"How do you get a $16500 tonearm for $2500? Let me suggest that you compare the Pete Riggle Woody(tm) with the Durand Telos. " -Pete Riggle
"I could never afford to purchase a Schroeder, and the Woody is every bit as good. Every parameter you could want is easily adjustable. It is so beautiful, and so musical too." -Ted Danowski
"I can envision a theoretical argument for the superiority of S-shaped tonearms - but, if that's the case, why does Pete Riggle's Woody tonearm sound better than all of them?" - Jim Dowdy, Amplifier Builder
Woody™ Universal TM Tonearms
Woody Universal Tonearms TM are exceptionally musical. They provide a full array of adjustability, adaptability, and convenience features never before offered. They can be optimized to work with any standard mount cartridge. (If a Woody tonearm is needed for use with SME style interchangeable headshells, for example the Ortofon SPU cartridges, or interchangeable headshells, check out the Woody SPU Tonearm.
"I could never afford to purchase a Schroeder, and the Woody is every bit as good. Every parameter you could want is easily adjustable. It is so beautiful, and so musical too." -Ted Danowski
"I can envision a theoretical argument for the superiority of S-shaped tonearms - but, if that's the case, why does Pete Riggle's Woody tonearm sound better than all of them?" - Jim Dowdy, Amplifier Builder
Woody™ Universal TM Tonearms
Woody Universal Tonearms TM are exceptionally musical. They provide a full array of adjustability, adaptability, and convenience features never before offered. They can be optimized to work with any standard mount cartridge. (If a Woody tonearm is needed for use with SME style interchangeable headshells, for example the Ortofon SPU cartridges, or interchangeable headshells, check out the Woody SPU Tonearm.
Compare the Woody Universal Tonearm (tm) at $2500 to the Schroeder and Reed tonearms in the $5000 and higher price range, and Durand arms priced at $6500 and higher. Dream no more. The Woody tonearms are extremely musical and anticipate all user needs at a price many audiophiles can afford.
Woody Universal Tonearm on Art Dudley's Thorens TD124 Turntable; Armboard by Pete Riggle
In addition to exceptional sonics, the Woody(tm) tonearms provide easy setup, and remarkable ease of adjustment. With the record in play it is easy to adjust VTA, azimuth, and anti-skating force. All adjustments are made with thumbscrews. Hex wrenches (Allen wrenches) are not required.
Woody Universal Tonearms allow the user to change headshells, headshell adjuster plates, headshell mounting hardware, and to change counterweight mass, to achieve the effective mass to optimally perform with the specified, compliance, mass, and tracking force of any cartridge. Headshells and headshell adjuster plates in brass, aluminum, and wood (different masses) are provided with the Woody tonearm. Multiple counterweights and counterweight boosters are provided to balance the weight of any cartridge and its preferred headshell and headshell adjuster plate. A setup guide is provided in the Owner's Manual covering the setup for a wide range of cartridges.
Woody Universal Tonearms are the most easily adjustable and most easily adaptable (to any standard mount cartridge) tonearm product ever offered. Owners invariably comment on the musicality of Woody tonearms.
Attention has been paid in the design of Woody Universal Tonearms to every detail affecting sound quality, ease of adjustment, adaptability to various cartridges, and ease of setup and use. Nothing has been overlooked. Examples: Extensive use of wood and brass, the StringTheoryTM string bearing, oil damping, high quality Teflon insulated phono wire, Cardas cartridge clips, and excellent RCA connectors all contribute to a more musical experience. Installation of cartridges on the Woody tonearm is easier and more risk free than for any other tonearm. The ergonomic finger lift makes hand cueing easier and more secure than for other tonearms. The continuous wire run eliminates intermediate electrical connections, for better sound.
Standard effective lengths for Woody Universal TonearmsTM are 229 mm (9 inches, SME length), 240 mm (9.45 inches, Rega length), 254 mm (10 inches) and 310 mm (12.2 inches). We have also provided arms in the effective lengths of 356 mm (14 inches), and 406 mm (16 inches). We can accomodate a request for a specific effective length.
