1973 Elna SU (62C) is extremely quiet. Another precision made machine.

I don't own a new machine. My used one from the 1980's is quite noisy, but then again, it was made in the era of heavy metal parts. It gets quieter right after I clean all the link out, but it only stays that way for about 10 minutes, and it's never as quiet as the newer machines. I have a second machine- it's a very lightweight one meant for a child, I think- very basic functions, only runs at a slow speed, and that baby is definitely very quiet. But then again, I am used to my noisy clunker that runs no matter what, so I'm not sure what a "normal" machine should sound like.

I am curious because I have a friend who lives in an apartment and she wanted to sew at night, but the noise of her old (other) machine (a low end Singer) was too much for everyone. She was looking for something quieter and I am wondering if there is a pattern as to noise/cost-brand . :)

My Pfaff is pretty quiet, I can watch (and hear) Netflix while I'm using it. I'm the noisiest one around here!
Annie

I agree. The sturdy table stops the bits jingling around.

I have all Vikings, computerized. I never paid any attention to how quiet or noisy they are. I can sew and watch TV, if that's what you mean. If I am using the embroidery unit, forget about trying to carry on a conversation. But I am doing my sewing alone anyway, so who cares. The old gear driven machines are noisy, but I rarely use them.

I also have a pad underneath mine. That helps reduce the jiggle and the noise :) You can buy them in sewing stores - they're kind of like carpet tiles. I bought myself a door mat for $1 at Old Time Pottery and it works just as nicely ;) I had to dig through the pile to get one that didn't have a really distracting print on it. It's a really nice sewing machine mat for me.

My newest machine just arrived yesterday... my Tin Lizzie sit down model. The Lizzie is a little bit louder than the Handiquilter model.

I also just bought a Juki 2000 and she's kinda quiet. I have friends with Berninas that come over to sew with me and they are much louder then my Janome. Hubby says that you can really hear the Berninas downstairs but not my old Janome. I can't compare the loudness of the Juki to the Bernina until Monday when they come over to sew... but Berninas are much louder - especially when they wind bobbins!

I have a 6600 as well....she purrrrrsssss.........

My vintage 15-91, 201, and FW are much quieter than my computerized Brother or Viking, especially when they have just been cleaned and oiled! The 201 is probably the quietest.

My three featherweights run very quietly.....you don't have to twist my arm to sew on any of them!!