The EZ Method Installing A Modern Cartridge In Your 45 RPM RCA Player "ON THE CHEAP"!

[@Musicradio77Network]

This modification can also be common on children's record players if they had crystal cartridge or the one that had a screw type sapphire needle. Or on one of the rare Bing Crosby children's record players like the Junior Juke or the Marjorette that has a 78 RPM only player.

[@carlrudd1858]

Great attention to mounting techniques. But no mention of the FACT that these Chinese cartridges only put out 0.5 volts, whereas the original crystal cartridges you are replacing were 2 volts, and thus, you will be rewarded with a very LOW volume at the speaker because the amplifiers in these players want to receive 2 volts, not half a volt. Please address this issue. Otherwise, I enjoyed this video.

[@allenpartyof6]

Do you have a different cartridge recommendation?

[@pcno2832]

My only worry about wiring the L and R in parallel is that the output of a modern cartridge is typically somewhat lower than that of the original, and that the "one tube wonder" amplifier in many old record players might not have enough gain to get a decent volume. I'd be inclined to jump the - pin of the L side to the + pin of the R side, then use connect the remaining pins to the amplifier so they it gets the L and R outputs in series for twice the voltage, which might be just enough.

[@jimmyday9536]

I did exactly this on two of my 45 changers that had the single 25L6 tube.......the results were pretty good, certainly room-filling but need to have volume up nearly all the way.

[@NorthernMaineProductions]

I cannot thank you enough for this documentary video , i did this exact repair to my old RCA that had been dormant for probably decades , this is a great solution to an age old problem with these old players , my old circa 1987 yorx stereo had this same cartridge and needle set up, i used it for a donor to my RCA, thank you

[@Musicradio77Network]

If it doesn’t help, you can either use an 89T cartridge or any type of phono cartridges to fit with the tonearm. Only “radiotvphononut” recommends.

[@Musicradio77Network]

And speaking installing a cartridge, I've ordered the same modern phono cartridge on eBay and it's going to be a replacement for all record players including my GE Show N' Tell phono viewer. I hope the cartridge will be arriving soon, and If I can do, I will make an update video on my GE Show N' Tell to see if this is working or not. I will do the same thing once I get it done, I will make a video of it. Check back soon.

[@VinylOldiesJukebox]

Amazing way to also protect stereo records from being damaged by not using a mono only cartridge/stylus which can shred the grooves out of a stereo record. Thanks for posting!!...Friends, Lloyd.

[@ehs0046]

What causes the recording to become scratchy as the player gets hotter? RCA 45 EY 1 new style cartridge from Willie

[@PizzaFLIX]

Mr. Seeburgrock -- have model CP 5203. Need help removing the player out of "treasure chest" to repair. Please help! THANKS

[@hestheMaster]

There are 3 rubber style caps on the top board. Two are on the left in each corner and one halfway down on the right by the tonearm. Carefully pull each out without scratching the top. You should see the screw heads in the depression which will allow you to remove it from the wood case. Congrats on owning the "Holy Grail" of RCA 45rpm players BTW. Hope you get it working soon. Steven

[@johnm893]

i left you amessage,,i was wondering how you are doing havent seen anything for a while..i always look at your site...

[@tommueller3258]

I have a nice 45-HY-4 player. Unlike the flat metal crystal cartridges I see in your videos, this has a red plastic cartridge with mounting brackets riveted to the sides. I've had this player for 20-odd years so it seems original. How do I install your cartridge in my player? Are they still $15?

[@justsumguy2u]

The Pfansteihl P51 is about the same price, bolts right in with no mods, and it comes with tonearm wires as well. Granted, it's mono, but so was the original

[@KurtusCFlush]

Do you know how to install a magnetic cartridge, like a Stanton 400/500? Could you do a video on that?

[@ricknelsonm]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/qqK6qJqqmNx4laM

[@katorman-tg6xi]

Will it work on RCA Model VLT 29-L Console

[@harpstereddie]

I would like to purchase a cartridge, what do I need to do

[@bernese3]

Very interesting video. I have been using the Astatic 89T as replacements in these RCA units. The trouble with them is that it protrudes so low that it limits the number of records that can be used. I think I will use these from now on. As far as the washers being added to add weight, there is a fine coil spring in the back of the tone arm that can be removed to add more tracking weight. Bob

[@seeburgsrock]

Just a quick newsflash Bob. Not all the 45 decks have the coil spring at the rear of the tonearm. In fact, most don't. Sometimes, even cutting out the spring won't add enough weight to track well still allowing it to skate across the record or not able to reject at the end of the cycle. This cartridge is significantly lighter than the original requiring the extra weight necessary to track the 45's. Remember, these aren't "high-end" changers! Save your VALUABLE 45's for a more deluxe changer with full adjustments.

