Bernina Artista 730E

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Bernina Artista 730E

by Heidi Gonzales
(Tehachapi, CA )

My Bernina light

I got my Bernina Artista 730E for Christmas almost 3 years ago. The light has never worked right. I must turn the machine on and off about 20 times in a row to get the light to come on to sew.

I spent the first year (while under warranty) driving 100+ miles roundtrip to the dealer for repair over and over to no avail. For the first 6 months my dealer's technician kept telling me they could not "demonstrate" the problem in their shop. I was not lying. My quilt group witnessed it, a favorite shop owner saw it too. Most of them Bernina owners.

Finally, in the 9th month, the tech said the light refused to go on for him, he was unable to fix it and became frustrated after a few weeks, he reinstalled the Microsoft software again and again. He shipped it to Bernina and when it returned, the light worked... for a few weeks.

Eventually, the light would not go on for several start ups again. It's back to its old tricks: eventually it does go on, and will light every time you turn it on for a few days, but once you stop using it for a week or so, it's like it gets cold and the light won't start without the 20 or so on/off flips of the switch.

When they have it in the repair shop and are turning it on and off over and over it stays warm (so to speak) and they think it's fixed. It has never been fixed. They refused to replace it. My 2 year electrical warranty ended. I can't afford to keep taking it back for a repair they won't make.

It cost more than $7500 plus the $1000 embroidery program. I will NEVER buy another Bernina again. They do NOT back up their products, they treat me like a liar, even when they observe it failing to turn on over and over. I am stuck with an expensive defective machine and hurt feelings. Look at my picture, you can see the light is turned ON, but there is no light... BUYERS BEWARE!!!

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Bernina Artista 730E

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Oct 16, 2009
Rating

Disgusting service
by: Pauline

This is disgusting service from a so-called reputable dealer. The problem should either have been sorted or a new machine supplied. Just a thought - did you ever contact Bernina direct as this seems to be a dodgy dealer to me and does Bernina no favours. My thoughts are that as you have had so much trouble during the 2 years warranty (which has now expired), the problem was reported during the warranty period and Bernina should continue to support you.

Myself, I have a Bernina and have had no problems so can't comment on their service, but having said that, my local dealer is ACE and I can't fault him for his service.

Hope you can get it sorted, as it's heartbreaking to have spent so much money and not be satisfied.

Pauline x

Oct 16, 2009
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Thanks Pauline
by: Anonymous

Yes, unfortunately, I have contacted Bernina directly and have been redirected to the dealer twice. I own an old Bernina 180 that I inherited from my Grandma that works like a charm and it's about 20 years old. That's why I was so sure I would love my 730. I recently saw my dealer at my local quilt show and asked about my machine again and she told me I can bring it down, but she won't replace it. I have heard from others that a good dealer is the most important tool, I wish I had known that before.
The worst part is that I love that shop. The owners are nice and have great fabric. I just almost can't bare to look at them anymore.

Oct 20, 2009
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dealers
by: helena llewellyn south wales uk

hiya, speak to your trading standards people. they really can help and will give this dealer a good kick up the arse. sue them in small claims court if they won't help you and sue bernina aswell. i had all that nonsense with pfaff 2170. once i started legal proceedings they soon sat up and took notice. it is sorted now but i had to fight for it. do something now. regards helena

Nov 02, 2009
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complain again
by: Anonymous

Have you tried to contact Bernina directly? I am sure you have, but try again.

http://www.berninausa.com/content-n81-sUS.html

http://www.bbb.org/us/Find-Business-Reviews/#middle-result

http://www.berninausablog.com

Good luck!

Nov 03, 2009
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bloody bernina
by: helena llewellyn south wales uk

when you contact them don't beat about the bush, just tell them sort it out straight away or i sue. don't give them any room to waffle and fob you off. if they can drag it out until the warranty runs out they will. don't let this happen. good luck kind regards helena

Nov 17, 2009
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CONTACT BERNINA and/or SUE
by: Lori

I have owned the old 830 for 27 yrs (wonderful, and no problems); the 180E (wonderful, no problems; and the 730E (also, wonderful, no problems!).BUT, when I went to upgrade my software from Version 4 to 5 my dealer told me there was none available! I had to purchase new for $2400! I went to another dealer and was able to upgrade for $500!
Needless to say I was pretty upset with my dealer. I had just spent $7,000. on the 730.
I sent an email to Bernina. Unbeknownst to me they contacted my dealer who in turn CALLED ME, and EMAILED ME and apologized saying she didn't realize the update was available!!
I was VERY HAPPY with Bernina's response. Please stick with contacting BERNINA and/or sueing them. Also, tell Bernina and the dealer you will contact the Better Business Bureau!

