Ribbons, typewriters, PLEASE?

Question

Alright I want to bid on a typewriter on ebay. I plan to use it. Its a Royal, and Ive gone to the Royal website and thet have ribbons. I dont know anything about ribbons with typewriters. Does a certain typewriter have to have a certain ribbon? Ive looked on the Royal website and on a certain ribbons page (online store) they say it fits a certain typewriter and thats the only one on their list. Would it fit another Royal? If not, where can I get ribbon that can?

Answer 1

Back in the day, when I used a typewriter for work and at home, the ribbons had to match the brand and series number of the machine in order to fit correctly.

Be careful purchasing a typewriter on eBay, many times they are being sold because there are no longer ribbons being made for them or parts available for repair.

It is similar to changing ink cartridges in a printer, it has to fit exactly or will not fit in the guides against the platten correctly and you will not be able to see any words on the paper.

I know some people who work for local small town newspapers, and they prefer to use typewriters,  and have purchased a few on eBay and cannot find parts or ribbons.

Good luck.