This is the famous upgraded version of the Souther linear tracking tonearm. Clearaudio of Germany bought the rights and started production in Germany. The short arm uses small bearings on polished quartz rods to minimize friction. These bearings have been replace with very high precision ceramic bearings, but I have the original bearings included too. I also have a couple of carbon fiber arm tubes, and a brass one for all those who like to experiment. This is a really cool linear tracking arm that does not require an air pump. It works fine, but does not work well with my Koetsu Rosewood cartridge (High mass, low compliance). Thanks for looking!