I have to mention that a conversion from 3009 MK1 might have a problem, the original headshell socket of the earliest type does not fit the new tonearm wand without modification. SME 3009 MK1 has been succesfully converted into 12'' version You need to use the wayrod from the 3009. After mounting the tone arm, fit the counterweights. You may now install the tone arm onto your turntable. Finally solder the ground wire to the ground lug. Identify the correct tone arm wires for Left, Left earth, Right and Right earth and solder them to the respective output (upper drawing). Place the yoke head over the knife edge and yoke, and secure it with the two screws. When the wires emerge from the bottom, gently pull the wires as you seat the saddle knife edge on the yoke. Push the 4 tone arm and ground wires into the hole at the centre of the pillar. Also fit the cueing bridge below the saddle. Re-assemble the pillar, control bracket, base and base assembly of the tone arm. (In this case of course you need not have a ground wire press fitted with the cartridge socket.) Thread the ground wire through the grommet and set the rubber grommet into the hole. Insert the original SME saddle screw (thread size is not M2 metrical) and secure it. Grip it with tweezers and hold it beneath the hole nearer the cartridge end. The step is similar if you are using the ground connector from the 3009. You can then concentrate on holding the nut in position. Useful tip: Tie the saddle in position with a rubber band or adhesive tape, and to hold the tweezers closed with rubber band/tape. A few attempts may be needed before you succeed to secure the screw. Grip the M2 nut with a pair of tweezers through open end of the arm wand and hold it beneath the hole nearer the cartridge end. Align the 2 holes on the saddle with the corresponding 2 holes on the arm wand. Take the saddle from the 3009 and place it on the arm wand. The holes to insert the saddle screws should face up. It might be helpful at this stage to tape or bind the arm wand on to a piece of wood, and clamp the wood on a table so that the arm wand is not easily moved. It is assumed that you are not using the ground wire connector.

Sme tonearm repair