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Static Build Up

First of all I want to thank all the knowledgeable people here for the information that they have imparted to me as I have been putting together my first serious analog system. Hopefully, one day I will be able to return the favor but, when it comes to audio I am way to inexperienced to give advice. Now, should any of you have any questions about surviving big surf, or what to do when your 400lb. Aldabra tortoise sits on your foot, or how to light a movie set, I am full of worthless info on these subjects.
Ok, static build up. Living at the beach I thought that this would be an issue that wouldn't come up with my turntable. I was wrong. Lately when I take a record off the table I can hear the static between the record and the plinth. Am I right that for some reason static builds up in a table over time? How do you get rid of it (I use a Audioquest brush before playing, always)?
agaffer

Showing 2 responses by dougdeacon

dougdeacon
3,338 posts
 
I assume you've grounded your TT bearing and tonearm.

My record pre-playing ritual goes like this, also with a carbon fiber brush:
- dust platter at the start of the session
- dust underside of record (don't grind dirt into side B)
- zap record with Milty (it does eliminate static)
- clamp record, dust and touch a grounded piece of metal (tonearm) before lifting brush from record

Despite all this, a static-free record still builds up static by the end of play. I assume this is due to friction from the stylus. Yes, the tonearm is grounded, but apparently there's no path to ground from the record surface. There used to be a record-riding brush with metallic fibers and a ground wire, but I haven't seen one of those in years.

I zap the record with Milty again before it goes back in the sleeve, so it doesn't attract dust while sitting on the shelf.
dougdeacon
3,338 posts
 
Agaffer, sorry for the confusing "Milty". You can buy the Zerostat 3 gun from Acoustic Sounds, amusicdirect, lots of places, usually $69.95 or so.

Dweller, I hadn't thought about zapping the record while still in the jacket. Great idea, thanks.

Good advice from all the folks above, although I don't know if your platter needs zapping. My 265 platter doesn't seem to hold static. Maybe we should trade up to metal or acrylic, sounds like we're missing out! :D
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