[@RuneTheFirst]

Just what DO you do about the lower output? radiotvphononut adds a tube stage to act as a preamp. That's not always practical. ??? I have one that's on an AM/FM chassis on slides in/out of a cabinet that was originally part of a 1950 all-in-one console (TV, (2) phonos, and the best receiver I have found from RCA in that pre-HiFi era. I also have a couple of tabletop players, one with an AM radio (AA5) that just doesn't have any room for another tube. Ideas?

[@seeburgsrock]

Not all 1-tube blunders have low volume. It's dependent upon circuit design. Most AA5 sets aren't affected by low volume using this cartridge. You COULD add a second tube preamp or you could buy a cheap transistorized preamp and stick that inside the case as well. Unfortunately, there are no new crystal cartridges available to replace the old ones made in days of old AND the old crystal cartridges aren't so hot at tracking the newer stereo 45's.

[@ronalddaub5049]

Where can I order thease

[@tonysmash637]

Hi can I send you my Birch 45 Player for you to do for me? I know I would not know how to do it. I am in Eastchester NY.

[@seeburgsrock]

Tony, what is it you need done?? Just replace the cartridge or rebuild the player?? All the new cartridges in the world won’t help you if the player has not been properly rebuilt!

[@tonysmash637]

@@seeburgsrock hi, the player has been rebuilt for me in the past. It’s working great except for the cartridge. It’s a one tube player. Tube and amplifier and rp 190 mechanism work great but I thought I wanted the original cartridge put back in for more volume and originality but not working right. Also when they shipped it back to me they boxed it up terribly and I found two cracks in the shelving on the left side that holds up the changer board. So the changer board doesn’t sit evenly now. I’m thinking maybe it was done in shipping or they did that and just sent it back that way. When I sent it it was packed professionally from UPS. I also never heard from them again and can’t get in touch with them anymore. But all the changer and amp work great as did before I sent it to these people. The player means so much to me because it was my aunt’s that she got for Christmas 1957. Do you think you can help me? Joe Summo

[@erichoy2999]

I need a couple of cartridges for my '59 RCA Orthophonic, can you be of any assistance??

[@seeburgsrock]

No.

[@multimood]

Do you still sell these?

[@multimood]

Great idea

[@bootasinghwarring1109]

Good

[@OldRadioAl]

Great video, Glen. Using a component lead is a good trick, soldering the leads directly always sucks. Just a little thing like that, makes you think, duh, I'm a dummy :-) A great service, this video.

[@erin19030]

I don’t know about a good tone, but good flat response across the audio spectrum. They end up sounding tinnie. I build a tone control with a .1 uf cap and a 25 k rheostat, from B+ to the plate of the audio outfit.

[@Maythebridgesiburnlightmyway.]

Ok so I have a 60’s/70’s zenith record player console and it currently doesn’t have a needle. I’ve loved it since I was a little one and it hasn’t had a needle since I was young. I found the needle I need is S-82621 or an F167 cartridge. I want to just replace the cartridge with something modern so I can use the record player. Will this method work with what I have? I can find a needle or cartridge but they don’t actually make them anymore so what’s out there is all there is. The console is pretty mint minus the needle part

[@jmiles1960]

Thanks for the helpful video. I sent you an email regarding a cartridge purchase. Thanks again for your expertise and information.

[@manak1000]

Thanks for the quick reply. Any chance you'd have a suggestion on how to get an old RCA VT17-W to work.. the turntable works great, the arm though was left with just the exposed wires, no solder lugs and no cartridge. Seems the solder lugs for these are hard to find. I was told an astatic 353 cartridge would work, but with the connectors from wires to cartridge I'm at a loss. I don't have a place in my town that does work on old record players... so would have to do myself. But not sure where to start. Thanks for as little or as lot info you have to share.

[@mikeross8039]

I need extra length to my terminals as the new cartridge is smaller. What gauge is it typically for an RCA 65U 78 player?

[@felixc.arroyo3246]

Is it common for one speaker to not work? I have sound coming from one side only, though white and black wire combo. The red wire I get no sound.

