So frustrated...I wish sewing machines could be built to order...Janome 6600 vs. 7700
 

I'm looking to upgrade my sewing machine and I have it down to between the 6600 and 7700. Everything seems pretty similar between the two. The harp space is 2" smaller on the 6600, but it would be MUCH larger than my current machine, so that's not an issue. They both have a adjustable foot pressure, thread cutter, acufeed, and knee lifter, which are all features my current cheapo machine are lacking. The straight stitch needle plate converter for the 7700 looks really cool, but a separate straight stitch plate for the 6600 is not a big deal to take on and off.

What it really comes down to is the free-arm on the 7700. I want a free arm machine with all the benefits that for quilting that both of these machines have. I've only visited one dealer in my area so far, but their price for the the 6600 is approximately $1,500 and $2,999 for the horizon. So if I went with the horizon, it's like I'm spending twice as much for 2" more bed space and a free arm. I don't really care about all the fancy stitches because 99% of my sewing involves a straight or zig zag stitch. Is there something else I'm missing? What else about the 7700 could possibly justify the higher price tag???

Sure, I could go with the 6600, but then I'd feel like I'd have to keep my little cheap singer to sew my kids' clothing because it has a free-arm. My goal is to have one machine that can accomodate all my sewing (with the exception of the stuff I use my serger for). I really want to do more free motion quilting, and I find it nearly impossible to accomplish this on my little machine.

My dream machine would have the harp space of the horizon, built-in even feed, needle up/down, thread cutter, adjustable foot pressure, knee lift, a good locking stitch, free arm, and 10-20 high quality basic stitches. Any thoughts?

I KNOW this isn't what you want to do....but I'd keep your little machine for the freearm sewing and invest in at least the Janome 6600...I have one and it has a thing or two I don't care for especially, one of the problems I have is that the footfeed hesitates when starting and I've been used to a Bernina that had NO hesitation. That said, you might also take a look at the Husqvarna-Viking machines...I have the Viking 770 and love it but the harp is not real large. I would really suggest you just look...there is a perfect machine out there for you but you'll have to find it! Good luck and happy hunting!

I have looked a bit online at the viking sapphire. It looks like a nice machine but I only have one viking dealer in my area, and I have 5 Janome dealers.

I originally had a Janome 6600 and upgraded to the 7700, so I have owned both machines. I loved the 6600. I really miss is the independent bobbin winder, and I thought it was much easier to select stitches, length, width, etc on the 6600. It come down to your personal preferences, but how do you know if you haven't used the machines? This is just my opinion. I hope it helps.

check with your Janome dealers to see if they have any used machines....I found a used 6600 for hundreds less than new....they also had a 7700 used (someone had upgraded).....it might allow you to justify the cost of a 7700

You won't be sewing your kids clothing for that much longer. Keep the cheapie for the free arm and get the 6600.

I have the 6600p and the 11,000. If you have small children and have the money I would by the Janome 9700 if you like to embroider. also a great machine.

I love both my Janomes but the 11,000 all but does your house work for you. I wish I had it 45 years ago.

I would think there would be quite a few 7700's traded in for the 12000 machine. Maybe put a bug in your dealer's ear and wait a bit.

Also check out quilt shows. With the vendors there, you can get some great deals. I bought my 7700 at a local show for $2500, including the special table, and a travel bag. Then with trading in my 6500, I ended up paying $1800 total. It was a store model, slightly used with all the warranty of a new.

I opted for the 6600 just a little over a month ago. It had everything I wanted and so far haven't been disappointed. I absolutely love the bigger harp space - I feel confident you will not be disappointed with either machine!

I have so many friends that have the 6600, I should go and get one! With that said, I would KEEP your other machine and buy the 6600. (or buy a vintage machine and keep 99% of your money)

Keep your singer for the freearm and various stitches. Have you considered a high speed straight stitch machine? I bought a Juki TL 2010Q three months ago and it is amazing...$900. I have yet to learn to FMQ. It has most of the features you want. Two other machines comparable to this are the Janome 1600p and the Brother 1500s. Just something else you might want to consider for a lot less cost. I myself did not want computerized or tons of stitches. I didi most of my research on this board. I love my Juki.

I definitely think you should follow the suggestion to look further. You will be spending significant money. I made the mistake of getting in a hurry and purchased what I thought was ok and hated the thing. I'm still stuck with it because I wasn't able to sell it. And the brand I ultimately chose couldn't take this machine on trade. I wasted $2,500 on a machine I only get out when I need to mend jeans. Try lots of brands before you choose and take the time to think about it. Sticking with the brand you've had may not be the best plan or it might be. But you won't know til you try them all.

Have you considered a Pfaff Quilt Expression 4.0? You pretty much described it with your "dream machine"

So many choices, good luck! I love my vikings!!

I did consider the pfaff QE4. I saw some scary reviews about this model when it first came out (mostly about shredding thread and a defective take up). The main thing I didn't like about this model is that the bobbin cover is not flush with the front of the machine and I can see how the "bump" would flip seams the wrong way. I tried it out at a local dealer and it was really annoying. The 7700's bed and needle plate fit seamlessly together.

Hmmm...not sure what you are refering to. I haven't noticed a "bump" on mine and have not had a issue with the other problems you mentioned.

I bought a 6600 in the fall of the year and I have been very pleased with the machine. It has done everything that I needed it to do. The AccuFeed system is awesome.

I bought the 6600 only to trade it in for the 7700 two weeks later. The reason was the harp space and the price was not that different. (500) I like the fact that the 7700 has more quilting stitches, and satin stitches. I also like the lighting better. I have a Bernina so the free arm was not an issue. I tested buttonholes and the 7700 were better.
The things I like about the 6600 I had more then the Horizon are, one it was slightly quieter. I liked the vertical thread spool holder much more. I liked the bed more, as fabric slides around easier when FM Sewing. I like the push buttons, It is more intitutive to me, and feels more direct to get where you are going faster.
Other then these comparisons the machines are very similar. I do like them both very much. If I were on a budget I would have no hesitation in buying a 6600 for half the 7700.
I do think you can get the 7700 for a lot less (more like 2600) Floor models go for even less.

Well, my decision just got a lot easier. I found a Janome dealer in my area who will sell the 7700 for $2,000 without any classes or warranty (in addition to the Janome warranty), $2,200 with a 2 year warranty, or $2,300 with the 2 year warranty and 3 classes. I'll definitely be going for the 7700, but now I just need to decide if it's worth a couple hundred extra dollars for warranty/classes.

I'm confused. If this is a new machine with a Janome warranty...what would a store warranty cover that the manufacturer warranty wouldn't?

Covers anything replacement of anything that goes wrong within 2 years, and also covers the cost of labor/parts. So it basically gives you an extra year of free labor on top of the Janome warranty. Oh, and it includes free servicing for that two year period.