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Vinyl foibles

I'd like to make this a space to ask questions about vinyl problems you're having trouble solving. I have a lot of questions, but I think it's better if we ask one at a time, or else I think we could have long lists.

Here is my first question. I have a Degritter album washer. I think it works great. I wash all my albums once, but not before I play them again and again.  Somehow, though, and this includes new albums no one else has ever touched, they pick up ticks and what sounds like scratches. I rewash the album and it sounds like new again. I only touch albums by their edges. How do inner bands become so dirty that sometimes a smudge can last a minute or more?  I've been playing vinyl albums for more years than many of you have lived, and I have learned to be very careful with vinyl. Are there vinyl gremlins haunting my album shelves?

audio-b-dog
audio-b-dog's avatar
audio-b-dog OP
798 posts
 

@billstevenson 

I looked it up. It's an electrical receptacle, right?

rsf507
2,577 posts
 

I've used the Furutech DeStat static charge remover, and yes, it works for maybe 1-2 songs on each side; then you have to re-zap the album, which is a HUGE pain. I sold it, and personally, I don't recommend it. YMMV

audio-b-dog's avatar
audio-b-dog OP
798 posts
 

@billstevenson @rsf507 

I haven't learned how to use my static gun. I have an anti-static brush I used when I put a record on, It also sweeps off dust. I don't know if I really hear static coming through my speakers. I don't really know what to listen for.

whart's avatar
whart
3,372 posts
 

You can discharge the static on a disc but the question is, how is it getting charged in the first place? And what is it you are hearing when you hear noise on discs cleaned with the Degritter? 

I have the following questions:

are you using a fluid in the Degritter other than purified water? You may not be removing the fluid and that could cause issues.

On static, are you on carpeting? With shoes or socks? That will cause a charge. When the record comes out of the Degritter it should be static free. Apart from the feet and friction, how are you handling the discs in sleeving/unsleeving? Some paper liners cause a charge. 

I’d try to get to the source of the problem. There are a couple of variables here, implicit in my questions. 

On platter mats, an inexpensive option is EAR-Isodamp SD125 which you can order from Michael Percy, one sheet is enough for two mats. They are normally die cut (SME uses this material) but you can cut it carefully with an appropriate blade. It is effective, grippy and a good replacement for a lot of OEM mats. I cannot use a dust cover, so I put a "dead" record on the platter to keep it clean and on my one table which has a bonded mat, I use a lint roller occasionally. 

ghdprentice's avatar
ghdprentice
9,429 posts
 

I tried  Zerostat static guns for decades and never got them to a do a thing. My friends also.

Then someone on the forum recommended the Hudson brush. Grounds the records and picks up dust. Works wonderfully. 

 

https://hudsonhifi.com/products/antistaticbrush?variant=42761547382982&country=US&currency=USD&utm_medium=product_sync&utm_source=google&utm_content=sag_organic&utm_campaign=sag_organic&srsltid=AfmBOoq77ltRiZtjOk3dZ5EDSZLqtD1Hf8yBT-oTs4UWY7hi2Y1c_MdMNWM

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