Please help me sort through this turntable mess

Hi all,

I purchased a parts turntable yesterday that is equipped with a Fidelity Research FR-1 moving coil cartridge. All of the information I have been able to gather online is minimal. I did find that MFSL used this cartridge for demonstration purposes back in their heyday of the early '80's. Also, it seems the designer went on to work for Shelter. I would like to know if this cartridge is worthy of investing in a costly rebuild.

My search also found that in the January/February 2002 issue of Listener there is an article on this cartridge. I don't have access to this magazine so I'm asking one of you fine folks to read it for me and post the results of the article here on the forum or send directly to me through the Audiogon mailer.

I'm also looking for some input about the Fidelity Research FR-12 tonearm that also came with this table. It's apparently one of the highly regarded, entry level arms offered by that company around 1979 and appears to be rather nice. I don't need setup advice as I have the original documentation. I would appreciate anyone with "hands on" experience regarding it's performance and current value to post their opinions.

This table began it's life as a very early LP12 and it still retains it's serial number of 13242. The poor thing has really been butchered. The plinth is home made and the only piece that is suspended is the motor. I have many parts left over from the upgrade path my trusty Linn has taken over the years and it's possible to resurect this one from the dead but oh, what a job it would be. I'll likely part this out and need some help on the value of the platter, Audio Technica Safety Raiser, etc. Any help from anyone here?

Thanks,
Patrick