[Guest]

About 2 weeks ago I purchased a Philco Radio Phonograph and it came with, what they said, is a small envelope of needles. Well, getting to the tone arm is a trick in it's self. Seems this model has the tone arm on the left that faces the back of the unit and comes across the turn table at the back. So with mirror in hand and a flash light I try to see under the tone arm. Well, low & behold, all I see is a very tiny wire that looks like it's suppose to be the needle. It sure doesn't look like the needles that were given me. Here's the question... What does the needle really look like? And how in the heck do you replace it?
I've searched the web last night looking for a site that may show my model and have information about it, but with no luck.
And yes the raido plays beautifully, and the turn table works, but the sound is very muted, I've got to turn the sound 3/4 of the way up.
I sure hope someone out there can help me.

[Ron Ramirez]

Not sure, but I think the record changer in this set uses the "dynamic" (magnetic) cartridge. If this is the case, and I suspect it is, DO NOT use a regular steel needle, else you may damage the cartridge!

The stylus is a press fit into the cartridge and, you're right, it is a pain to get to. Make a note of how the old stylus is fitted into the cartridge, then, pull the stylus out. Replace it by pushing the new one in so that it is in the same position as the old one.

You can get a replacement from, among others, West-Tech Services:
http://www.west-techservices.com/p5.htm

This picture, accessible if you scroll down that page, shows the very needle you need, for Philco Part No. 76-1622 Dynamic Reproducer.
http://www.west-techservices.com/images/ndldis8.jpg