Abstract: The specification discloses an improved jamb liner and novel friction shoe balance arrangement for a cottage-style window enabling the friction shoe balance, or positioner, concept to be utilized with window sash having a plow of nonrectangular cross section, and in "non take-out" type double hung or vertical slidable windows. The jamb liner includes a body securable to the jamb and a channel in which the friction shoe rides extending into the sash plow. The channel comprises a pair of sidewalls projecting outwardly from the jamb liner body into the plow, each sidewall including end portions shaped to generally conform to the nonrectangular portion of the plow, and disposed along and adjacent the latter. A pair of shoe abutment walls extend inwardly toward one another from the opposite channel sidewalls, and provide generally coplanar surfaces against which the friction shoe bears.