What's the difference in machines?
 

Can anyone tell me what makes the Janome MC6700P $1,000 more than the Janome MC6650, except for some different stiches? They seem like they are the same machine. These are 2 of 4 machines I am interested in buying in the near future.

I think the 6700 comes with more accessories and has a stronger motor. But the 6650 still has pop out plate, 9mm stitch width, variable needle positions, up/down needle, start-stop, wide 10" harp, mostly metal exterior, superior feed-system (vs accufeed on 6700) and more than enough decorative stitches. What is the going price for the 6650? If under $2000, that'd be a great deal. I kind of wonder if they might strip it down further and offer a budget model and if so, that would be my preference ..sometimes simple is better.

I have found the MC6650 online for $1599., at SewVacDirect. I was asking because the MC6700P gets real good reviews. Since the MC6650 is new, for a lot less money which looks a lot like the MC6700P and lists pretty much the same, if it is as good a machine. I don't need any more stitches than what is on the 6650. But I want a machine that can hangle all kinds of fabrics, thick and thin, and I quilt a lot and want to do fmq without a lot of problems. I don't want something that gets stuck sewing when you are sewing 2 seams together in a quilt blk or quilt or sewing cloths, dolls or upholstery and/or curtains. I kind of do it all. I have a featherweight I can use for quilt blks, but I'm not going to fmq on it.

Here is a comparison chart from Janome.com listing the machines side by side. Seems the number of stitches is the main difference. I have the 6600 and added it as well to compare. Looks like the 6600 came first, then the 6650 and now the 6700 which came out last year I think. I love my 6600 and it has been a workhorse for me since 2008 with no problems. I too do home dec and handbag projects, even repaired a tent one time.


http://www.janome.com/machines/sewing/mc6700p/

Have you asked the dealer what the differences? That is where I start. I have frequently found that one could be an earlier model by only a few months with a few different stitches that I would not even consider. The last Janome I purchased was only different by 3 decorative stitches. It saved me $900 getting 3 decorative stitches less. I have never missed them. I love my Janome and would recommend them to anyone.

I haven't been to the Dealer's yet, I have been sick for a week now. Also, I want to make sure I have a practice quilt piece and a few other fabrics to test. I did check the compareables chart and I thought that was quite a difference in price for that amount of designs. I know the MC6650 is the new machine, but wondered if anyone has tested one. I am hoping it is as good as the 6700p and the 6600.

I have three Janome machines. The 6500MC is my piecing machine, the 1600P is the one on my Grace II frame that I quilt with, and I have a "backup" older Harmony that was made especially for Sears many years ago. While I love each one of these the 6500MC has more stitches than I will ever use in a lifetime. Wish I had gotten the 6600MC with the attached walking foot. Take your time and shop around. Be sure you get what you want in the machine you eventually buy.

Since you live in Brimfield go to the Auburn Sewing Center. Chris will give you all info you need.