keep up the great work!

[@EdGreenberg]

Very nice video. My first typewriter was my mother's portable Royal. It lived in a yellowish hard case. I learned to hunt and peck on it. Later, in high school, my grandfather brought me an older Royal full size desktop machine. I had horrible handwriting, so it made me much more productive in school. My mom bought a Smith Corona electric which she had reworked with math symbols so she could create tests and handouts, and when I found that it's feel delighted me, I spent a hundred bucks on a used SCM with a normal character set, but a really odd and nice sans serif typeface that delighted me even more, since it was different. I took that machine to college. I went to schook in Oswego, and we would drive through Cortland NY, the home of SCM, on our way to and from. And that pretty much wrapped it up, especially when I went to work as a programmer for MicroPro (WordStar) in 1982, and never really used a typewriter again.

[@TheWriteStuffPro-DamonDiMarco]

It's a nice history, @EdGreenberg. One that I share in many ways. Analog out, digital in ... until I went back to using both and having a much better time writing. Thanks for sharing this and wishing you all my best.

[@zoebotlove]

I’ve been itching to get a typewriter as I love to write and have fond memories of my grandfather teaching me how to use his typewriter when I would go and visit him as a child. Thank you so very kindly for this video; it was such a pleasure to watch and incredibly helpful! Cheers ~ Z

[@TheWriteStuffPro-DamonDiMarco]

I’m so glad you enjoyed it, @Zoebotlove. I had a similar experience. Typewriters are all about love and connection. I wish you the pleasure of having those things again. Suggestion: Go get a machine and write a letter to your grandfather. My hunch is he will hear it and this will be very worthwhile for you both.

[@FrankGrauJr]

I know this has nothing to do with the typing experience, but (being an artist), I’m a sucker for aesthetics. I’ll take a typewriter that might be less than a perfect typer rather than a better typer that I don’t find attractive. I know, it’s irrational, but enjoying what I’m looking at while I’m typing makes me enjoy the typing experience. It’s kind of like believing that your car drives better when it’s clean.

[@TheWriteStuffPro-DamonDiMarco]

I get it, Frank. I’m more in the opposite direction. While I love a good-looking typewriter, the most important thing for me is that it works well and dependably. When I can get functionality and aesthetics combined, I’m a happy camper, indeed. The most important thing, I guess, is to know what you’re going for… then go for it.

[@Stoney-Jacksman]

'as an artist's ugh..

[@zoebotlove]

I’m also an artist who loves to write, however I delight just as much in finding the discarded/“ugly” thing that no one else wants, because I remember being an ugly sickly myself once, and the joy of writing itself is far more pleasing than what the machine that I’m typing on looks like… And as the old adage goes: form follows function; you don’t buy a horse based on the color. (Except I would if I were ever to buy an actual hey eating neigh breathing creature, considering that’s more of a luxury than a work item these days.) If the point of the piece is something to be mostly viewed and show off to guests and social media, sure, get the prettiest one. But if the point is to write on it more often than not, I know myself well enough to know that I’ll be cursing the blasted thing, no matter how gorgeous she is, if the Z button is always sticking and the space bar makes it break the ribbon. TL:DR - I can see both sides of the debate, but I have to side with getting one that you love the experience of using over the thrill of viewing.

[@zoebotlove]

Uffda, and if I could edit that typo to correct “hey” to “hay” I would… I blame all the times I said “hey” to my parents and grandparents and they’d remind me that hay is for horses. 🤦‍♀️😂

[@PubliusLogos]

@@zoebotlove Well, I didn't say my preference was rational. That's why I gave the example of feeling like your car drives better when it's clean. Of course it drives the same, but there's an emotional boost that numbs us to any problems because we're just happy the darn thing looks nice. Also, I wouldn't buy a defective machine just because it's pretty, so it's not really that I don't care about the function (I've sold quite a few machine that were gorgeous but which did not6 perform to my liking). That said, I'm not really sold on the philosophy of 'form-follows-function' for all things. There's nothing wrong with beauty just for the sake of beauty. Tail fins on a 50's Cadillac are useless, but they're still cool.

[@rosemarystrobel3437]

Thanks for the validation. The Sprite and the Rand pica are my favorites though I ended up with a script Olivetti 32 and love it, too. Great for little poems!

