A biopsy device comprises a probe and a holster. The probe has a distally extending needle including a transverse tissue receiving aperture. A cutter is translatable relative to the needle to sever tissue protruding through the aperture. A thumbwheel is manually operable to rotate the needle to reorient the angular position of the aperture about the longitudinal axis defined by the needle. The thumbwheel is positioned obliquely with the longitudinal axis. A cable driven mechanism in the holster drives the cutter. A rotatable tissue sample holder is coupled with the probe, and has chambers configured to receive tissue samples communicated proximally through a lumen defined by the cutter. A piezoelectric motor in the holster drives the tissue sample holder.