Wondering how many times can a vinyl record be played? What can you do to ensure that your vinyl records last longer?
All this and more today as we explore some of the key factors of a record’s lifespan, how long can a vinyl record be played, do vinyl records wear out, and what you can do to slow down the aging process.
Well, How Many Times Can You Play a Vinyl Record?
There are so many variables in the world of vinyl records. Far more than, for example, the streaming of digital music. So, it is difficult to give a concrete answer to this question.
If you are someone who looks after their records to ensure the best sound quality then chances are that your records will last longer. If, though, you do not take particular care of your records, then you are in trouble.
The consensus is that, if you look after your vinyl grooves as much as you possibly can, then you can realistically expect to spin one record at least 100 times. That might not sound like a lot. But actually, imagine listening to an album a hundred times. Even trying to interpret such a big number can be quite difficult!
Try, instead, to visualize what a needle is doing when it comes into contact with a disc. When placed upon its surface, the stylus is more or less scraping itself through the trenches of the grooves, right? It does not take a rocket scientist to realize the effect this can have on the audio quality over time.
Indeed, the significant wear that such recording and playback technology enacts on itself is one of the main reasons digital recording technology superseded the record player in the first place.
Keeping records clean will go some way to making records last many decades. Though this is all in the hands of the user. Whether or not such a detrimental effect on the sound quality will affect their listening experience will, in turn, influence how much they take care of their records. For some, minor degradation is actually part of the ‘vintage’ appeal.
What Can You Do for Your Records to Last Longer?
There are several factors you can at least bear in mind to help your records last longer:
- Cleaning your records regularly and properly is one of the easiest and quickest things you can do to ensure a record’s long life. Record collecting is a commitment unto itself, so learning how to clean those vinyl records ought to be a key part of it. After all, you do not need an industrial unit like, say, the Okki Nokki in order to get your washing up done.
- Limiting exposure to sunlight can also ensure your records last longer. Too much exposure can even cause the record to melt. You can reverse minor warping. But if the warping has affected the solidity of the grooves themselves, then there really is nothing to do.
- This has a lot to do with how you properly store your records. By storing records properly – i.e. horizontally in their sleeves and away from environmental influences – you can make sure that there is as little outside influence as possible, no warping, and not too much influence from humidity, etc.
- One of the biggest favors you can do for your record collection is to start using a properly decent record player. There are many culprits like the Victrola vs Crosley, which come equipped with sub-standard needles that do more harm than good to a record. Even when working on a budget, there are plenty of options to choose from, such as the Audio-Technica AT-LP60.
Final Tones
So, there you have it! Hopefully, you now know more about how many times you can play a vinyl record. Now, you should be a bit more equipped to look after your records properly and give them the long life they deserve.
FAQs How Many Times Can a Vinyl Record be Played?
How long can a vinyl record last?
This all depends on how much care you put into it. Listeners who tend to regularly clean a vinyl record after they have used it will tend to have a record collection that lasts longer and sounds better overall. The main things that shorten the life of a record are dust and static, both of which build up as a result of neglect.
Does playing a record wear it out?
Indeed it does. Though this inherent wear and tear can be countered and slowed down if the record is looked after properly. The needle does its own damage to a record by scraping itself through the record’s grooves. Something that cannot really be avoided as this is the way it works. Hence why, digital recording superseded analog vinyl in the first place. Using a good quality cartridge will, however, counteract this wear somewhat.
What happens if you let a record keep playing?
Not only will the record be affected in some way, but the needle itself will also be worn away. A manual turntable will not stop spinning unless it is stopped manually. So the dance could theoretically go on forever. The record will only really be harmed in the inner circle, which usually does not have any music printed on it.
Does vinyl sound better after a few plays?
Some believe that vinyl records that were pressed more recently sound better after a few plays. On the other hand, some believe that the more a record is listened to, the more it sounds like vinyl. This means the sound becomes degraded and features those characteristic pops and crackles that define the ‘vinyl sound’.