Please check out the following reviews:
John Hoffman's review in Positive Feedback Online:
http://www.positive-feedback.com/Issue56/stringtheoryarm.htm
Beneath that beautiful French polished wood lies a remarkable bit of creative thinking in regards to the obstacles presented by analog playback and neatly executed engineering solutions. If you value a hand crafted product and the passion and integrity of a designer, then I would suggest you give the String Theory arm serious consideration."
"The defining characteristic of the String Theory arm is its combination of proper tonal color and its unflappable expression of micro dynamics that make up music. What this translates to is this: music has a robust and fleshed out tonal balance, yet the fine detail which makes it realistic is not lost in the pleasing texture of the music."
Thad Aerts review, Part 1, in hifizine
http://www.hifizine.com/2011/06/pete-riggle-engineering-stringtheory-woody-tonearm/
"For being a rather sophisticated design, the Woody was a snap to set-up and the whole process (alignment included) took me a little over an hour. Again, I already had the VTAF installed (which makes a big difference in terms of time) and I made periodic minor tweaks as I listened to music. Still, Riggle is to be applauded for the thought that he put into the arm’s design – not to mention its stunning aesthetics ."
Thad Aerts review, Part 2, in hifizine
http://www.hifizine.com/2011/09/riggle-stringtheory-tonearm-part-2/
Thad compares the Woody to his modified Rega RB250, which uses Incongnito wire, the Pete Riggle VTAF, and the Pete Riggle Counterweight for the Common Man, all of which are dramatic improvements to the RB250:
"The best analogy I can muster to describe the differences I heard between the two tonearms was that the Rega (greatly improved by modifications) was like watching a really high quality tubed television. Then, take the same program material you just viewed and watch it on a state of the art plasma or LCD or whatever. There is really no contest. The Woody brought more air to whatever it played while also raising the level of definition. There were many times while listening where I wondered how much better it could really get short of better equipment downstream. It is, hands down, the best tonearm I’ve ever had the pleasure of hearing. Throw in its stellar good looks and ridiculous ease of set-up and you have a clear winner."
Woody Universal Tonearms are the most easily adjustable and most easily adaptable (to any standard mount cartridge) tonearm product ever offered. Owners invariably comment on the musicality of Woody tonearms.
Attention has been paid in the design of Woody Universal Tonearms to every detail affecting sound quality, ease of adjustment, adaptability to various cartridges, and ease of setup and use. Nothing has been overlooked. Examples: Extensive use of wood and brass, the StringTheoryTM string bearing, oil damping, high quality Teflon insulated phono wire, Cardas cartridge clips, and excellent RCA connectors all contribute to a more musical experience. Installation of cartridges on the Woody tonearm is easier and more risk free than for any other tonearm. The ergonomic finger lift makes hand cueing easier and more secure than for other tonearms. The continuous wire run eliminates intermediate electrical connections, for better sound.
Standard effective lengths for Woody Universal TonearmsTM are 229 mm (9 inches, SME length), 240 mm (9.45 inches, Rega length), 254 mm (10 inches) and 310 mm (12.2 inches). We have also provided arms in the effective lengths of 356 mm (14 inches), and 406 mm (16 inches). We can accomodate a request for a specific effective length.
Please check out the following reviews:
John Hoffman's review in Positive Feedback Online:
http://www.positive-feedback.com/Issue56/stringtheoryarm.htm
Beneath that beautiful French polished wood lies a remarkable bit of creative thinking in regards to the obstacles presented by analog playback and neatly executed engineering solutions. If you value a hand crafted product and the passion and integrity of a designer, then I would suggest you give the String Theory arm serious consideration."
"The defining characteristic of the String Theory arm is its combination of proper tonal color and its unflappable expression of micro dynamics that make up music. What this translates to is this: music has a robust and fleshed out tonal balance, yet the fine detail which makes it realistic is not lost in the pleasing texture of the music."
