Hi all!  First post here.  Thanks for the speedy approval.

I have many turntables in various stages of play-readiness.  I spent a long time trying to eliminate motor noise from a Thorens TD-124 (not completed), which was my most involved TT project.  Most of my turntables have been acquired second-hand, and NOT from audio shops.  Which brings me to my latest purchase (at a Goodwill store, no less): A Beogram 8002 w/o a cartridge.  At $50, I could not pass it up.  My testing so far has only been to plug it in, seeing that the platter spins, the speed lights up, and the arm moves across its path.  The aluminum hatch has predictably come un-adhered.  Cosmetically it looks fine.

In looking for cartridges that work with the 8002, I was surprised at the cost of them.  I mean, I know there are some cartridges that retail in the thousands (and up and up), but with the 8002, my choices are limited.

I found a local seller with a "seller-refurbished" Beogram TX-2 type 5913, fitted with an MMC3, apparently with low-hour use.  I am considering purchasing it, using the MMC3 on my 8002, then selling the TX-2 w/o cartridge.  This, of course, would be dependent on the MMC3 and TX-2 being in good condition.  And. of course, I don't really know the condition of the 8002.  So, many leaps of faith for this to work.

I have several possible ways to go here, and several ways to deal with various things that could go wrong.

I need to have someone familiar with B&O to determine what restoration might be needed on the 8002.  I am in the SF Bay Area, so any suggestions would be appreciated.  I need help determining the health and life left on the MMC3.  I guess the worst case with the cartridge is that it would have to be rebuilt.  Suggestions on where to have this done are appreciated as well.

And lastly, I'd like advice on what to look for/at in determining whether the TX-2/MMC3 would be a good purchase.  If not, I'll be on the lookout for a good cartridge and a Beogram tune-up/set-up tech.

Thanks for having me!

Gregg