TypewriterMinutes - Typewriter Review: 1956 Smith Corona Silent Super

Sam, our Executive Producer, reviews his very own typewriter, the machine that got the Typewriter Minutes family hooked on these machines.

[@GreenRavenArt.64]

❤Wonderful presentation! I just bought my 1958 Smith-Corona Silent-Super. Excited about its delivery!❤

[@GR8FLMD3AD]

All your videos are great! Hope you add more soon! ❤

[@TypewriterMinutes]

Thanks. Life has kept us busy but we hope to do a few every now and then. I just uploaded one today.

[@Joe_VanCleave]

Great video! I like that this machine has the "1" key, which my 1954 sample lacks.

[@phoenixtypewriter2136]

WOW ! Best review video ever ! Nice job, very detailed & great tag team work. Only one thing you may not have known, this carrying case had a dual purpose. The frame in bottom of these carrying cases @ 2:00 is removable with a latch right near front. With this removed it can be used to transport or store other things. By the time they introduced the black metal case @ 1:15 the latching mechanism was redesigned & eliminated that frame, again allowing case to have multiple uses.

[@TypewriterMinutes]

Phoenix Typewriter--Thanks! I love your videos and have learned a lot from them. I knew the inside hardware came out of the holiday case but I didn't realize why. Keep up the good work.

[@JamesSmith-od7po]

Sadly, mine didn't come with a case, but I nabbed it because it was a rarer italic font. I'd love a case so I keep an eye out. I didn't realise that part came out.

[@user-io2pd8rv8r]

I have the same model thanks for the review.

[@TypewriterMinutes]

Thanks!

[@JamesSmith-od7po]

Great job both of you. Sam I'm impressed with your knowledge and the eloquence with which you review your machines.

[@daveleitz9107]

I am now the proud owner of a Silent Super, just waiting for it to be shipped to me. Like the one in your video, it has the dedicated key for the number one and exclamation mark. This will be the first time I've used a manual typewriter since 1989! I cannot recall what model that typewriter was, but it felt awful compared to the IBM Selectrics I used in High School in the early '80s. Here's hoping my new-to-me Smith-Corona will provide nostalgia without pain!

[@MatthewMoore1]

Just got my SS. It has quickly become one of my favorites in my collection.

[@amicodelsolevante2788]

This is what I really need: an excellent eplanetory nice video. This is perfect and the fact that the father is sharing with his son this is just so kind to see. Very clever

[@TypewriterMinutes]

Thank you! We’ve been short on time lately but hopefully we’ll make more videos soon.

[@GraniteValleyDave]

Fantastic video guys! Very professional! I'm quite jealous of how natural you guys are in front of the camera!

[@TypewriterMinutes]

Thank you! We’re having fun making these videos.

[@taylorharbin3948]

I have a Tower President, which is basically a Sears clone of this machine and comes in the exact same case! It was my second typewriter. After a love affair with Olympias and Olivettis, I recently dug it back out and was amazed how good it is. Solid and inexpensive workhorses. Great video! Mine is brown, which reminds me of Teddy Roosevelt, so I call him "Chief."

[@rustyalcorta3643]

I got one similar to this in 1963 before going into junior high but I all ready had a typewriter. I don't know what year it is from.They thought I'd like this bc it was more modern...you do a great vid and I learned something new...THE PAGE GAUGE I didn't know what it was for and never asked anyone. Thanks for all your grest info..btw I still have my old Silent Super...

[@TypewriterMinutes]

Hang on to that Silent Super! What a great machine. Thanks for the comment and for watching.

[@thevintagetype4358]

Hello, Had not seen this one. Good review and a lot of fun to watch. Thanks guys!

[@TypewriterMinutes]

Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for watching.

[@TypewriterChicago]

The variable button on the platen knob is used to reset the line spacing, while the leaver is just used to stop the clicks. You use the leaver when you want to return to your original line, and the button to reset the lines entirely.

[@TypewriterMinutes]

Yes I can’t remember if we pointed that out on this model or not. Thank you for watching.

[@Leelee-nw2ej]

Great video! Thank you for all the info.

[@TypewriterMinutes]

Thank you! Glad it might be of some help.

[@rutiguer2701]

Great video, great review of such an amazing typewriter. I liked your comments very much

[@TypewriterMinutes]

Thank you! And thanks for watching.

