i think i could remove the wires
and put each one onto the prongs of a new cartridge but it seems that
the bsr cartridge is proprietary. there is one screw on top of the
tone arm that holds my cartridge. i'm not sure it will screw into a
new one such as the at3482u.

Louis-

I wonder if the single screw actually mounts an assembly consisting of the
cartridge and a spring-clip that holds it? Have you disassembled it for close
inspection?

From what you say, and observing my own changers, I don't think there is a
"standard" method of attaching the cartridge. The closest I find, is that some
cartridges are mounted with a screw on each side, through elongated holes so it
can fit a variety of tone arms.

Looking closely at the cartridge near the terminals, you may find small letters
L, R, LS, RS, indicating Left, Right, Left Shield and Right Shield. This
should help you figure out how to wire a replacement cartridge if you can find
one that fits.

I recently dug out my old Stereo equipment, hoping to restore it. Two out of
three old changers no longer work reliably. The BSR was a cheap one from Radio
Shack, and the needle skips several grooves when it is close to a speaker and a
loud bass note is played. The best solution seemed to be to buy a new changer,
but I find that none are available. The only thing I find is a simple, cheap
turntable intended for disc jockeys to make scratching noises! Do you know of
any recent High End changers or turntables?

73, Fred, K4DII