Haven't played my LP's in 20 years - still good?


Anyone with similar experience? I've got about 600 albums that I haven't played in 20 years. Always took care of them, discwasher brushing and a 'dust toothbrush' with felt pad thingie that rode the grooves while you spun the lp.
I'm thinking of getting back into analog, but wonder if the black beauties are still relativly quiet.
Any input on how these might have held up?
richmon
They will play fine if they have been stored properly, not exposed to high heat and heavy weight. I have many many albums I purchased new when I started collecting from 1969 to present that still sound fabulous and I am so happy I took good care of them.

If you are really serious about bringing out the best they have to offer I would suggest getting a cleaning machine (Nitty Gritty, VPI) and some good fluid (Record Research). This will allow you to really clean them and get the best sound from them possible. Also upgrading your playback system, if you haven't in all that time, will help considerably. Much has improved in vinyl playback equipment in tha last 20 years and the value has never been better. Plus you don't have to spend an arm and a leg to achieve complete vinyl playback satisfaction. These things will amaze you in terms of lack of surface noise, dynamic and frequency range. And here at agon you are welcomed into a brother-sister hood of devoted vinyl junkies. You are in good hands. I anticipate we are all envious of your collection.
Yup. From my own experience, they work just as well as they did right before I quit listening to them in favor of CD. Imagine if CD's had never happened...you wouldn't be out much, except convenience and 'durability'. Go for it!
Great question. I know many here will say that as long as you took good care of them, etc., etc., they will be okay. I am here to tell you that I abused my 60s and 70s LPs, only hung onto them for sentimental value...they were stored in our attic (hot Texas heat), basement (one COLD winter in Indiana), moved over a dozen times including from TX to Indiana and back without any sort of special instructions for the moving companies. Bottom line, either I am lucky or these things are more resilient than we give 'em credit for. In 2000, I reentered the vinyl asylum and was incredibly surprised by how good these sounded and their condition.

Fortunately, during the years that I was actually playing them, I took good care of them. My first LP (Help by the Beatles) is ALMOST as pristine as the newest LP that I purchased this week.

Go ahead and spin 'em. Just buy some worthy equipment! Cheers!