Vinyl Static

[dcarlson]

Is normal to accumulate a lot of static when spinning vinyl? It seems like my new vinyl accumulates even more static and I'm even getting some pops when it discharges. Is there anything I can do?

I'm wondering what it's going to be like this winter when static becomes an even worse problem. :(

[STUFFMD]

Usually from comming in and out of the sleeves, creates friction, I use an anti-static gun and antistatic fiber brush on all my vinyl.
Stuff

[dcarlson]

I have an antistatic brush and use it before and after every record use.

I don't have an anti-static gun though. Probably something I should keep an eye out for. ;)

[Tour2ma]

Humidity a little low up north, Derrick?

Actually the spinning itself results in static build up. Usual result is dust attraction. Personally I've never experienced it building up to the point of an audible discharge during play, but apparently it's possible.

The "Zero-stat" maybe the gun Stuff refers to. It was made by Discwasher many years ago. Supposed to generate a fire "positive" ions at the LP. Here's one of several hits in a "Zerostat" search...
http://www.2spi.com/catalog/photo/zerostat.shtml

Never owned one, seemed kind of voodoo-ish to me, and at $135 I'm not likely to run out and get one.

[George Grand]

I have found several of those Zero-Stat guns in the last few months. I can usually grab them for $5-10. Thrift shops and flea markets.

They work, but can lose their "charge" over time. A good way to check a prospective (if possible), is to take it into a dark area, put the barrel about 1/4" away from something metal, and slowly pull the trigger. You can actually see the blue arc if it is still operational. One that I found recently was inop.

George Grand (of the Jersey Grand's)

[dan t]

You might consider purchasing a Nitty Gritty record cleaning Machine. The cleaning solution which NG sells not only cleans the records, but prevents static buildup.



Dan

[dcarlson]

Oh man, that would be sweet. :D

I have to get speakers before I get a cleaning machine. I'll try the zerostat thing, maybe, if I find one. $75 at audioadvisor, that's a little rich for me right now.

Tour, it's pretty humid. It seems it's been raining forever. I got a round of golf in 2 weeks ago in the middle of a nice clearing Sunday afternoon. I'm afraid that was my last nine of the year. I shot a 40. :D

[STUFFMD]

Several cleaning machines ,brushes, and guns on Audio Advisor this month..Zerostat was about $75...Yes the guns do wear out..I would not recommend used ..... .but I have found them to significantly reduce static on vinyl and the turntable mechanics.... Stuff

[Emlyn]

For someone serious about the vinyl hobby, I'd strongly recommend getting a Zerostat gun, carbon fiber anti-static brush, Nitty Gritty or similar cleaning machine, and anti-static inner sleeves for all LPs. It's not so important in the summer with increased humidity levels, but dry winter air will make static build-up much more noticeable. The static problem can be completely eliminated with the tools above, but I've found just using one of the above by itself doesn't do the trick.

[dcarlson]

I'll definitely need to do something. I have hot water heat, it gets pretty dry. When I use my carbonfiber brush, i can hear the static dissapating (sp?). It gets even worse after I've been spinning for a couple hours and lift a record off of the TT. I can feel the static.

I think I'll make a Christmas list for my family to pick up this stuff for me. :D