Typewriter

[ADH]

Wondering if there are any aspiring writers on here that could steer me in the right direction of a vintage typewriter? I don't want to spend to much money since this is kind of an experiment but I need to know what to look for, style and what not. Thanks anyone.

 

[RedLantern]

I would bet that there is a typewriter or other authors' forum that has in-depth discussions on this...

 

[Willsw]

I suggest not getting a typewriter. If you want indelible, write with a pen.

 

[MrDaniels]

Why on earth would you want to write on a typewriter? Do you hate the ability to edit and revise your work? Are you also in the market for a kerosene lamp to work by or a cave to live in?

 

[Willsw]

Having thought about it a little more, I retract my statement. I can imagine a flow of prose being akin to playing the piano, with the true strokes one must make and the timing to avoid jams. Get the oldest one you can. Perhaps something like this, with a BIN of $60, and be sure only to type where others cannot hear you. Many hours have I spent wanting to mangle an unique and anachronistic art student's hands with all that tapping. I did enjoy Atonement's soundtrack, though.

 

[Milhouse]

How vintage is vintage??? The typewriters that I used to use were IBM Selectric IIs. As far as typewriters go, they were really good. I think they quit making them in the 80s sometime.

 

[garmentmerchant]

I had a brother typewriter in HS real pain ********** if you mess up

 

[acidboy]

Our school used to have typewriting class, and we were probably one of the last class to have it. We used old (even during those times) Underwoods (no. 5's I believe)

Looking back, the best thing typewriting classes taught us was to become "touch typists" or being able to type without looking at the keyboard. But those Underwoods was a ***** to use, specially if you're 12.

 

[Bird's One View]

I have two manual typewriters: an old Royal and a less old Olivetti. The Olivetti is in much better condition and therefore more pleasant to use. The Royal looks cooler. I haven't used either of them in years though.

In about 1999 I walked past a dumpster full of IBM electric typewriters. It made me kind of sad but I didn't salvage one.

In 8th grade I learned to type on a manual typewriter (don't remember the make). Four years later my brother learned to type on a computer.

 

[LabelKing]

I use an Olympia Deluxe.

 

[Maharlika]

Originally Posted by LabelKing

I use an Olympia Deluxe.

Manual or electric?

 

[LabelKing]

Originally Posted by Maharlika

Manual or electric?

Manual to be sure. It's a 1950s model.

 

[Maharlika]

Originally Posted by LabelKing

Manual to be sure. It's a 1950s model.

Nice. There's something about the way manual typewriters print on paper. Going back to the OP. I think Truman Capote wrote his short stories on a typewriter.

 

[metroman]

Originally Posted by Milhouse

How vintage is vintage??? The typewriters that I used to use were IBM Selectric IIs. As far as typewriters go, they were really good. I think they quit making them in the 80s sometime.

The only downside to them were the noise.
Cats love to sit on them when left turn on for the droning humming they make.

 

[Reggs]

I want one, but only when I have enough room for it since I would likely use it just a few times a year.

I like the sound it makes, the smell of the ink, and the impression it leaves on the paper.