Phonoland

I bought the above stereo hi-fi at an estate sale.

It works as far as the speakers, radio, and turntable are concerned. Good sound on the radio!

The wires are not attached to the needle on the phono arm, but the needle is there. The wires only reach about half-way up the arm. There are 4 wires, and 3 metal posts sticking out of the needle which look to me like they should plug into something. Should there be a connector of some kind between the wires and the needle?

Does anyone know if there is a good repair place in the chicago area?
Or is there a place to get parts like a new needle if needed.

Safety wise is there something that should be done for an old stereo like this for fire prevention purposes?

Several things to think on:

1. First check to see if the wires just got pulled down under the plinth. This can happen when the console is moved. They might be caught on something, or just hiding under there.

2. You might need to locate a similar changer and either swap it out or transfer the wiring.

3. Good luck finding out which wire goes where. DO NOT DO THE FOLLOWING WITH A TUBE SET: If you touch a disconnected signal wire, it makes hum in one speaker. Touching a common wire does nothing.

4. Often the red and white wires are the signal wires, and other colors are common.

5. Usually the wires have little flea clips which push onto the pickup cartridge pins.

6. With three pin cartridges, the center one is common.