Thad Aerts review, Part 1, in hifizine
http://www.hifizine.com/2011/06/pete-riggle-engineering-stringtheory-woody-tonearm/
"For being a rather sophisticated design, the Woody was a snap to set-up and the whole process (alignment included) took me a little over an hour. Again, I already had the VTAF installed (which makes a big difference in terms of time) and I made periodic minor tweaks as I listened to music. Still, Riggle is to be applauded for the thought that he put into the arm’s design – not to mention its stunning aesthetics ."
Thad Aerts review, Part 2, in hifizine
http://www.hifizine.com/2011/09/riggle-stringtheory-tonearm-part-2/
Thad compares the Woody to his modified Rega RB250, which uses Incongnito wire, the Pete Riggle VTAF, and the Pete Riggle Counterweight for the Common Man, all of which are dramatic improvements to the RB250:
"The best analogy I can muster to describe the differences I heard between the two tonearms was that the Rega (greatly improved by modifications) was like watching a really high quality tubed television. Then, take the same program material you just viewed and watch it on a state of the art plasma or LCD or whatever. There is really no contest. The Woody brought more air to whatever it played while also raising the level of definition. There were many times while listening where I wondered how much better it could really get short of better equipment downstream. It is, hands down, the best tonearm I’ve ever had the pleasure of hearing. Throw in its stellar good looks and ridiculous ease of set-up and you have a clear winner."
Note: the lateral balance beam has been eliminated in current models. Lateral balance is achieved by rotating the counterweight
Features:
Acclaimed playback performance and features. Exemplary at any price. Remarkable at $2000 U.S.
French polished wood tonearm wand for controlled resonances and great beauty. Solid brass hardware (aluminum or rosewood headshell hardware where required for low and medium effective mass). Ergonomically configured wood fingerlift for sure control when hand cueing. Precision lift/lower mechanism. Magnetic arm lock/rest.
Incorporates the proven, popular, and well received VTAF™ (Vertical Tracking Angle on the Fly) for easy VTA Adjustment with the record in play. Incorporates the VTAF Teflon Upgrade.
Incorporates the AZOF™ system (AZimuth On the Fly) for easy azimuth adjustment with the record in play.
Incorporates the ASOF™ system (Anti-Skate On The Fly) for easy anti-skate adjustment with the record in play.
Incorporates the proven and well received Counterweight for the Common Man™.
Acclaimed playback performance and features. Exemplary at any price. Remarkable at $2000 U.S.
French polished wood tonearm wand for controlled resonances and great beauty. Solid brass hardware (aluminum or rosewood headshell hardware where required for low and medium effective mass). Ergonomically configured wood fingerlift for sure control when hand cueing. Precision lift/lower mechanism. Magnetic arm lock/rest.
Incorporates the proven, popular, and well received VTAF™ (Vertical Tracking Angle on the Fly) for easy VTA Adjustment with the record in play. Incorporates the VTAF Teflon Upgrade.
Incorporates the AZOF™ system (AZimuth On the Fly) for easy azimuth adjustment with the record in play.
Incorporates the ASOF™ system (Anti-Skate On The Fly) for easy anti-skate adjustment with the record in play.
Incorporates the proven and well received Counterweight for the Common Man™.
Snubber integral with AZOF system provides tonearm handling comparable to a gimbal bearing tonearm.
Headshell bubble level indicates adjustments to azimuth and VTA
String Theory (tm) unique string unipivot bearing system provides chatter free low bearing friction and smoothly adjustable anti-skate. Bearing is radially stiff for accurate tuneful bass performance.
Oil damping cup allows operation with or without oil damping.
Continuous wire from Cardas brand cartridge clips to gold plated RCA plugs is standard. XLR connectors available at no extra cost. Teflon insulated silver plated copper wire. Robust terminations. Upon request the Woody tonearm can be set up for independent external phono cables provided by user.
By interchanging headshells and headshell adjuster plates of different material densisties, and counterweights to provide the correct balance, the Woody tonearm can be set up for the optimum 8 Hz resonance frequency with most cartridges. The laws of physics dictate that the higher effective mass associated with lower resonance frequency provides reduced headshell vibration from stylus oscillation, giving improved clarity, inner detail, nuance, air and bass response. This is true across the entire audible spectrum. The chosen resonant frequency (8 Hz) is sufficiently high to avoid problems with footfall vibrations and record warps.
