I had a worse problem with my TNT III where the cartridge would no longer track due to static buildup. Touching the lp with a carbon fiber cleaning brush would solve the problem--for about 5 minutes. I called VPI and learned that it's not uncommon. Their suggestion, which worked for me was to ground the turntable. On the III, on the underside there is a metal shaft corresponding to the spindel. I looped a wire around it and attached the wire to a good ground. The problem went away. VPI also mentioned that if the above solution didn't work, they could supply conductive belts which would solve the problem, though the turntable might sound "different".
Hope this helps. Good luck
Hope this helps. Good luck