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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
manitunc OP
795 posts
 
I am certainly aware that changing wand lengths will change cartridge alignment. I will be mounting on a custom plinth SP102, with an arm mount that extends and rotates, so I can change the pivot distance easily. the wands will use different cartridges. My question is more on the line of Bpoletti's post, where the question is whether there is difference in pivot structure. VPI arm wands come up fairly often in the used arena, so I want to see if my 10.5i base will accept a 12.6 wand, for instance.
bifwynne
2,206 posts
 
Only way to know for sure is to call VPI.
bpoletti
1,525 posts
 
When you call VPI, make sure you have the exact model of arm wand and the base(s) on which you intend to mount such arm wand.
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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