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Bernina 530 or 550 Already had Bernina 440 , deciding which 5 series m/c
knit.unwind Member since 2008 Posts: 8	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 9/24/11 8:25 PM The Bernina 5 series is finally here! The price difference between the 550 and 530 is about USD 640. Since I already owned the 440, and planned on keeping it, as I love love that little beauty/ workhourse, and am not crazy about the BSR ( which is std for the 550 and optional for the 530), was thinking of getting the 530. I was asking myself should I sell my 440 and just get the 550 ? Or since I already have the 440, do I need the 530 ? The 440 is my first Bernina and I really like the stitch quality and horsepower.On the other hand, I like the new LED lighting and more solid looking extn table on the 530/ 550. I am confused, need some advice from all of you. What do you think ? Regards Lay @ Singapore -- Edited on 9/24/11 8:26 PM --
Warbler   Advanced VT USA Member since 2007 Posts: 1621	Login to reply to this post In reply to knit.unwind Like this post Date: 9/24/11 9:33 PM I am not an embroidery person but the 440 can have that added if you don't already. The only 5 series machine that can embroider is the 580. If you think embroidery will be your thing then that may help you decide or narrow your choices. As far as lighting or extension tables, there are inexpensive remedies for that without having to spend on a whole new machine. Dreamworld Sew Steady tables are the best and can rival anything provided by a machine company provides... and there are good LED lamps which can also be added. Now if you really want to be enabled... and you want to keep your 4400 and get another machine... go for the 530 without BSR. If embroidery entices you then you can also add that to the 440! ------ Janome MC6600 Bernina 240 Juki MO735 Singer 201-2 Singer 221-1 Singer 15-91
Maia B Advanced Beginner IL USA Member since 2010 Posts: 1855	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 9/24/11 10:17 PM While I'm all for muliple machinesthe 530 and 550 seem so similar to the 440 that I don't personally see the rationale in having both, except to have the 440 embroidering while the 530 or 550 is sewing. Have you thought of trading the 440 for a 630, 635, or 640? I think you'd really be wowed by that upgrade, and I bet it would be less expensive than keeping the 440 and adding the 530 or 550. I really enjoy having both narrow and wide (9mm) stitch width machines. ------ Berninas 820 QE, Artista 630 PQE, Aurora 440 QE, Activa 240, 930 Record, and 731 Baby Lock Quest Plus, Featherweight 221s...
Doris W. in TN   Intermediate TN USA Member since 2004 Posts: 6055	Login to reply to this post In reply to Warbler Like this post Date: 9/24/11 11:13 PM Quote: Warbler Now if you really want to be enabled... and you want to keep your 4400 and get another machine... go for the 530 without BSR. If embroidery entices you then you can also add that to the 440! I agree, totally, except get the embroidery for the 530 if it will take it. I think the 5-series will transfer designs with a USB stick which is much more convenient than connecting the machine to a computer, as the Aurora requires. It is always a good idea to have a (second) backup machine. Two of my Berninas were recently at the dealer for three weeks, for service. That was not a problem because I've been using my 350PE to sew on. I learned my lesson a looong time ago about only owning one machine, when that one went to the factory for warranty work and was gone six weeks.
knit.unwind Member since 2008 Posts: 8	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 9/24/11 11:25 PM Thanks for the quick response and insights. I am not an embroidery person, I sew pouches, bags, and quilts mainly, plus the occasional mending for the family. I have read up on the 6 and 7 series, but since I am not into embroidery, didn't feel justified to spend the extra $$ for the higher range. The market for sewing machine locally is rather limited, there is only one Bernina dealer and they do not offer trade in for older machine, instead the dealer will help to sell the older machine to other customers.
knit.unwind Member since 2008 Posts: 8	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 9/24/11 11:29 PM Oh, forgot to mention that I bought a Janome 7700 last year for its wide throat space, but was not impressed with its piecing result, the veering off when sewing through thick seams are really annoying, I guess this is due to Janome having a lower capacity motor. So I used the Janome to do FMQ and the Bernina to piece. I like the idea of having a back up machine as standby, the B440 is my take to class m/c while the Janome stays at home.
andye   Beginner VA USA Member since 2009 Posts: 928	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 9/25/11 1:06 AM If I'm not too mistaken, selecting a stitch on a 440 consists of looking it up on the card, and punching in the number, while the 530 has a GUI of sorts. It might make the machine a little easier to use; or it might not. Only with a demo can you be sure. It also has a creative consultant. None of these features is particularly revolutionary (especially compared to other makes of sewing machines), and the artistas/ B 580 probably do it a lot better.
threaddy   Advanced WY USA Member since 2009 Posts: 1199	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 9/25/11 11:38 PM Go to the "thread" on the 5 series. Andye posted a fantastic chart to compare the features of all the 5 series machines. only the 580 can do embroidery and has the 9mm stitch width. ------ formerly kirstensews "The problem is not that there are problems. The problem is expecting otherwise and thinking that having problems is a problem." Theodore Rubin "Life isn't about finding yourself. Life's about creating yourself." George Bernard Shaw Bernina vintage and embroidery serger 234 and BLcoverstitch
andye   Beginner VA USA Member since 2009 Posts: 928	Login to reply to this post In reply to threaddy Like this post Date: 9/26/11 2:22 AM That would be this chart
knit.unwind Member since 2008 Posts: 8	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 9/26/11 7:11 AM Thanks, that is indeed a useful reference. Sat down and think through carefully, overall feel is the 530/550 are too close to the 440, and I should just hang on to the 440 till I am ready to upgrade to the 6 series or higher range. If I really WANT the 5 series, more logical option is to sell the 440 and get the 550, not logical to keep the 440 and buy a 530. If I can't sell the 440, then no justification to get another SM, :(. So that settles my options. For now, I hope. LOL. Thanks everyone for your input.

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