In Typewriter Video Series Episode 322, Joe presents the newest machine in his collection, the original IBM Selectric, the so-called Model 1, but actually Type 721.
On craigslist here in LA a few months ago there was a dirty, forlorn green model 721 Selectric that kept calling to me because it was cheap... and it was cheap because it was non-functional. I finally made the trek out to Burbank to meet the seller in a storage garage full of movie & TV props (for rent and for sale). I scored the grungy Selectric, took it home, and began my trial by fire. The machine was incredibly dirty and gunked up, the motor did start spinning with some persuasion, but the rotate tape broke almost immediately. The tab pulley was already broken and the tab cord came unwound from its spools. By watching Mr. Duane Jensen's (Phoenix Typewriter) videos I was able to completely clean, refurbish, and recommission this beautiful old masterpiece. The classic light minty green finish came back looking almost new, and it types with nary a hiccup now. I got sucked into the cult (or sect) of Selectric, seduced by its clever all-mechanical design and its incredible speed. Such a fun and rewarding project. Now I just need to use it more!
I was a production typist and office manager through the seventies. 1) the original Selectric type elements had spring-steel squeeze retainers for the machine, later replaced with the lever system. The levers tended to break off with heavy use, unfortunately. Special-order elements, for instance with special characters, would have either white, yellow or red levers. 2) it was quite possible in the seventies and eighties with the Selectric I and II, to simply order a new machine shell when the original got too worn, or if one wished to change the color of the machine. Because of the modular construction, an IBM FE could change the shell of the machine quite easily. We used to have older Selectrics and though they weren't worn out, the S-I in particular would wear the finish off around the edges. A new shell would look like a new machine!
I used the IBM Selectric and remember when it was considered advanced technology. Some of the later models were used for a long time in offices to address envelopes and other office typing tasks.
Fun fact. The IBM Selectric 3's squarer rougher key buttons were carried over to their electronic typewriters (WheenWriters and QuietWriters) and even their computer keyboards. Often imitated by never duplicated by other keyboards
The IBM Selectric 700 typewriter has the best keyboard that I ever worked on a typewriter. The keys touch feels nice, and no hard finger pressure is ever needed. This typewriter is the best. Whoever watches the show and reads this comment, I bid you "Happy Keyboarding!"
That machine (narrow carriage, cloth ribbon) was a staple of high school typing classes, back in the day. In fact, I purchased mine used, in the late 1970s via an auction. Of course, it immediately required repair. After the repair, it lasted about 15 years before again requiring servicing. By then, I had a decent printer on my home computer. I still have half-a-dozen elements (type balls), including an aftermarket Olde English. I strongly believe these machines were intended to be maintained by IBM Factory Service Technicians, who would make periodic visits to offices (and schools) to keep the equipment running properly.
You have one of the best color Selectrics... "IBM" blue. The other best/good/famous color is the red one, which Hunter S. Thomson purportedly wrote "Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas" on. I've personally only seen pictures of him with a beige Model I Selectric, and the blue model II.
I used to have a red Selectric I in the 1990s which I used to write some of my essays in high school in Finland. What a piece of art in engineering! You just had to produce a full sheet of paper with no typos.
As a young person who’s supposed to be alien to this vintage stuff, seeing a random video for a Selectric perked my interest in typewriters. Even as a mechanical engineer the ball mechanism still blows my mind with fascination
I just scored a black 1971 Selectric 72! Good to know about the Burroughs multi-strike carbon cartridges and height position...gonna look for options. You know, compared to my large format Selectric II, this narrow body Selectric seems a bit more crisp or solid...and quicker? I can't quite explain it, but it just seems to have a bit more authority or solid feel. Thanks again Joe for your videos!
Man I want this model. Specifically the cloth ribbon like the one featured. I'm still not the biggest fan of carbon ribbon machines, but I've been using an SII lately and having a blast with it.
I own a nice example of a Correcting Selectric II made in 1979. More than one engineer thinks this is the last great analog invention. My favorite typewriter by far. Thank you.
Good video Mr. Joe , I love typewriters specially the IBM Wheelwriter 6 I I thing 1986 - 1988. Anyway every explanation you show to us is very interesting . Thanks for your knowledge. You are a Master..
💙 Awesome custom job! I'm in 💚 with my Correcting Selectric II. It's the perfect typewriter for me, except for no 1.5 line spacing, even though it's marked on the body. Good to know that I can upgrade that feature. Thanks again for another great Typosphere video, Joe.🧡
Hi Joe, this is a great video and I love the color of your machine! I have a Selectric 711 (carbon ribbon system, fixed 10-pitch) that was manufactured in 1971. I just had it completely refurbished and it works like a new machine. Mine is that seafoam green color that was popular in the first generation Selectrics...and I call it the "mean green machine." My signature type element in it is "Delegate."
Cool and very timely also. I obtained a Selectric II some weeks ago and have started restoration. The guts were covered with grease and foam bits all over. Cleaned completely and then the motor failed. Replaced the motor, carefully oiled strategic spots, and it runs with a thump. Main drive pulley next up. The I model is definitely harder to find versus the II.