[@TheWriteStuffPro-DamonDiMarco]

Well, you know what they say @rosemarystrobel3437. Any Olivetti 32 is a good Olivetti 32 ... Thanks so much for checking in and wishing you happy typing!

[@Bettafishsandwhich]

I bought my first typewriter yesterday (A Smith Corona silent-super, the duplicate invoice it came with says order date is 8/13/59) I purchased it for 60 without even really checking if it was a deal because it felt so right to me, I swear, I looked it over, everything looked perfect and she’s working like a dream, I’m so very happy! Thank you for your video! Very helpful in double checking and solidifying my choice 😊😊

[@TheWriteStuffPro-DamonDiMarco]

Sounds like you got a fine deal, @alexusrotunno1973. Congratulations! Also, with hopes that it’s helpful, please check out the typewriter profile video I did on the Silent-Super. One of my favorite machines and with good reason. It’s excellent! Cheers!

[@JS-jh4cy]

Damn lucky for 60, you should see the prices for typewriters

[@TheWriteStuffPro-DamonDiMarco]

@@JS-jh4cy Believe me, I know. 😉

[@VirtualGuth]

This is a very well done video that is bound to help a lot of people. I tend to take a very similar approach to evaluating typewriters, though I will admit that aesthetics rate much higher with me. If the looks of any given machine do not appeal to me, then I won't even consider such a machine. I've come to realize that it's not a problem finding plenty of typewriters that do appeal to me visually. Once I've identified a typewriter I like the looks of, I'll run through the other factors on your list because they are definitely important. I would be very curious to know if these considerations were discussed with you by the folks at Gramercy when you went in to purchase your first typewriter. Here in Portland we are blessed with a number of different typewriter shops that focus specifically on the sales and service of these machines. However, I bought my first typewriter from an antique mall where one of the booths always has 15 or more typewriters available to try at any given time. (This booth is run by a retired couple who have been collecting typewriters for decades and they only sell machines in good working order at fair prices.) Thus even though I went to look at one typewriter in particular, I had plenty of other good working machines at my disposal to compare it with that day. This proved to be quite the educational experience and really helped me to understand what I liked in a typewriter from the very start.

[@TheWriteStuffPro-DamonDiMarco]

Hi VirtualGuth. Thanks for the good words on this video, I'm pleased if it helps you. To answer your question, no, I didn't discuss these steps with Jay or Paul at Gramercy Typewriter. I can't speak for them, obviously, though I have a feeling they'd agree with me in principle. Each of the six points I offer here will hopefully craft an ideal machine in the mind of the typist. Once this ideal is built in the inner world, it's usually a short step to find a machine that matches that ideal in the outer world. Or so I've always found. These days I'm particularly interested in how this mechanism works in ways beyond the typosphere. For now, it seems to work well for typewriters. I wish you the best energies possible for your life and work.

[@KimberleyWenya101]

This was very helpful to watch just before I visit a typewriter repair shop. Thank you so much - and loved the Harry Potter reference!

[@TheWriteStuffPro-DamonDiMarco]

You’re very welcome, @KimberlyWenya101. I’m pleased if it helped. Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@KimberleyWenya101]

@@TheWriteStuffPro-DamonDiMarco I ended up getting an Olivetti 32 that the owner had just serviced! It was the only Olivetti he had so I’m so stoked!! Ps I was wondering if when the ribbon reverses whether you’ve noticed the ink being a little fainter than usual? My ink started to look fainter after I think the ribbon reversed but I couldn’t work out why or if it was just due to finger fatigue and not hitting the keys so well. Would love to know your thoughts!

[@TheWriteStuffPro-DamonDiMarco]

Hi@@KimberleyWenya101 ! First of all, great choice on the Olivetti Lettera 32. I love mine. Great machine: reliable, elegant, ultra-portable, a real workhorse. But snazzy. Very snazzy. And you know ... some really cool writers have used it. John Updike, Cormac McCarthy. I just read that Francis Ford Coppola typed his script for The Godfather on a Lettera 32. So you're in good company. Now to your problem. I seriously doubt that your fainter ink is due to finger fatigue. The timing is suspect. Do you only get finger fatigue when the ribbon reverses? That doesn't sound right to me. So I have a few questions, keeping in mind that it's tough to diagnose a machine's problems unless you're examining it physically. But let's try. First, did you put a new ribbon in? I ask because an older ribbon might have dried out in certain segments, which could you give you that fading effect. While a new ribbon should be fade-neutral. If you put a new ribbon in and you're still getting this fading effect, it's not the ribbon. More probably it's something related to the mechanics. Please let me know and we'll move on from there. And wishing you well in the meantime!

