Is there a way to date an SME 3009 by serial number?

beatcomber

AK Member
Is there a way to date an SME 3009 by serial number?

I suspect the answer is 'no,' or else I would have found an answer via a forum search and Google, but I thought I'd ask anyway...

I'd be interested in knowing the serial numbers and series of your '60s-'70s SMEs, if you're confident of when it was manufactured (ie: you bought it new, have the original receipt, etc.). Maybe we can get a database going, which will help the rest of us figure out a likely date range for our arms.

FWIW, my 3009 S2 'unimproved' is s/n #91892. It's the common version with the non-fixed counterweight and piston-type arm lift.

BTW, I have an email in to SME... I'll report back whether or not they can help.
 
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I found something one time that stated what years the different series where built but never where the serials numbers started. The other thing is the serial number is only on the base and it's very possible that the base might have been change some time in it's life. I know I have changed them my self to a one in better condition. I also know that a lot of the SME's are put together from different parts so people can sell them as a whole. I'm not sure it means a lot to others what year they where built in but it would be interesting to know.
 
Good points, Bob.

My understanding is:

3009 S1: 1958-63
3009 S2 (fixed counterweight at the end of the stub): 1963 (possibly '64 too?)
3009 S2 (non-fixed counterweight): 1964-1973
3009 S2 Improved (detachable headshell): 1973-198?*
3009 S2 Improved (fixed headshell): 1973-198?*

*I'm not sure which came first or if they were simultaneously offered by SME.
 
The only way to know for sure you that have an original arm with correct serial # is to buy a new one in the box. :yes:
 
Good points, Bob.

My understanding is:

3009 S1: 1958-63
3009 S2 (fixed counterweight at the end of the stub): 1963 (possibly '64 too?)
3009 S2 (non-fixed counterweight): 1964-1973
3009 S2 Improved: 1973-198?*

*I'm not sure which came first, the S2 Imp with fixed headshell or S2 Imp with detachable headshell, or if they were simultaneously offered by SME.

They also had the split counterweight S2 one in between then two.
 
They also had the split counterweight S2 one in between then two.

That's what I was referring to by "fixed counterweight"...

Let's correct my chart:

3009 S1: 1958-63
3009 S2 (split counterweight): 1963 (possibly '64 too?)
3009 S2: 1964-1973
3009 S2 Improved: 1973-198?
3009R: ??
 
I have only one data point having the serial number of an SME 3009 yada yada yada that I bought new in 1974. Can't do much with that.
 
Their was a re-issue series for the Japan Market, heavier with different geometry 3009.

I have a series 1 3012 that also has a different geometry than the following 3012's
but I don't recall if the series 1 3009's also had one, although it seems likely?

As to the data base serial # wise if it gets going, lets include both 3009 and 3012.
 
Here's something for you. Series 1 1959-1963 10,000 built. Series 2 1963-1973 180,000 built. Series 2 Improved 1973-2003 260,484 built.
 
Sure, but I don't think many AK'ers will have a 3012 and know the mfg date.

Well starting a serial number list is a start :thmbsp:, perhaps with enough of them
and a little luck a pattern may arise.

Limiting it to 3009 and 3012 for the Vintage crowd here and getting the word out I bet we could have quite number to compare.
 
Well starting a serial number list is a start :thmbsp:, perhaps with enough of them
and a little luck a pattern may arise.

Limiting it to 3009 and 3012 for the Vintage crowd here and getting the word out I bet we could have quite number to compare.

Yup, that would be good.
 
And I almost forgot that they have the R models in between there also.

The "R" models were made in the early 1980s. They have a stainless steel arm tube. As you can see by the photo, it has that black fitting right behind the arm pivot, which is different from the 1960s series "II" models. Sorry for the large photos. :D

SME_3009R.jpg


SME now has a new updated 3009 arm, the new version is the M2-9R & M2-12R

M2-9R-TONEARM.jpg
 
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