I have this turntable and the part (not even sure of the parts name) that the cartridge secures to is missing but the remainder of the turntable is actually in very nice shape. I also have owners manual.

Can and should I even try to find this piece?

The headshell? You can probably use any standard headshell, available at numerous places. You could save an eBay search for "AR headshell" as a shot in the dark, too.

Edit: Here's a generic headshell at lpgear.com:

http://www.lpgear.com/Merchant2/merchant.mv?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=LG&Product_Code=PTS004&Category_Code=PTS

Edit 2: Or did you mean the entire tonearm is missing?

I live across the river from you, and I have a couple of those AR headshells. Incidentally, I don't think you'll get anybody else's to fit on a AR table.

Now, are you offering me a table, or am I offering you headshells?

Almond, Toasted/MSgt, USAF

I bet he's talking about the litlle Salvador Dali pitchfork thingie that the arm rests on....

Never thought of that Radiolee. Good one.

Hey dude,

Can you play records but have nothing to rest the tonearm on when you're finished, or do you have no play capability cause you have no cartridge at the end of your tonearm?

Almond, Toasted/MSgt, USAF

Originally posted by dcfly
The headshell? You can probably use any standard headshell, available at numerous places. You could save an eBay search for "AR headshell" as a shot in the dark, too.

Edit: Here's a generic headshell at lpgear.com:

http://www.lpgear.com/Merchant2/merchant.mv?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=LG&Product_Code=PTS004&Category_Code=PTS

Edit 2: Or did you mean the entire tonearm is missing?

You cannot use a "standard" headshell on an AR XA tonearm. They might look similar but the connection from tonearm to headshell is totally different.

I have an AR-xa TURNTABLE and the only headshell that I know of that will fit is the factory plastic one, My turntable needed a headshell to ,the one that came with it was stripped out wear it fits into the tonearm (this is a well know problem with these AR turntable headshells). The headshells come up on ebay every once in a while and will set you back at least 30 bucks or more.Just make sure its in good shape and the end that fits into the tonearm aint stripped out, the piese that slipes into the tonarm hase little square pieces on it, they need to be nice and square not rounded off or it wont hold on the tonearm.

dcfly: The headshell? You can probably use any standard headshell...

danj: You cannot use a "standard" headshell on an AR XA tonearm. They might look similar but the connection from tonearm to headshell is totally different.

Whoops, sorry... :dunno:

dcfly: You could save an eBay search for "AR headshell" as a shot in the dark, too.

arfz28: The headshells come up on ebay every once in a while...

Yeah!!!!!! :bigok:

Thanks to all who replied. Here is a good read:

http://www.turntablebelts.com/stylusseeker.htm

Looking at going backwards in technology to where I started so to speak! Ineresting journey!