[@KimberleyWenya101]

@@TheWriteStuffPro-DamonDiMarco hey Damon! Wow I had no idea Francis Ford Coppola used one to write the Godfather script! That’s awesome. (I’m looking forward to Sophia Coppola’s Priscilla showing soon!!) I thought along the same lines as you, and thought it can’t be due to finger fatigue per se … I tried a full sheet of writing today and this might sound silly but comparing todays writing with the initial day’s that I thought was bolder made me realise that I think it’s just due to the variation of finger pushing force when I’m typing. It doesn’t help I’m brand new to TWs! It sort of begs the question to me how opaque ‘should’ writing with a TW be - seeing as they are mechanical machines prone to imperfect results. (Any ideas on this?) When I zoom in on your videos with writing on the paper I feel like mine looks similar but maybe I’m subconsciously comparing it to a print out from the computer and so in my mind it seems like it’s not as opaque as it should be. As for the ribbon, the servicer told me it was a new one and he gave me a spare so I could technically change the ribbon but I’m so new to it that I haven’t dared to try change one yet. On another note - this Olivetti Lettura 32 does have a slightly musty smell that’s quite powerful and I was wondering if your typewriters do too and how you might get rid of it? At first I thought it was the smell of oil that might’ve been used in servicing but after looking into it some people have said the smell is quite normal as these machines are decades old. Would love to know your hacks on this too if possible!! 😄

[@TheWriteStuffPro-DamonDiMarco]

@KimberleyWenya101: Musty smell is fairly easy to take care of. Mostly it takes patience. I very much recommend Richard Polt’s typewriter resources, posted online. Richard wrote The Typewriter Revolution, a book you’ll find invaluable if you haven’t already read it. His resource page can be found here: site.xavier.edu/polt/typewriters/tw-restoration.html, If you feel technically capable of doing so, remove the typewriter’s housing by undoing the body screws. The entire chassis and internal machine should be swabbed with methylated spirits (lighter fluid). This will clean the metal parts of whatever detritus they’ve accumulated over the years and it’s one of the first, basic steps in good typewriter restoration. If that’s not feasible, many people have suggested bagging coffee grounds in cheesecloth or thin cotton such as pantyhose and sealing them in a container with the typewriter. Some forms of cat litter do the same thing: remove the odors gradually. You may have to change the grounds a few times to get rid of the whole smell. Sunlight and fresh air can also work wonders. If you have a terrace or backyard and you can leave the typewriter out in a place that gets a good breeze and isn’t too dusty, you’ll find that, over time, this takes away the smell. As far as the printing issue, I’m beginning to wonder if your machine might not benefit from a different service provider. The issue you’re reporting sounds mechanical, not human. It shouldn’t be happening and it might be worth it to have your machine looked at by someone else to ensure that you have the best typing experience possible. I hope all this helps and that you’re writing is going very well!

[@sonijam]

Great advice. My first typewriter was a humble Smith-Corona Classic 12, but I really wanted an 1956 Olympia SM3 Deluxe and also a Hermes Rocket. Well, I have all three now and to my surprise I actually prefer the Classic 12.

[@TheWriteStuffPro-DamonDiMarco]

What was it that C.S. LEWIS once wrote? “We must not cease from exploration and the end of all our exploring will be to arrive where we began and know the place for the first time.” So long as you’re writing, Sonjam, the machine doesn’t really matter, right? Wishing you my best, Damon

[@typewriterworks]

i love those SCM 6x/galaxie class machines. i'd take one over many more popular typewriters.

[@starlessgolightly]

We used to leave psychotic typewritten post-it notes with Ours... (We totally learned this method from an unknown psycho who messed with Us...) ... That was fun for a bit. ~We LOVE Typewriters.

[@starlessgolightly]

That like troll/Ogrish "Haiku" thing ya' know...

