Out of boredom I'm currently working on a Garrard 401 / SME 3012 II combo in a new plinth - more details when I finish. I have no particular reason for this combination except that I wanted to keep with a timestamp of both products (more or less) and to go with a 12'' sitting in mu cupboard.

I am wondering what are the thoughts on the pickups who proved to be synergetic with 3012 over the decades of use. My experience with tonearms is actually limited to a few I used, like Kuzma Stogi, Stogi S or 4P, FR64fx or some I know through friends such as WTA or Shroeder clones.

I currently own SPU Spirit, Koetsu Black (old version), Koetsu Black Goldline and Miyajima Shilabe.

Out of these, I only tried SPU in it and it's a killer combo (never heard Metallica's Black album sounding so mental!). However would be good to share any other interested ideas.

Given that the arm hails from the times when MC pickups were not that popular as later or today, my point if concern is actually how suitable is 3012 for low compliance MC pickups. Also not sure how knife bearing adds to the proven fact that these pickups actually ask for a mechanical coupling as firm as possible.

One thing - I would try to stay with the original SME shells for 3009/12 if possible, to keep the look of era - if that puts too many limitation on SQ also let me know what are the proven headshells for 3012.

Cheers!

PS. Denon stop!