Super excited to join the club, I’ve been collecting vinyl for 5-7 years now and unfortunately have been playing them on an all-in-one Victrola (hoping I haven’t cashed any permanent damage). Well after a few months of searching at thrift shops, estate sales, and online market places today I finally found what I feel (or hope) to be a good deal. I picked this Technics SL-Q3 for $100. It was owned by a ln elderly couple in town who is downsizing, they had bought it new and it’s been in the closet for roughly 20 years. From what I can tell (take that with a grain of salt) all functions seem to work as designed.

What I Know (not much) about the table. It’s direct drive fully automatic turn table from the late 70’s/early 80’s. And that’s really about it.

What I’m hoping to understand, what cartridge/stylus is currently on it? Should said cartridge/stylus be immediately upgraded/replaced if so with what? Is there any known issues to look out for? Is there any at home service/maintenance I should perform seeing as it’s sat for at least 20 years? Lastly, how should I have the weight and anti skate set up, is there a default or will it be specific to the cart/stylus?

I’ve purchased a cork platter and am planning to pair with Edifier R1280DB (trying to keep this as budget friendly beginner set up as I can)

Super excited to join the club, TIA for any genre insight or answers to any of my questions, hoping I did alright here and did throw $100 to the wind.

First Big Boy Turntable Looking For Some Help