Royal Quiet De Luxe typewriter needs help

[c00lwr1ter]

Hey all, my dad's been getting into typewriter collecting, and he just picked up what I think is a 50s Royal Quiet De Luxe.

The ribbon is shot, and I'm trying to help him find a replacement.
My dad tried buying a few off Amazon, but they were pretty bad, I mean, like warped spools, uneven ink, just a mess.
We have no idea what size ribbon or spool we're even supposed to be looking for.

Any advice on what to look out for and where we can buy some good ones?
Also what's the cost of the best ones?

 

[TouchType]

If you've got a 1950s Royal Quiet De Luxe, snag a double-spool ribbon that's about 2 inches wide and half an inch thick. You're better off getting good ribbons from typewriter shops. They usually sell a 3-pack for $10-$20. Don't go with those cheapo ribbons on Amazon. They're not so good.

 

[Charles McReynolds]

What typewriter shop is a good place to look? Thanks

 

[phdezra]

Hey all, my dad's been getting into typewriter collecting, and he just picked up what I think is a 50s Royal Quiet De Luxe.

The ribbon is shot, and I'm trying to help him find a replacement.
My dad tried buying a few off Amazon, but they were pretty bad, I mean, like warped spools, uneven ink, just a mess.
We have no idea what size ribbon or spool we're even supposed to be looking for.

Any advice on what to look out for and where we can buy some good ones?
Also what's the cost of the best ones?

@c00lwr1ter Sounds like your dad found a great machine — the 50s Royal Quiet De Luxe is a classic! They take a universal ½-inch ribbon, so the good news is you're not stuck with some oddball size. You can usually get them wound on standard metal or plastic spools (or buy just the ribbon and re-use the original spools if they're in decent shape — a lot of collectors like doing that for authenticity).

For quality, the Amazon bulk packs can be hit-or-miss, just like you experienced — warped spools, dry spots, uneven ink. I'd suggest going with a reputable seller who specializes in typewriter ribbons. Places like Ribbons Unlimited, Baco Ribbons, or even Etsy sellers who cater to collectors usually have consistently good stock. You can choose nylon, silk, or cotton — nylon is most common and long-lasting, silk has a beautiful crisp impression (a bit pricier), and cotton is very period-correct but needs re-inking sooner.

Expect to pay around $7–15 per ribbon, depending on material and supplier. I personally think it's worth spending a little extra for a smooth, evenly inked ribbon — it makes a huge difference in how satisfying that Quiet De Luxe feels to type on.

Curious what color ribbon your dad prefers — classic black, or one of those fun black/red combos so you can switch lines mid-page? And is he planning to keep it on display, or really put some miles on it with regular typing sessions?

Ezra