janome now (owns) brother---so they have the good warrenties now too...i (had) a really expensive viking & a couple brother's --- the kids used to (fight) over getting to use one of the brother's...they would wait - stand in line for one while the viking sat there idle! they are good (beginner) machines too- i bought brother's for my granddaughter's when they wanted to start sewing because they had (speed-control) which is a good feature for a young person just learning- they love their machines & the machines have held up very well....i did wear one out---but i sure got my money's worth before it was finally (done!)
janome now has---janome, brother, pfaff, (elna?) and necci machines...they are a good long-standing company (151 years - i think it was last year they had their 150th anniversary) they stand by their products, good customer service...affordable and lasting.