Headshell wire broke

Since you are asking, I assume you have no experience soldering tonearm leads?

Look first to see if the leads are connected by push on terminals at the headshell and cartridge. If so, remove and replace all headshell leads with a better set. Solder problem solved and (likely) better sound.

If soldered at headshell, maybe another headshell with new leads will fit the arm? Last, if soldering the broken lead turns out to be the best option DO NOT solder it while connected to the phono cartridge.

If you lived near me, I would do this for free. Would not take five minutes and I have a high quality Hakko solder station and several kinds of solder.

Hi Albert,

For those who may not know, a Hakko soldering station is virtually a "must Have" for audiophiles. I don't know what I did before I got mine.

Hi Albert,
Thanks for your response and offer to help. I looked at your profile and it's very impressive, I think its cool that you are a photographer. My grandfather was a serious hobbyist and liked birding and still life photograpahy. My biggest fantasy is to become a photojournalist for Magnum. Lol! Anyway, back to the topic. The thing is the arm and headshell is one piece and I cannot see far enough into the arm tube to see how they are connected, but they are push on terminals at the cartridge.
I am also wondering if it would be a good idea to completely rewire the tonearm and in the process replace the current leads with something more subsantial. What do you think?

Becoming a photojournalist for Magnum would indeed be a dream come true.

Many years ago I ran around with a Spectra meter and Leica M2 and M4 shooting TRI-X film and only available light, regardless of how low the light.

Fellow photographers and I referred to that shooting style as "available darkness" (smile). I was greatly impressed by W. Eugene Smith and have some signed books of his work.

If the tonearm wire is one piece from headshell leads to preamp connection as you describe, it's probably best to make the repair and enjoy it until you feel the need to upgrade.

Perhaps if you state your approximate location, someone can suggest a tech that can bail you out. It's really an easy fix for an experienced person, and maybe as last resort I could talk you though it on the phone if no other option.