An automatic record player having a record changing mechanism which is driven by a driving means comprising a first gear wheel capable of driving engagement with the second gear wheel rotatable with the turntable, the first gear wheel having a gap in its teeth which during playing of a record lies adjacent the second gear wheel so that the first gear wheel remains stationary. A pawl member is pivotally mounted on the first gear wheel for pivotal movement into and out of engagement with a part associated with the second gear wheel. An operating member is movably mounted on the first gear wheel for engagement with the pawl member to move the pawl member about its pivotal axis. The operating member is engaged by an actuating means provided on the record player. At the end of the playing of the record the actuating means causes movement of the operating member to move the pawl member into its engaging position thus bring the first and second gear wheels into driving engagement.