I use a Thomas Schick tonearm with a Garrard 401. I have several tonearms and have owned dozens over the years. The Schick is all you need, plus it's simple, direct, consistent. No fussing once it's set up. It looks the part, too.
I use Zu103, Denon 103FL, Ortofon SPU with this table/tonearm, to magnificent effect. I have other turntables and cartridges in routine use, as well. The Garrard/Schick with these cartridges produces a vivid, driving sound that is unfailingly involving and musical.
The 401/Schick arre mouted in a Loricraft-style plinth constructed of solid teak blocks precisely cut and glued to form the plinth. The whole assembly is on mag-lev feet. It's quiet and can be played at very high volume despite its necessary location near a speaker.
There is also an excellent restorer in the UK. The name escapes me at the moment but you can find them on eBay. However, they are not going to be any less expensive than Woodsong. If you're interested in a full tear-down and rebuild that includes replating, bite the bullet and use Woodsong. I was lucky enough to get a virtually-NOS unit from the UK a couple of years ago.
Consider a bearing upgrade.
You listed several great tonearms in your post, as alternatives to the Schick. The SME is me least favorite among them. I like simple, correct, direct and the Schick fills the bill, plus has excellent bearings.
Phil
I use Zu103, Denon 103FL, Ortofon SPU with this table/tonearm, to magnificent effect. I have other turntables and cartridges in routine use, as well. The Garrard/Schick with these cartridges produces a vivid, driving sound that is unfailingly involving and musical.
The 401/Schick arre mouted in a Loricraft-style plinth constructed of solid teak blocks precisely cut and glued to form the plinth. The whole assembly is on mag-lev feet. It's quiet and can be played at very high volume despite its necessary location near a speaker.
There is also an excellent restorer in the UK. The name escapes me at the moment but you can find them on eBay. However, they are not going to be any less expensive than Woodsong. If you're interested in a full tear-down and rebuild that includes replating, bite the bullet and use Woodsong. I was lucky enough to get a virtually-NOS unit from the UK a couple of years ago.
Consider a bearing upgrade.
You listed several great tonearms in your post, as alternatives to the Schick. The SME is me least favorite among them. I like simple, correct, direct and the Schick fills the bill, plus has excellent bearings.
Phil