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SME 3012 MKII Tonearm Excellent condition 12" SME 3012 Series II tonearm. Includes all parts, original packaging and paperwork including instructions, mounting template, and alignment protractor. I bought this for a project that is no longer taking place and believe the arm has been in storage for some time. I’m not even sure it’s ever been used and would really class it as new condtion. The bearings feel smooth and the arm lift works as it should. Will be double boxed for shipping. Condition: Excellent Payment Method: PAYPAL OR EFT Region/State: (NI) North Island/New Zealand By Abarth 0 Co
At A$2,400, this SME 3012 MKII listing is ambitious, sitting well above the A$1,500–A$1,750 range typical for excellent-condition Series II arms in Australia and globally. While the 3012/Series II remains a legendary 12-inch arm, comparable boxed examples with extras have recently sold for around A$1,750 locally, and imported units appear near A$1,500 on Reverb. Unless this specific unit includes rare original accessories, a pristine unopened box, or a verified recent bearing service, the price exceeds the 75th percentile for the used market.
The 3012 MKII is still highly regarded for its massive inertia, low resonance, and exceptional tracking on large LPs, making it a top choice for serious 12-inch enthusiasts. Its upside lies in original-owner condition and potential included extras, which can justify a premium if verified. However, at this price, buyers should expect proof of bearing health and original mounting hardware; otherwise, the A$1,600–A$1,800 zone offers better value for a well-maintained arm of this generation.
Independent perspective — not a price guarantee. Always verify condition, accessories and provenance before purchase.
Founded in 1946 by Alastair Robertson-Aikman as The Scale Model Equipment Company Limited in England, SME initially produced scale models and precision parts for engineering trades before pivoting in the 1950s to high-precision components for aircraft instruments and business machines. By 1961, it had relocated to a dedicated factory in Steyning, Sussex, and fully embraced audio engineering, developing its first tonearm for personal use. Now marking over 70 years of excellence, SME was acquired in 2016 by industrialist Ajay Shirke's Cadence Group, ensuring continued innovation while honoring its heritage, including recent moves like reviving the Garrard turntable brand.
SME specializes exclusively in precision turntables and tonearms, offering models like the acclaimed Model 30 series alongside a range of twelve standard arms and custom variants. With over one million tonearms sold worldwide, the company avoids diversification into amplifiers, speakers, DACs, headphones, or cables, focusing instead on unmatched engineering for vinyl playback.
Regarded as the gold standard in high-end analog audio, SME commands a niche position among discerning audiophiles for its Steyning facility—the world's largest and best-equipped for precision pick-up arms and turntables. Synonymous with industry-leading build quality and sonic refinement, it appeals to serious collectors and professionals who prioritize mechanical perfection over mass-market compromises.
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