The Joy of a Manual Typewriter | Video Essay
Ойын-сауық
In my seemingly endless quest for analog artistry, I've rediscovered something I'd left behind decades ago: a manual typewriter. The beauty of design, the built-to-last craftsmanship, and the distraction-free physicality of seeing your words become a real, physical object has utterly captivated me. The typewriter is a true creativity machine - a direct interface between your thoughts and the real world.
In this video, I discuss my process of finding my typer (a 70's-era Olympia SM9), what it is I find so captivating about them, and how they have affected my creative approach. So come have a listen! I won't be surprised if you start looking at thrift stores, garage sales, or Craigslist for your very own typewriter. Don't say I didn't warn you.
Under the Big Tree is Nick Peck's KZread channel, focused on creativity, music and sound design equipment and techniques, composition, production and performance of music, modular synthesizers and electronic music in general.
www.underthebigtree.com
Пікірлер: 21
Totally awesome. You brought back a time in my life that, even though it was a tragic time, Vietnam and the horrid issues of that era. I was not a typist. But I was a note taker. I worked for Red Cross, answered the phone, and wrote the message, using a fountain pen and Parker Quink black ink. The note was taken to the general secretary who quickly typed the note, along with response, and it was filed away with other papers of importance, to be sent, eventually to the appropriate person or department. I still use my fountain pen, and Parker Quink black ink, for letters, journals, and just about any excuse to find reason to write. Bravo to you. Keep the fashion alive.
The Olivetti Lettera 32 was my first and best typewriter I used as a high school student. I liked using it instead of handwriting some of my homework assignment papers, since 1969. Unfortunately, my typewriter was stolen from my apartment that was burglarized on March 18, 1977. I miss my Olivetti Lettera 32 more than the "expensive" Kenwood stereo receiver. There were some high school papers in my typewriter case. That made the loss of my typewriter heartbroken, even today in 2024. Your story is great. It touches my feelings like nothing else could touch.
*I BOUGHT A LITTLE PORTABLE MANUAL TYPEWRITER* last week for typing names on garment labels - I played around with it as an alternative to my 27" iMac I discovered something amazing - it used a completely different, quieter, deeper thinking part of my brain. For me its not the distraction fee - I have very little clutter on my computer and no pop ups - its something about the MECHANICAL process that 'hacks' my brain. I bought an Olympia SG 1 1958 which arrived yesterday - Im fascinated by this new development in my life.
You’re a poet! Thanks from Costa Rica!
Wonderful essay. I also use an Olympia SM9. Amazing engineering.
Great video! Just got an Olympia SM9 myself, cant wait to use it!
Hi Nick. Thank you for the informative video...delivered in near lyrical fashion. What a delight to hear of your writing journey over the decades. As for my story, I'm on a computer all week for business, (my wife and I own a music school). But when I'm not at my "regular job" I'm working on my fourth novel, a mystery. I've used manual typewriters for my manuscripts and love writing with these wonderful machines. The only downside to doing so much writing on a typewriter is how difficult it is for me to go back to typing on a computer keyboard...for me it feels "dead" compared to the rhythm and "push" of typing on a manual machine. In total I own four typewriters, but my two favorites are a 1961 Olympia SM 7 and a 1965 Olympia SM 9. Both are so smooth to use, but a just a little bit different from each other. Thanks again for the very enjoyable video!
was a typewriter nerd back in late 60 belong to my parents the brand was underwood and royal even for a3 size also, those belong to the company they own that those typewriter reside in my parents house, during in college my brand of choose is japan made such as brother and silvereed, thanks for sharing sir just to remind me as a typewriter freaks..😊
Bravo and ditto!
Awesome story sir
Nice work Nick!
the irony of getting away from the shiny edited digital world to a scripted polished youtube video, would love to hear an update w/o the polish scripted version.
I think that especially those of us who have to spend a lot of time in front of computers in our work lives appreciate doing something a little more tactile, and not depending on electricity and a working internet connection here and there.
Wonderful video.
right on, man.
Hello, Mr. Peck! I’m trying to get ahold of you, and meeting with some difficulty! :D
@UndertheBigTree
4 жыл бұрын
Hey Marc - I just sent my contact info to you via the Buchla general info request page. Shoot me an email or give me a ring!
I have thirteen typewriters. Smith coronas Hermes and Royals.
Nice 1. ( I got two and a 👄 { CrossFade } And I not affraid to use them. ) 🤭 🔥🔥 + I got loads and loads of magical ribbons. 👄
How odd. This video narration describes everything about the typewriter; yet nowhere is there an actual example of the classic sound it will make, which is the only reason I came here.