Jan 30, 2010
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Bernina 730
by: liz farley

The Bernina 730 was my mother's machine and has very very high miles of use. The only problem I have had happened the last 2 times I used it.

About 10 minutes after completing my sewing project the machine began running on high speed. No one was near the machine! I was in another room and heard this incredible sound.......it was as though the pedal was "to the metal"! The pedal was very hot.

I took it to a repairman who examined the foot...said there was nothing wrong...that he could see. He suggested a new pedal. Has anyone had this problem?

Feb 16, 2010
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your mother
by: Anonymous

I would say your mother was telling you something!!!!! That is not the machine that is acting up it is the powers of the dead. Enjoy your mother around when she is there with you sewing!!

Feb 24, 2010
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Trouble with BSR Artista 730E
by: Anonymous

I've had a Bernina for almost 30 years and absolutely no trouble. I purchased a Bernina Artista 730 E. It is in for repair for the second time. They treated me as if I had no idea how to handle the machine. I took all four classes. I have no trouble with any part except for the BSR. It will stitch along then pop the stitch plate. It has done this many times. But obviously it is how I thread the bobbin?? I don't seem to have trouble threading the bobbin for anything else. I can't believe how I am being treated at the dealer. I am contacting Bernina directly but after reading this, hmmm. I bought a Bernina to avoid exactly what I'm dealing with :(

Mar 17, 2010
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730E Activating Features/Resets/Calibrations
by: Terri

The external setup button advice below may help you use your Bernina 730E computer screens without further frustration. Each time you go into a screen to verify if features are on or off or if your external setup button was accidently accessed...you only have 30 seconds to select "OK" AND/PLUS turn the power off and back on again to "set" or "reset" a feature or only 30 seconds to select "ESC" for no changes - one of the two options MUST be accomplished...no selection of "OK" or "ESC" confuses the interhal computer. For my 730E...the 30 second timing for this procedure above is necessary always...including the resetting of the light. I hope this may be the same for your sewing computer, too. As for the fast presser foot running...the external setup button, then hardware category and it's second feature for the foot control is running/calibrating the foot control after so many hours of sewing...again this can happen by accidently opening the external setup button or your computer is programmed for an automatic timing for calibration after so many stitches. It calibrates by running the foot control automatically slow, very fast, slow...then the power must be turned off and on in 30 second for the heel needle up and down to toggle on or off also...these are some tidbits learned from using my new sewing computer for 30 days...good luck. God bless!

Apr 22, 2010
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I HATE MY 730
by: carole

Have had this machine for 18 months and it has been in the shop 5 times. I have thread breaking, tension issues, poorly stitched decorative stitches, the machine from HELL. I love my old 1130 Bernina. The dealer keeps telling me that I need to adjust the tension for each thread brand and type and it is calibrated to Mettler thread in the factory and I should use that thread. My old Bernina takes any thread I put in and my Janome I take to quilt classes doesn't care about the kind of thread. I spent all this money and I have to keep adjusting the machine? That makes no sense to me. Any ideas? I use Superior, Aurifil, Sulky, Gutterman - all excellent threads.

Apr 23, 2010
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Love my 730E
by: Anonymous

I love my Bernina's. I have an old 1090 and a 730E. I did, at first, have trouble with my 730E light going on. My dealer told me that ALL Bernina 730's have had that trouble due to shipping overseas. She simply said, hang in there, once you use it more often, it seems to work itself out. It did! Within a month it just started working every single time like clockwork. No need to take it in.

I have the suitcase trolleys and have shipped that thing to a million classes. I've even dumped my 1090 down a stair case and the thing worked like a charm. I didn't bother taking it in until the next year for a thorough check up. Never checked it up again. I've had it for fifteen years.

My 730E is a miraculous machine. I use Mettler thread, Robinsons, any any top grade embroidery thread. I'm a stickler for using the right needle for the right job. I leaned this early on.

I've never had any trouble with the BSR once I learned how to work the crazy thing. Once I got the hang of it, it's been a blast.

For anyone having any trouble, I suggest finding a truthful dealer. If there is any REAL problem they'll go to bat for you.

