How long do records last?


From the YouTuber:
"Lots of people talk and worry about vinyl records wearing out, but finally here is a controlled, long-term experiment to test how much audible wear actually happens to records played in real-world conditions on a variety of turntables. I highly suggest a quiet listening environment and good pair of speakers or headphones to observe the results."

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kZOj-eO8Mvw

noromance

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"

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.