I have 4 Berninas. Two sewing machines a serger and an embroidery machine. I purchased my 1260 while I was an employee of a Bernina dealer. I had to have the computer replaced about 5 years ago but the machine certainly doesn't owe me anything. I like having a seperate embroidery machine first because it was less expensive, it is basically a Brother machine as they held the patent when it was made. I can also be running something on it while I am sewing on the other machines. I also hate having to dismantle parts of one machine to make it do other functions. That is the reason I spent more for a serger that would also do the rolled hem with just the push of a button rather than changing the plates etc. I am not interested in a Bernina that sews and embroiders even though it would be able to do the 7 inch designs. The decorative stitches that came with my machine are more than I can ever use now.

No matter which machine you decide to buy, make sure you will be happy with it's features in a year. If you can upgrade to next model, few more stitches or what not, you will be happier in the long run. Buy the best you can for the money you want to spend.

You have to also look at the different features that come with each machine, is a walking foot included or how much do it cost separately? I like the Janome, personnaly. I have an older model. Is easy to work with and you can find different feet and accesoraries on line at a good price. I also have a Brother Quatro6000, and embroidery machine, and a small 11 pound Brother, which is great for classes. But you have to decide for your self, we are only adding our 2cents worth of information.

As tough as it might be, I would recommend considering the machines themselves and try not to think about the personalities of the salespeople. Companies go out of business, sell, or retire. Sales people come and go, and people sometimes move and take their machines along so that store relationship is less important than the machine. If you honestly evaluate machines, learn all you can, you’ll feel confident about the choice you make.

How much will you use your new machine for embroidery and how long would you like to be able to use the machine before you have to replace it?

Embroidery puts machines through a lot of use. A design with 5,000 thousand stitches is a small design. It's common to run designs of 20,000 stitches and easy to do 50,000 and more for a single design. It doesn't take a lot to run the total stitch count of a home sewing machine into millions of stitches a year. So how much use are home machines intended for? Real commercial embroidery machines such as Tajima or Barudan are designed to run reliably all day long for years with minimum maintenance. They are able do this because their moving parts are metal. So take a clue from their design, metal lasts and plastic fails over time.

The hook mechanism is the heart of the embroidery system. Take a look at what each brand offers, especially how easy it is to disassemble and clean the hook assembly area. I have not seen a Janome, so I can’t tell you what’s in there. Bernina caught my eye initially because it’s hook mechanism compares favorably to commercial embroidery machines that I run. I have a Bernina 630 as my home sewing machine, it has the same hook mechanism as the 430 you are considering.

Also, look at embroidery design stitch counts. You can see many designs, including their counts on the internet at various vendors. Think about what you'd like to be able to make over the years. Those stitch counts start adding up, and don’t forget to add in the regular sewing you also expect the machine to do and it becomes a lot of use. One machine may have a lower price initially, but if it is made of parts that wear out then low price turns into high cost.

Good luck and happy stitching with whatever choice you make!

I would not trade my Janome 6600 for any other machine on the market..mine doesn't have any glitches..i paid $1500. for mine. came with the extension table,white, and a cloth like cover,feet etc...I think one of the main things to consider when buying any machine, is your dealer..mine is wonderful..
how to the "feet" prices compare? check that out..

www.patternreview.com
has owner pros and cons and prices they paid for thier machines, tons of makes and models..and that part of the website is free.

You can buy the BSR (Bernina stitch regulator) for the 430. The Janome doesn't have one. That would be the deciding factor for me.

I had a Janome before I bought my Bernina 440 this last spring and before that I had a Bernina 930. I would never give up my Bernina. I don't miss the Janome at all. I figured I have never had a problem with my Bernina the 25 plus years I had it. My store wasn't very helpful either, but I have talked with other dealers and they have all been very helpful. Actually the person I bought mine from is a lot better now. I guess we just needed to get to know each other. I am in the process of buying the laptop I need for the 440QE. Can't wait, because there are many quilting and embroidery stitches I can utilize in my quilting.
I would go with the Bernina myself. PS I still have my 930 and would not give that one up either.

I have had my Janome 4800Quilter's Edition since 2001~love it. Never a problem.
I just bought my daugher a Janome Magnolia at a local shop where she lives so that she could have service,etc. and got her all the extra feet.
I've been very happy and never considered anything else.

What are the prices of any accessories/feet? I have the Janome 6600 and love the extra wide throat space. I don't know if the Bernina has that. Since I bought my machine, I have only been back to the dealer once or twice, and I bought it about 3 years ago.

I also found a group on Yahoo just for owners of the Janome MC6600 and have found useful tips there. Usually any glitches are operator error.

Either machine would probably do what you want them to once the final decision is made.

Why don't you compare warranties and how well their service departments work. That might help you with your decision.

I'm a Bernina girl myself.