A manual to automatic record player conversion includes a base unit and a blade that attaches to the tone arm. The base unit includes a movable a piston that engages the blade in order to move the tone arm upward, to specified locations on the record, or to the rest position. The position of the blade is detected by locating a reflective strip on the blade using an optical sensor, so that the piston remains positioned under the blade. The piston uses a tapered cone structure to engage a slot in the blade, compensating for any inaccuracies in position of the piston with respect to the blade. The base unit may be structured to interact with a remote control through Bluetooth or other wireless connectivity. The remote control may be a software program or app that is operated through a smart phone, tablet computer, or other computer.