Well Tempered V's VPI Super Scout Master Sign

Davey, I bought one of the very first Super Scoutmasters when it came out, with the 9" JMW arm and acrylic platter.

I have since upgraded to Super Scoutmaster Reference with Rim Drive, 10" 3D arm, Classic platter with oil pumping inverted bearing, and Terracone footers. I have used the Super Platter which was better than the original acrylic, but the Classic platter blows the others away IMO. One of the great things about VPI and this particular table is the ability to upgrade tonearm, platter, drive system, footers, etc. "if you want to", or leave it the way it is. The original table is an excellent performer, reliable, great sound. If you decide to buy this table you should know that you are getting top quality performance for your money. VPI service has been excellent as well.

That Reference is a different generation from the newer Amadeus, Simplex, etc. That older generation was a little more hassle in terms of set-up and maintenance than the newer ones from what I can tell.

I owned a Well Tempered Classic for 15 years. For me, it was total set and forget. Only replaced a belt once in that time.

If a Well Tempered requires frequent maintenance, it's not set up correctly. Personally, I thought setup was idiot proof, but I guess not. Breaking the fishing line?? I can't imagine how anyone could do that. The user shouldn't ever touch the fishing line and should never exert the kind of force on the arm that would be required to break the line.

Maybe I'm wrong, but I thought the OP was referring to the belt, not the fishing line that suspends the arm. If he is indeed talking about the arm, then I agree with you. That should not be a concern.

Shakey

I've had my Well Tempered Original TT (not the Classic) since they first came out. In fact, the arm is one of the very first produced by Bill Firebaugh. I've never had one of the monofilament lines break. I have modified the arm somewhat. I have the heavy brass clamp around the arm well that greatly reduces micro vibrations and improves the overall sound. Also, I rewired the arm with Cardas wire and have a layer of shrink wrap on the entire length of the arm. Most recently, I replaced my worn and stretched out old belt with a custom made belt from Originlive.com. I highly recommend this belt. The WT belt should be replaced about every two years. When properly setup, the WT Classic keeps up with much more expensive tables. If you can find it, read Moncrieff's early review.