[@TheWriteStuffPro-DamonDiMarco]

@@starlessgolightly ... yeah, no, I totally got it. Thanks. I was just thinking it's been a while since I got a strange message from someone here ... wishing you well.

[@LukasHair]

Wow, amazing video, super informative and funny with the editing. You have an awesome personality and are really smart, thank you!

[@TheWriteStuffPro-DamonDiMarco]

Well, if that isn’t one of the nicest comments I’ve read all year. Thanks!

[@deancummings586]

Very informative video! I wished I had watched it before purchasing my first typewriter, (Smith corona Courier) which was a bit flimsy. Eventually, after going through a few models, I finally decided on two favorites, an Olympia SM7 for shorter writing sessions, and the SM9 for the longer ones. Thanks again, I'll take these tips in mind for future purchases...

[@TheWriteStuffPro-DamonDiMarco]

You’re very welcome, Dean. Welcome!

[@wanderbolt9498]

I found a royal 970 at a thrift store for 20 bucks it needs a little bit of a tune up but its lovely to type on and very fast, though it does weigh like 40 ish pounds and pushing the return key sends the giant heavy carriage back home with enough force to shake the table its sat on It has been named Skađi after a Norse Jotunn/goddess cuz its really big but elegant

[@TheWriteStuffPro-DamonDiMarco]

Congrats on your find @wanderbolt 9498. I love the big Royals and love, too, the name you've given yours. Wishing you many happy and productive typing sessions.

[@AtelierDBurgoyne]

Hello again. You hit the nail on the head again with this video. All six are important to consider but maybe especially if you like or not the machine and its feel. By the way, if ypu like French diacritics in a QWERTY keyboard, look up the French Canadian keyboard layout. It's the best... in my view! Daniel

[@TheWriteStuffPro-DamonDiMarco]

I had no idea such a thing existed, Daniel. I’ll look into it. Thanks for letting me know and thanks for watching!

[@SerialWheeler]

Thank you for this comprehensive overview! I am trying to get my wife in love with writing again. She was very passionate about writing poetry, short stories and plays during her highschool and college days, but her work in marketing and IT strayed her away from, what I believe is, her inherent talent. There aren't too many options where I am, but I found an Olympia Splendid 66 in burgundy red (which is also a colour she's crazy about). Hope this will rekindle her love for writing. I know this wasn't in your clip, but young 3 to 5 year old boys could also be a factor in choosing how tough the typewriter needs to be?! 😂 Thanks again!

[@TheWriteStuffPro-DamonDiMarco]

Without question, you are correct, @SerialWheeler. But two saving graces come to mind. First, Olympias are solidly built machines. Sort of the typewriter equivalent of a Sherman tank. Your Splendid 66 will take a good beating if anything can. Second, your sons may be poised to receive the rarest form of education. A concrete example that every action (one finger to one key) creates another action (hammer snaps paper). That each action produces effect: in this case, a letter stamped on a page. That multiple actions produced in alignment create something tangible, a word. That multiple words, if we follow this path, create a sentence. That multiple sentences create paragraphs. Paragraphs, pages. Pages, chapters. Chapters, a narrative. Narratives, dreams. And dreams, a life. A life for themselves but also for others, perhaps. What a gift. Would that more people gave it and more still received it. Please give your family my best. Tell your wife to write well. And thank you for watching and commenting.

[@SidJ8300]

I am about to buy my first ever. Thank you for sharing these insights. Quite helpful .. 😊

[@TheWriteStuffPro-DamonDiMarco]

I’m pleased if it helped you, @siddharthjain8300. Thanks for watching and commenting, and wishing you many happy typing sessions!

[@julianparks8485]

Thank you for sharing your expertise.

[@damondimarco2251]

Always happy to share what little I know, Julian. Thanks for watching.

[@TheWriteStuffPro-DamonDiMarco]

What he said!

[@jdouglasj2000]

I just purchased my first typewriter since 1983, when I owned an electric. I purchased the Olympia SM3 (German keyboard). I love it, and now I"m wondering if there is anything better out there. My question has to do with feel. How would you describe the difference in feel between using the SM3 vs. a top full-sized typewriter?

