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vpi JMW arm lengths

Can the various VPI JMW tonearm wands be used on various bases. I know there are different lengths, such as 9". 10", 10.5" and 12, 12.5, 12.6 1nd 12.7 models. but can you substitute a 12" arm, for instance, on a 10" base? the VPI seems to use similar pivot structures, and you can buy the wands separately, so is it just a matter of putting a 12" wand on a 10" base, or are the actual pivots incompatible? Or, if its possible to do with only some bases or arms, is there a source of which are compatible?
manitunc

Showing 2 responses by brf

brf
1,715 posts
 
Yes, you can use any base and any tonearm i.e. you can use a classic base with a 12 inch arm, BUT you will need to reposition the base to the correct S2P distance for EACH arm with varying lengths.

Also, please note that some older bases have a too small of a "dogleg" that will not allow an arm with side weights to clear the vta tower.

I have seen a Classic table with a classic base and a 12.7 wand and the base has to be re-mounted to the extreme edge of the plinth. Not a good look.
brf
1,715 posts
 
I've owned most of VPI's 10, 10.5 and 12 inch arms. They all use the same pivot structures. There have been 2 generations of the pivot. The first generation was a cone shaped pivot which was affix to the base through a hole and a set screw. The next generation, was more of a very sharp spike and was affixed to the base with a threaded mounting collar. The older generation cone pivot can be updated to the new spike pivot for less than $100. It is a very worthwhile upgrade.
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