[@hugginduff]

Underneath the turntable...How do the wires attach underneath the turntable. What happened was that I took my RCA ey-2 player in to have a new cartridge put in. It had sounded great for 10 years..Had 3 wires(red black and whtie) coming from the cartridge to the components that they are connected to underneath. but he tore those out, replaced those with two wires, it sounded terrible and so I am trying to reconstruct the red, white and black wire configuration that it originally had...hope that makes sense..

[@arnoldshepherd9508]

Great video my question is will this technic work on a 1957 rca shf-8 victor my needle is missing or any suggestions how to get the parts I need

[@blueeyesvideos]

Hey buddy great video I did what you said I get sound but the guitars sound like harpsichord’s for some reason. I have hooked it up to my solid-state amp and magnetic cartridge and the sound is still the same. Would you have any idea why it’s doing it ?

[@markusziman363]

Fantastic video. is it possible to install a shibata or microline stylus to record platers of the 50's and 60's? not only on this model

[@fredroper398]

have a question having an issue with mute switch when turntable goes into automatic mode it loud buzz but fine when needle drops what you suggest i do bypass switch completely or solder a resister if so what value

[@radioman56-2billchenet7]

Thank you this is a huge help to me for I do like to restore the 45 players they're totally awesome and amazing thank you again God bless you and be well and be safe my friend

[@mikedelduca5151]

Glen, Great video. I have done 5 of these players and never would have thought of just using the clip. I have been gluing the cartridge to one of the shell halves and wrapping solder around the post.I have a gram scale and have been shooting for 5-8 grams of weight. I need two more cartridges. Let me know how to get them from you. Thanks, Mike

[@wingnut049]

I really enjoy your videos and wanted to let you know that this is the ONLY video on KZbin that explains how to bridge a stereo cartridge to mono. I can't tell you how much I appreciate that. I have to replace the cartridge in my 7HF5 and your video answered all of my questions. Keep up the great work.

[@douglaschilders915]

I have an rca modular turntable fited into my rca console. I'd love to put in a nicer modern cartridge such as a grado. Any tips on fitting and wiring?

[@gerryroberts662]

I made two ys for my cartridge, used a sears 1970s cart, i perfer those over any other cartridge..just plug them in no solder needed..

[@Turkeydoodlers]

I was just asking you a few weeks about about what you used :) this is great Glen, I may have to buy a few of these for a few 45 players I have, one is a crescent

[@seeburgsrock]

Whenever you're ready you can order from me. Read the write-up just below the video so you'll know where & how to send your payment. Thanx for viewing the video. I hope this helps!

[@desoto1961]

Great video! Very well done and informative!

[@carlrudd1858]

Well done. I'm going this route too. All ready to go ~ so thanks.

[@atco21117]

Glen, very interesting, very great video! Thanks -- Atco

[@seeburgsrock]

Glad you liked it Atco. I hope it was of value to some of the novices out there.

[@hugginduff]

My EY-2 player has a problem..when I turn it on, and the record is about to drop, it stops..and I have to give the turntable a push, after about 5 minutes, it starts working as normal, how do I fix this?

[@xaenon]

I think you're running into dried grease in the mechanism. It's a common issue with very old record players - the grease applied at the factory solidifies, over time, either fully or partly, and parts of the mechanism start to bind. The 'works again after about 5 minutes' thing would probably be due to the heat inside the record player (from the amplifier and/or motor) would tend to soften solidified grease a bit, but once the grease cools again it probably re-solidifies. The solution is to clean all the old grease out of the changer mechanism and re-grease everything. Don't forget to service the motor as well.

[@jackbuffington9592]

How do I get cartridges from you?

[@seeburgsrock]

Jack Buffington Sent you an e-mail Jack.

[@radioman5615]

+Jack Buffington Yes how do we??

[@hugginduff]

I bought a ey-2 player ten years ago and have been very happy with it...and the connection to the chuo denshi was the black, white and red wires were connected to the posts on the cartridge. .it sounded great... but last week when i sent it in for a tune up the technician, he ripped out the three wires, and used two wires to connect the cartridge with the amp underneath, which I didnt' ask for and don't like the sound.. he won't change it back so i am going to try and do it myself.. .From what i recall the black wire was split and the two black wires were connected to the top two posts on the cartridge. One of white wires was connected to one of the bottom posts and then back to the amp...the other white wire was connected to the other bottom post but midway back to the amp, it was connected the red wire...I only thing i don't is how those three (black red and white) were connected to the three connection on the amp...can you help me?

