I know this an old topic...but Tonearm for Garrard 301 :)

I am an advocate of the rigidly coupled design for a TT, with Hard Interfaces at the critical mechanical interfaces on the Plinth / Chassis.

I have used this method for the best part of 30 years when I weaned off Belt Drive TT's, moving to Idler Drive TT's and eventually having a 401 in a '9 Stone in Weight'  Granite Monolith Plinth > SME IV. This interest in Idler Drives evolved to Platter Spindle Bearing being overhauled/redesigned, through to a PTP Solid Nine with a bespoke design Platter Spindle Bearing, all mounted as a rigidly coupled design. 

Today I use DD TT's as a rigidly coupled design.

I have in the past developed an interest to learn about the influences of a variety of Tonearm > Cart's (LOMC - HOMC - MM ) in use on the Main TT.

To make this an easier to create experience I designed a Standalone Tonearm Pod, which had a design incorporated to toy with damping and enable different interfaces between the Pod Mounting Plate and TA. I did not use this method in the end, other experiences changed my direction.

An individual who has a system I am very very familiar with, has a SP10R > Glanz MH1200 > Miyajima . With the TA mounted on a Standalone Pod.

I have failed to detect anything that is detractor when experiencing the SP10R that could be associated with using a TA on a Pod.

With TT / Pod both sharing the same Sub-Plinth as a mounting platform there is an improved coupling in place to having different surfaces for each part to be interfaced.

If the Sub-Plinth is specifically selected for being a very stable material with attractive Damping and Dissipation properties, this can easily be a better marriage for parts to interface than what many TT Designs are able to create. 

Keeping an open mind, and having simplistic options in place for creating new experiences when curiosity takes over is key to creating continuous opportunities to learn.

A sweet spot has been found for some, just through an alternate Headshell Material or Platter Mat Material being tried out.  

Audio Creative Groovemaster?  Perfect for SPUs.

Oh looks like your arm board is predrilled for the SME type base. Also looks very nice, and lots of room for the arm/arm wire etc. Should be a great sounding table.

Not sure about a tonearm that is not connected tt the plinth, one bump and your dragging out your alignment protractor. but a very interesting concept, if works well maybe an easier way to add a second arm to my table. 

What cartridge are you considering?  The important match is between the cartridge and the arm.  A local dealer does a lot of refurbishing of 301, 401 and Thorens 124 tables.  He primarily used Ortofon tonearms and Koetsu cartridges. Koetsu went out of business so I don't know what cartridge he will now be recommending, and Ortofon sourced its tonearms from Jelco which also went out of business.  This dealer said that the new source of Ortofon arms (also Japanese) is quite good, but, I don't know what cartridge he will be recommending when his stock of Koetsus runs dry.

Thanks everyone!!  

I've got a call into Pete Riggle - the Woody is very intriguing and I love the look paired with the Ortofon SPU.  Man that looks awesome...and the reviews seem to back it all up. Additionally, Pete looks like a great guy who loves what he does...that's always important to me when I make a purchase. I can't imagine he'd have a 4 month wait for a tonearm if they were not good.

Also talked to Steve at VAS in Cliffwood, NJ.  Friend of mine swears by Steve and his wizardry.  

I will be keeping an open mind on this journey.  @lalitk I also talked to DAS, I hope you love your plinth...looks like his work is very good!  I opted for Lee at Acoustand in the UK and I should have my plinth in production once I tell him the tonearm choice. 

Thanks again everyone!   Mike

I have been using a Pete Riggle 12" SPU tonearm on my Thorens 124. for the last five years, I use it with three different SPU cartridges, and I really love what it gives me. A rich, full platform, superior when compared to both an old SME and a new Jelco. There are reviews with comparisons to some other contemporary tonearms. It uses a thread bearing and is adjustable in almost every parameter, most of the time on the fly. 

It may be worth looking into:

https://vtaf.com/woody-spu-tonearm.html#/

+1, @glennewdick

@heightsmike

I am on similar journey as you and awaiting my plinth from DasAcoustics. I almost went with skeletal plinth. You can look at my Garrard 301 project by clicking the link below and last two thread related to Garrard 301 and Cart/Phono/SUT options.
https://www.audiogon.com/systems/11092

Check out Viv Lab Rigid Float Tonearm, 

https://www.sierrasound.net/viv-lab

I am expecting to have my 301 running around Labor Day weekend. You’re welcome to stop by anytime after that!

After building a Garrard 301 set up, i.e. plinth, rebuild of table, tone arm, etc. I'd say take your time and look for a reputable arm that fits many modern carts compliance.

Personally I'd stay away from vintage arms if your going to run modern carts just my experience.  Also find one that has easy set up and preferably with on the fly adjustments of VTA etc. A well engineered tone arm will make your task much easier to implement correctly.

Oh one last thing, not sure if your flush mounted your Garrard into the plinth or left it on top. but take the height in to account for the tone arm and mounting arrangement, that can make or break the set up. The mounting arrangement can be a pain and you want it to be easy to use and adjust for your tonearm and future tonearms. Cable run taken into account well. 

Glanz SH-1200s, i enjoy mine which i use for my Murasakino Sumile Mono cartridge. beautiful stainless steel build quality sounds great. 

https://glanz.tech/e/collection/mh1200s1000s900s/