I’m not sure how “secret” any of this information is, but it’s definitely less known information.   After I did the Comparison Video of the Older vs Newer style Singer 9960’s, it seems it may have confused some of you.  I’ve been getting questions about purchasing the “New” model rather than the “Old” model.  I should have really called it the “current” model of the Singer QS 9960.  Sometimes things make sense to me, but I also don’t want to mislead anyone so I wanted to clarify.  I thought it might be interesting for owners to know a little more history on the different generations of the Singer 9960 and share what I’ve learned over the years.  So here we go…..

The “Original” Singer Quantum Stylist 9960 debuted on HSN back in 2010.  It was presented by my favorite sewist extrordinare, Darlene Cahill.  She regularly presented Singer machines and I miss seeing her on HSN.  She really knew how to inspire those of us that watched her into thinking we could sew anything.  The original machine she presented that day was over $500.00  and was the special of the day.  This machine was the first generation of the Singer QS 9960 and it was plain White as shown below.

Original Singer Quantum Stylist 9960 with no graphic.

I’m not sure how long this original model was actually on the market, but I do know there were issues with the bobbin casings.  I never owned this machine, but I remember being impressed by the presentation and wanting the “value added accessories”.

About a year later, I finally bought the Singer Quantum Stylist 9960 and received it for Christmas 2011.  I primarily purchased it for the “Value Added Accessories” package to use on my new Singer Quantum L-500.  I never expected to love this machine so much.  It’s just a smooth running easy to navigate machine.  When I sat down with it the first time, we became friends right away.  I had the same exact feeling when I sat down at the new “current” machine also.  Same smooth sewing with great stitch quality.  A real pleasure to create with.

Older & Current Singer Quantum Stylist 9960 with graphic detail on lower front.

Some time later is when changes were made to the current Singer 9960 models.  Changes could have been made for a variety of reasons.  Most likely it was to produce in mass quantity at a lower cost.  I didn’t realize there were differences until after I did my Video Part 11, Maintenance and Adjustments.  I was told that users didn’t have the dial under the top cover to control the brightness on the LCD screen.  At that time, I thought that was the only difference.  Now I know that the cutters are also different as well and could be one of the reasons I’ve never had issues with the function of my auto cutter.  The current model has a completely different cutting mechanism.  AND that’s a good thing in my opinion for owners with the current style auto cutters.  They are able to be serviced as a DIY repair, whereas the original is not.  We were not able to take my original auto cutter out of that machine at all.  This is what inspired my purchasing the New “current” Singer 9960.

Singer 8060

Back in early 2016, I wrote about the Singer 8060.  It looked to me that it was just a rebranded Singer Quantum Stylist 9960 with no graphic, but with an added red face plate.  Not sure which cutter it has, but it doesn’t appear to have the dial to adjust the LCD either.  Singer is known for rebranding their machines by changing it’s appearance and model # and selling to a specific market.  Not sure where this machine falls in the timeline but it’s an attractive machine.

Singer 8060 with no LCD dial under the top cover.

After the debut of the Singer QS 9960, Singer offered another new machine, the Singer 9970.  I never owned this machine or saw it in person, but it seemed like it had all the same features of the Singer 9960.  It also came with a different set of additional presser feet.  The main difference was just in the machine’s outer housing.  The stitch selections were all the same.  This was a short lived machine and was discontinued fairly quickly.  I never heard of issues with the 9970 and those that own this model seem happy with it’s function.

Singer 9970

Singer 9980

These next 2 machines are the Singer 9980 and the Singer 9985.  They came out after the Singer QS 9960.  They’re basically the same as the Singer 9960 with a few additional features like adjustable presser foot pressure.  I don’t own either of these machines, so I’m only relying on information I’ve read.  They are very attractive machines and I’ve been told by owners that my videos are helpful for learning how to use these machines as well.  

Singer 9985

So there you have a little more information on the different generations of the Singer QS 9960.  I can’t help but wonder why Singer gave vague information about the bobbin sizing for the Singer 9960.  I always suggest that people take a look at which bobbin came with their machines and purchase the same ones.  The Class 15J are slightly domed and the Class 15 are flat.  I was surprised that the “newer” 9960 I recently purchased came with the 15J’s.  I fully expected it to come with Class 15.  I did inspect the bobbin casing and the “older and newer” were the same other than the brush color and location.  There also seems to be a new complaint lately about bobbins rattling.  I think that may have something to do with a low bobbin more than anything being wrong.  I’ve haven’t had this issue, so I have no way of really knowing.  I also get alot of questions about oiling the Singer QS 9960.  I always refer owners back to the manual provided with their machines.  The manual states  on page 100, “There is no need to lubricate this machine.”  I’ve had owners tell me that they’ve spoken to Singer and they’ve been instructed to oil their machines.  It’s up to each individual owner to do what you think is right for their machine.  I would never tell an owner to deviate from the manual because I wouldn’t want to suggest anything that might void your warranty.