Removable headshell and long headshell leads allows easy cartridge installation (user not required to stand on head) in conjunction with continuous tonearm wire.
Easily adapts to shallow, medium, or high platters.
All adjustments are easily made using knurled nuts or thumbscrews. Allen wrenches (hex wrenches) and other special tools are not required. Easy adjustments include single knurled nut for overhang and alignment, single thumbscrew for counterweight (tracking force adjustment), easy VTA adjustment with knurled wheel, easy azimuth adjustment with lever, easy lateral balance adjustment with knurled nuts, easy anti-skate adjustment with knurled knob and locking thumbscrew, and easy height adjustment of lift/lower mechanism with locking thumbscrew. Note that the VTA, Azimuth, and Anti-Skate Adjustments can be made on the fly (with the record in play).
Accessories Provided with the Woody Universal Tonearm:
Provided accessories include: Detailed owners’ manual specific to the parameters of each String Theory Woody tonearm, mounting distance gage, alignment gage, overhang gage, silicone damping oil for damping cup, syringe for transferring damping oil, and additional headshells, headshell adjuster plates, and counterweights to allow the user to set up to optimally play any cartridge with standard mounting centers.
The Woody arms are modeled by computer, and subsequently tested, to verify that each will balance and provide the intended tracking force with the intended cartridge(s) and will have correct effective mass to achieve the desired resonant frequency. The tonearm wand has a square cross section which tapers from the pivot to the headshell. While it is common in the industry to design tonearms for a resonant frequency somewhere around 12 Hz, theory dictates (and we believe on the basis of experience) that more massive arms, with a resonant frequency closer to 8 Hz, sound better. This is because across the audible frequency spectrum, arms with lower resonant frequency respond less to needle talk vibrations than arms with higher resonant frequency. Tracking problems with record warps and footfalls do not usually occur with a tonearm resonant frequency of 8 Hz and above.
With low compliance cartridges (roughly 5 to 8 compliance units) the Woody will typically use a brass headshell and headshell adjuster plate. With medium compliance cartridges (roughly 10 to 16 compliance units) the Woody will typically use an aluminum headshell and headshell adjuster plate. With high compliance cartridges (roughly 18 to 30 compliance units) the Woody will typically use a Spanish Cedar headshell and headshell adjuster plate. The $2500 USD price range includes all three headshells and headshell adjuster plates, as well as multiple counterweights to set up for optimal playback with all cartridges.
Headshell bubble level indicates adjustments to azimuth and VTA
String Theory (tm) unique string unipivot bearing system provides chatter free low bearing friction and smoothly adjustable anti-skate. Bearing is radially stiff for accurate tuneful bass performance.
Oil damping cup allows operation with or without oil damping.
Continuous wire from Cardas brand cartridge clips to gold plated RCA plugs is standard. XLR connectors available at no extra cost. Teflon insulated silver plated copper wire. Robust terminations. Upon request the Woody tonearm can be set up for independent external phono cables provided by user.
By interchanging headshells and headshell adjuster plates of different material densisties, and counterweights to provide the correct balance, the Woody tonearm can be set up for the optimum 8 Hz resonance frequency with most cartridges. The laws of physics dictate that the higher effective mass associated with lower resonance frequency provides reduced headshell vibration from stylus oscillation, giving improved clarity, inner detail, nuance, air and bass response. This is true across the entire audible spectrum. The chosen resonant frequency (8 Hz) is sufficiently high to avoid problems with footfall vibrations and record warps.
Removable headshell and long headshell leads allows easy cartridge installation (user not required to stand on head) in conjunction with continuous tonearm wire.
Easily adapts to shallow, medium, or high platters.