[@ShooterOnTheRock]

Great video guys! I throughly enjoyed it.

[@TypewriterMinutes]

Thanks! And sorry for the tardy reply as I have been off KZbin for a while

[@inkmama]

Great video. Great review. Thank you...

[@TypewriterMinutes]

Barbara DeMarco-Barrett thanks for watching!

[@african52]

Very well done! Thank you!

[@TypewriterMinutes]

Thank you, and sorry for the tardy reply.

[@chopin65]

Great review!

[@TypewriterMinutes]

Thanks! We enjoyed doing it.

[@WaskiSquirrel]

I just pulled mine out and decided to see that was online about it. It looks like I happen to own a great typewriter. I did not realize what the page-gauge was for! Also did not realize there were still people who repair these and replace parts.

[@TypewriterMinutes]

If you have a Silent Super, then yes, you have one of the best. I do this as a hobby but there are also still professionals out there who received factory training back in the day. Their numbers are dwindling, though.

[@TypewriterCollector]

I thought I was already subscribed but I just did now :) You guys did a great job. The quality of your videos definitely set the standard. I would like to see more of your son's hands doing the demonstrations since he narrates. Will you guys be attending at Hermans this year?

[@TypewriterMinutes]

Typewriter Passion Thanks! Do you mean Herman Price's meeting in West Virginia? If so when is it this year? I would love to go but not sure I could swing it.

[@TypewriterCollector]

I believe it's in October but he has monthly reminders on the FB group. I will try to make it this year and it'll be cool to meet you guys.

[@lucasschneider2788]

Great explanation of the page gauge! I was trying to figure out how to use mine correctly and the written instructions are pretty complicated. It was really helpful to see firsthand how it’s supposed to work, thank you!

[@TypewriterMinutes]

Sorry for the delayed reply as I have been off KZbin for a while. Thank you for the kind message.

[@madonnafitzgerald7840]

If you have the 1949 Smith Corona Silent Typewriter, or buy it, can you do another video like this, where you point out all the functions of the typewriter, if anything is different from this one? Also, if you could, can you show how to change the ribbon? Thank you.

[@TypewriterMinutes]

I am sorry but we don’t have a 1949.

[@madonnafitzgerald7840]

Okay. Thanks for replying!

[@nataliemears8398]

Great job! Useful info! I have a Smith-Corona Classic - Serial Number 5X 102708. It has all of the features of this one except for the paper fingers and the case doesn't have the contraption in it. (Case looks a bit like the tweedy stuff, and sadly the handle is broken off.) Thanks for the tour - I wouldn't have figured out some of that on my own.

[@TypewriterMinutes]

+Natalie Mears thanks for watching. I also have a Smith Corona in one of those swank tweed cases. Enjoy!

[@danmiller6890]

Hi again, I’m taking the panels off my SS and I can’t figure out how to remove the upper rear panel that has the “Silent Super” name on it. The part that swings back behind the margin slides. Any suggestions? I have the platen and paper tray out.

[@TypewriterMinutes]

Hi Dan. There are two non traditional looking springs on each side of that back plate. They look like the letter c with tabs on each end of the c. They compress as you open and compress as you close that plate. The tension from the compression keeps it from flopping open, so they are in a non compressed state when the plate is closed and when the plate is all the way open. It’s tricky and kind of a pain but I think you have to remove those springs to get the plate off. If memory serves you need to compress the spring with a screwdriver (or if you can get to it, with skinny needle nose pliers) to get one side of the spring off its mounting point. Again, it’s a pain to get them off and back on again when you’re done. I will send a picture to your email with a picture of the spring on mine

[@danmiller6890]

Hello! Great video! I am actually picking up a typewriter exactly like the one in this video (other than the color) tomorrow! I was wondering a couple of things. For the platen replacement, what information did J. J. Short require? Is there a serial number on the typewriter itself that gives a date and model? Also, do you have any suggestions on a company that supplies quality ribbons for this typewriter? New to this so I appreciate the help! Looking forward to picking up my machine!

