Hey Roy51,

Does your tonearm look anything like the one you see below?



The most important question would be what DM asked.

Does it spin at a proper speed? And does a platter maintain its speed at all time?

Some older TT can't maintain its platter's speed and drfits. It doesnt look like it has a stobe disc so it's hard to tell.
Go to this site and print yourself a free strobe tool.
http://www.enjoythemusic.com/freestuff.htm
Bookmark this link with free tools, especially for a free protractor when you will replace your cartridge.

Free Stuff. No Ipod/promotion related please.

If your TT platter doesnt spin at a proper speed, then you have to get a new/different TT to get back into vinyl.
I think Pro-Ject Xpression II is a great suggestion.
I have a version 1. This is a cheapest component that I have in my system, and I'm a vinyl guy! Price doesnt always equate to quality, but just letting you know that it's a solid deck. The other thing you may want to look into would be a Music Hall TT. They will be introducing new lines of TTs, so you may even get a MMF-5.0 for much cheaper than others.

REGA P1 is a great deck too, and it comes with a cheapest Ortofon cart that sounds good. I've only played a couple of LP on the deck at a store so no personal experience on that.

If you TT turns out to be in a good shape then, you got some great suggestions above.
I personally would stay away from Grado Green. never worked with my Pro-ject arm, but others were able to get some great result. I thought it sounded 2 dimensional and very dry.

Definetely test out your TT first then decide what you need to do to get back in to vinyl.

I hope this helps a bit.
JRA