All adjustments are easily made using knurled nuts or thumbscrews. Allen wrenches (hex wrenches) and other special tools are not required. Easy adjustments include single knurled nut for overhang and alignment, single thumbscrew for counterweight (tracking force adjustment), easy VTA adjustment with knurled wheel, easy azimuth adjustment with lever, easy lateral balance adjustment with knurled nuts, easy anti-skate adjustment with knurled knob and locking thumbscrew, and easy height adjustment of lift/lower mechanism with locking thumbscrew. Note that the VTA, Azimuth, and Anti-Skate Adjustments can be made on the fly (with the record in play).
Accessories Provided with the Woody Universal Tonearm:
Provided accessories include: Detailed owners’ manual specific to the parameters of each String Theory Woody tonearm, mounting distance gage, alignment gage, overhang gage, silicone damping oil for damping cup, syringe for transferring damping oil, and additional headshells, headshell adjuster plates, and counterweights to allow the user to set up to optimally play any cartridge with standard mounting centers.
The Woody arms are modeled by computer, and subsequently tested, to verify that each will balance and provide the intended tracking force with the intended cartridge(s) and will have correct effective mass to achieve the desired resonant frequency. The tonearm wand has a square cross section which tapers from the pivot to the headshell. While it is common in the industry to design tonearms for a resonant frequency somewhere around 12 Hz, theory dictates (and we believe on the basis of experience) that more massive arms, with a resonant frequency closer to 8 Hz, sound better. This is because across the audible frequency spectrum, arms with lower resonant frequency respond less to needle talk vibrations than arms with higher resonant frequency. Tracking problems with record warps and footfalls do not usually occur with a tonearm resonant frequency of 8 Hz and above.
With low compliance cartridges (roughly 5 to 8 compliance units) the Woody will typically use a brass headshell and headshell adjuster plate. With medium compliance cartridges (roughly 10 to 16 compliance units) the Woody will typically use an aluminum headshell and headshell adjuster plate. With high compliance cartridges (roughly 18 to 30 compliance units) the Woody will typically use a Spanish Cedar headshell and headshell adjuster plate. The $2500 USD price range includes all three headshells and headshell adjuster plates, as well as multiple counterweights to set up for optimal playback with all cartridges.
More Detail:
At this point we have extensive experience with Woody tonearms ranging in length from 9 to 16 inches. These tonearms are all very musical. We have provided users with a number of Woody tonearms in various lengths and for various cartridges. We are getting glowing reports.
VTA on the Fly (VTAF): These tonearms use the proven VTAF (Vertical Tracking angle on the Fly) system, allowing the VTA to be dialed in to the sweetest angle while the record is in play as the user listens to the effect of VTA. The VTAF also isolates the tonearm system from the armboard. Many VTAF users have attested to the remarkable sonic benefits of isolation provided by the VTAF. With the VTAF, a thin adjuster wheel running on fine threads moves the tonearm pedestal up or down to change VTA. The VTAF Teflon Upgrade, which lines the bearing surfaces of the VTAF with Teflon, and improves sonics and smoothness of operation, is standard with the Woody tonearms.
Azimuth On the Fly (AZOF): Also incorporated into the Woody tonearms is a system which allows the azimuth to be to be dialed in to the sweetest condition while the record is in play, as the user listens to the effect of azimuth. AZOF is achieved by a manually adjusted lever on the lower platform which controls the position of a vertical axis snubber pin directly under the tonearm pivot. The vertical axis snubber pin loosely engages a small aluminum channel secured under the tonearm wand, with the channel axis parallel to the tonearm axis. Once the preferred azimuth has been dialed in, it is desirable in theory, but actually unnecessary in practice, to adjust the lateral balance of the arm to achieve a balance such that the snubber pin is not in continuous contact with the channel.
Anti-Skate On the Fly (ASOF): Anti-skate is set using a blank record or blank space in a lead-out groove. With the record turning the user rotates the anti-skate knob at the center of the top plate. This puts a twist into the bearing string, creating an outward skating tendency to balance the inward skating tendency caused by stylus drag. Anti-skate is properly set when the stylus tends to stay put or move slowly outward when placed on a blank space on the surface of the record. For purchasers who wish, we can provide the Pete Riggle Anti-skate Measurement System (PRAMS) free of charge.
