12B Banana

About the 12B Banana

The Thomas Schick 12B Banana tonearm is a 12.5-inch (317.5 mm effective length) transcription tonearm handcrafted in Germany, known for its ultra-high precision ball bearings and advanced damping materials in nine sections to control resonant energy, resulting in a nearly resonance-free design. It is suitable for phono cartridges weighing 6 grams or more with compliances below 20 µm/mN, including Ortofon SPU cartridges and mono cartridges. The arm features a spindle-to-pivot distance of 304.75 mm, an offset angle of 17.11°, and stylus overhang of approximately 12.8 mm. It includes a 1.1 meter low capacitance, low resistance symmetrical cable with Neutrik RCA plugs, a tonearm lift, and an antiskating mechanism. The tonearm is available in finishes such as gold-plated shiny, black chrome matte, and nickel palladium matte, and can be fitted with a graphite or wood headshell (sold separately). It supports SME or SPU-G versions and offers optional heavier counterweights for heavier cartridges. The 12B Banana design features a continuous curved tonearm tube, often referred to as a banana shape, enhancing its mechanical properties and aesthetic appeal. This tonearm is compatible with most turntables that allow the 304.75 mm mounting distance and is highly regarded for combining tonal warmth with detailed resolution.