Replacing the SME 10 stock tonearm


I would appreciate any input on this.

My friend has a SME 10 turntable with the stock 309 tonearm. This has a removable headshell, but removing the headshell is not as simple as removing with a standard mount headshell. Due to age he has decreased dexterity and diminished eyesight, so removing the headshell has resulted in some damaged cartridges.

I would appreciate input regarding compatibility and experience replacing the stock arm with a standard mount removable headshell tonearm. I would especially appreciate input on what might be a drop in replacement with a removable standard mount headshell.

I don’t have current easy access to the turntable as my friend lives in a different part of the country. I plan to fly in for a visit and make the change for my friend during my visit. So to the extent I can have what I need and be prepared when I arrive will optimize my opportunity to accomplish this over a weekend. 

Thanks for your help with this

 Jim Perry
jperry
Can’t help you but I want to say what a good friend you are!  Having a good friend is better than any audio equipment. Kudos to you. 
Have you consulted SME or one of their US dealers (assuming you are in the US)?  Also, you might post this question on Vinyl Asylum; there are many SME aficionados there. Also, Google it.
@stereo5 

Thanks for the comment. I agree.  My friend is someone who introduced me to high end sound, so just trying to payback a little.