At this point we have extensive experience with Woody tonearms ranging in length from 9 to 16 inches. These tonearms are all very musical. We have provided users with a number of Woody tonearms in various lengths and for various cartridges. We are getting glowing reports.
VTA on the Fly (VTAF): These tonearms use the proven VTAF (Vertical Tracking angle on the Fly) system, allowing the VTA to be dialed in to the sweetest angle while the record is in play as the user listens to the effect of VTA. The VTAF also isolates the tonearm system from the armboard. Many VTAF users have attested to the remarkable sonic benefits of isolation provided by the VTAF. With the VTAF, a thin adjuster wheel running on fine threads moves the tonearm pedestal up or down to change VTA. The VTAF Teflon Upgrade, which lines the bearing surfaces of the VTAF with Teflon, and improves sonics and smoothness of operation, is standard with the Woody tonearms.
Azimuth On the Fly (AZOF): Also incorporated into the Woody tonearms is a system which allows the azimuth to be to be dialed in to the sweetest condition while the record is in play, as the user listens to the effect of azimuth. AZOF is achieved by a manually adjusted lever on the lower platform which controls the position of a vertical axis snubber pin directly under the tonearm pivot. The vertical axis snubber pin loosely engages a small aluminum channel secured under the tonearm wand, with the channel axis parallel to the tonearm axis. Once the preferred azimuth has been dialed in, it is desirable in theory, but actually unnecessary in practice, to adjust the lateral balance of the arm to achieve a balance such that the snubber pin is not in continuous contact with the channel.
Anti-Skate On the Fly (ASOF): Anti-skate is set using a blank record or blank space in a lead-out groove. With the record turning the user rotates the anti-skate knob at the center of the top plate. This puts a twist into the bearing string, creating an outward skating tendency to balance the inward skating tendency caused by stylus drag. Anti-skate is properly set when the stylus tends to stay put or move slowly outward when placed on a blank space on the surface of the record. For purchasers who wish, we can provide the Pete Riggle Anti-skate Measurement System (PRAMS) free of charge.
The arm for each customer is modeled by computer, and subsequently tested, to verify that the arm will balance and provide the intended tracking force with the intended cartridge(s) and will have correct effective mass to achieve the desired resonant frequency.The tonearm wand has a square cross section which tapers from the pivot to the headshell. While it is common in the industry to design tonearms for an arm/cartridge resonant frequency somewhere around 12 Hz, theory dictates (and we believe on the basis of experience) that more massive arms, with a resonant frequency closer to 8 Hz, sound better. This is because across the audible frequency spectrum, arms with lower resonant frequency respond less to needle talk vibrations than arms with higher resonant frequency. Tracking problems with record warps and footfalls do not usually occur with a tonearm resonant frequency of 8 Hz and above.
The design philosophy is to use wood wherever possible, and brass and Delrin ™ where wood is not as practical as desired. Where necessary for reduced tonearm effective mass, aluminum or wood headshell components are used. This philosophy has resulted a remarkably balanced tonal character which makes real music. The question might arise "My Rega arm with the VTAF and the CCM sounds wonderful. Can the Woody tonearms actually sound better?" The answer is that while the Rega arms with the VTAF and CCM are truly excellent, the Woody arms are more musical.
The Woody design uses a uniquely configured string unipivot suspension with snubbing to make tonearm handling the same as with conventional bearings. Tonearm handling is made more convenient with the use of a long, light, wood, ergonomically shaped finger lift. A precision lift/lower device is standard. The tonearm rest/lock uses a strong magnet to attract a steel target under the tonearm wand. The tonearm is held down securely against vertical forces, but lifts nicely off the magnet when put into play by the user.
The uniquely configured string unipivot is stiff in the horizontal plane, resulting in excellent bass response. The string unipivot bearing is suspended from a knurled brass knob at the center of the upper platform. Anti-skate tendency can be adjusted by rotating this knob. The knob is locked with a thumbscrew when in the correct position.
