Why GRC Ribbons Stand Out in Typewriter Care
GRC supplies replacement ribbons and correction products for a broad range of typewriters, calculators, and point-of-sale machines—including many models whose original supplies are difficult to find.
A Practical Replacement-Ribbon Specialist
General Ribbon Company has produced replacement imaging supplies since 1928. Typewriters.com recommends GRC because its catalog covers popular formats as well as many older machines—but the exact ribbon still needs to be matched to the machine.
What Makes GRC Useful to Typewriter Owners?
A Closer Look at the GRC T17BR
The GRC T17BR is a black-and-red two-spool replacement ribbon. Its format is compatible with many typewriter, calculator, and point-of-sale models across brands such as Adler, Brother, Olivetti, Olympia, Royal, Sears, Silver Reed, Smith Corona, and Swintec.
The two-color design is useful on machines with a functioning ribbon-color selector: black for ordinary text and red for emphasis, accounting entries, headings, or creative work.
Match a GRC Ribbon in Four Steps
Record the model
Find the manufacturer and complete model number on the machine.
Inspect the current supply
Note whether it is a spool ribbon, enclosed cartridge, fabric ribbon, or film ribbon.
Compare the details
Check part numbers, ribbon width, spool style, color, and listed machine compatibility.
Confirm correction type
For electronic machines, match correctable or non-correctable ribbon film to the proper tape.
GRC Also Makes Correction Products
Many electronic typewriters use a ribbon-and-tape system that lets the machine correct a recently typed character. GRC produces correction products for selected Brother, IBM, Nakajima, Royal, Swintec, and other machines.
The GRC-compatible Brother correction tape shown here is one example. Compatibility depends on both the typewriter model and the ink ribbon installed.
Explore Correction SuppliesKnow Which Ribbon System You Have
Spool Ribbons
- Common on manual and many older electric typewriters
- Available in single-color and two-color formats
- May require original spools or model-specific eyelets
- Threading direction matters
Ribbon Cartridges
- Common on electronic and daisywheel typewriters
- Designed around a specific machine family
- May be correctable film or non-correctable fabric
- Often paired with a specific correction tape
GRC Ribbon FAQs
Will a universal typewriter ribbon fit every typewriter?
No. Universal ribbons fit many machines using a common spool and ribbon format, but not every typewriter. Check the model list and supply specifications.
How do I know when a ribbon needs replacing?
Faint or uneven characters often indicate a dry or worn ribbon. Confirm that the ribbon is threaded correctly and advancing before replacing it.
Can I use black/red ribbon if my machine has no color selector?
The ribbon may physically fit, but without a working selector the machine may print only from one vertical section. A solid black ribbon is usually the simpler choice.
What is the difference between lift-off and cover-up correction tape?
Lift-off tape removes correctable film from the page; cover-up tape places an opaque layer over an error. Use the tape specified for the ribbon system.
Give Your Typewriter a Fresh Impression
Browse the GRC collection by machine or send us your model number for help finding the right ribbon and correction combination.
Need help matching a ribbon? Call (404) 377-1884 Monday–Friday, 9 AM–5 PM ET, or email info@typewriters.com.
