1950’s Underwood Quiet Tab Golden Touch Tutorial

Welcome to your life-altering writing machine!

The Underwood Golden Touch typewriter was introduced around 1956, manufactured in the United States during an era when Underwood sought to bring a more modern and user-friendly machine to the market. The “Golden Touch” name referred both to the gold-accented front panel and to its specially engineered keyboard, which was designed for a lighter, smoother typing experience thanks to advancements in the touch control system. This line included models such as the Golden Touch Universal and Quiet Tab De Luxe, known for their sleek looks—a signature gold grille—and for features like adjustable margins, color ribbon selectors, and improved carriage mechanisms.

The Golden Touch series was designed by Paul Artem Braginetz, who helped shape its distinctive mid-century profile with “tombstone” keys and bold lines, making it a favorite for both appearance and performance. While not as commonly named by famous users as some earlier Underwood models, anecdotes from enthusiasts tell of these machines being treasured graduation or birthday gifts—their distinctive gold details making them prized possessions for young writers and aspiring professionals. Stories circulate of Golden Touch typewriters being handed down through families, valued not just for their reliability but for the joy of their light touch, fostering everything from first short stories to business correspondence. Its unique style and smooth performance have helped it become a favorite among collectors who appreciate the nostalgia and craftsmanship of late-1950s American design.

Here is the manual for your machine, in case you wish to peruse in the meantime.

Take it slowly and gently at first, and try not to force anything. Everything was tested when I sent it out, so it should be working when it arrives. I pack as carefully as possible, based on years of experience.

If something is not working as specified, we can find a solution.

That being said, each machine has it's little quirks, and that is just part of writing on a functional antique. No two are exactly alike, and I say this after going through hundreds. Learning to dance with a particular machine is a process, and a worthy one!

And some people write about skipping letters or the carriage not advancing, etc. Sometimes that has to do with the. mechanism. Usually it has to do with technique. It takes some practice to type reliably and consistently on a typewriter. Some fingers are weaker than others at first, or they linger longer, causing skipping. Use a quick, firm keystroke.

Often there is no '1' key, use the lowercase L. And if there is no '!', use the ', and then back up and put a period under it. 

I sell ribbons here. It can take black or red and black.

Here is the handmade paper that your note came on and the envelope it came in. (In case you decide to enrich the world with your typewritten musings).

A typewriter pad can quiet this beauty some. This is the finest one in the world, in my humble opinion.

Please let me know if you have questions.

Enjoy the writing!

PS. I offer a trade-in policy, in case you ever want to upgrade or switch, you can trade your machine in for the value you paid toward anything else.