So I did this to my Shure SC35C

[dmckean]

I've been really enjoying the SC35C on my new arm over the last few weeks so I mounted the internal body in a new aluminium shell.

Here's the process:

First get everything you need laid out.


Here's the SC35C next to the new body.


Remove the stylus.


Then you use an Exacto knife to pry internal body out of the cheap plastic shell.


Keep twisting until it pops loose.


Here's the empty plastic shell next to the internal body.


The new body gets taped off with painters tape. The plastic body has the cartridge sit at an angle. Four little pieces of lead shot are used to keep the correct cartridge angle.


Then you mix the epoxy and scoop some into the body. I didn't get an pictures of this part because you need to work fast but here's a picture from the seller's Ebay page.


Next you carefully place the body in the new shell.


After 24 hours of the epoxy curing you end up with something like this.


I quite like the results. I get more focus and a wider, deeper soundstage while still keeping all the things I like about this cart (bass authority, midrange clarity and it handles beat up records with ease). Removing the plastic shell also opens of the the choices of stylus for this cart, you're no longer limited to just those that fit the SC35C/M35X/M78S/N44GX body and can use options for the V15V as well.

[Marco]

Great stuff, Dave. I'm also a fan of the SC35C, and have one of the original 'Made in USA' ones (with NOS stylus), before Shure moved their production to Mexico, and quality suffered. They sound superb, just as you described: a great 'boogie' cartridge for rock, pop and dance music.

The BBC used them for broadcasting purposes in their Radio 1 stations, during the 70s. What are you tracking yours at? I shunned the OTT 3-4g thing, set mine at 2g, and it sounds superb at that, tracking securely, too

Love the new body-shell. Is it a modified one for a DL-103? Also, could you provide a link please to the ebay seller?

Marco.

[dmckean]

Thanks Marco,

I'm tracking mine a little over 2.5 grams. It seems to do just great at that setting. 4-5 grams was probably only for broadcasters so records didn't skip on the air.

Here's a link to the ebay listing.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/181965427250

[Marco]

Excellent, Dave. I can see myself getting one of those! I agree with the broadcasting VTF thing. Lowering it, for domestic use, also opens up the top end, I find

Honestly, some of those old Shure cartridges, properly mounted on quality arms and T/Ts would frighten the life out of some so-called 'high-end' cartridges produced these days!

Marco.

[dmckean]

This most recent experience with it has shown me how much a quality arm makes a difference. It sounds amazing now.

My USA made SC35C is on my best friend's Pioneer table and that’s probably where it will stay. It's pretty impossible to replace now since Herb Reichert's review in Stereophile.

[PaulStewart]

Thanks for that Dave, I'vejust ordered 2 of them I also have a NOS M-75ED I think will Benefit from a new body.....

[Marco]

My USA made SC35C is on my best friend's Pioneer table and that’s probably where it will stay. It's pretty impossible to replace now since Herb Reichert's review in Stereophile.

Cool... Got a link to that review? I'd like to read it

Marco.

[dmckean]

Cool... Got a link to that review? I'd like to read it

http://www.stereophile.com/content/g...lIDSlFqtVQt.97

[dmckean]

Thanks for that Dave, I've just ordered 2 of them I also have a NOS M-75ED I think will Benefit from a new body.....

I don't think you'll be disappointed.

[Marco]

http://www.stereophile.com/content/g...lIDSlFqtVQt.97

Most interesting!

Marco.