How long do records last?

I didn’t watch the video.  Do the “real world conditions “ mentioned take into account that many of the LPs on the resale market were boxed and stored for decades in basements, attics, garages, outside sheds….?

I always thought the first 10 plays were the best. 

I have two comments, Wow, great analysis. This guy thinks like I do and a scientist does. Also, too much time on his hands.

It would be absolutely great if everyone here would be conducting tests of there components and systems with carefully thought out test design and methodical testing. Outstanding job answering one of the many questions in audio.

Also, the blend of listening and measurement is excellent. ASR could be useful if it took some lessons from this guy.

@ghdprentice I have to say that after watching this, I am now more willing to play albums I've been holding back on like Syd Barrett - The Madcap Laughs etc.

I've got 2,000. The first thousand I bought in the last millennium and tended to play once while listening and recording on a high end tape deck and then listened to tapes. Then as I collected the next thousand only listened to them once or twice. While working, if I listened to one a day I was lucky. Now I listen to streaming. So if I listened to mine one time again... I'd have to live to 150 or more. 

I don't have a personal experience with this, and I treat all my records with LAST record preservative. I would guess, they should become noisier if vinyl is of poor quality or deteriorated for some reason even if you clean them again from time to time.

It doesn't matter what cartridge you use because every different stylus profile contacts a different part of the groove so the wear pattern left by one stylus may obviate what is contacted by another and even then, the vinyl must encounter some serious abuse to become "worn out".  In other words, records can last for decades or maybe forever and the surfaces remain quiet with like new fidelity.  Anyone who routinely shops used records looking for those out-of-print classic titles to add to their collections can attest to this.

Indeed. Like using crap vinyl and low-quality assurance. I've records from the 50s in way better condition than some brand-new vinyl. 

the vinyl must encounter some serious abuse to become "worn out"

@noromance love your room and all your stuff!  You're an old salt, value you're vigilance.

I have LPs that were pressed in the early 1950s that still play fine. Any that I have that are that old I bought used. I think the conclusion of the video is spot on- that dust is really the big wear issue.

Many of my current collection came to me from my father and my aunt.  Those were acquired by each of them in the 50s and early 60s.  Some have noise and some have some surface damage but the majority play well and sound very good.  They both were pretty conscientious about their album care.

@atmasphere "I think the conclusion of the video is spot on- that dust is really the big wear issue." how do explain all those turntables we've used that don't have covers that you can close during playback? Many are extreme high-end and the users aren't going out of their minds worrying about record wear and increased noise! 

@faustuss I think owners of such turntables are likely to also be owners of one or more RCMs.

Many are extreme high-end and the users aren't going out of their minds worrying about record wear and increased noise! 

@faustuss That's true. For years I did the same. I always use a carbon fibre dust brush before playing an LP side and I suspect many others do too. But it is nice to cover the platter when not in use to minimize dust.

Certainly, but you know I was referring to playing the record without a cover.

@faustuss A decent air cleaning machine is a worthwhile addition to any room. It’s been covered (pun) in other threads and the consensus seems to be that turntables sound better with the lid (if fitted) removed when playing.

Of course, I use the brush before playing each side and of course I cover the platter when not in use. I do it automatically, it just takes too f. long.

And this is from someone who doesn’t really like vinyl and loves tape.

"A decent air cleaning machine is a worthwhile addition to any room. It’s been covered (pun) in other threads and the consensus seems to be that turntables sound better with the lid (if fitted) removed when playing."

@noromance I'm sure that's a viable option though I've never noticed it mentioned before but there are other options that only involve a little sweat equity like dusting vacuuming and mopping which we do quite often around here.  As a rule, I do observe habitual record hygiene practices as @inna mentioned though I don't do so begrudgingly. I have an Ersa Major which is the best CFB I've ever encountered other than the original EDA MK6 before Music Hall got their hands on it.  I also discovered the invaluable silicon roller (In the Groove) that I should have been using decades ago.  I have a Spin Clean in the closet that I put into play following my raids at the local used record stores and it's very good at assuring really good playback satisfaction from what I find in those places.