OK. I thought that you were taking exception to my post, but I’m not sure why.

My post was intended to point out that there are, in fact, differences between a Singer 301 and a Singer 301A, and many of them. And too, I DID include a disclaimer that the differences probably wouldn’t matter much to a first-time buyer.

If you aren’t familiar with any differences, I take it you didn’t go to the site that I posted. Much of the site talks about the differences between a 301 and a 301A.

CD in Oklahoma

The "differences" are more to age than anything else. Singer made small modifications to the machines as time passed, and you'll see that with many models. My husband did three 401A's, and they all were a bit "different" as they were a very early one, middle and a very late one, but ALL the same model number. Some differences were cosmetic, some internal. None made a big difference when using the machine.

Same with the 301 - the "301" is a very early model - as Singer decided to put the A designation on after this model went into production. So the 301 and 301A have differences due to time - they were not marketed together as two slightly different models.

BTW - my husband has also gone a 301 and two 301A's, and all three have differences, but not as drastic as those with the 401A group.

Sometimes we get too narrow thinking about machines and model numbers. Singer did not change model number as quickly with earlier machines (like before the Touch and Sew group). Now days it seems Sewing companies change model numbers all the time, even if they just change the color on a dial.

If you looked at a 1968 Chevy Nova, you most certainly would not expect it to be identical to a 1972 Chevy Nova, but we do this with the sewing machines all the time.

Singer 301A
 

I just purchased a Singer 301a from the Goodwill store for $30 I was going to resell it and make a little money but after reading the post on this board I think I'll keep it cuz I had just sold mine and regretting it so thank you all