As a former IBM tech I can tell you the rattling of the paper table is because you are missing the foam. Replace the foam and sometimes it required a little forming(bending) to get it to sit flat and voila no more noise.
I have my certificate from 1961, June, IBM's very first production of the selectric with "golf ball" or element - The University of Tennessee at Knoxville. This was a graduate course for certified teachers. I was 21 or 22. If you remember when pics was 10, and 12 was elite, you must be over 80! In 1965, I was at New York University and had the opportunity of demonstrating this typewriter at the WORLD FAIR! MY typing speed was 95-105. Some 20 years earlier, my speed was about 80 on a Manuel machine! While I use the computer, I purchased a selectric on eBay. Can't wait!
I'm so glad that you replied to this video! I'm 24, and I love old IBM machines! I mostly collect vintage computers, but I couldn't pass up a Selectric 2 at the thrift store yesterday. What an impressive bit of mechanical engineering. I even found a folded up receipt where it was serviced in 1987! It'll fit in nicely next to my IBM 5170 PC/AT.
Thanks for watching, Bryan. I’ve worked on a grand total of one of these but even I can recognize the genius in the design. Hope all is well with you and your shop. I’ve admired your work from afar on your online posts.
I only collect manual typewriters from the 20s - 40s. Selectrics don't interest me in the least. That being said, I'm glad they interest other people. Just because I don't particularly care for something doesn't mean I can't see the value in it. I'm glad there are people out there showing these machines some love.
Thanks for watching. I’m not a big electric fan either but I just couldn’t pass up this blue one. Was fortunate to get it running. Typing on a Selectric, I can now see why they took over the business market.
Thanks so much for a very detailed tour of this legendary typewriter. When I was in high school (1970s) they had a couple of them in a typing room at the public library. They were coin operated. You would put in a quarter which started an electric timer. As I recall you got 30 minutes for 25-cents. Side note: I think it would be great to have a coin-operated electric typewriter in my writing studio. It could serve as a bank: a way to save money that goes towards paper and typewriter ink cartridges. It’s a great honor and privilege to use a vintage typewriter, so it makes sense that you ‘pay to play’. Besides which, if anyone asked me what I do for a living, I can say… “Well... among other things, I am a paid writer. Yes, I get paid a quarter for every half hour I’m writing at the typewriter.” I know… I will be the envy of many people! The coin-operated typewriter was during the same era that, at some airports and at bus stations, they had TV chairs. It was a chair with a small TV attached and it was also coin operated. I think it was a quarter for 10 minutes. That was a great era! It sure would be nice if someone had a vintage arcade like that. Would be a great thing attached to a coffee house or a healthy juice bar. Obviously the IBM Selectric II and other typewriters are pretty loud, so other people in the cafe environment would have to have a sense of humor and a little bit of tolerance & patience. The noise that this machine makes is so worth it because of all of the great features you were getting. If technology had just stopped at the IBM Selectric II... I would’ve been quite content with it. At my next opportunity I’m going to get an IBM Selectric II again. Why? Because I love the feel and the efficiency of it, and the best writing I’ve ever done, quality and quantity, was on an IBM Selectric II. I was researching the history of typewriters recently and came across a great list of famous writers of all types, and what typewriters they use or used. Of course the IBM Selectric II came up many times on the list. Also very common on the list was the Remington, the Smith-Corona, and the really cool Hermès models. Thanks again for the video, it really sparked my enthusiasm and renewed my interest and appreciation for this impressive writing machine.
Thank you for the kind words and comments-I love the idea of a coin-operated-machine cafe. I’ve seen pictures of coin-operated typewriters but never a Selectric of any kind.
Nice! A review of a big blue typewriter made by Big Blue themselves! An IBM Selectric II (a correcting model) was the first electric typewriter I ever got to use when I was a child. Thanks for another great video!
@@TypewriterMinutes I understand! I had a Selectric III that I purchased new directly from my local IBM sales office in 1981. No longer have it, but I used that machine heavily in graduate school and subsequent career. In the 1980's laser printers were insanely expensive and if you needed "letter quality" printing the Selectric was the way to go. The IBM Quietwriter printer came out around 1983 but was not cheap either.
I just acquired a Correcting Selectric II. You guys do a great job explaining how all of the features work! I'm still trying to get the correcting feature to work, maybe I just need a new cartridge, or wasn't using it correctly. Thanks for the helpful video!
@Andrew Heller I found mine for $12 at an Antique Mall last year. It had been marked down from $45. I'd say your best bet would be Craigslist, Antique Malls, Thrift Stores, Yard Sales... You could get one off eBay, but it's usually more expensive! It took me around 4 years to find mine. Hope you find one soon!
