Vintage Thorens turntable -Good or Bad?

It's a good deck.

If it has the stock Thorens tonearm (TP16 MkII) it requires a high compliance/compliant cartridge, due to the lower mass (<8 grams I think).

When setting it up look into redamping the springs as the foam sponges (located inside the spring coils) break down with time.

I used wedge shaped makeup sponges in my TD125, but research what others are using for replacement parts.

Maybe someone was having a bad day @ Brooks?

Thanks TD160 for offering pertinent info (unlike the "pissing in the punch bowl" response of Syntax).

Yes, parts on the board may need replacing, but the OP lives in LA (as do I) and there should be local qualified tech's available.

They (the caps) might be operating OK @ this point, but replacement is something that does now, or will be in the future, need to be considered.

All gear requires proper maintenance, so this is not a negative, IMO, for a vintage deck as such steps/expense should offer many years of trouble free use.

I'll suggest the OP (original poster) run a query through the vinyl forum @ AA (audioasylum.com) as there are many Thorens fans/owners that frequent the site.

I've considered the II/IV versions with the stock arms as it would be much easier for my wife to use, (than my TD125/SME combo) plus it plays 78's and it's a very musical deck.