Ace Typewriter & Equipment Company

is this business still open? the phone number says the party is busy and offers no message option…

Lovely place that will satisfy your needs. Matt is helpful and patient, he will make you feel comfortable with the typewriter with all hos helpful tips. Definitely stop by and support him and his lovely pooch.

Got a typewriter fixed here for my blind grandmother a few years ago. They did an excellent job and it was great to find a place who could repair a typewriter as there are so few that can. They also sell typewriters and there are some posters on the walls that look like they are from the 1940’s or 50’s. If your machine needs a tune-​up or you are looking to buy a typewriter this is the place to go.

Ace, and by association Matt, is a Portland treasure. We live in a time when masters of all kind of analog technologies are fewer and fewer. Matt is a second generation typewriter repairman/​dealer; his father Dennis opened the shop at this location in 1961 and built the business with his wife Carol. Dennis passed away this past February, and Matt continues the business with his almost incomprehensibly encyclopedic knowledge of the inner workings, fixes and peccadillos of over 80 years of typewriter development. Most other businesses in town that sell quality typewriters bring them to Matt for repairs.
Matt has a backlog of customer repairs and will sometimes ask for you to bring a machine back later. If you are in a bind, traveled far to visit, let him know and he’ll work with you. He sells machines that he has serviced and warranties each one. Prices range from around $ 100 to $ 500 for more exotic makes/​models. Average seems to be about $ 180, which will get you a flawlessly functioning American or European portable. He generally has 10 – 20 machines ready for sale. If you want something specific, ask as he may have one waiting for overhaul.
Happy typing!

I’m thrilled with the service I received here. I brought two vintage typewriters, family heirlooms, that didn’t work. I was worried it would cost $ 150 or so to fix them. Not only did Ace fix both typewriters, but it was very inexpensive and the service was fast and friendly! Thank you so much to everyone at Ace for providing an environment where we can restore our old treasures. I will cherish using these beautiful machines thanks to your help!

I love this place too. I discovered it when I worked down in North Portland at the shipyards area. I would drive by it often on Lombard there when going out to lunch.
I took a 1920s Royal typewriter there, and the owner quickly fixed me up with a new ribbon.
I too love the history and hearing all about the owner’s love of typewriters and hearing about the various kinds. The best part is seeing this typewriter repair shop, as it is quite a museum too.
Love it!!!
Starr

I can’t speak more highly of this place. I’ve been buying typewriters since I was 12 years old. I spent some of my formative years struggling to learn the ins and outs of taking care of them when they had troubles. I did alright, but I’m a total hack in comparison to the guys that own this place. Father & Son duo that have been around since the 1960s. It’s the son that does pretty much all of the repair at this point, and I can’t imagine how incredible it is to be one of a very small handful of people left in the world that so intimately know the ins and outs of these beautiful machines.
They do 100% quality work for 1962 prices. They also have a envy inducing collection of typewriters & adding machines. Worth it just to check out the history. :)

An amazing place, almost like a mini-​museum. I’ve been bringing my typewriter collection here for the last 2 years. Great Father/​Son duo back there, among the ribbons, hammers and all the things that make typewriters great. Check out the FOX in the front of the store, an amazing machine not for sale, but beautiful. Pick up something that is for sale, for a nostalgic mate or lover who you want to send you more mail. Love this place.

Ace Typewriter shares the distinction of being the only typewriter repair store on the West Coast. So when you buy a beautiful old typewriter at your local thrift store and become utterly inspired to put into print your love letters and memoirs, you can rest easy that on the occasion that it breaks, someone will be there to help.