Old LP

An "Old LP," often simply referred to as an "LP," typically refers to a long-playing phonograph record, a vinyl record format popular from the late 1940s through the late 1980s, and enjoying a resurgence in the 21st century. The term "LP" distinguishes these records from earlier, shorter-playing formats like 78 rpm records and later, smaller formats like 45 rpm records (singles).

An LP is characterized by its 12-inch diameter, typically made of polyvinyl chloride (PVC), and designed to be played at a speed of 33 ⅓ revolutions per minute (RPM). This slower speed, compared to 78 RPM records, allowed for significantly more music to be stored on each side of the record, generally around 20-25 minutes per side, hence the "long-playing" designation.

LPs became the primary medium for distributing full-length musical albums and other extended audio recordings. The format facilitated the development of the "album" as a cohesive artistic statement, rather than just a collection of individual songs. The large format also provided ample space for album art and liner notes, adding to the overall listening experience.

While cassette tapes and compact discs (CDs) largely supplanted LPs in popularity during the late 20th century, LPs have experienced a revival in recent years, driven by audiophiles, collectors, and music enthusiasts who appreciate the perceived warmth and sonic characteristics of vinyl recordings, as well as the tactile and visual aspects of the format. Modern vinyl records may be new pressings or vintage recordings, and are often mastered specifically for the vinyl medium.