All Woody tonearm adjustments are easy to make without reliance on hex keys. We object to the common use of hex keys and special tools for tonearm adjustment. Hex keys are so easy to misplace, and once misplaced, it is a nuisance to find the right size. VTA is adjusted with the VTAF. AZimuth On the Fly is adjusted with the AZOF lever. Tonearm lateral balance is adjusted by rotating the counterweight. The Counterweight for the Common Man provides tracking force adjustment with a knurled thumbscrew to lock the counterweight in place. The headshell provides easy alignment using only one knurled nut. Anti-skate tendency is dialed in by rotating a knurled brass knob on the upper platform, allowing Anti-Skate On the Fly (ASOF). Even the lift/lower device is easily adjusted upward and downward, using a knurled thumb-screw to lock the device in place. For arms with adjustable VTA this is an important feature. The Woody is probably the most easily adjusted tonearm ever developed.
The design philosophy is to use wood wherever possible, and brass and Delrin ™ where wood is not as practical as desired. Where necessary for reduced tonearm effective mass, aluminum or wood headshell components are used. This philosophy has resulted a remarkably balanced tonal character which makes real music. The question might arise "My Rega arm with the VTAF and the CCM sounds wonderful. Can the Woody tonearms actually sound better?" The answer is that while the Rega arms with the VTAF and CCM are truly excellent, the Woody arms are more musical.
The Woody design uses a uniquely configured string unipivot suspension with snubbing to make tonearm handling the same as with conventional bearings. Tonearm handling is made more convenient with the use of a long, light, wood, ergonomically shaped finger lift. A precision lift/lower device is standard. The tonearm rest/lock uses a strong magnet to attract a steel target under the tonearm wand. The tonearm is held down securely against vertical forces, but lifts nicely off the magnet when put into play by the user.
The uniquely configured string unipivot is stiff in the horizontal plane, resulting in excellent bass response. The string unipivot bearing is suspended from a knurled brass knob at the center of the upper platform. Anti-skate tendency can be adjusted by rotating this knob. The knob is locked with a thumbscrew when in the correct position.
All Woody tonearm adjustments are easy to make without reliance on hex keys. We object to the common use of hex keys and special tools for tonearm adjustment. Hex keys are so easy to misplace, and once misplaced, it is a nuisance to find the right size. VTA is adjusted with the VTAF. AZimuth On the Fly is adjusted with the AZOF lever. Tonearm lateral balance is adjusted by rotating the counterweight. The Counterweight for the Common Man provides tracking force adjustment with a knurled thumbscrew to lock the counterweight in place. The headshell provides easy alignment using only one knurled nut. Anti-skate tendency is dialed in by rotating a knurled brass knob on the upper platform, allowing Anti-Skate On the Fly (ASOF). Even the lift/lower device is easily adjusted upward and downward, using a knurled thumb-screw to lock the device in place. For arms with adjustable VTA this is an important feature. The Woody is probably the most easily adjusted tonearm ever developed.
A tiny circular bubble level is made integral with the headshell adjuster plate. This tiny bubble level provides the user with a quick visual determination of azimuth and VTA. A lateral balancer is provided to get perfect lateral balance at the desired azimuth once azimuth has been dialed in by the AZOF system.
The standard wiring configuration provides a continuous run of 36 gage Teflon insulated, silver plated, stranded copper wire between the cartridge and the phono stage. We've tried a number of wire products. So far this is the best we've found. The wire harness is shielded by a small diameter thin walled brass tube along the length of the tonearm, unshielded at the compliance loop (similar to VPI tonearms), and shielded with foil and a drain wire from the compliance loop to the RCA plugs. The shield is not connected at the RCA plugs or at the cartridge. A long ground wire connects the wiring harness shield system to the chassis ground at the phono amplifier. A short ground wire is provided in the event the user needs to connect the turntable to the grounding system (this is important for tables with metal motor boards, such as the Thorens TD124, The Garrard 301, or the Lenco tables). Configurations allowing user selected RCA patch cables are optional. The Woody is designed for ease of wiring and rewiring (not that rewiring will ever be required). The extreme flexibility of the wire used minimizes changes in anti-skate force as the arm sweeps across the record.
