I wrote my first typewriter review the other day. It’s also likely to be my last typewriter review as well. Talk about killing two birds with one stone. (I have never really been all that crazy about this particular saying, but in this case it definitely fits.) The actual writing experience itself is still a bit hazy in my mind, but by the° time I had finished typing out my thoughts, my “review” spanned seven pages in all. In all honesty, I can’t imagine anyone wanting to read what amounts to a typewriter novella -~ not one that I’ve written anyway.
Maybe I ‘ 11 eventually manage to work up the energy required to rewrite my rambling epic (I’m using epic facetiously of course). Despite the fact that I’ve been cranking out typed content for almost six months now, I hadn’t thought about the fact that people were at one time faced with “the rewrite” in a way that meant quite literally rewriting everything. But that is exactly the thought going through my mind as I look over at my tome of a review sitting nearby (it’s taunting me, I swear it).
I should have known better. Putting a machine like the Olympia SG3 (the subject of my review) in the hands of a rookie typist like myself was a mistake. This is much like handing the keys to a Corvette sporting a big block engine over to a 15 year old that just got their learner’s permit. You just know that things are going to get out of hand. I didn’t fully realize that I was being seduced by all of the power and capabilities that the SG3 had on tap until it was too late. I suppose that I should be thankful that when all was said and done, neither the typewriter, nor myself were injured. But sometimes in life, the only way that we manage to learn is by experiencing things for ourselves. So it goes with standard typewriters and all that they have to offer.
I ‘m actually typing this update on the very SG3 that drove me to such ludicrous activity, although I’m now doing so under theesupervision of others (my dogs are keeping an eye on me). I’d like to think that I’ve learned a valuable lesson, but I already know that this isn’t the case. Even now, I can feel the mighty SG3 luring me in like the seductress that it is, egging me on to type some more.
“You know that you’ve got it in you” this beast of a machine calls to me. But while the SG3 might, the sad truth is that I don’t. Not yet anyway. Clearly I need to improve my writing skills before I’m ready to take on a review that is going to do a typewriter like this the justice that it deserves. That’s okay, it’s good to have something to aspire to in this day and age. Besides, if any typewriter is up to the task of a major rewrite, it’s the Olympia SG3.
AFTERTHOUGHTS: Yes, I’m poking fun at myself. However, I was actually disappointed when I realized that my review was going to stretch on for far too long. I guess that I sometimes forget that I’m writing content for a blog. But a typewriter like the SG3 really does encourage one to type on further. Since I like to type, that made for a somewhat unfortunate combination as the plan was to write a short review. Maybe after I’ve been at this for a while longer, I won’t be so prone to rambling on for so long.
It is a pretty amazing model. Unfortunately some of the parts are sometimes made of inferior materials that deteriorate. Its predecessor, the SG1, is nearly indestructible … aside from the plastic paper rest.
Understood. I wish the SG1 held as much appeal to me as the SG3 does. I don’t think I’ve ever read a single negative comment about the SG1 of a serious nature. But with the exception of things made from wood (guitars, furniture, houses, etc.) I almost always fall prey to those designs from the 60’s and later. With few exceptions that’s how it’s always been with cars, motorcycles for example and apparently it’s little different when it comes to typewriters. I can only hope that the parts in the SG3 outlast me — which might not be saying all that much, lol. (Or at least until I simply can’t pick the thing up any longer.)
I’ve got one of each model, both in good shape, both serviced by a local professional, and I prefer the SG3, which in this case at least has a lighter, more encouraging touch. I don’t suppose all SG1s feel as ponderous as mine—and I use the word in a relative sense; it’s no heavier or harder to use than an SM3—so the only “negative comment” I’d make on the model is that it’s so hard to find one that hasn’t had the crap beaten out of it.
John, yours is a good reminder that after this much time has passed, none of these machines feel exactly like they did when new. Especially when considering just how varied their individual use might have been over the years. Not even those machines falling into the same make/year/model feel the same as one another for this reason.
Ah yes, they cast a mighty strong spell, they do. But there’s only one antidote: keep writing!
Agreed. Although it is ironic, as that was my problem to begin with! I believe that I just have to keep working on how to say more with fewer words. Although to be fair, a good percentage of what I wrote about was the feature set of the typewriter which is considerable.
I’ve never had an SG1 or SG3, but those I used were not all that impressive to use (to me they are like the square body H3k with a nicer touch). The quality of manufacturing was great, but I manage to out type most Olympia models, including the big office machines. Even at slower speeds than my usual slow typing I’ve never used a typewriter with as many type bar jams as something made by Olympia. I would like to have a nice SG1 or SG3 to compare side by side with the Hermes Ambassador.
Hi Bill, I’m not sure what to say about your Olympia experiences, but keep in mind that I’ve only been at this for about 1/2 year now. I don’t know that I’ve ever out typed any machine, although I’ve encountered frustration with a number of different Royal typewriters skipping on me. However, I think this has more to do with me and my touch than with Royal typewriters themselves. I’m well aware of just how popular they were, and still are today. (My wife loves them.)
One of the things that I really like about typewriters is that the cost of entry is relatively affordable compared to so many other pursuits. If a person doesn’t like one brand or machine, they can always try another without too much hassle. I’ve owned some well regarded typewriters given the short period of time I’ve been involved in this hobby even though I didn’t hang on to them and I’ve tried out even more. Yet through it all, it’s been the Olympias that I’ve enjoyed the most overall. (I’m also fond of the 5 Series Smith-Coronas.) Still, I can totally understand how Olympia’s might not appeal to everyone (or even work all that well for all involved). Overall, I’m just glad that there are so many different machines out there to choose from.
Hell, I’d read it!
You would probably think differently about four or five pages in, lol.
By the way John, it was a post on your blog that got me to thinking about creating my own stationery. (One of your blog posts included images of the personal letterhead that belonged to the former owner of a typewriter that you purchased.) I would really be having a good time if my wife’s printer could pull off full-bleed printing. But as it is, I’ve still been having a lot fun with it.
I hate the phrase “kill two birds with one stone,” so my wife and I changed it to “catch two birds with one hand.” Feel free to steal that.
Maybe, when you are ready to rewrite your review, you should focus on the features that make it truly unique. Of those, decide which are worth detailing, and which are suitable for mentions.
I like the phrase “Catch two birds with one hand”. My compliments to you both.