Abstract: A signal-pickup cartridge is adapted to be loaded into a holder of a signal-pickup device proper of a rotating recording medium reproducing apparatus. The signal-pickup cartridge comprises a cantilever having at its distal tip a reproducing element for picking up and reproducing a signal from a rotating recording medium rotating in the apparatus, a cartridge case supporting therewithin the cantilever and having a ceiling plate and vertical walls on opposite sides thereof, a box-shaped cover joinable to the cartridge case to cover the lower face thereof in a manner to protect the cantilever and the reproducing element, and a mechanism for joining the cover and the case in latched state. This mechanism is triggered to unlatch the cover from the case when the cartridge is inserted into the holder.