Phonoland

I just picked up a Magnavox Micromatic record changer in its own base and dust cover. The unit has a black platform with a chrome record holder and a chrome tonearm with a square end. It has a three prong plug that I believe was designed to plug into only a Magnavox Receiver. Can this be rewired to plug into a regular 120 volt outlet? Also the stylus is missing. The cartridge is silver and the only markings on it are Made in Japan. Is this a magnetic cartidge? How do I go about locating the right stylus?

It can be rewired for a regular power plug. One way is to find (if any are still left) the power cord accessory for this. It plugs into the cord you have.

Otherwise, two of the three wires can be connected to a standard cord. The third wire is for switching on the amplifier when the changer comes on, and must not be connected. One wire goes only to the switch. Another goes to both the switch and motor. And the third goes to just the motor.

Cut the odd plug off of the wires, and use wire nuts to make the connections. Connect the narrow blade of the standard power plug (the cord wire is black or smooth, with copper strands) to the wire which goes to only the switch. Connect the wide blade (the cord wire is white or ribbed, with silvery strands) to the wire that goes to only the motor. Do not connect the wire which goes to both the switch and motor to anything. Instead, put a wire nut over the cut end to prevent it from touching anything.

If you bought a three-wire cord, connect the round pin (green wire) to the changer chassis.