lindaschipper

After knocking my Janome 6500P off my quilting frame and having it separate at the seams, I took it into the repair shop. The 6500P has more stitches on it than I will ever want to use or can use...I should have really checked it out before purchasing it online. Anyway I told this to my repair man and he showed me a Janome 1600P straight stitch only machine. He said it was brought back in after a woman passed away by her husband that didn't know what to do with it, and thought she had only used it 5 times or so. To me, it looked a little rougher than that, but he had the box and everything for it. He's asking $600 for it.
It won't be an upgrade throat space wise ( I can only quilt about 4-5" at a time) from my 6500P, but I'm still thinking about it. Is this a good price on a used 1600P?

Donnamarie

If you have a larger throat space now, you will not be happy without it unless you don't do any machine quilting. That's my two cents. Don't know much about the Janome's you are talking about, I only have a Janome Gem to take to classes.

EasyPeezy

Agree with what Donnamarie said. I'm sure none of us who have 300-350 stitches
on our machines use them all. There are other features that make them attractive.
But they come together with the gazillion stitches. Hope you can find the right
machine that will fit your needs.

Jingle

I FMQ on either of two 9" throat machines I use all the time. I have FMQd some queen size quilts. They are straight stitch only machines. I would never use more stitches. I have 4 other machines with multiple stitches but, smaller throats.

DeneK

I have the 1600P and it is my go-to machine for straight stitching. It is a workhorse. But I did not ever learn to use it for quilting. Either by itself or on a frame. I know many do, but didn't work for me. If I didn't have another machine with a few of the specialty stitches, I would not be happy with it as my only machine.

Shelbie

That seems to be a high price for that machine.

QuiltE

When I had a machine in for servicing and waiting for a part, I was loaned a 1600P.
Discovered very fast that it IS a work horse, and would jump at it if I had the chance (and need).
A very simple, plain-jane machine, but one that is highly sought after by those doing lots of stitching.

Price ... to me, $600 sounds like a good/fair price.
Though the only way you would know if it is, is to find out what the going prices are in your area.
Keep in mind that by no means is it a new model.

The big questions for you to ask yourself ... is it going to do what you want it to do?
What does it not have that you need/want?
What extras do you get with it?

cashs_mom

I agree with QuiltE. Another thing you might want to check is if he's going to warranty if for you. I'd also go with your gut feeling. If the machine looks rough, it's probably been treated badly even if not sewn on that much. That would be a no-go for me.

illinois

Maybe the machine was preowned when the last person bought it? Maybe she did use it only a few times but what about before her? Can you find this machine on ebay to get somewhat of an idea what it might be worth? Yes, I'd inquire about warranty from the current seller.

Joset

that is a good price i paid 1050.00 for mine.