For sale is an excellent example of the coveted 3009 SME improved tonearm for your existing or future custom turntable. This is a serious upgrade should you wish to utilise high compliance cartridges with up to 10g in mass. For example its perfect for most MM cartridges ie Shure V 15 type 3. (not included its just a suggestion) The sonic experience aside the 9 inch arm is visually spectacular with the shine of the chrome mirror finishing on her arm tube.please note the arm has NOT been polished. As there is minor oxidization on the base and we do not want to hide or obscure it from potential clients. It can be polished away and does NOT affect sound reproduction in any way. I have included a generic powder coated black cheese grater styled headshell for your convenience. not included is the antiskste counterweight on the monofilament or the wire holder for it, no cables included. Both can easily be purchased from sme or bay at minimum costs. Please note that there is a no return policy on tonearms . Please use the attached photographs to see in detail the item being offered. They form part of the description as is precisely the item you will receive. Classic 9" J shaped arm with knife-edge bearings. Adjustable overhang, vertical tracking force, anti-skate and arm height. Later models had optional fluid damping. The series I and II had removable headshells, series II improved had a fixed headshell and S2 improved had a lightweight removable headshell (type S-2). Sensitivity and strength combine with versatility to ensure the continuing popularity of the 3009. Built throughout with instrument standards of quality, the SME 3009 has all parts precision machined, heat treated and ground where necessary. Finished in satin chrome plate, gun black and polished stainless steel. A unique weight system enables the arm to be balanced longitudinally and laterally. This important feature makes levelling unnecessary. Reproduction is unaffected even if the arm and turntable assembly are tipped through 30 degrees from horizontal, demonstrating the excellent groove contact maintained. Models 3009 and 3012 are of similar construction, the essential difference being the length of the tonearm. Review The purchase of an SME 3009 arm is a wise investment for anyone interested in the highest quality of reproduction from discs - HiFi News 1961 I know of no other arm possessing all the qualities of the SME. Among these qualities versatility and precision are paramount, and the refinement of the original model into the series II has been an eminently worthwhile operation. Purchase of this arm should be regarded as an investment of capital, not an expenditure - 7s HiFi News 1973 Perhaps one of the most popular high quality tonearms ever made. Reasonably clear if somewhat lifeless in sound quality. Bass performance was considered good if a bit soft at times, but it was judged reasonably extended and in good balance with the rest of the performance - S2 improved Noel Keywood HFN 1978 The tonal balance was fairly open, but the sound lacked precision and stereo focus was felt to be impaired throughout the frequency range - 3009R HiFi Choice 1984 A well built and finished product which may be available at an attractive price. Sound quality was characterised as somewhat brash and lacking in bass definition - 3009 improved HiFi Choice 1984 Please note that we will pack her with our custom double box and bubble wrap system and we pack for the safety of the item not for economy