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SME - Mill Road, Steyning, Sussex, England

 

 

 

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Set in the heart of the Sussex countryside at the foot of the south downs SME is the home of arguably the finest precision gramophone pick-up arms and turntables in the world. Some say to own an SME product is to possess a jewel of near perfection in both performance and construction...
 

 

 

 

The original company was formed in 1946 under the title The Scale Model Equipment Company Limited to manufacture scale models and detail parts for the model engineering trade.

During the 1950's movement was away from model making to precision engineering, principally parts for aircraft instruments and business machines.

In 1959 Alastair Robertson-Aikman, the Company's founder and Managing Director, required a pick-up arm for his own use and an experimental model was built. It received such an enthusiastic reception from friends in the sound industry that it was decided to produce it commercially and the first SME precision pick-up arm appeared in September 1959.

Production was 25 units per week composed entirely of individually machined components. At this time a new factory situated in Mill Road, Steyning was opened and the Company's name was changed to SME Limited, a less committal title to suit its new activities.

 

 

 

 

 

SME now has over 40 years experience in high quality precision engineering and the Company's plant at Steyning is now probably the largest and best equipped devoted to the manufacture of precision pick-up arms and turntables.

To maintain the very high standards of quality all manufacture and processing is carried on 'in house'. Facilities commence with design and toolmaking through all aspects of manufacturing including CNC machining, pressure die-casting, injection moulding, metal finishing, electro-plating, anodising and many other processes.

 

Inspection at every stage of manufacture and assembly is particularly critical and ensures the consistent standards for which the Company's products are noted. In 1992 our quality assurance system was formally accredited under BS EN ISO 9002.

 

 

 

 

 

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The present manufacturing programme consists of three precision turntables and twelve standard pick-up arms which together with special models offer a very wide range of application. SME precision pick-up arms are exported to almost every country of the world and are available through agents supported by direct service from the factory to the customer.
 

 

 

 

 

Around this time the 3009 tonearm was developed, and I guess it was this tonearm we all know and love the best. For my family it has been used on just about every record deck we have bought and I continue to use one today on my Thorens TD125 Mk11 - although I have to say this one is due a full service.

 

I’m sending my arm off to Audio Origami for a complete re-wire and overhaul this summer. Their work gets fantastic reviews so I’ll keep you updated with progress.

SME 3009 re-wire