[@TheWriteStuffPro-DamonDiMarco]

Hi @jdouglasj2000. Sorry to respond so late. I love m’y Olympia SM3 specifically because of its bright snappy touch and the undercarriage springs that keep all keys level and sensitive. Glad to hear that you love yours. Is there anything better out there? I can’t answer that since the criteria are so subjective. If you like the Olympia SM3, you might want to experiment with the more buttery and luxurious Hermes 3000. Or, one of my personal favorites, the Smith-Corona Silent-Super. Old Remingtons sometimes have comparable action. These are not full-sized machines but you may wish to explore them first. Of the full-sized machines I’ve used, I’m taken with my Royal KMG and highly recommend it. Hope this helps and wishing you happy typing.

[@pauloost59]

Thanx for the passionate buyer's guide...👍🏻

[@TheWriteStuffPro-DamonDiMarco]

My pleasure, Paul. Thanks for watching.

[@johnlennon1049]

Great, great video!

[@TheWriteStuffPro-DamonDiMarco]

Thank you! Much obliged for watching and commenting!

[@GammaCorvi]

Great video! I can absolutely attest to decisions of the brain mostly not working out in the long run. Never leave out your heart. I ended up with three-bank Underwood SPTs of the 1920s.

[@TheWriteStuffPro-DamonDiMarco]

Thanks, SK. And you’re right about that heart-head relationship. It’s a tough balancing act to pull off but when we get it right, it makes it all worth it. I’ve never used the Underwood you mention though I imagine your three-park has a satisfying clackety-clack. Here’s to that sound, and all good the things that come from it. Good to meet you here!

[@GammaCorvi]

The Underwoods 3 banks were only produced in the 1920s up until Black Friday and have the shortest typebars of any manual typewriter I have seen. They are pretty compact and I absolutely adore them. Talk about ultra portable. Only Hermes Baby and similar designed typewriters can keep up with them it that regard. They were mostly marketed as an ‚every person machine’ and also specifically included women as their users (at home that is, and not in the office). Shame that their inventor never got to seem them built (patent was sold to Underwood by his brother).

[@TheWriteStuffPro-DamonDiMarco]

@@GammaCorvi I knew none of this and appreciate you sharing it. As chance would have it I just shot a profile of the Underwood Universal, which may interest you. Should be out soon. Until then, be well, my friend.

[@producer73]

I could suggest a Groma Kiolibri as a great travel machine.

[@TheWriteStuffPro-DamonDiMarco]

I hear this is true. I have yet to try one. It's on my list. Are they really as good as they say?

[@widyantogunadi9593]

I wanna buy that Olivetti Lettera 32. Looks legit good. Kinda feel a bit bored with my computer keyboard and want to experiment with something new and exciting now.

[@TheWriteStuffPro-DamonDiMarco]

You should go for it then, @widyantogunadi9593. Just know that it’s a very different writing process. No delete key, for instance. No save button. No spell check. For all these reasons and more, I prefer typewriters for raw creation.

[@simonjonasmusic8410]

Got an SM2 (1958) here in Germany for 15 EUR. It was a spare machine and did not see any use. Mechanical it's flawless, unused, but the platen and other rubber parts have gotten pretty hard in all those years. I'm really thinking about having it completely revised, but then again, the types don't punch through the paper and everything works just fine...so I'm not sure i even need the restoration

[@TheWriteStuffPro-DamonDiMarco]

I hear you, @simonjonasmusic8410. My SM3 has similar properties. The platen is hard but the typeface doesn’t rupture the paper so … why not just let it be? (I use other machines more frequently anyway). The SM2 is an excellent machine and I’m excited for you that you found a good one, and at such an excellent price. Type well, my friend!

[@simonjonasmusic8410]

​@@TheWriteStuffPro-DamonDiMarco Thanks for your quick reply! It's my only TW and is used frequently for clean versions of my song lyrics, which I archive in typed form. Maybe when the paper suffers, I'll have the whole machine restored in the Netherlands, they have some serious typewriter techs over there.

[@someonespadre]

I bought a very clean 1937 Corona Standard on impulse, like it a lot. Then I bought a “broken” 1938 Royal Model A for cheap, I unbroke it In about 3 minutes but it needs cleaning and at least 1 feed roller, it does work but it has more minor issues.