[@TypewriterMinutes]

Dan Miller Thanks for watching. I don't recall JJ Short requiring any info other than just shipping it to them, perhaps with a note on which year and model typewriter it came from. I would call first to get price and see if they spot any issues or concerns and also to get an estimate on how long it will take. I believe the normal turnaround time is 3 weeks. The serial number should be under the ribbon cover and stamped on the metal frame on the left. You can then look up the year it was made on the typewriter database (typewriterdatabase.com) by selecting Smith Corona from the drop down list and scroll down to the 5S series to see which year the serial number falls in. Typewriter Justice sells very nice ribbons in different color combos. Check out his EBay page or if he doesn't have any listed right now you can send him a message through Facebook or shoot me an email at typewriterminutes at gmail dot com and I'll connect you guys. Alternatively there are other options online for 1/2 ribbons--I just haven't tried them. No matter where you buy the ribbon, if you have the original metal spools you can transfer the ribbon onto the original spools. Happy typing! It's a great machine.

[@danmiller6890]

Thank you for your response. I picked up my machine today. Fantastic condition - I paid $20.00 for it. It's the aqua blue color. According to the serial number it was manufactured in 1955. Complete with case and original finger position training/instructional card. Let me know is you would like me to make a copy of it for you. Thanks again!

[@TypewriterMinutes]

Dan Miller nice find on the blue. My brother picked up the green one (green with green stripes) for me from an antique store and will be sending it my way soon. Sure if you can scan and email the doc to me that would be great. Yours has the yellow/tan holiday case?

[@danmiller6890]

Sorry to take so long. You're Phoenix Typewriter correct? I didn't know who to send to and contact info regarding the instructional card. If so, I have your email address from your website. Let me know. :)

[@TypewriterMinutes]

Dan Miller sorry for the delay. I don’t get notified for some reason with new comments. I only wish I were Phoenix Typewriter so I would have his professional repair skills. I love his videos. You can send the file to typewriterminutes at gmail dot com. Hope you’re enjoying your machine.

[@dariel7001]

Is there a place where I can get just the holiday case?

[@TypewriterMinutes]

Dariel Gonzalez occasionally you see typewriter cases for sale on eBay but finding a holiday case may be like looking for a needle in a haystack. Another option would be to try to find a cheap machine with a holiday case and use the cheap machine for a parts machine and then use the holiday case for your nicer typewriter.

[@belle_bookworm2533]

Did you guys ever give this typewriter a bath? I have a Silent-Super in blue that looks a little dirty in certain areas. I know the paint likes to hold on to dirt

[@TypewriterMinutes]

Although we haven’t cleaned up the tan Smith Corona lately, I’ve had good success using Simple Green and a soft toothbrush. Have to be careful scrubbing because you can scrub the crinkle finish off, leaving smooth paint. If you Google “Magic Margin cleaning crinkle paint Typewriter,” you’ll find a Magic Margin post that describes a similar method using laundry detergent. Good luck!

[@belle_bookworm2533]

I heard Windex would do the trick but I'm afraid to ruin my lovely blue Silent-Super. I'll definitely give Simple Green a try. I'll pick some up on my next visit to the store. By the way, it's me, the fellow Texan and member from the Antique Collector's FB group ☺. I'm catching up with your typewriter reviews. Thanks to you and your son I now want my own Senor Star Trek!

[@TypewriterMinutes]

Thanks for watching our videos. Even though Simple Green is a mild cleaner, I would test the least conspicuous spot first. I’m tempted to try the “All” laundry detergent and water mix described in the Magic Margin post for my next crinkle paint job. You could consider that as well. That might be the safest for the blue color.

[@owenchaves1046]

I have this in Greek and it works but when I press the accent button it gets stuck.....

[@TypewriterMinutes]

The accent key may be a dead key, which means the carriage does not advance when it types that accent. That allows you to type the accent and then the letter without having to backspace

[@TypewriterMinutes]

Skip to 7:45 of this video. Perhaps your machine is designed to work like this. kzbin.info/www/bejne/lZTEqaRriZ6hr8k

[@mich_writes_fiction]

Is for sale?

[@TypewriterMinutes]

No-This one is a keeper. It’s my oldest sons’s typewriter.

[@Brendy16100]

Tom Hanks best typewriter.

[@TypewriterMinutes]

It’s a good one.

[@dat_daily_meme_accountp57]

Who is watching this video because they are buying one?

[@TypewriterMinutes]

Good morning. I’m not sure I understand your question.