I have had my Diamond for about 2 years...and it's OK...love the bigger sewing field. do I think it's worth the SRP of $10 grand...probably not. It has its quirks for sure. My dealer is very good with machine help and computer help. That's probably why they cost soooo much.
How about a show model for less than $7?
(New machine only ran at quilt show on and off for 4 days)
That's a great price! Make sure warranty is in place, do you get all the extras? Hoops, bobbins, feet are usually included, but I talked my dealer out of the BIG hoop, luggage (red), thread rack and some stabilizer. Negotiate!!
I know that it comes with a full warranty. It's the same as buying new...just a bit cheaper! I'm going to try and get some extras added too! The dealer knows that I am a good customer and have been buying loads of quilting fabric there for years. Wish me luck. I am supposed to pick it up and pay for her on the 1st of Sept. which isn't that far away. uggghhh
That's a very good price. Mine was also used in a 2 day school & had full warranty, all the hoops etc that comes with a brand new one. They just can't sell it as new. The red luggage is really a necessity if you take the machine to any classes. That baby is heavy!
I have the original Diamond. I do like it, however there are a few little things that I should take it to the dealer & have fixed. Such as the thread hopping out of the uptake hook during satin stitches. The new one may well be fixed. I do love the larger hoops!! But do not use that HUGE mega hoop that you purchase seperately. I would suggest you get another hoop if you are buying any extras. Like the quilting hoop, or endless hoop, etc. good luck!
I was wondering how much I would use that larger hoop....I wonder how much that sucker costs!
Can't remember exactly...but at least $200 I think. I got it "free" by financing the machine...with no interest if I paid by a certain time. I did, then paid the whole thing off WAY ahead of time.
Gerry, That's exactly what I am doing. They have 48 months no interest available. Just can't quite beat it.
Gerry, do take it in for servicing and they should change out the threading system for you to correct that problem. Did mine back in February and it's no longer a problem. Hugs. Nan W
My sister has the Deluxe version and loves it. I have the model just prior to the deluxe and love it. They changed the tension mechanism(spelling ??) where the take-up lever is located. I don't think much else was changed. It probably has more emb. designs on the machine.
It has a few more features than the SE...felt this group would be honest about their machines.
I have had the Diamond since it came out (upgraded from D1 to SE then Dianmond). The first one my dealer replace the head as it just would not work. After that I have been thrilled! I use the large 14x14 hoop all the time! Can't imagine the frustration of only a 4x4. I did take it to the dealer to get the uplift lever adapted, as the thread slipped off while it was running. There is a fix for it now, and the new machines all have it as standard equipment. I am visiting a friend in OR for a few weeks and sewing on her 40 yr old machine...boy what a difference! No automatic foot down when you start sewing (love that!) No needle up or down option, no thread cutter, what a mind bender to go back in time!
I understand the old machine stuff...working with 4-Hers and all the machines are different and most are non computerized. I am keeping the SE. Heck with 2 daughters and 2 GDs I know that it will be kept busy.
Owned a D1 and SE LE prior to this.
Love this machine, and the larger hoops. Not sorry for the purchase, had it for 13 months. The only problems I have had are all operator error..but I have a great Viking Gallery dealer who walks me through if I need help in person or over the phone. A well-informed helpful dealer is very important.
No other problems as of yet. The vikingdesignergems@yahoogroups.com is another place to go to find more info on this machine. Joined this group prior to purchase for info on it.