A tonearm including an elongate member, a suspension means, a protrusion and a contact surface. The suspension means suspends the elongate member (8a; 8b; 8c; 8d; 8e) in an approximately horizontal position. The weight of the elongate member is substantially supported by the suspension means. The protrusion is arranged in opposing contact with the contact surface at a contact point, such that action of a drag force substantially parallel to the length of the elongate member urges the contact surface and the protrusion into opposing contact, thereby producing a contact force which resists the drag force. By separating the means for supporting the weight of the elongate member and the means for resisting a drag force acting along the length of the elongate member, the drag force can be more effectively resisted thus providing a tonearm with improved properties.

A tonearm including an elongate member, a suspension means, a protrusion and a contact surface. The suspension means suspends the elongate member (8a; 8b; 8c; 8d; 8e) in an approximately horizontal position. The weight of the elongate member is substantially supported by the suspension means. The protrusion is arranged in opposing contact with the contact surface at a contact point, such that action of a drag force substantially parallel to the length of the elongate member urges the contact surface and the protrusion into opposing contact, thereby producing a contact force which resists the drag force. By separating the means for supporting the weight of the elongate member and the means for resisting a drag force acting along the length of the elongate member, the drag force can be more effectively resisted thus providing a tonearm with improved properties.

A tone arm apparatus comprising a hemispherical air bearing in a pivoted tone arm operable on all axes so as to provide a virtually frictionless bearing operative on the tone arm, thereby enabling a stylus and cartridge that converts vibrations in the record groove to electrical signals, to transmit the signals without unwanted bearing noises impacting upon the sound quality of the transmission.