Actually, you will find the harp areas are larger on the vintage machines than the newer machines. When I first took my 301A to quilting, I almost felt like an outcast. Everyone else had newer machines with all the bells and whistles. I finally bought a new machine and I absolutely hated the thing. I practically gave it away just to get rid of it. I love the vintage machines, my favorite is my Viking 6440, then my two New Home L372's, and my three 301's (two long beds, one short bed). I can do all the maintenance on them myself. When I purchase each one I take it to my service guy (Wild Man) for a total checkup/cleanup. After that I can do most maintenance myself. My machines only go in for a check up occasionally.