Wow, good experience!
 

I had a day off yesterday, and decided to take my 401 into a shop, as I wasn't at all sure I had rebuilt the top tension assembly correctly, and couple of other things that wouldn't move fully, even with months of Tri-flow and effort. The shop is a Bernina store, which advertises service. Got the 401 out of its cabinet and down to the store, went in without it to see if they really would work on it. Man at the counter said to bring it in and put it up on the counter. He had a really sour demeanor, no smile, no small talk, just started fooling around with it. Other customers came in, he just kept working on it. Finally, when another gal asked how old it was, we both said "50's", and he barely smiled. I said I could leave it - had intended to, no answer, no comment. After about 45 min. he said " there, all set". I asked what the charge was, and he said "nothing". I just about fainted. He commented that his mother has the same machine (I'm probably old enough to be his mother!) and said again, no charge! He also said the "worm gear" was what makes it kind of growly. I had kind of expected an attitude of superiority from a Bernina store, but was totally wrong! Now, I haven't used it yet, but will after work today. What a nice experience, and good advertising for him! I'll tell everyone how nice it was. Also will take in my old Bernina 730 for a tune-up!

Woohoo. Now you have a nice vintage machine and a LSMG (local sewing machine guy)! The good ones are hard to come by I hear!:D

You probably made his day! He got to work on a good old vintage machine instead of machines that require a degree.
Besides, it reminded him of his Momma....

That's excellent! It's always nice to know there are good people out there.

My closest shop is 45 minutes away and when I asked if they could rewire a 201 motor they coldly told me they would be happy to clean and adjust it for a bench fee of $79.95 and then help me pick out a new Bernina.

My dealer is kind of like that! He knows more about machines than most!

I would love to find a sewing machine guy that would work on the old machines without telling me I need a new $$$$ one. You found a gem, even without the smile. And what city did you say you were from???? I wonder if you're close enough for me to take machines to him.

amcatanzaro, take your 201 motor to a small motors' repair place. My son had one re-done recently when mine went haywire. I don't know what they did, but it must not have been real expensive (or it might have been one of his dance hall buddies) because he came in and put the motor back on, set the machine back up and I've been humming along happily ever since.

There is a new sewing machine guy at my LQS who I've not yet met. Happily, though they are a Bernina dealer, he works on all machines. We checked on Saturday to see if he could check and clean our new Featherweight (tension assembly is a little wonky - but I knew that when I bought it), and then dropped the machine off on Sunday. Eventually I'd like to take a Featherweight class so I can learn to do the maintenance myself.

Cheers, K

Now, WHERE did you say you live - just in case you're anywhere near me.