A light monitoring circuit for a manual to automatic record player conversion includes a reflected light sensor and an ambient light sensor. The reflected light sensor is used to determine whether a tonearm-raising piston is positioned under a blade secured to the tonearm. The ambient light sensor is used to detect the amount of ambient light. The signals from the ambient light sensor and reflected light sensor are provided to a circuit that modifies the signal from the reflected fight sensor based on the signal from the ambient light sensor, thereby reducing any likelihood of error due to variations in ambient light.

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.

The tone arm holder includes a saddle with a hook portion that defines an open end. A resilient dividing member is located on the top surface of the saddle. The space between the resilient dividing member and the hook define a lock seat configured and arranged for frictional engagement, receipt and storage of a tone arm therein. The opposing side of the saddle from the resilient member defines a performance seat configured and arranged for freely supporting a tone arm whereby a tone arm may be placed on and removed from the performance seat without frictional engagement of the tone arm to the holder. The tone arm is freely movable between the performance seat at a first position and the lock seat at a second position by traversing across the resilient dividing member by exceeding the resilient force of the resilient dividing member.