I haven't had difficulties with my BL Cresendo though i think I paid too much for it. If buying today, I would consider the BL Airia which is just a crescendo without the laser light (hardly use it) and without the sensor pen (haven't found a use for it yet). The only thing I don't like about this machine is changing to needle plate which is a pain. The lighting is great. The quarter inch foot is very accurate. The stitches look good but not as good as my mom's 1950 singer.