Tonearms - SME 3012, Jelco, or Schick?

For Jelco fans, per my post above:

https://www.usaudiomart.com/details/650181966-jelco-tk-850l-12-tonearm/

Pryso, a lot of vintage tonearms have a rubber coupling between the main arm tube, and the rear of the arm tube, where the counterweight rides. These rot from age and should be replaced. Often, original pieces are not available, so work arounds must be made.

Coupling rubbers for the Shure 3009 series are still available. At $85, or so, not cheap for a couple of pieces of rubber, but it is a project that the hobbyist can take on without too much trouble. And the Shure coupling rubbers can be adapted to some other tonearms.

A caution on the MS 505 arms for anyone considering one.  I agree they can provide very good and convenient performance, but one thing to watch for.

When I got mine the stub beyond the pivot point where the counterweight mounts was not in the same plane as the arm tube itself.  A search online was not helpful as some reported that was normal.  Some online photos even showed the droop.

So I sent the arm to a trusted repair service (sadly no longer available) who confirmed it was not uncommon but not normal.  They were able to repair it so the  stub is now on the same plane as the arm tube.

If you can be lucky enough to find a Jelco TK-850L, jump on it.  It was the last generation Jelco and is quite good.  Earlier Jelcos are lesser performers, but the better ones are OK.

I have an SME that I liked with a Benz Glider, but prefer the Jelco 850L if you find one, especially with the adjustable VTA for it. Using it with a Benz Ruby H, and have been happy for several year..

BTW, I only have a few mono records.  These are from Mom's estate, so mostly big band, 1930's to 1950's jazz.  Some are in very good shape, some are not.  I thought about a mono cartridge but for the few albums I have, it doesn't make much sense to invest that money into a mono cart.

Thanks for all the information!  Very helpful indeed.  I will look at all the recommendations.

Cartirdges - It will be a moving coil, most likely a Umami Blue or ML, possibly a Dyanvector DV-20X2L or a DRT-XV-1s.  No SPU's although having one intrigues me.   My TT can support 4 arms, what is on there now is a Micro Seiki CF-1 with a AT VM760SLC and a Grado Arm with a Sonata 2 cartridge.  So all of this is a setup in performance.  I'd rather put the money into a cartridge than in the Tonearm, although I suppose I can buy a lesser cartridge and a better tonearm.

what other long arms have removable headshells and easy height adjustment?

The Luxman PD-444 appears simple, but it contains great technology from head to toe (if you have the extra width it needs). 

Screen Shots from Luxman PD-444 Manual

I didn't have the width, so I went with the deeper JVC PL-2 Plinth

I owned an SME 3009, no experience with the long version or the other two.

Satisfied my long arm itch with a very long 12.5" effective arm from Russia. Unfortunately it has a fixed headshell, and the height adjustment is via set screws like the SME (mine made precise via micrometer provided). Your 3 choices all use the set screw method, not ideal for sure.

After changing from a single to a setup with 3 tonearms, the arm I like most is a removable headshell for alternate pre-mounted cartridges (including friends cartridges played here), combined with arm height/VTA refinement while playing (loosen/up or dn/lock by hand, no tools required).

505L on eBay

I suggest you have a good look at Micro Seiki 505L, which is a compromise effective length of 11-1/8", with superb adjustment features, VTA while playing, and it’s headshell fitting allows Azimuth adjustment.

I installed two 505’s on a wonderful Luxman PD-444 TT for a friend, learned what to ask about/avoid, if you look for one, write me a private message.

btw, think long: have you considered the potential of two arms? If you listen to Jazz, there are so many wonderful Mono LPs, it is wonderful having the advantage of a true Mono Cartridge ready to go.

Ortofon also

Audiomods has released a 12" version of the Series Six that is excellent also. There are additional refinements to the design other than adding 2 or 3 inches of arm tube. I acquired one and it is my second favorite arm. 

I would have a look at the Groovemaster. The best 3012, the 3012r, will be above your price range. I was not impressed with the Jelco 750L, but there was an 850, in your price range, on USAM a few days ago, may still be there. The Schick is also a good sounding arm.

Will your primary cartridge be an SPU, as this would be a determinant of the recommendation?