Maybe people just don't let those go - I have a 403 that I will never sell. I'll sell a 401 first. I have a complete set of disks for the 403. You may be right maybe there were less made. It would be interesting to know. The 401s are very fascinating though with being able to change the stitches at the flick of a knob. I just find it kind of confusing to have to know not only the 2 knob letter combos but the lever number too to repeat the stitch at will. With the 403 I just stick in the disk and that is what design I get every time.

The 401 is my sentimental favorite, but I like sewing with the 403's and 503's better, too.

The look at the guts shows the main reason - the 403 and 503 aren't as easily gunked up and frozen as the "top of the line" models. :)

You are right the 403 and the 503 don't gunk and freeze - not at the stitch selector since they don't have one.

And now I have to eat those words too. I have a 503 I was going to show someone. While I was waiting for the lady to show up I thought I would make up a swatch. So I was sewing merrily away and the thing would quit after a few stitches. New swatch. It did it again. And again. so I took the lid off. Inside was probably dried 3 in 1 oil. There is a pin like thing the needle bar goes back and forth on - it was gunked up and then if you follow that to the rectangle thing and look under it where it goes under the cam (way at the bottom) - that pin thing was gunked up too. Anyway a bit of clean up especially in that area and she runs slick as ever. Nothing like an embarrassing moment is there?

Thanks for the information. I have both the 500 and 503 and I like the 503 much better.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zFE4I..._order&list=UL - real nice video on oiling a Singer 500 it will apply to the 503, the 401 and 403 as well

Thanks Miriam this blog , you wrote helped me sell a 503. Thanks again. Great information.

I just today bought a 503 complete with 19 of the available discs and many extra accessories. It's going to take me a month of Sundays to read through and familiarize with this beautiful new baby!

Actually those are pretty easy to use

Thank you, Miriam - appreciate that 'vote of confidence'. I'm looking forward to sitting down with her today and just familiarize myself with all she has to offer!!