Problem with my SME 3009

[OldRecordLover]

Hi - I'm hoping someone here can help me with a problem I'm having with my SME arm.

When I change cartridges on my SME 3012, the headhell slots into a fixed position but the 3009 headshell can be rotated, so I have to use a level, even after tightening the collar.

https://theartofsound.net/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=27104&d=1576528012

Is this a fault, or something else? And how can I get round the problem?

Finally, I don't know which model I have - can anyone advise?

https://theartofsound.net/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=27105&d=1576528026

https://theartofsound.net/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=27108&d=1576528034

[struth]

Looks like a 3009mk2 imp.
The head shell can swivel. There is a small screw tightener on underside of tube to adjust. I usually leave mine so I can turn headshells but not loose enough that it will turn itself.

[OldRecordLover]

Looks like a 3009mk2 imp.
The head shell can swivel. There is a small screw tightener on underside of tube to adjust. I usually leave mine so I can turn headshells but not loose enough that it will turn itself.

Thanks, Grant. It doesn't turn by itself, but I have to use a level every time I change cartridges - is there a way I can avoid always having to do that?

[struth]

Not really, but loosen it enough that you can turn it smoothly but it's not loose enough to turn by just lifting and laying.
Checking azimuth should be done every time. You can set distance by moving arm back and forward via the 2 thumbscrews.
I have a few headshells with carts on if u make all the stylii terminate at same spot you won't even have to move arm.
I know everyone will say its heresy but tbh it works as I check and its always right.

One of the best older arms to work with.

[Beobloke]

As Grant says, the headshell locking collar can be tightened.

More importantly, though, why is the arm lift bar back to front? Just looking at it is sending my CDO into overdrive!

[OldRecordLover]

Not really, but loosen it enough that you can turn it smoothly but it's not loose enough to turn by just lifting and laying.
Checking azimuth should be done every time. You can set distance by moving arm back and forward via the 2 thumbscrews.
I have a few headshells with carts on if u make all the stylii terminate at same spot you won't even have to move arm.
I know everyone will say its heresy but tbh it works as I check and its always right.

One of the best older arms to work with.


As Grant says, the headshell locking collar can be tightened.

Thanks for the information, struth and Beobloke. While it's good to know it's not a fault, it seems an odd design to me when compared with the simplicity of the 3012's collar (but what do I know?).


More importantly, though, why is the arm lift bar back to front? Just looking at it is sending my CDO into overdrive!

I'm not sure which part you mean - the lever that you use to raise the arm? Or something else?

[struth]

The black semi circular part that lifts arm is wrong way. Here is mine
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20191217/80163700e79704812ffea9dcfa383935.jpg

[OldRecordLover]

Aha...now I get it. It was like that when I bought it but I will get it fixed when I find someone to work on my equipment. Thanks again...