rryder

Hey all, My poor abused PC420PRW has finally bit the dust after being asked to sew beyond it's capacity for the past 5 years. I've thought about just replacing it with another of the same, but have come across a used Babylock Symphony that would be a step up in terms of modern bells and whistles and wouldn't break the budget. So here are my questions for those of you who have the Symphony:

1. Have you found it to be picky about thread?
2. Does it sew well over thick seams, or does it have to be "helped along" when crossing seams? has this changed for the worse over time? (This was my first indication that the PC420PRW was on it's last leg).
3. How long have you had your machine and have you had any recrurring problems with it?
4. How much time do you usually spend sewing on it each week?

thanks,
Rob

Geri B

I don't have that particular bl, I have an ellure plus by bl. It does NOT like bulky seams, had to be pushed/pulled thru them, several of the "deco" stitches work for awhile, then begin to skip or just straight stitch.....it's not that I abuse this machine, I have been sewing for many years with a singer that would do anything I asked, but it finally wore out....then purchased a Viking.#1 plus...a workhorse...still have it, and use it for the stitching that bl refuses to do! Needless to say, I am looking to buy another Viking to replace bl!
btw....dealer has been visited several times with these issues, I get a shrug, a "fix" or just a look......works for awhile, then back to stupid again!
i know there are those here that love their bl, maybe I just got the assembly line lemon!

Dolphyngyrl

I had my babylock espire(Predecessor to the symphony) for 2.5 years before upgrading. It was not picky about threads. I used any and all threads in it. It handled quilt seams well but I didn't try denim or anything like that on it so can't comment on how thick of seams but definitely better than my low end mechanical brother for sure. I didn't have any problems with it in the time I owned it just upgraded to a machine with more features. as for time sewing on it it depends because I tend to sew in spurt where I sew everyday for a while and might not touch my machine for a few months or weeks depending on time and projects. It was a very solid machine and I was happy with it for the time I owned it. I love my vseries way more though IMHO its better built

bjchad

I too havethe espire. Love it but originally did not do well on bulky seams and didn't like to FMQ with feed dogs down. Kept breaking threads. Ok with feed dogs up. Last time I had it serviced I asked the tech to set the feed dogs up a little. He replaced the feed dogs and it solved both problems.
Otherwise its been a great machine.

selm

I have a bl espire and love it. It does have trouble with thicker seams(like fleece doubled for bathrobe belt carriers).
I finally figured out I needed to add pressure to foot. That helped a lot. Have had my machine for 5-7 years but don't use every day. It isn't fussy about thread.

MadQuilter

I have an Espire and love that machine. The only thread she chokes on is Clark's Dual Duty. Everything else works like a charm. She does have a special foot that adjusts to the seam height although I always just muddle through. She does great stitches (zig-zag, blanket, etc) and I like that I can adjust the motor speed. Lighting is real good and it has a decent throat space. Threading the needle is a breeze and you can have all the settings for needle and foot how you like it. I would buy that machine again in a heart-beat.

One thing I learned about FMQ is that I don't need to set the stitch length to zero. THAT just gives me tiny angry stitches. I put the stitch length to 3 or 3.5 and do much better.

pewa88

I have a BL Symphony and I love it. It uses any thread with the correct needle for that thread. I use any type of piecing thread with no problems. Bulky seams have not sewn any different than on other machines I have sewn on. I just take it easy and adjust tension when needed. I have had my machine for 5 years at least and I bought it used. I have had no trouble with it at all. I do my own cleaning maintainence and do not use canned air, but a small vacuum attachment and soft brush. I also do not travel with it. I have heard that computer machines do best if not toted around a lot. The decorative stitches are sewn nicely and there are lots of them. I understand it does a good job with FM quilting but I have a longarm and do not use it for quilting. I also do lots of garment sewing on this machine and the buttonholes are great and it sews many types of fabric well. I will be glad to answer any other questions you might have.