On craigslist here in LA a few months ago there was a dirty, forlorn green model 721 Selectric that kept calling to me because it was cheap... and it was cheap because it was non-functional. I finally made the trek out to Burbank to meet the seller in a storage garage full of movie & TV props (for rent and for sale). I scored the grungy Selectric, took it home, and began my trial by fire. The machine was incredibly dirty and gunked up, the motor did start spinning with some persuasion, but the rotate tape broke almost immediately. The tab pulley was already broken and the tab cord came unwound from its spools. By watching Mr. Duane Jensen's (Phoenix Typewriter) videos I was able to completely clean, refurbish, and recommission this beautiful old masterpiece. The classic light minty green finish came back looking almost new, and it types with nary a hiccup now. I got sucked into the cult (or sect) of Selectric, seduced by its clever all-mechanical design and its incredible speed. Such a fun and rewarding project. Now I just need to use it more!
I was a production typist and office manager through the seventies. 1) the original Selectric type elements had spring-steel squeeze retainers for the machine, later replaced with the lever system. The levers tended to break off with heavy use, unfortunately. Special-order elements, for instance with special characters, would have either white, yellow or red levers. 2) it was quite possible in the seventies and eighties with the Selectric I and II, to simply order a new machine shell when the original got too worn, or if one wished to change the color of the machine. Because of the modular construction, an IBM FE could change the shell of the machine quite easily. We used to have older Selectrics and though they weren't worn out, the S-I in particular would wear the finish off around the edges. A new shell would look like a new machine!
I used the IBM Selectric and remember when it was considered advanced technology. Some of the later models were used for a long time in offices to address envelopes and other office typing tasks.
Fun fact. The IBM Selectric 3's squarer rougher key buttons were carried over to their electronic typewriters (WheenWriters and QuietWriters) and even their computer keyboards. Often imitated by never duplicated by other keyboards
The IBM Selectric 700 typewriter has the best keyboard that I ever worked on a typewriter. The keys touch feels nice, and no hard finger pressure is ever needed. This typewriter is the best. Whoever watches the show and reads this comment, I bid you "Happy Keyboarding!"
That machine (narrow carriage, cloth ribbon) was a staple of high school typing classes, back in the day. In fact, I purchased mine used, in the late 1970s via an auction. Of course, it immediately required repair. After the repair, it lasted about 15 years before again requiring servicing. By then, I had a decent printer on my home computer. I still have half-a-dozen elements (type balls), including an aftermarket Olde English. I strongly believe these machines were intended to be maintained by IBM Factory Service Technicians, who would make periodic visits to offices (and schools) to keep the equipment running properly.
I just acquired a Selectric 2 correcting from a charity shop today for $44. It is in perfect condition too! I am very pleased.
You have one of the best color Selectrics... "IBM" blue. The other best/good/famous color is the red one, which Hunter S. Thomson purportedly wrote "Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas" on. I've personally only seen pictures of him with a beige Model I Selectric, and the blue model II.
I used to have a red Selectric I in the 1990s which I used to write some of my essays in high school in Finland. What a piece of art in engineering! You just had to produce a full sheet of paper with no typos.
As a young person who’s supposed to be alien to this vintage stuff, seeing a random video for a Selectric perked my interest in typewriters. Even as a mechanical engineer the ball mechanism still blows my mind with fascination
Thanks for a great trip down Memory Lane. I had a 3rd series one in the 1990’s still miss it 😢
I just scored a black 1971 Selectric 72! Good to know about the Burroughs multi-strike carbon cartridges and height position...gonna look for options. You know, compared to my large format Selectric II, this narrow body Selectric seems a bit more crisp or solid...and quicker? I can't quite explain it, but it just seems to have a bit more authority or solid feel. Thanks again Joe for your videos!
I earned my living for years typing on the Selectric I and then the II. Awesome machine!
Man I want this model. Specifically the cloth ribbon like the one featured. I'm still not the biggest fan of carbon ribbon machines, but I've been using an SII lately and having a blast with it.
I own a nice example of a Correcting Selectric II made in 1979. More than one engineer thinks this is the last great analog invention. My favorite typewriter by far. Thank you.
Good video Mr. Joe , I love typewriters specially the IBM Wheelwriter 6 I I thing 1986 - 1988. Anyway every explanation you show to us is very interesting . Thanks for your knowledge. You are a Master..
💙 Awesome custom job! I'm in 💚 with my Correcting Selectric II. It's the perfect typewriter for me, except for no 1.5 line spacing, even though it's marked on the body. Good to know that I can upgrade that feature. Thanks again for another great Typosphere video, Joe.🧡
Hi Joe, this is a great video and I love the color of your machine! I have a Selectric 711 (carbon ribbon system, fixed 10-pitch) that was manufactured in 1971. I just had it completely refurbished and it works like a new machine. Mine is that seafoam green color that was popular in the first generation Selectrics...and I call it the "mean green machine." My signature type element in it is "Delegate."
Very nice machine. I learned to type on a selectric I.
Cool and very timely also. I obtained a Selectric II some weeks ago and have started restoration. The guts were covered with grease and foam bits all over. Cleaned completely and then the motor failed. Replaced the motor, carefully oiled strategic spots, and it runs with a thump. Main drive pulley next up. The I model is definitely harder to find versus the II.