kathyk

I'm shopping for a new machine, and I like what I saw with this model today but I'm getting conflicted information from 2 different dealers. Dealer #1 says the machine he has in stock ,which has a RED front panel on the left, is no longer being made, that Janome has changed the front panel to WHITE, and stripped it of features but kept the same model #. I purchased my current Janome machine from this store.
Dealer #2 says "don't buy that machine with the RED panel. Janome quit making it because of so many problems with the computer programming." She says there are no discernible differences in features (she's an online dealer with who has a good reputation among my quilting friends).
There is $600 difference between the two also.
Do any of you Quilting Board members have either of these machines? Can you share your thoughts on the above, or tell me of your experiences please?

CarolinePaj

Hi,

I can only tell you of my personal experience.... I have the 7700 with the red panel (thought they only made the 7700 with the red) and I love it..... Never had any problems and really enjoy all the features.

hugs

Caroline

Neesie

I also have the 7700 with the red panel . . . and yes, I also LOVE it! I've had mine several years now and have had NO problems with it, whatsoever.

LindaM

Ditto to Caroline, ditto to Nessie. Love my machine! Have had it for about three years, it gets LOTS of workouts Handles whatever I throw at it or through it.

QuiltE

My understanding was that the red panel was in a sense, just a novelty feature ... you know, to get you to want to have the "special" edition. Though I do not think the workings of it were any difference.

When I purchased the 6600, I could have go the 7700. Later I wished that I had got it, when I knew more about the differences. However, if I were buying today, I would skip over both, and go for the 8200 or 8900. Both newer machines, but with a lot of improved updates to the 6600/7700s.

LyndaOH

I had the 6600, then the red 7700 and now the 8900. The red 7700 wasn't my favorite. It did have issues, and they have now come out with the beige version under the New Home brand; it is available through direct sales (as opposed to only through dealers). I am a lot happier with the 8900, but would have been happy with the 8200 as well. If you can afford to go to the 8200/8900 I would.

canmitch1971

I have the 7700 and love mine too..

Joset

i bought the 7700 with red panel and i love mine. haven't had problems. my sister bought the 8900
both machine are still running good

luana

I agree with Lynda. I have owned the 6600, 7700, and now the 8900. The big advantages I see in the 8900 over the 7700 are the snap off needle plate and snap on feet for acufeed - STD, 1/4 inch, open. The 7700 was my least favorite, I would go back to the 6600 in a minute. Loved the independent bobbin winder.

mkc

Here you go http://www.tv-sewingcenter.com/pdf/j...comp-chart.pdf

Red panel came out first, includes extension table. Can by sold only in-store by Janome "Horizon"-level dealers. There were some early issues with the 1/4" foot not being right (Janome provided a new O2 foot free of charge) and IIRC some issues with the feed dogs not being level on the initial machines.

White panel came out after, doesn't include extension table (don't know as I'd call that "stripped of features"), can be sold by any Janome dealer AND over the Internet.

They are the same machine otherwise.

There was a "limited edition" of the 8900 a year or so ago that had a red panel (and that was the only difference between it and the regular 8900).

I have a red 7700 that has been problem free, but I like the AcuFeed Flex design and needle plate system of the 8900 better so I'm seriously thinking of trading.

Michelle