Category Archives: Service and Repair

Service and repair

Garrard 301 / 401, General, Service and Repair, SME tonearms, SME Tweaks

There are news about SME tweaks

There are news, the revised “5-Pin Conversion Kit V” for the SME tonearms of the 3000 series allows the connection of the phono cable with phono DIN from the bottom side, if a side connection is not possible due to space limitation.

In addition, the bronze groundplate xh is still quite new, the solid bronze base plate has been specially designed for use with a Garrard 301 or 401 to raise the tonearm (SME 3009/3012) to an ideal height for optimal VTA adjustment. In addition to the elevation, there is more punch and dynamic with the bronze groundplate xh and a deeper and more controlled bass range. The stage response becomes wider and deeper.
The pictures show an SME 3012-R with “5-Pin Conversion Kit V” and bronze groundplate xh. The tonearm internal wiring is made with Pure Silver Hair Wire. The tonearm has got a complete restoration.
General, other tonearms, Service and Repair, SME tonearms, SME Tweaks

Two rather rare guests on my workbench

There were two rather rare guests for a therapy on my workbench. One is a Fidelity Research FR-66s with B-60 Elevation Base in excellent condition. The second guest is not quite as rare, however, this SME 3012-RG has never been assembled and 40 years only stored!? The bearings were refurbished, the internal wiring was renewed and a bronze cutting edge bearing Mk3 was mounted.

General, Service and Repair, SME tonearms, SME Tweaks

Restoration SME 3009 S2 improved


This SME 3009 S2 improved came in reasonably good condition, but with many missing parts to the service, the tonearm was completely disassembled, cleaned, the bearings were refurbished, the internal wiring was renewed. Afterwards the tonearm was precisely mounted and adjusted.

The connection terminal was also not present, so the 5-pin Conversion Kit H Kit was mounted to operate the tonearm with already existing phono cables. after such a procedure, the tonearm is again complete and in excellent condition.

General, Service and Repair, SME tonearms

Restoration SME 3012-R

I just restored this beautiful SME 3012-R. The tonearm got the bronze knife edge bearing MK3, a new internal wiring with Continue reading Restoration SME 3012-R →

General, Service and Repair, Uchida / Sun Audio - Japan

How to rebuild a Sun Audio SV-2A3/300B Triode Amp…

Article by Carsten Bussler (2A3Manaic)

I am regularly asked whether I know who offers a used Uchida and how much it should cost. The answer to the latter question depends entirely on the condition of the amp. I always strongly advise you to include an inspection and, if necessary, a rebuild by Robert Graetke. It is not uncommon for the device to be a (amateurish) DIY device where a beginner has tried their hand at the kit…
In addition, when rebuilding the Sun Audio/Uchida 2A3, it is easily possible to provide the option of operating the 300B (by simply switching the tubes) and to retrofit the top-accessible wheels for hum balancing.

This SV-2A3, for example, is to be rebuilt at the customer’s request because the current condition of the internal structure is inadequate and the power amplifier is to be upgraded in terms of quality and sound. The power amplifier is to be given a lower overall gain so that it harmonizes better with the preamplifier. The power amplifier will be equipped with Teflon sockets for the tubes, as well as the option of conveniently adjusting the hum from the top (see above). The signal paths are wired with pure silver. Continue reading How to rebuild a Sun Audio SV-2A3/300B Triode Amp… →

Garrard 301 / 401, General, Service and Repair

Wow&Flutter improvement with the Kokomo Kit MK3

Some weeks ago Jaap Pees from Hanze Hifi sent me these pictures of a restored Garrard 301. The Garrard is beautifully restored and, as the measurement results show, with a perfect result. Nonetheless, it is noticeable that after the installation of the Kokomo Kit 301 Mk3, the wow&flutter is improved by about 50% compared to the original thrust bearing.

Service and Repair, SME tonearms, SME Tweaks

…the beginning is the conversation… (G. Funke, Germany)

Actually I had already planned to buy a new tonearm, but then I remembered again the website of Mr. Graetke. I was a bit sceptical, but after the first phone call my doubts were gone. Very competent, friendly and fair, I felt I was in good hands there. Now the tonearm has been tuned, remounted and the tonearm cable has been installed and it only remains to say: great cinema, my expectations have been exceeded by far! It is not necessary to go into detail at this point, because the tonearm is now better in all details. Price/performance: Mr. Graetke’s work and the resulting sound are worth every cent. I can only recommend every doubter to contact Mr. Graetke and let his knowledge and craftsmanship flow into his own tone arm.

Product(s): Service für SME 3009 Series 2 improved, Bronze-Schneidenlager  Mk3, Pure Silver Hair Wire

customer feedback, Service and Repair, SME tonearms, SME Tweaks

…After the revision my already good tonearm became unbeatable good… (F. Stuhlreyer, Germany)

Through a friend I became aware of the work of Mr. Robert Graetke, I entrusted my old SME 3009/II improved to him. What should I say? They still exist, the “super professionals”! After the revision my Continue reading …After the revision my already good tonearm became unbeatable good… (F. Stuhlreyer, Germany) →

EMT / Ortofon tonearms, Service and Repair

EMT 929 tonearm – revised

I got the pictured EMT 929 tonearm from Spain for repair. The internal wiring was defective, the bearings were not properly Continue reading EMT 929 tonearm – revised →