a typewritten plea for help

A few days ago, Mr. Rowe sent the following query to a group of friends. We're still struggling with an answer, so I repost it here because youse guys are the smartest. Help us please. George needs earmuffs.

I've been writing a lot over the last few days on one of the manual typewriters we bought down in Asheville. It's a lot of fun and, counterintuitively (to me at least), has made me worry a lot less about producing "clean" first drafts.

Anyway, it's loud. I mean LOUD. Gwenda's developing strategies to deal, but poor George the Dog isn't happy with it at all (and really, G isn't _happy_). All of which leads me to this. I'm having the devil's own time finding a US dealership list for the companies that still make manuals (Olivetti and Olympia seems to be about it, though apparently there are companies in India that make 'em, but not for distribution over here). I think the main problem I'm having is that my google skills suck. Anybody have the time or inclination to help me out (or rather, help George and Gwenda out) with this? I've tried what seems like dozens of keywords and search parameters, and while I can find lots of places to buy them ONLINE, I kinda want to go check one out before I get a new one.

This is all on the theory that the newer models are quieter than my current one, of course.

If anybody has any experience with newer model manuals and is willing to share your knowledge post in the comments or email Christopher at CVRowe AT Gmail DOT com. He's also posted his own query at his site.