[@TheWriteStuffPro-DamonDiMarco]

David, to my mind these are some of the best finds, the "broken" typewriter that "unbreaks" with a little care and attention to detail. Wishing you the best of luck with these machines. They're both stalwarts.

[@daniellamills6205]

I bought a royal standard 10 on impulse and it needed so much cleaning. But I don't regret it! It's been so much fun restoring it to functioning

[@someonespadre]

@@daniellamills6205 my current favorite is a 1952 Royal Quiet Deluxe. First, fixed the left magic margin. Then adjusted the escapement pawl which was way off, that and setting the touch control on zero solved 99% of the skipping problem. Got it cheap off marketplace.

[@joaoalbertodosanjosgomes1536]

Thank you very much.

[@TheWriteStuffPro-DamonDiMarco]

You’re very welcome @joaoalbertodosanjosgomes1536. Very welcome, indeed!

[@douglasjackson9058]

Hope you don't mind I shared your video with one of the many typewriter groups I'm part of.

[@TheWriteStuffPro-DamonDiMarco]

I don’t mind at all, Douglas. I’m grateful. Thank you!

[@stevezytveld6585]

I have an ultra-portable typewriter, a Herman Baby, in all her midcentury hospital green metal glory. I have one question - where on earth do you find typewriter ribbon? Thanks. - Cathy (&, accidently, Steve), Ottawa/Bytown/Pimisi

[@TheWriteStuffPro-DamonDiMarco]

Hi Cathy (and Steve). First, congrats on your Baby. They’re excellent machines. You can buy ribbons anywhere on the Internet. Amazon and eBay have them. You might have to redpoll a universal 1/2 inch ribbon. This video I made will help, I hope.

[@stevezytveld6585]

@@TheWriteStuffPro-DamonDiMarco Thank you So much... of course, ebay, is there anything that site can't answer... Yeah, Baby Herman is a beautiful machine. My parent found her at auction so I've been playing with her since I was around ten years old. {I just did a quick ebay search - the prices have gone... uh, up,... substantially. My guess is the parentals didn't pay more than 20$... wow...} _Follow-up question_ - is there any substantial difference in the ribbon sizing for the variations on the Herman Baby?

[@TheWriteStuffPro-DamonDiMarco]

@@stevezytveld6585 Not that I’m aware of. They’re Swiss-made machines and the Swiss were pretty diligent about following industry compatibility. Any old 1/2 inch ribbon should do but again, you might have to respool it like I show in the video.

[@stevezytveld6585]

@@TheWriteStuffPro-DamonDiMarco Respooling was actually one of my favorite tricks when I was a kid... lol.

[@MrGyges]

Excellent

[@TheWriteStuffPro-DamonDiMarco]

Very pleased if it helped you, @MrGyges. Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@thethriftyfawn]

Lovely and interesting video! Subscribed! You had me laughing with regards to the language related accents when you said "the carrot thing" (accent circonflexe... sorry circumflex in English lol) as French is my second language 😊

[@TheWriteStuffPro-DamonDiMarco]

Merci, mademoiselle! J’adore que vous parlez français. J’étudie la langue tout les jours et je practice souvent mais c’est difficile parce que j’ai personne ici je peut parler avec. J’aime beaucoup que tu aimes les vidéos que je fais. Ça me fait grand plaisir!

[@thethriftyfawn]

@@TheWriteStuffPro-DamonDiMarco Vôtre français est magnique Damon! Honnêtement, j'ai besoin de pratiquez plus souvent parce que je ne l'utilise pas à chaque jour maintenent LOL

[@damondimarco2251]

@@thethriftyfawn Je comprends. J'aimerais avoir plus de gens ici avec qui m'entraîner. Tant pis. Je vais continuer à regarder des films français !

[@joaoalbertodosanjosgomes1536]

@@TheWriteStuffPro-DamonDiMarco Mais oui, monsieur.

[@joaoalbertodosanjosgomes1536]

Minion.

[@AudioBookiseala]

Great video! One question, though: I heard that it is recommended to load 2 to 5 sheets of paper once (depending on the typewriter) to protect the platen, as they were made for indigo typing (talking of typewriters made before the 1950s). Is this true? I also noticed in your video that you had 2 sheets loaded in your typewriter. I'm looking forward to your reply. Thank you!

