Do Tonearms need servicing

A simple enough question but the answer doesn't seem to be.

For example there seems to be quite a difference in opinion between running the bearings dry and using something like very light machine oil. 

Then there's the issue of bearing tolerances.

Since virtually every arm maker boasts about the tightness of their tolerances, can anything be done for arms that have been badly handled, as in changing cartridges etc?

One piece arms must be particularly at risk, I guess.

I remember reading how some bearings are said to be fairly robust, but I suspect far too many are quite fragile.

Then there's the question of rewiring. Certain arms seem to be susceptible to tracking issues if the cable is unsuitable, environmentally aged, or even badly fitted. The relationship of the LP12 to its cable is a subject all in itself.

Yes, interesting question, I feel like we might need @best-groove to elucidate a bit further or someone like @atmasphere to come in and help.

@pindac,

Impressive stuff. Who would have guessed the connection between audio and dentistry?

’Modernisation, then before monies are spent, a understanding of what might be needing to be discussed will be a good Corner Stone to start the inquiries.’

Yes, relevant knowledge can be of considerable help in letting the individual decide if there’s anything to be gained sonically by upgrading/modernising.

Still it’s good to know that SME arms are held in high regard again after the ridiculing they were once routinely subjected to, even potentially 25 year old 309s!

’Today there are philosophies for Tonearm Designs that will be more focused on how to get the best from the mechanical interfaces for the parts used.’

As ever in engineering, the research goes on. Just reading about things like 3nm processor chips and lowest coefficient lubricants and micro bearings it’s easy to conclude that these are truly ’the days of miracle and wonder.’

@pindac,

’Much of my information that is shared on this topic is a extension of a explanation that was supplied to myself as my options at the time I was investigating my Upgrade Options on a owned SME IV.’

That’s how most of us without first hand experience also learn: shared knowledge and experience.


@jorgjean,

’Is it not possible to post pictures in this forum?’

Other than upload them to your system page, none that I’m aware of.

Would be a useful feature, but I’m guessing it’s disabled to prevent excessive marketing here.

@best-groove,

'at all, I find it all very funny.'

It's part and parcel of being an audiophile. That's why I think some of the funniest posts are the ones we can see something of ourselves in.

Anyway the balance of opinion, excepting a possible online discussion of cables which the OP seems to be considering, is that unless something is obviously wrong, tonearms (even those of a certain vintage) don't particularly need refurbishing.

Kind of reassuring.