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Mounting Graham B44 arm on SME 20/2

I acquired a Graham Phantom II B44 tonearm having a standard (circular) mounting base with the intention to mount it on a SME 20/2 platform. The previous owner had the arm mounted on a SME 30, using a custom base adapter (sub-base). This circular custom base replaces the base on the SME plinth that provides the slotted hole for SME tonearms, and provides a center hole plus additional mounting holes for the standard Graham tonearm base.

Sadly, this custom sub-base adapter was shipped via FEDEX separately from the arm, and was lost by FEDEX!

So far, all my searches have not given any fruit in locating such a custom adapter. I am still pursuing it but I am posting here in case the group can offer any helpful ideas in sourcing such an item.

I have read that the B44 can be used with a variety of turntables using custom mounting bases. So far, I have no idea who sells such bases. To avoid confusion, there is a version of the Phantom II/III that comes with a mount to fit the slotted SME base. That's not the version I have.

Also, after contacting SME directly, they don't provide any other bases.

Thanks

pyma6
dover
2,498 posts
 

Graham use to sell that base for the SME 20/II to fit their non SME base arm before they changed to the current SME fitting as standard.

If they don't have one they should be able to provide drawings for you to get a machinist to make one.

pyma6 OP
17 posts
 

Yogiboy, that mount from ebay would not work. The B44 base is circular with 4 mounting bolt holes.

In my first try with Graham, they sent me to SME and SME bounced me.. I'll try again and ask for drawings.

 

lewm
14,673 posts
 

FedEx strikes again! Any chance the lost package might eventually turn up? Very few people on earth would need that adapter.

pyma6 OP
17 posts
 

The crazy thing about this is that the item was shipped from CA, made it to the last FEDEX depot in PA before the delivery point, where it was scanned for the last time. Then I get a "delivery exception" message saying that there are no contents in the box.

elliottbnewcombjr
7,748 posts
 

I just sent this rotating circle idea to a friend who might use a 11-1/8", or a 12.16" length. The metal ring simply loosens so you can rotate the black insert to any distance, then re-tighten the metal ring.

Always keep in mind, the rear end of any tonearm moves back, and right, co-ordinate so it fits inside a dust cover. If the cover is removable, you don’t need to worry about the right side during play, just the back end when it’s parked

https://auc.aleado.com/yahoo/lot?auctionID=d1167009129

I buy on Aleado, can tell you all about it, that, buy it now $177, add fees and shipping to usa, I guess might total $250. On the right side, there is a ’destination’ box, with a pop-down, you pick your country, they estimate a total for you, add some to that.

....

This listing shows a mounting plate with an oval cutout. Seller is keeping it.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/257006289319?mkrid=711-53200-19255-0&campid=5338381866&toolid=10001&customid=d063bec0-14e0-11f1-c09a-656536393732

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