How to Disconnect the Cartridge Pins on a Turntable
- 1). Note the configuration of the wires connected to your phono cartridge. Most manufacturers use the same color code for tonearm wiring. Red and green are used for the right channel, non-inverted and inverted signals respectively, and blue and white are used for the left channel, also non-inverted and inverted. Two or more wire connectors may have plastic covers to prevent short circuits.
- 2). Use the small needle nose pliers or tweezers to grasp the connector gently and pull the connector and wire straight back with firm contact. Do not force disconnection. It should require light effort. Check your pliers' position and grip if the connector does not come away. Never pull on the wires themselves, as they will damage or break easily.
- 3). Re-form any connectors that get over-compressed from gripping with pliers. If the connectors are too small to fit on the pins of your new cartridge, spread them gently by inserting the narrow end of a toothpick into the opening of the connector until it is wide enough. If the fit is too loose, compress the connector with pliers or tweezers and spread again with the toothpick. A snug but not overly tight connection is ideal.
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