Loved this typewriter - used it when I worked for the Performing Arts Council in Natal, now called KwaZulu-Natal. Especially loved it because it could correct the many mistakes I made!
Ponz67 We were lucky to find a video (from Phoenix Typewriter) on how to fix and clean the return clutch. Otherwise it would be collecting dust. Just make sure you have the shelf space before buying one. It’s huge.
Hei, the idea behind the half step leaver is to a erase a word with a missing letter in a floating text and squeeze in the correct word with one letter more by using the existing gap and still have space between the words not erased.
It's a beautiful machine in blue. I have the Selectric III and there is a strip of foam rubber under the eraser tray. Replacing it should solve the rattle. I always enjoy your videos! Thanks for the great work.
Just bought one of these for 50 at Goodwill. It's not quite the same, it's about 10 years newer than this one and it's the selectric III. early 80s I think. It seems to be pretty much the same machine honestly. This video taught me everything I need to know about mine. I saw them selling for a decent amount of money. Some were going for like 30 bucks. Some for 300-600. Can you explain the asking price differences?? Thanka
Awh, no lap typing? I agree, Phoenix Typewriter has my praises too for informative Selectric video repairs. The real question: What does that IBM Model 8X weigh? My guess is the reason Stephen J. Cannell was always smiling at his Selectrics through the years-forget if it was shown at intro or show endings- is because every time a new one came out he had to get a new bigger desk for it! Good show guys.
Ken Kruschka thanks for the message. I grew up watching some of Cannell’s shows and remember the flying paper. I hadn’t remembered that it was a Selectric. It definitely put a smile on my kids’ faces when I got it working. What a space hog it is.
You should get an IBM brand type ball, those GP type balls break easily. Recently I had to buy another type ball because some of the characters wouldn’t show up.
I took typewriting in high school and learned on this Momma'. Man, pretty wicked sick for sure. My friend just said he has one in his office and needs to go. : )
I had to bring it home from the office, and because of space constraints at home, it has now moved on to its new forever home. It was a great machine while I had it.
Thanks for watching. I don’t have a Wheelwriter but I’ve heard good things about them. I don’t think we have room for any more large electrics-they are nice but are space hogs.
Hi, could you help me finding font head for a selectric II that has mathematical symbols on it? if there are not any for sale could you find please how they are called to search for them on my own? I am asking you this since you seem very knowledgeable when it comes to typewriters.
This is great. Made learn things about ibm especially selectric2. Btw Question Is it worth it if We just restore this selectric2? Or just buy a new one? Any advice pls thank you! I gor one but i haven't tried it. Its from 1997. Its a lot like a broken. There's a lot missing pieces. Should i just settle to new one and not restore it??
As a former IBM tech I can tell you the rattling of the paper table is because you are missing the foam. Replace the foam and sometimes it required a little forming(bending) to get it to sit flat and voila no more noise.
Thanks! It’s on the to-do list.
Yay! Mine vibrates too - I’m going to fix it today ❤
I have my certificate from 1961, June, IBM's very first production of the selectric with "golf ball" or element - The University of Tennessee at Knoxville. This was a graduate course for certified teachers. I was 21 or 22. If you remember when pics was 10, and 12 was elite, you must be over 80! In 1965, I was at New York University and had the opportunity of demonstrating this typewriter at the WORLD FAIR! MY typing speed was 95-105. Some 20 years earlier, my speed was about 80 on a Manuel machine! While I use the computer, I purchased a selectric on eBay. Can't wait!
Just now saw your message so apologies for the tardy reply. That is very cool. Sounds like we are both old school. :)
I'm so glad that you replied to this video! I'm 24, and I love old IBM machines! I mostly collect vintage computers, but I couldn't pass up a Selectric 2 at the thrift store yesterday. What an impressive bit of mechanical engineering. I even found a folded up receipt where it was serviced in 1987! It'll fit in nicely next to my IBM 5170 PC/AT.
The best writing machine ever made. ❤
The IBM Selectric is still my favorite typewriter. Not only is it a great performer but the design of the mechanics was pure genius.
Thanks for watching, Bryan. I’ve worked on a grand total of one of these but even I can recognize the genius in the design. Hope all is well with you and your shop. I’ve admired your work from afar on your online posts.
I only collect manual typewriters from the 20s - 40s. Selectrics don't interest me in the least. That being said, I'm glad they interest other people. Just because I don't particularly care for something doesn't mean I can't see the value in it. I'm glad there are people out there showing these machines some love.
