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 pictured
Seems there’s no space for the 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.
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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.
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.
Interesting small format table, I’ve not seen one before but it looks like it was included as part of a minisystem. From what I can gather it has a straight tonearm, so the headshell that you’ve pictured will not work, even if you could find one without the bayonet fitting. Most straight arms will use an angled headshell, and these are often manufacturer specific, so you’ll need to look for a second hand Yamaha headshell, unfortunately.
Here’s one I found, although I’m not sure that spending that much on a late 80s deck that you haven’t been able to listen to is a good idea.
Your link lead me to this photo of the connector for the Yamaha headshell. I now have a hint to find what connection type this is so I can narrow it down further. Maybe find some 3rd party headshells.
Yeah! I think it was a super cool find. I can’t seem to find much info about it online. Manuals included. The most I’ve found PDF-wise are manuals for the AX-55 System which I assume was the main body of that minisystem you mentioned.
Definitely tracking I need an angled headshell. The picture I used was simply a good clear example of that bayonet/captive pin. Every other system I’ve seen, even my daily driver, use that pin to lock down the headshell with a locknut. I can’t seem to find many systems with a tonearm connection like I have on the PX-55.
Knowing I need an angled tonearm is part of the battle but I’m finding the uphill portion to be figuring out if the “Universal” standard on modern headshells will mesh with whatever the connection is on this turntable. If they work, then life is easy. I get an angled headshell and nip the pin. If not… $100USD+ for OEM.
I’ll have to do some poking around for sure. A service manual for this machine would be stellar but I can’t seem to find any online that don’t require putting my credit card onto a sketchy site.
Personally, for a $20 turntable I don’t think it is worth spending $100 on a headshell that you’ll then need to source a cartridge for, unless you’ve got one of the funky red ones or some sentimental reasons for keeping it. I’d be looking for another deck.
In any case, check the pins in your tonearm against this one
They also have an aftermarket option which is even cheaper on their site.
No sentimental reason for keeping it at all. I just think it looks neat! I’m definitely not going to spend $100 for the OEM stuff. That aftermarket part looks just right though. I’ll use that as a basis for my hunt or buy it if nothing comes up local.
I do luckily have a spare cartridge or two laying about off some other hardware so that’s nice lol
Also, just to add for the heck of it: $20 CAD so like… 50 cents American basically.
Thank you so much for your help on this!
No worries, good luck with the hunt!