Apr 24, 2010
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Bernina 730E Embriodery Tension and Thread Breakage Solutions
by: Terri

My first experience with embroidering with my Bernina 730E and module required careful threading and tension adjustments. These helpful tidbits may help you, too. THREADING: Use a drop of Sewers Aid solution on spool of thread to make it silky (product by www.dritz.com), use the horizontal spool bar (no gaps between spool disc and thread), use netting over spool of thread (an optional accessory that does help the smooth flow of thread),be sure the thread is on the right side the rear guide and right side of the slit for the upper thread tension, have enough thread to thread the remaining path and with the foot lowered which holds the tension. To start sewing for no thread nests or knots be sure the thread take-up level is in the highest position and hold upper thread during first stitch. TENSION: Go to Embroidery Setting (not Sewing Setting, there are two tension and set Embroidery Setting tension to -1 and Bobbin so it turns clock-wise easily. Also, use Sewers Aid on the Bobbin thread, and stitch plate to keep things flowing extra smoothly...so far with these steps...all is working really well. Good uck and God Bless all your hand touches! Smiles...happy sewing all.

Sep 27, 2010
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Kudos to Bernina
by: Paula

I have nothing but good things to say about my dealer in Birmingham,AL. Great service! Terrific help. Super classes! I have a 730E and a 1050 serger.

Oct 01, 2010
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Bernina 730E problems
by: bev

I have a 730E bought in April 2010. Since using it the first time, I have the "Lower Thread" error come on constantly. It has been in the shop at least 8 times and is now on it's way back from BerninaUSA where they found no problems!
It seems that if they can't fix something they blame it on the operator!
The machine has also sewed backwards when it was suppose to be goin forward!
You would think that in it's self would be reason enought to replace the machine!
Bernina USA is of no help what so ever. THEY DO NOT CARE!
After reading a post on another website from someone who had bought a new 730 and founf out the machine was new in the box, but was made almost 3 years ago! I checked my serial number and my machine is over 2 years old!
Does anyone have a 730 made in 2010?
I went to my local Babylock & Viking Dealers and all their machines were between 3-9 months old!
I paid full price for my machine and it never entered my mind that it would be 2 years old already!
In looking at the ads on ebay, most ask how old the machine is, as well as the hours.
Is selling you a 2 yr old machine for new legal?
It shouldn't be!

Oct 05, 2010
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Bernina Serial Number
by: Anonymous

How do you find out how old your Bernina 730E is?

Also has anyone bought the Bernina Quilt frame to quilt with the Bernina 730E. I don't have the $ to buy the 830E and was wondering.

Oct 05, 2010
Rating

attn: Bev
by: Anonymous

Bev, two comments responding to your post. First, sometimes when the bobbin error message keeps popping up it is a very simple problem to solve: Many of us learned to wind bobbins by putting thread through the hole on top of the bobbin and holding it while you wind. The bobbins on the Berninas are gridded on the shaft so that you do not need to do that in order to have the thread wind properly. If you DO put the thread through the hole when you wind, the tiny tale on that thread end will trigger the bobbin error message. Check to see how you are winding your bobbin to see if you may be having that very problem. Second: what makes a "new" machine? If it is still in a factory sealed box, it does not matter if it has been in a warehouse for two years, it is still a "new" machine. Your warranty is based on when you bought it, not when it was built. There is nothing deceptive about selling a factory sealed machine as new based on when it was assembled. The relevant question is whether it has been USED or not. Floor models in a dealership are warrantied as new, but sold at discount because they have been out of their boxes after leaving the factory. I know that Bernina encourages consumers to have high standards for their dealers, but your criticism seems totally unreasonable.

Oct 11, 2010
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manufacturing date
by: Anonymous

The second number of the Bernina's Serial Number is the year it was manufactured.
All sewing machine manufacturers put the made date in the machines serial number

I have worked with Bernina, Babylock's and Viking.
Bernina is the only one that sells 2 year old machines as new. Most Babylock's are less than 4 to 5 months old.

Oct 18, 2010
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Attn anonymous-criticism seems totally unreasonable
by: Bev

Sorry you feel my comments are unreasonable, but if you have had the experience with BerninaUSa's customer service that I have had, I think you would change your mind if you are a resonable person!
My problem with the manufacturing date is that Bernina is the only Dealer I have been able to find that does that.

Also, If I was selling you my machine as new, and you took it in to be serviced and found out I had really sold you a 2 or 3 year old machine, would you still feel the same?
In looking at ads for used sewing machines, most have the model year listed or someone will ask how old the machine is.

When I ask Bernina about that they told me to just say it was recently purchased. If it was no big deal then why would they say to explain it that way?