Thanks for watching. I’m not a big electric fan either but I just couldn’t pass up this blue one. Was fortunate to get it running. Typing on a Selectric, I can now see why they took over the business market.
Thanks so much for a very detailed tour of this legendary typewriter.
When I was in high school (1970s) they had a couple of them in a typing room at the public library. They were coin operated. You would put in a quarter which started an electric timer. As I recall you got 30 minutes for 25-cents.
Side note: I think it would be great to have a coin-operated electric typewriter in my writing studio. It could serve as a bank: a way to save money that goes towards paper and typewriter ink cartridges.
It’s a great honor and privilege to use a vintage typewriter, so it makes sense that you ‘pay to play’. Besides which, if anyone asked me what I do for a living, I can say… “Well... among other things, I am a paid writer. Yes, I get paid a quarter for every half hour I’m writing at the typewriter.” I know… I will be the envy of many people!
The coin-operated typewriter was during the same era that, at some airports and at bus stations, they had TV chairs. It was a chair with a small TV attached and it was also coin operated. I think it was a quarter for 10 minutes. That was a great era!
It sure would be nice if someone had a vintage arcade like that. Would be a great thing attached to a coffee house or a healthy juice bar. Obviously the IBM Selectric II and other typewriters are pretty loud, so other people in the cafe environment would have to have a sense of humor and a little bit of tolerance & patience. The noise that this machine makes is so worth it because of all of the great features you were getting.
If technology had just stopped at the IBM Selectric II...
I would’ve been quite content with it. At my next opportunity I’m going to get an IBM Selectric II again. Why? Because I love the feel and the efficiency of it, and the best writing I’ve ever done, quality and quantity, was on an IBM Selectric II.
I was researching the history of typewriters recently and came across a great list of famous writers of all types, and what typewriters they use or used. Of course the IBM Selectric II came up many times on the list. Also very common on the list was the Remington, the Smith-Corona, and the really cool Hermès models.
Thanks again for the video, it really sparked my enthusiasm and renewed my interest and appreciation for this impressive writing machine.
Thank you for the kind words and comments-I love the idea of a coin-operated-machine cafe. I’ve seen pictures of coin-operated typewriters but never a Selectric of any kind.
Nice! A review of a big blue typewriter made by Big Blue themselves! An IBM Selectric II (a correcting model) was the first electric typewriter I ever got to use when I was a child. Thanks for another great video!
aphexteknol glad you enjoyed it. It’s a fun typewriter to type on.
One nice improvement on the Wheelwriter is the auto-center feature. No counting required.
I don’t have a Wheelwriter yet. Maybe some day. I just need more room ...
@@TypewriterMinutes I understand! I had a Selectric III that I purchased new directly from my local IBM sales office in 1981. No longer have it, but I used that machine heavily in graduate school and subsequent career. In the 1980's laser printers were insanely expensive and if you needed "letter quality" printing the Selectric was the way to go. The IBM Quietwriter printer came out around 1983 but was not cheap either.
A dedication is only
a scratch where it itches.
I just acquired a Correcting Selectric II. You guys do a great job explaining how all of the features work! I'm still trying to get the correcting feature to work, maybe I just need a new cartridge, or wasn't using it correctly. Thanks for the helpful video!
Thank you, and thanks for watching! I hope you get it working.
@Andrew Heller I found mine for $12 at an Antique Mall last year. It had been marked down from $45. I'd say your best bet would be Craigslist, Antique Malls, Thrift Stores, Yard Sales... You could get one off eBay, but it's usually more expensive! It took me around 4 years to find mine. Hope you find one soon!
@Andrew Heller Make sure you test it before you buy it also (if possible)!
Loved this typewriter - used it when I worked for the Performing Arts Council in Natal, now called KwaZulu-Natal. Especially loved it because it could correct the many mistakes I made!
Thank you for watching. We love how it lifts the mistakes right off the paper!
Wow! Very good review! Nice to hear all three of you reviewing the new typewritter!
Great review!
I may just have to find one of these now! A cool machine that I never paid too much attention to.
Ponz67 We were lucky to find a video (from Phoenix Typewriter) on how to fix and clean the return clutch. Otherwise it would be collecting dust. Just make sure you have the shelf space before buying one. It’s huge.
Hei, the idea behind the half step leaver is to a erase a word with a missing letter in a floating text and squeeze in the correct word with one letter more by using the existing gap and still have space between the words not erased.
That makes sense! Thanks.
It's a beautiful machine in blue. I have the Selectric III and there is a strip of foam rubber under the eraser tray. Replacing it should solve the rattle. I always enjoy your videos! Thanks for the great work.
