Hi, I don't know if this will help but I just purchased a Janome 6600. When I had my lesson on it she told me to use Schmetz needles. She said Janome needles are made by Schmetz and they are the same needles because Janome just puts their name of them. She also said Schmetz has great information on their site about sewing machine needles. She also told me to change the needle after 8-9 hours of sewing and if using polyester products as in battings, etc to change them sooner.
Carrie