Oct 18, 2010
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attn: Bev
by: Anonymous

Bev,
What prompted my reaction were your comments that there was somethng unethical -- and in your opinion should be illegal -- about selling an unused machine as new if its manufacture was not during the current year (or so). Sewing machines are not milk -- they do not have a freshness date beyond which they spoil. They are not even like car models which change every year, and at the end of a model year need to be marked down and sold at discount. With few exceptions, a model retains the same features as long as that model is produced. What is more important in a machine - especially an electronic machine -- is the number of hours of use, not the hours since assembly. The number of hours of use can be determined (on some models by the consumer, on all electronic models by the technician).
Age on an unused and unsold machine may be caused by a variety of reasons: Factory over production where sales do not meet manufacturing projections. Or perhaps dealer over-purchasing due to similar reasons. Or because of people on chat boards who diss a model and ruin potential sales for real or imagined faults unknown by the dealer when placing their order. This can happen with any line, but may possibly be more frequent with Berninas because of their high prices (including high wholesale prices to dealers), their lack of promotional pricing to allow dealers to discount prices, the corporate culture that says there is no need to discount because they are 'worth every penny', etc. They have not realized that their product today is not the equivalent of the product their reputation was built on. The old 830 can be sold today for the same price as it was originally sold for more than 30 years ago (about $500, if you can find someone willing to part with one). A machine that continues to perform well for 30 years and holds its value is indeed worth top dollar. But with the exception of the mechanical 1008 model, their current line is made up of electronic models that are changed every few years to incorporate new ideas. The result is that obsolete models lose their value quickly. If you want to talk about corporate ethics, that would seem to be a much more appropriate area to delve into.
The reason I think you are off base with the issue of manufacturing date vs purchase date is this: the warranty coverage begins at the point of purchase, not the date of manufacture. As a consumer you lose nothing by buying a machine that has been sitting in a box for a year longer than another identical machine. When they are unused, there is no significant deterioration of components.

Oct 18, 2010
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Bernina Lower Thread Sensor
by: Anonymous

Hi Bernina Sewers,

It sounds like your lower thread sensor is working really well and has detected something...but, what? Every project can be different. Yes, it will give a warning to protect the machine and your project from a potential/possible hazard. I notice when I go to classes with my 730E and have been traveling the error comes on more often. The tables in the classroom vibrate more than at home causing the bobbin error messages while embroidering in class and is fine again at home...it appears the vibration of the table in class vibrates the bobbin door, where the sensor is, causing the error. Knowing your machine it is clean, re-oiled and it is probably just thread fuzz during the activity...you can just ignore the error and continue sewing. Yes, it does get frustrating to stop and continue to sew like that so often. But, do brush it out well and remove the stitch plate, too, re-oil asap and clean the sensor glass on the door with alcohol has helped by sewing computer many times. Be sure the door is shut tight before sewing, too this all matters for a sensor-type machine. I hope this helps you, too along with the bobbin tail possiblity written above. Never give up and baby your machine, recheck everything...make your own check list helps...every project is a bit different depending on material threads, etc. Your sewing experience will get less frustrating by working with each type of project and noting what has happened...that is what makes it fun and brings growth in patience to work out the frustrations and learn from each other's experiences. Yes, Bernina USA and every dealer does care how we are doing and wants us all to succeed and love our sewing computers...they do want to know how it is going, our frustrations, concerns, and when things work well, too...we all can learn together. Keep sewing, you do have a great machine with sensors that are working...that is a good thing (if it bothers you too much on a project, the sensor can be turned off and turned back on for your next project.) Good luck with your Bernina! Thanks for sharing your experiences. bye...

Oct 19, 2010
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To Carole
by:

Carole,
I feel for you as I feel like sometimes I could throw my 730 all the way back to the Swiss.
My dealer told me to use Isacord for embroidery and The Bottom Line for bobbin thread.
As well as having the lower thread sensor, when nothing is wrong, It seems as I am constantly adjusting bobbin tension!
The decorative stitch samples that the tech had sewn on my machine as he was sewing it in, looked terrible. Most of the bottom thread lines were all over the place.
I have been checking all the web sites I can find to read reviews on the 730.
It seems that we are not the only ones with thread and bobbin issues.
The most common complaint is with Bernina's poor customer service, and the next is with bobbin sensor, bobbin tension, and thread breakage!
I just noticed the date of your post, so I hope they have your machine fixed by now!
Good Luck

Oct 21, 2010
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Problems with 730E
by: Mary

I purchased my 730E in January 2009. I have had it in to the shop about every 2 or 3 months since. The problems are in the bobbin sensor, thread tension, runaway reverse stitching, the whole machine locks up and has to be turned off and on, and now when I insert the plug for the BSR foot -- nothing happens! I keep taking it in to the shop and they call me and say it is fixed until I try it. I have been told to only use Mettler thread top and bottom, which wipes out the flexibility of using all the other wonderful threads. I am made to feel that I haven't got a clue on how to use this machine - I have been sewing since I was 12 and have maintained each machine I have worked on. Bernina is no help. I am told to try another shop, but the tech is the only tech for all these shops. I also found out that this machine was manufactured in 2002! I paid for a NEW machine, not one that has been sitting in a box for 7 years! Naturally, the warranty runs out in January 2011. If anyone has any suggestions, please let me know. Thanks

