Hey folks, I recently found a 1980s Yamaha PX-55 turntable for $20 and figured I would give it a go. Only issue with it is that its missing the entire headshell. I figured this would be an easy fix as they’re (mostly) plug and play.

Now I’m looking at universal headshell and realising I may be SOL. The tonearm connector is as picturedas pictured.

Seems there’s no space for the captive pin captive pin on this tonearm. Now, I don’t have a spare headshell to check… Is that pin removable?

Do I need a different type of headshell/will a universal connector even work with this tonearm?

OR

Will I have to replace the tonearm connector to a universal type in order to get it all working nicely?

Any help is appreciated. Happy to discuss as required. I’m somewhat familiar with electronic repairs but new to turntable repairs, parts and terminology.

  • nailingjelloEnglish
    5·
    3 days ago

    That little pin there probably just helps with aligning the headshell in to the tone arm, so I theory you could nip it off candy try to fit it. Personally, I wouldn’t buy that one since it actually looks like the angle of the cartridge is so different from the original headshell.

    Giving a quick look, the headshell for the Yamaha P-550 and similar models may be a closer match. I can’t guarantee it, but check out this headshell and you might get lucky with a proper fit.

    Good luck.

    • Adm_Drummer@lemmy.worldOPEnglish
      1·
      3 days ago

      I figured that’s all it was. I’m more concerned if the pins will interface more than anything. No plans on buying that headshell either, it was simply just a good example photo for the captive pin. I assumed I would need an angled headshell in any case.

      I figured that as long as the contacts interface I could nip off that captive pin and use it as the tonearm demands. I’ve been trying to do some sleuthing to figure out if it’s a different standard or not though. The most I can find is an alternate 5 pin connector.; I think it’s called a DIN connector?

      I guess I’m getting to the point of trying to find an OEM part or buying a cheap headshell/cassette combo and trying to get it to interface. Worst case I have a spare for my everyday turntable.