[@hugginduff]

This video helped me connect the cartridge to the wiring properly(i have the exact same cartridge)... will you help me connect the black, white and red wires from the cartridge to underneath the player. I will pay you $50. I have the schematic for the player but need help with the connections of the cartridge wires as they go underneath the player Maybe if you could take a picture of the red, white and black wires and their connections underneath the player, that woiuld be all I would need. I could give you my email address and you can send it as an attachment

[@goldenboy5500]

do you have to adjust the drop/pickup

[@fredroper398]

your video rocks its so helpful

[@blueeyesvideos]

Thank you for the video. just one question you said to solder the white in the black wire together is this correct or a typo

[@seeburgsrock]

That is correct - no typo. B&W are soldered together.

[@johnmarullo8033]

Can you give me the information, I would like one of your cartridges ..Thanks

[@seeburgsrock]

john marullo John, PayPal $15 or $29 for two of these to [e-mail] as "friends & family" NOT "goods & services" & I'll ship promptly. Don't forget to send your mailing address along too!

[@jonathandautrichjr.401]

Can you provide a link to the ready-made cartridge mount that you mention at the beginning?

[@seeburgsrock]

Jonathan Dautrich Jr. Bosco no longer offers the ready made mount, sorry.

[@manak1000]

Can this method work on an RCA VLT17w that plays 45s and 78s?

[@seeburgsrock]

Don't recommend it! This cartridge has a .7 mil needle designed for 45 RPM only!

[@tb40ford]

You are a great man for sharing this information. Many thanks to you. Travis in Ky

[@seeburgsrock]

Glad you enjoyed it Travis. I hope this might be of use to you.

[@elgato4619]

Thanks helped alot

[@seeburgsrock]

[@seeburgsrock]

[@elgato4619]

Well can i get the info in how to buy this or can i get it on ebay?

[@seeburgsrock]

Contact me at [e-mail] for your cartridges. I sell them at $13 each including shipping. E-mail me with your address for details.

[@USMC_BABE38]

How hard is it to change the needle I've never done it before

[@51gary51]

Erin, I've been wondering the same thing. I've Googled it on KZbin but, surprisingly, no one has covered that subject. The closest I've come is Glen's current video (this one) on how to install a new cartridge (which, unfortunately, is way out of my league. If I tried it, it would look like Lucy Ricardo did it! And that's no lie! I'm technically challenged, to say the least.). Surely there has to be some information somewhere. Did you ever find out how to change the needle?

[@theodorelisa2462]

great idea i did one my self and it worked out great thanks for the tip on how to do this.

[@seeburgsrock]

Thank you! They fit in beautifully and they sit low to play an extra couple of records as well!

[@theodorelisa2462]

the only thing is that the volume is not that loud maybe there is a problem with mine then do you have i idea on what it mite be please let me know, best regards ted

[@lionelguy]

Hi Glen, great presentation ! Thank you !!

[@seeburgsrock]

Hi Dennis! Chris Cuff did a similar video but his way required the need for TWO RCA cartridges to obtain the needle guards necessary to replace the cartridge w/his method. The average novice may not have the 2 cartridges necessary to do that! Additionally, MOST tonearms have the plastic post under the cartridge & Chris' method requires cutting it away adding another step. It's my opinion that my method is just a little easier for the novice AND they can work with the one & only cartridge they've removed from their tonearm. Either method works. There's an ass for every seat!!

[@leeball4197]

are you still selling these cartridges?

[@seeburgsrock]

lee ball Yes. PayPal to [e-mail] as "friends & family" only. Be sure to send your mailing address!

[@calvertsch]

ANOTHER GREAT INFORMATIVE VIDEO, GLEN!

[@seeburgsrock]

The best part(s) about this video Cal is that the installation is VERY simple, inexpensive & more importantly, sounds terrific when finished!

[@1530FDR]

what do you do with the black wire

[@seeburgsrock]

Go to 9 minutes & 7 seconds into the video for your answer!

[@aviben50]

What is your current price for a single cartridge and do you sell extra stylus and how much would that be each? Thanks.

[@seeburgsrock]

Because of recent price increases to me, the current price is $14 each including free USPS CONUS snail mail shipping. Buying 5 at a time, current pricing is $69.99 for the package including free USPS 2-day Priority shipping.

[@aviben50]

seeburgsrock Price for an extra stylus? Do you sell those separately? I'd like to order an extra stylus with the cartridge if possible.