Oct 22, 2010
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re: Mary's 730E
by: Anonymous

Mary,
Given the variety of problems you have had so far, I would suggest you insist they send the machine to the service department of Bernina(in Chicago area, not Switzerland!) The head tech there is named Hans Herzog. There may be a shipping cost one way for you, but it definitely needs to go to someone with more experience than it sounds like your local tech has. Also, please remember your warranty is based on your purchase date, not the date of manufacture. However, in 2002 the top of the line Bernina was the 200E, and the 730E had not yet been developed. You have apparently been misinformed about the date of manufacture of your machine, since they were not being manufactured until rather later than that!

Oct 22, 2010
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To: Anonymous
by: Mary

The date of "02" is listed as the second number after the serial number on the machine. If what you say is true, then I purchased an upgraded 200 under the guise of a 730E. Based on the fact that this machine has been sitting in storage for 7 years, the technology is very outdated and having the machine repaired at this time gives me no confidence that other odd problems will not continue to come up in the future. Based on this information, I feel that I was misled about this machine and I paid for something I never received.

Oct 22, 2010
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To Mary
by: Anonymous

I'm confused by your comment about the numbers "after" your serial number giving you the date? The serial number format is 8 digits, something like 46851224. From this number you can determine that the machine was built in 2006. Also, the design of the machine casing, the size of the screen, etc, are all different between the 200 and the 730, so there is no way the machine could be an "upgraded" 200.

Oct 22, 2010
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To: Anonymous
by: Mary

Thank you for your clarification on the date.

Oct 26, 2010
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Bernina customer help
by: Sue

Hi Mary,
My 730 machine sounds just like yours! Mine will take off and sew backwards also!
I have informed Bernina that if I get my finger caught in the machine due to it sewing backwards that not only will I sue them but their "customer relations" person also.
I am surprised that your dealer has not sent your machine back to Bernina of America yet.
You can contact the customer relations person at Bernina USA. Go to their website and use the "Contact Us".
I would suggest you email them and tell them what you stated above and she can get your dealer to send the machine to them.
I would not hold my breathe about it being fixed though!
Mine just spent a month there and came back worse than what it was. They go through their check lists and if they are OK, they say it's "operator issues".
The customer service rep you will be dealing with does not care if you are happy with you machine or not.
There is a phone number for them, but I would stick with the email at first. That way you don't hear the condesating voice and you can pretend your business is important to them!
GOOD LUCK!

Oct 27, 2010
Rating

730
by: CAROLE

I gave my Bernina 730 back to the dealer and got a 640 and 230 instead. In talking to another Bernina dealer, she said my 730 should have been sent back to the manufacturer for a new one after the second time I took it in.

? - to those that dislike the 730 - why does your comment contain a 5 star rating?

Oct 27, 2010
Rating

the rating
by: Sue

Mary,
Thank you for bring the rating to my attention.
It is already filled in, so I did not notice it, and looking at it now it states "Rate This Page", so I'm not sure the rating is for the machine or not.
I personally don't think the Bernina 730 or BerninaUSA's customer service deserves even a rating of 1 star!
Maybe a -10!

Oct 28, 2010
Rating

730E
by: Anonymous

Thanks to everyone for your comments. I have contacted Bernina via email. I have several pages printed out with Bernina "advice". One statement said I should take it to another shop! The Better Business Bureau recommended that I take it back in and give them a chance to resolve the issues. After that, I can get the BBB involved and hopefully, they will be able to get this settled, because I have no faith that Bernina will repair this machine - especially since the warranty runs out in January.

Nov 04, 2010
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Getting things fixed
by: Anonymous

I hope you don't have to resort to what I did to get my 180 fixed. I had it to the dealer numerous times in a two year period because the bobbin thread would just make a large nest; and, of course, jam. Nothing worked and I was ready to throw it out the window. I went to the International Quilt Show in Houston and marched myself right up to the "big" Bernina rep from Switzerland and announced in a very loud voice how unhappy I was with his lousy product. Many people were listening and I "laid it on the line." He immediately called the dealer over who had the Bernina booth and told him to get it, pack it up and send it to the factory. Funny, it was fixed and has worked like a charm for the past five years. I later found out there had been a recall on a part and they just "neglected" to tell me. I'm not usually that bold, but I had had enough headache - much less paying $7000.00 for the headache.

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