[@TheWriteStuffPro-DamonDiMarco]

Hi, AudioBookiseala. Yes, this is true. In other videos, I mention this, most recently in Writing 101: How to Use a Typewriter. I always roll 2 sheets through my platens, one to type on, the second to protect the platen and raise the stamp. On some models, I may increase the number of backing sheets. I find it particularly helpful to do so, for instance, on Remington “Noiseless” typewriters such as the Model 1 and Model 7 whose type hammers do not stamp the paper but tap it, more or less. I hope this helps. Good to meet you and thanks for watching.

[@AudioBookiseala]

@@TheWriteStuffPro-DamonDiMarco Thank you so much! 🙂

[@AudioBookiseala]

@@TheWriteStuffPro-DamonDiMarco I'm coming back with another question, it's very important for me. Do you have any experience with/ what do you think of Juwel Model 3 typewriter? I'm torn between having to choose either a Remington Noiseless 7 Deluxe with keys made of glass that works perfectly but it's kinda rusty and needs lots of cleaning and doesn't sound like a normal typewriter because of the muffled noise and a perfect functional and in a very good condition (with no rust or any other damage) Juwel Model 3 (classical noisy) I must add that the noise thing would be no problem for me. What advice would you have for me? Would Remington be a better choice because it's a more popular brand? Thank you in advance!

[@TheWriteStuffPro-DamonDiMarco]

@@AudioBookiseala Of course!

[@AudioBookiseala]

@@TheWriteStuffPro-DamonDiMarco Thank you for your answer! Nevertheless, what do you think of Juwel Model 3?

[@Titere05]

I bought a portable because I need to stash it after using instead of leaving it on the table, since my many cats love scratching rubber, as well as sleeping and peeing on things

[@TheWriteStuffPro-DamonDiMarco]

Ouch, Pablo. That’s just … ouch.

[@downeck78]

Olivetti Studio 44 keeps drawing me back to it almost daily. It’s heavy, but it just “feels right” like you said. I love its output/printing, especially after honing in the alignment just right. I wish it had the “Spanish” keyboard though. My 48’ Royal Quiet De Luxe is my other machine and it’s incredibly quiet and prints out just as pleasing as the Studio 44. I use the Royal at night when the kids and the wife are sleeping. I enjoyed the video. That was fun. Subscribed.

[@TheWriteStuffPro-DamonDiMarco]

@@downeck78 The 44 is a great machine, D, I agree. Congrats on getting the alignment to your liking, that's always a challenge, yes? I also have a '48 Royal QDL and I agree, they're great machines, too, though very different obviously. It's always good to meet a new friend here. Welcome to the community and thanks for watching!

[@delilahsmock9418]

Have you worked with a maplefield?

[@TheWriteStuffPro-DamonDiMarco]

I have not. I really only deal un vintage manual machines between (at present) 1928 and the mid-1970s).

[@mitchellaneous1]

after you've bought your sixth typewriter... videos to reaffirm your decision making skills or question them

[@TheWriteStuffPro-DamonDiMarco]

Or your 26th, @mitchnorville4644. But hey. Who's counting. Hope it helps and thanks for watching.

[@namelessfaceless807]

Hello sir , please can you give me a help , about the différence between an olivetti lettera 32 made in spain and yogoslavia , Who 's the best . And have you an idea about AEG OLYMPIA dactymetal De luxe ?

[@TheWriteStuffPro-DamonDiMarco]

Hi Nameless Faceless. Good to hear from you. Check out my video comparing the Lettera 23, Lettera 32, and Studio 44. People wiser than me have said that Olivetti’s manufacturing procedures were pretty much the same in Mexico, Italy, Scotland, the former Yugoslavia, and so on. I have two Olivetti machines from Italy and one from Spain. They all work great and I bet you’ll find the same between the Spanish and Yugoslavian versions. As far as Olympias, I have a SM-3 and a Socialite. I can report that they’re both excellent machines. Does this help? I hope so.

[@namelessfaceless807]

@@TheWriteStuffPro-DamonDiMarco good evening sir, thank you for your answer, I struggle to have your experience, your videos are a great help, I have just discovered them, I am Algerian and here it is not easy enough to find what we want , Thanks a lot

[@TheWriteStuffPro-DamonDiMarco]

@@namelessfaceless807 My pleasure, Nameless Faceless. I'll tell you whatever I know and also tell you what I don't. The typosphere is a wide place full of awesomely cool and generous people. Whatever you need to know I'm sure you will find answers to your questions. Wishing you luck!