[@seeburgsrock]

Vic Livingston I DO NOT SELL THE EXTRA STYLUS, SORRY.

[@DapperDaniel78]

How do you get the tone arm off?

[@seeburgsrock]

Daniel Moriyama Very easy Dan. Lift the arm from the post and note either a screw or nut which must be loosened but NOT removed. That should allow you to pull the arm from the post BUT be careful not to pull hard & disconnect the wiring going to the bottom of the changer! You should have enough room to change the cartridge without removing the wiring from the changer. Just be careful & patient!

[@hugginduff]

But how are the red, white and black wires hooked up underneath for a EY-2 model? and do you do work on somone's player?

[@seeburgsrock]

Underneath what??!!

[@hugginduff]

david W david W 2 hours ago (edited) This video helped me connect the cartridge to the wiring properly(i have the exact same cartridge)... will you help me connect the black, white and red wires from the cartridge to underneath the player. I will pay you $50. I have the schematic for the player but need help with the connections of the cartridge wires as they go underneath the player Maybe if you could take a picture of the red, white and black wires and their connections underneath the player, that woiuld be all I would need. I could give you my email address and you can send it as an attachment

[@seeburgsrock]

Send ur e-mail to me so I can send a picture. Send to: [e-mail] - I'll send a picture tomorrow as I'm at work. Maybe tonite if I get home early enough!

[@tepmurt1000]

Do you ship to Canada?

[@seeburgsrock]

YES!

[@jesse2375]

Great video!!!!!!!!

[@seeburgsrock]

Glad you liked it. I'll have more info videos at some point later on.

[@massage80015]

I would love to get a replacement cartridge from you for my RCA 45J2.

[@Musicradio77Network]

Kevin Kaiser This one can also be used with other children's record player, such as the GE Show 'N Tell where you can replace the original GE crystal cartridge with a screw type needle since the original cartridge was decent. You can do the same thing with other 45 players to get a better quality cartridges than the original crystal cartridge. I have my GE Show 'N Tell with the original crystal cartridge with a screw type stylus, but I don't have to replace it anytime soon.

[@seeburgsrock]

This one will do perfectly when used with the video I have here. Follow the instructions for payment in this video & this will be sent right out to you!

[@Musicradio77Network]

seeburgsrock Thanks, but I saw "radiotvphononut's" video on an Imperial Party Time kiddie record player with the original GE crystal cartridge and did some modification on there. This would do the same for the Show 'N Tell, the Mickey Mouse record player and other kiddie players for replacement cartridges.

[@seeburgsrock]

Kevin, instructions to send a cartridge for you is in the description of the video. After PP payment, the cartridge will go right out. BE SURE TO GIVE ME YOUR MAILING ADDRESS IN THE PP PAYMENT SO IT GOES OUT TO YOU!!

[@felixc.arroyo3246]

Do you still make these?

[@seeburgsrock]

Yes, still available...$15 each or 2/$29. PayPal funds as "friends & family" NOT "goods & services" to [e-mail]. Be sure to add your shipping address!

[@felixc.arroyo3246]

@@seeburgsrock awesome and you still send the wire along for the conductors?

[@felixc.arroyo3246]

Capacitors * forgive me

[@seeburgsrock]

Yes, the cap goes with it. Only 1 capacitor is needed as you'll be cutting both ends off the cap to make your connections as seen in the video.

[@Musicradio77Network]

Nice video on how to put a cartridge on a 45 RPM record player. I put in a Audio-Technica cartridge from a cheap turntable which Inused to have was a Gemsound and installed it onto a tonearm of my 1970's BSR turntable from Fisher and it looks great and plays well and it sounds a lot high quality than the 45 players, no need to solder, install with a cartridge with 4 pins. As far as the BSR turntables are concerned, it was a very high end model that Fisher made.

[@ikonix360]

Very informative video. I saw one video that required the needle guards from two cartridges where one was used to hold a penny in place to provide the weight, but I like the washer idea much better.

[@seeburgsrock]

That was Chris Cuff's video you're referring to using 2 guards. The problem with the idea of using 2 guards is that the average novice is NOT going to have 2 old cartridges to dismantle for them. I was trying to gear my video towards the average Joe who wants an easy & economical way to convert their 45 RPM RCA tonearm into a really grand sounding player. I believe I succeeded in doing just that.

[@ikonix360]

seeburgsrock Yes your way is definitely easy and is what I'll do when I restore mine. I may try to make mine stereo provided rumble won't be an issue.