Sewing embroidery machine?
 

I've been planning on buying one of these for some time but can't for the love of me decide which to go for. Have spent hours trawling the net reading reviews looking for best deals etc but just when I think I'm going to bite the bullet and chose I start dithering and wonder if the choice would be the best for me. Basically I've got the HV DD deluxe, Janome 12000 or Bernina 830 in mind. It's such a huge investment to make I'm aghast that I end up with the wrong machine. There are no outlets nearby that I know of where I could try out the machines which is a bit of a pain so need to make a decision based on information and reviews. I'd really appreciate any advice/recommendations from those who are already using any of these machines, the good and the bad. Thank you any suggestions really appreciated.

I'm guessing the HV DD is the Diamond Royale by Viking? Friend has it and loves everything about it. I couldn't afford it but it's a dream machine. Don't know anything about the others.
Good luck!

Thank you. I've read they're all great machines but then come across reviews that find fault with them. I have a sapphire already so feel comfortable with the HV. I have a little janome but I didn't do well with it though I don't think ?I've read any bad reviews about their more powerful models. I'm a bit worried that the Bernina may be too hi tech for me. I have zero experience of the Bernina range.

There's something wrong with every machine, depending on who you talk to. I stick with Viking's because they are all I've ever had. Someone else will love the Bernina and so on. Try them out and get the one that works for you. I just bought the Sapphire 960Q and I have the old old #1+. I can do little embroidery on it but didn't take to it like I thought I would. After selling Vikings for a while and having to keep the embroidery machine going constantly I decided it wasn't something I had to have right now. I'd love the new sit down quilter though.

I would suggest a trip to each dealer and test drive the different machines. That is simply too much of an investment to leave up to someone else and their opinion. By testing the machines personally, you will discover options you don't like, things you just can't live with, and functions that will seal the deal. Be an informed shopper and go with some pricing in mind, ask lots of questions and no spur of the moment decisions. You will be happier in the long run.

Those two machines you are considering are top of the line. It makes sense to bite the bullet and visit the dealers for test drives even if of a couple of hours away drive. They are worth too much $$ to NOT invest the time to check them out for a test drive. Would you purchase a car sight and test drive unseen??

Sandy

This makes sense. Unfortunately the north east of Scotland appears to be quite poorly served in terms of dealers. There are plenty outlets selling fairly basic models but a shortage of specialist outlets for specific brands though I've maybe just missed them!

Don't discount the bad reviews just because you haven't had problems with your machine of the same brand. The thing is, the embroidery machines are pretty sophisticated pieces of equipment, and there is more that can go wrong with a combo machine than a straight sewing machine. During my own process to buy a new combo machine, I became really enamored with both the Viking Diamond Deluxe and the Pfaff Creative Performance. While at a dealer one day checking out the CP, I saw a lady who was dropping off her CP for service. She also saw me looking at the CP and she sat in the parking lot and waited for me to come out. She approached when I left the store and told me that she would recommend against buying the CP, as hers had been in the shop three times in six months and they couldn't figure out what was wrong with it. She also advised against buying a Viking and suggested I do a blog search for those machines to find out what others were saying. Long story a little shorter, I marked both brands off my list, as neither of them are what they were 10 years ago.

My mom has had many Viking machines and has loved them all, but the dealer where she bought them no longer will sell them or Pfaff because of the many problems they've had with the machines.

Definitely test out whatever you are interested in before you purchase, but do your homework too. I have read horror stories of waiting for MONTHS for a new motor for a new Viking machine because the old motor was bad when the machine was purchased, as well as many other stories. Yes, there are always a few lemons out there, but when you keep hearing the same problems over and over you should take note.

For the record, I wouldn't buy a current 7 or 8 series Bernina either based on what I've heard about them. If I were looking at machines in the price range you're considering, I'd be looking at either Janome or Brother. I have both brands, and while Brother is my all time favorite (four machines and counting from them), I wouldn't completely ignore Janome.

I have the janome 11000 se but when the 12000 came out I wanted it but the dealer would not give me a good trade so I kept it. Still love it but drool over the 12000. The lighting on it is so great.
think you will be happy with either.
Good luck
Gale

I have a Janome 11000 and love it. Have done lots of sewing and embroidery and no problems.