Dealing with Static on LP palyback


Anyone have any suggestions on how to deal with static build up on LPs as I play them?   Just playing one side is something enough to cause an arc when I pick up the album.  Most of the time I hear tiny, consistent crackles that sound just like static.

All the things I tried that claim to reduce static does not.  I must have four record mats and a camel hair tone arm brush, all of which claim to reduce static but have no effect that I can see.

spatialking

Shure did show and did publish data to show that when you discharge one surface of the LP, that charge can leak over to the side of the LP that is against the mat. 

 

Hmm...when I use my Zerostat on one side of an LP, static is reduced on both sides.  There is an increase in static after playing an LP side, as indicated by the attraction of a small piece of styrofoam taped to a piece of thread.  I don't know if this is from the stylus friction or from my transmitting static to the LP;  I'm thinking it only occurs after removing the LP from the TT, but I'm not sure of that.

After using the Zerostat before play, I hear no static, but the humidity in my home is about 50%.

As to the point of the statement about the charge migrating from one side of the LP to the other, we both ought to go and read the original text of the Shure paper.  It is on line.

Thanks for all the info.  I'm sure products in the $2000+ range work perfectly, but I would put that amount of money into a new tonearm first.  I'll check out Grove Glide and a carbon fiber tonearm brush and report back here..  

Just don’t confuse Gruv Glide with Groove Lube, which is a very different product. 

@spatialking I haven't read through this entire thread.  So, if this has been addressed by others, my apologies.

First things first.  Are all the electrical connections in good order (cart leads; TT wires; etc.)?

Secondly, Have you got your records stored in good quality anti-static sleeves (e.g.  MoFi inner & outer sleeves)?

Thirdly, what is your TT sitting on?

Fourthly, is your TT next to any piece of equipment that generates a high level of EMI (electromagnetic interference - e.g.  satellite TV receiver(s)?

Fifthly, I know there are those who think playing records with a dust cover in place is the spawn of Satan.  However, provided everything is set up properly and you have a good TT, properly fitting & substantial dust cover, etc., I haven't noticed any difference in sound quality with the dust cover closed.  As such, I would never play records without the dust cover down.  Dust is the enemy!

Lastly, do you have an use a record washing system?