Diy upgrade of sme3009 to detach headshell

[thyristor44]

Hello
I have an early sme3009 pickup and would like to upgrade it to detachable headshell.
I have various headshells but need the tube and socket. Any easy and not too expensive way.
Thanks
thyristor44

 

[diyrayk]

KAB acoustics has Numark straight DJ arm tubes for $18.

KAB Electro Acoustics http://www.kabusa.com

Numark tube OD is 0.0205" smaller than SME tube OD, but I don't know the ID's. Might work, and you may need to do some machining to get a snug fit. I think the bigger problem would be improvising the SME azimuth adjust feature with the Numark socket.

 

[kevinkr]

Which non-detachable SME 3009 version do you have? The earliest I recall is a Series II improved. The best course of action would be to sell this one on eBay and purchase one with the detachable head shell option, the next best would be to purchase a good used arm tube on eBay for the specific version of the arm you have. Try to find one with the wiring completely intact so that you do not have to fiddle around inside the arm - rewiring is not a trivial task, I have done it several times. Moving your knife edge to the new arm tube may be a challenge you are not prepared for. (I do not believe you can install an SME connector on the existing arm tube, but you might want to check, not that it makes it any easier at all in fact.)

 

[kevinkr]

All of the manuals and information needed to identify which version your arm is can be found at: Vinyl Engine - The Home of the Turntable, however to access the library you must be a member.

I have worked on a fair number of Series II arms, both 3009 and 3012 so I may be able to advise further once you know which version of the arm you have.

 

[thyristor44]

All of the manuals and information needed to identify which version your arm is can be found at: Vinyl Engine - The Home of the Turntable, however to access the library you must be a member.

I have worked on a fair number of Series II arms, both 3009 and 3012 so I may be able to advise further once you know which version of the arm you have.

From the diagrams it is definately a series 2 improved non detachable headshell.

 

[kevinkr]

I suspected that was the case.. I had a look on eBay to see if there were any suitable arm tubes; there weren't.

I have not worked on and in fact have avoided the Series II Improved.. I am not sure how the non detachable head shell is secured to the end of the arm. Can you take a few pictures?

I am very surprised at how high the prices are now for Series II arms including the improved, but possibly selling it would allow you a choice of Series II Improved with detachable head shell or the original Series II. Series I have always been expensive. I used to own three of the Series II, and still own one.. (As well as a 12" Schick and a clone of the 3012 that I put together)

 

[thyristor44]

Kevinkr mate, I have got cold feet about modding it. Two reasons, the very high price of anything
sme, and it seems far too complicated for me.
I may sell it and get one with detachable headshell as you advise.
Thanks for your help.
thyristor44

 

[kevinkr]

I think that is a really good decision, sell it and get one with detachable head shell.. 😀