[@namelessfaceless807]

@@TheWriteStuffPro-DamonDiMarco thank you very much, it's always a pleasure to learn with you 😉

[@TheWriteStuffPro-DamonDiMarco]

@@namelessfaceless807 And you!

[@GeoSlash99]

Are you the janitor from The Breakfast Club?

[@TheWriteStuffPro-DamonDiMarco]

Nailed it, dude. Nailed. It.

[@E_LithaBeth]

Applause. Applause!

[@TheWriteStuffPro-DamonDiMarco]

Much obliged, E Mc. Always good to hear from you. Hoping that you and yours are well.

[@andrebartels1690]

Next video: how to decide which typewriter to sell to make space for the next acquisition. 😂

[@TheWriteStuffPro-DamonDiMarco]

@andrebartels1690 … ah. Perhaps, Andre. Perhaps…

[@messenger3478]

Now I understand some of why I have a hard time using 1st typewriter.

[@TheWriteStuffPro-DamonDiMarco]

I hope this video helped you, Messenger. Thanks for watching!

[@hornitorrincoperezoso2189]

You look and sound a bit like Liam Neeson but with less hair.

[@TheWriteStuffPro-DamonDiMarco]

I think Liam’s a dynamite actor and he strikes me as a good man, @hornitorrincoperezoso2189. My way of saying thanks for the compliment and thanks for watching!

[@lanceroparaca1413]

I would like a video on which typewriters shouldn't be bought (bad machinery)

[@TheWriteStuffPro-DamonDiMarco]

I can answer that for you quickly, Lance. Though please be advised it’s my personal opinion only. I generally don’t like machines from the mid-1970s onward. By that point, manufacturers had by and large succumbed to the temptation to replace metal parts with plastic. In my hands, these machines feel flimsy and unreliable. I’m also not a huge fan of machines that are older than the late 1920s. In this case, the machines were built exclusively out of metal but their mechanisms are often less refined to the point of being guttural. Almost exclusively, I prefer machines from the late 1940s to the mid-1960s. To my experience, you can’t be a good Smith-Corona, an Olivetti, a Hermes, a Royal, or an Olympia. All very different machines in their own rights, but incredibly reliable, and a pleasure to work on. I hope this helps. Thanks for watching!

[@lanceroparaca1413]

@@TheWriteStuffPro-DamonDiMarco very helpful. In general I agree, however I would like to see a video of you know, colossal failures. The kind of things that you would be throwing your money away, even if they're Mid Century Modern era.

[@teban-l2j]

@@TheWriteStuffPro-DamonDiMarco excelente idea

[@TheWriteStuffPro-DamonDiMarco]

@@teban-l2j Thankyou!

[@douglasjackson9058]

Those 6 seem to cover it. I sure enjoy your videos. I have been thinning the herd 🦬 as of late and the first qualification to make the 4sale list is elite as my older eyes prefer pica at this point ☝️. Thanks again for all the work you do to create these fine videos.

[@TheWriteStuffPro-DamonDiMarco]

It’s my pleasure, Douglas. And good luck with thinning the herd. Is it painful? I’ve always found it painful, though necessary at times.

[@douglasjackson9058]

@@TheWriteStuffPro-DamonDiMarco It can be painful 😖 sold 2 of my finast machines over the summer and have sellers remorse on those. But of the 6 I just sold,I feel good about them as they went to good homes. The sellers remorse is like when you have a favorite painting and someone admires it and loves it. Because they love it you make it there's. Then when it's gone you realize how much you loved it and miss looking at it and have it move you. One of those machines was a pristine Remington Model One that I brought back to life thanks to your fine video series ❤️. But now have 2 different noiseless machines that are more... noiseless and enjoy them to fill the void😂

[@TheWriteStuffPro-DamonDiMarco]

@@douglasjackson9058 I understand completely, and well-stated, Douglas. It's funny how the machines flow into and out of our lives. Would have loved to have seen that Model One. They're interesting machines, yes? Always good talking to you.