Vintage Bernina
 

Which Vintage Bernina is the best one? I seen several on craigslist here and want to try one.

SeworDye,

I cannot speak for all the vintage Berninas but my wife has a Bernina Record 930 she got in 2000 when my cousin died. My cousin had it since it was new back in the mid 80s.

It has been a very excellent machine. Absolutely ZERO problems with it. It had not been cleaned or oiled since my wife got it and who knows how long before that until about 2 years ago.

I took enough packed lint out of the bobbin area to make a cat sweater. I oiled it and cleaned it and it just purrs away.

There are owners here that have Berninas from the 600s up and to date I have not ( or at least I don't remember ) heard any complaints about them.

Joe

I have probably 10 vintage Berninas and my two favorites are the 830 and 930, however the other models are just as good maybe minus a few features and or stitches. Some of the other 800 series models like the 810, 807 etc. are mini or 3/4 size and are lighter weight and easier to lug around. REally, whatever model you can find in your area would be the model to start with. They're not always easy to find nor cheap. I would answer the best one is one you can find in your price range and near you so you don't have to pay for shipping or risk any damage to it.

My first choice would be a 930 -- if I could find one at a price I'm willing to pay. I have a 910 I found on craigslist locally a few years ago, same age range but no decorative stitches and no knee lift. Still a great machine! I think a 1030 would be a good find too.

My Mom has the 930 that she got new...I have the 1030 and 1031...Love those machines.
Mom and I use them all the time...I know that mine has at least a million miles on her.

wanna sell me the 930?? :o

I'm asked all the time to sell some of my Berninas. I've become a Bernina hoarder! And I have one in the mail to me right now. LOL.

I have two. A 530-2 record and an 830 record. Both are fantastic machines, but I prefer the 530 because it's heavier and much older. No plastic whatsoever.
However the 830 is a highly prized collectable and comes with more built-in stitches.

I am lucky to have three Bernina's a two year old 550QE, a Minimatic 707 and a 930 Record. Of the three my favourite is the 930. If I could have only one machine it would be this one without a doubt.

alot of people say not to invest in new berninas. shocking since they cost so much money