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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
lewm
14,672 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
7,744 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

lewm
14,672 posts
 

Pyma, Isn't that last message from Fedex rather cryptic? What do they mean by "no contents"?  Did you receive delivery of the box only to find it was empty? Otherwise, are they not obligated to deliver the box even if it IS empty? And why would they open it for inspection at all, in order to determine it was empty?  It traveled only within the US, so there was no need for customs or anything of that sort.

pyma6 OP
17 posts
 

Let me add some more context.

I was tracking the box along the way and at some point the status shown changed to "Delivery Exception, We will notify you when the package starts moving again". I waited 2-3 days and the status was not changing. Then I called FEDEX. I was told "your package cannot be delivered because when we scanned it there are no contents". Of course, you can imagine my reaction. Apparently, FEDEX scans the packages at each depot along the way, and they refused to deliver an empty box, out of embarrassment?. It does sound fishy, as they realized that the package had been scanned previously and it was not flagged as empty. The only logical explanation is theft by FEDEX employees. A claim has been filed but what good is that at this point.

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