Comments on: Thank the Ribbons!

By: Dave M

Dave M — Fri, 13 Sep 2024 22:26:00 +0000

I have found that when repairing old typewriters the carriage is to far back and that after adjusting it forward the characters will come out much clearer but you still need a good ribbon.

By: Daniel Marleau

Daniel Marleau — Wed, 15 Jul 2020 13:28:15 +0000

I got a cotton ribbon from typewriterstuff on eBay and it’s terrific. $24. Dark imprint. Almost a bit too much ink. It tends to gum up my ‘e’ slug. But since I like the nice imprint, I usually brush my slugs with a stiff brush before I write and it’s good for the day. It’s the only cotton ribbon I’ve used. I’d say if cost is not important, go for it. But the nylon ones are just fine, a bit fainter, but seem OK.

By: Rafael Cesar

Rafael Cesar — Sun, 12 Jul 2020 14:19:43 +0000

Thanks for the post, Daniel (strange to thank something from years ago, but it’s still useful!). Have you noticed any difference between the different brands? I was considering to buy cotton ones from Tony’s Typewriter Stuff, everyone seems very happy with it, but man they are expensive. Wondering if it’s worth it, or if I’d get the same or a very good quality with another reliable company. Since the post is now old, would you mind replying my comment updating which cotton ribbon brands (and where) do you buy nowadays and for how much? Many thanks!

By: Brad Loggans

Brad Loggans — Tue, 19 Nov 2019 13:18:00 +0000

High quality cotton ribbons are available from Baco Ribbon and Supply Company in Ballwin, MO. Phone is 314.835.9300 or 636.394.5475. Web is bacoribbon@sbcglobal.net. I order by phone…they wind ribbons to your order and turnaround is quick. Great people!

By: Huub Geraats

Huub Geraats — Sat, 25 Jun 2016 13:28:27 +0000

Found fresh SILK ribbons on Ebay.com. Black ribbon: Find number 182176653618 and Black/Red ribbon find number 182176569835

By: Stefan

Stefan — Mon, 07 Mar 2016 20:59:21 +0000

Pelikan still does Silk and Nylon Ribbons in a wide variety of sizes and also in black and red.
http://www.pelikan.com/pulse/Pulsar/en_US_INTL.Pelikan.psByCategory.195579.prodCat.other./

By: Mark

Mark — Tue, 01 Dec 2015 18:44:56 +0000

This is the best and most interesting thing you have posted so far. I learned quite a bit. Thanks!

By: Tom Hitt

Tom Hitt — Fri, 27 Nov 2015 13:34:26 +0000

Great post, thanks!

By: Steve K

Steve K — Thu, 26 Nov 2015 01:21:58 +0000

Interesting insight into ribbons. The black and red ones seem harder to find these days. Black ones are plentiful.

By: Richard P

Richard P — Wed, 25 Nov 2015 23:52:05 +0000

Very good post! I am grateful, too.

Baco Ribbons still offers silk. I get their nylon ribbons, which work quite well in my experience.

Bliven’s estimate of how much you can type with a single cotton ribbon sounds very high, but maybe so!