In our listening room we are using a 12 inch Woody with a Denon DL103 cartridge, and are getting very musical results. The 12 inch nominal Woody has a length of 310 mm (12.2 inches) from stylus to pivot, with an overhang of 13.1 mm (.516 inches) for the Baerwald alignment. This particular arm was set up with an effective mass of about 30 grams, to which one must add the cartridge mass to get the total mass. Cartridge mounting is standard with screws spaced 0.5 inches on centers. This arm sounds wonderfully musical with the DL103, and sounds even better with some of the more sophisticated cartridge products.
For higher compliance cartridges the arm effective mass can be lowered, still keeping the resonant frequency around 8 Hz, by using aluminum or Spanish Cedar for the headshell, the headshell adjuster plate, or both.
Woody tonearms are available in lengths to allow easy replacement of older arm designs. Typical arms in the 9 to 10 inch range vary from a length of 229 mm to 254 mm. Woody arms are available to replace arms of any length. We have had great success with 12, 14, and 16 inch arms.
The wood tonearm wand is finished in French polish, rubbed on in many sessions. French polish is legendary for bringing out the beauty of wood. There is nothing like it. Lacquered Brass finish is used for brass parts, with an optional Smokey Silver finish ($120 U.S. extra). At present the wood being used for most Woody tonearms is aged western red cedar, which finishes like various species of mahogany, but is lower in density.
Interest in this family of tonearms is running quite high. The list price is $1900 USD. We suggest comparing the Woody arms to Schroeder and Reed arms in the $4000 U.S. to $4500 U.S. range, and to Durand arms in the $7900 U.S. to $16500 range. Because these tonearms are labor intensive, and I am a one man shop, I will never be able to produce more than one of these tonearms every two weeks.The purchaser is free to return the arm within 90 days, for a full refund of the purchase price. Actual shipping and insurance will be charged, running about $60 U.S. to U.S. destinations.
I will be happy to accept an order with a $200 down payment. The current waiting period for delivery is 9 months. I prefer payment by PayPal, but can accept a credit card on a U.S. bank, a personal check on a U.S. bank, a money order, or an international money order.
Please advise if you find yourself with unanswered questions or concerns. I can be contacted by email at peteriggle@msn.com, or by phone at 509 582 4548. I am often in the shop, but away from the office phone. If you call and get the answering machine, please leave a brief message with your telephone number and/or email
Interest in this family of tonearms is running quite high. The list price is $1900 USD. We suggest comparing the Woody arms to Schroeder and Reed arms in the $4000 U.S. to $4500 U.S. range, and to Durand arms in the $7900 U.S. to $16500 range. Because these tonearms are labor intensive, and I am a one man shop, I will never be able to produce more than one of these tonearms every two weeks.The purchaser is free to return the arm within 90 days, for a full refund of the purchase price. Actual shipping and insurance will be charged, running about $60 U.S. to U.S. destinations.
I will be happy to accept an order with a $200 down payment. The current waiting period for delivery is 9 months. I prefer payment by PayPal, but can accept a credit card on a U.S. bank, a personal check on a U.S. bank, a money order, or an international money order.
Please advise if you find yourself with unanswered questions or concerns. I can be contacted by email at peteriggle@msn.com, or by phone at 509 582 4548. I am often in the shop, but away from the office phone. If you call and get the answering machine, please leave a brief message with your telephone number and/or email
Pete Riggle Audio
2112 S. Olympia Street, Kennewick WA 99337, USA
shop phone: 509 582 4548 email: peteriggle@msn.com
VTAF™ Trademarked. U.S.Patent No. 7630288.
Website content Copyright © 2021 Pete Riggle Audio, All Rights Reserved.
2112 S. Olympia Street, Kennewick WA 99337, USA
shop phone: 509 582 4548 email: peteriggle@msn.com
VTAF™ Trademarked. U.S.Patent No. 7630288.
Website content Copyright © 2021 Pete Riggle Audio, All Rights Reserved.