Thanks for watching! Yes I might try some foam tape to quiet down that rattle trap.
Just bought one of these for 50 at Goodwill. It's not quite the same, it's about 10 years newer than this one and it's the selectric III. early 80s I think. It seems to be pretty much the same machine honestly. This video taught me everything I need to know about mine. I saw them selling for a decent amount of money. Some were going for like 30 bucks. Some for 300-600. Can you explain the asking price differences?? Thanka
If it has been reworked by a professional, then they can sell for two to $300 or more.
Awh, no lap typing? I agree, Phoenix Typewriter has my praises too for informative Selectric video repairs. The real question: What does that IBM Model 8X weigh? My guess is the reason Stephen J. Cannell was always smiling at his Selectrics through the years-forget if it was shown at intro or show endings- is because every time a new one came out he had to get a new bigger desk for it! Good show guys.
Ken Kruschka thanks for the message. I grew up watching some of Cannell’s shows and remember the flying paper. I hadn’t remembered that it was a Selectric. It definitely put a smile on my kids’ faces when I got it working. What a space hog it is.
Another fun fascinating video. Thanks
An other-worldly machine. Thanks for watching.
I might buy one, but it's a very loud typewriter. Great video, gentlemen.
Takes up a lot of space. I keep mine at the office where there is more room. Thanks for watching.
WONDERFUL MACHINE 👍🏻👍🏻
Thank you for watching!
What you are calling eraser table is used for centering the paper. You simply set it so the same number in on the left side and the right side.
You should get an IBM brand type ball, those GP type balls break easily. Recently I had to buy another type ball because some of the characters wouldn’t show up.
I need to use my big blue Selectric more often. I keep it at the office because it’s a space hog.
Do you actually type on that thing on a regular basis?
I took typewriting in high school and learned on this Momma'. Man, pretty wicked sick for sure. My friend just said he has one in his office and needs to go. : )
Go grab it! (And by the way, typing class in junior high was the most useful class I ever took.)
WONDERFUL MACHINE IBM selectric 🐜🐝🐞🇨🇱🇨🇱👍🏼
I agree!
I Somehow Knew A Modern TypeWriter Existed in the 60s and 70s and yeah finally i found out it existed :)
Thanks for watching. The Selectric was definitely new and exciting at the time.
❤
Thanks for your review.
Thanks for watching!
0:10 R.I.P. headphone users
Sorry about that! :)
Yours is a nicer blue than mine.
I had to bring it home from the office, and because of space constraints at home, it has now moved on to its new forever home. It was a great machine while I had it.
Hope All Well!
Thanks! Same to you!
There's an ibm selectric II in the Camarillo public library and I recommend anyone to send complaints to repair her!
Yes we need to get that machine working again if it’s not.
It's a bit smashed..
I have the same typewriter in Sandstone beige
Could you do a review of a wheelwriter (preferably a wheelwriter 5)
Thanks for watching. I don’t have a Wheelwriter but I’ve heard good things about them. I don’t think we have room for any more large electrics-they are nice but are space hogs.
Hi, could you help me finding font head for a selectric II that has mathematical symbols on it? if there are not any for sale could you find please how they are called to search for them on my own? I am asking you this since you seem very knowledgeable when it comes to typewriters.
Thank you for the kind words but unfortunately I know only enough about Selectrics to be dangerous. :)
This is great. Made learn things about ibm especially selectric2. Btw Question
Is it worth it if We just restore this selectric2? Or just buy a new one?
Any advice pls thank you!
I gor one but i haven't tried it. Its from 1997. Its a lot like a broken. There's a lot missing pieces. Should i just settle to new one and not restore it??
They don’t make Selectrics anymore, so you’ll have to find a good used one.
"Type Head" is the correct nomenclature.
I blame the kids! They’ll be going to bed without supper. :)
Obrigado. Algumas funções eu não sabia
Type ball is called the "element"
Kid still type? My 6 yo been at it a couple years with me. Hope it sticks lol
goddamn dude, my ear is literally in pain after that loud beeping tone on the intro.
I got my for 100, and it is still not working perfectly, great deal!
Thanks!
please work on your audio levels, they're very uneven
We do our best with just the iPhone built-in microphone that we have to work with.
@@TypewriterMinutes Working with the hardware you have is fine, but you should be able to improve audio levels in your editing software.
Also shift gives the the ! Vs the 1
Just a nice job. But the background music made the video boring.
That’s the background music for a lot of our videos. I considered AC/DC but then you wouldn’t be able to hear us. Thanks for watching.
@@TypewriterMinutes lol👍
Ugh kids narrating?!