60's era typebar electric typewriters

[xoagray]

There's something really nice about the type bar electric typewriters. They still have that visceral feel of a manual, but the light touch more like a mechanical computer keyboard. And they're amongst the fastest machines ever made. I recently got this SCM Coronet Automatic 12 and while it was a little rougher than I was told it was when I bought it, after geting it back from the repair shop I've been putting it through it's paces. All I can say is, wow, this thing can go.

I've used manual typewriters, and electronic ones, even ones that are mostly word processor, and this has to be one of the best feeling machines I've ever had. I still love my manuals, but this one is definitely going to be spending a lot of time on my desk. At least as long as our power isn't cut off for a few weeks by a hurricane. Ah the joys of living in Florida.

This is my first Smith Corona, and was one of the ones that was on my radar for some time. I kinda' really want to get a series 5 Silent Super too.

Slánte. 

Comments

[claudeb]

Typewriters were still a thing when I was a kid, but vanished soon after 1990 as PCs replaced them. Never got into the hobby as a result, doubly so as it requires room, and a mechanical inclination. But it's fascinating to read about them, and I'm glad you're still doing this.

[xoagray]

I'll always have a place for a typewriter on my desk, these machines are daily drivers for me. I think of them less as a hobby, and more as creative tools as they're a part of my workflow. Though I do have some that I just thought were neat, or attracted me for some other reason. I'll never be one of those guys that has a room full of typewriters though.
On that note, how much room it takes or how much mechanical inclination you need is entirely dependant on what you want to do. If you just like the idea of having one to type on now and again, getting one that's in good shape requires very little space and no mechanical knowledge at all other than how to use it. Which is pretty easy to learn for most machines. If you ever do find yourself more than academically interested, see if there's a "Type In" anywhere near you and go tap away on some of the machines. If nothing else most typewriter folks are happy to chat about their stuff and let people try them out.
On a side note, it's been really interesting lately to see typewriters have a bit of a resurgence. I don't think they'll ever be a big deal again like they were prior to the 90's, but a growing number of people are seeking them out to use as writing tools again. It's especially cool seeing younger folks that didn't grow up with them doing this, and wanting to keep these machines going. The demand will probably never be enough to "bring typewriters back", but it's enough to keep repair shops busy and encourage more people to learn to work on them. They have more of a future today than they have in some time.