Dealing with Static on LP palyback

@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?

Dust, such as it is present in a typical listening room, is the enemy of what? Considering that the LP is exposed for about 20 minutes per side.

I have a 100% solution to your problem

Look up HEX MAT MADE IN BUDAPEST.

These mats are not cheap but since  I’ve been using one I’ve had 0 static

Before it, my heavy rubber platter mat would come off with the record there was so

much static

good luck Willy-T

@oldaudiophile 

From my own experiences, “old audiophiles” know best. I honestly believe most oldies are covers down opinionated. There’s just no substitute for experience.

@lewm 

20 minutes open to dust is 20 (or more) minutes too long for me. Dust is the “enemy” of vinyl (as oldaudiophile already stated)

@spatialking 

I am with you on cover down.

I personally would never want to put a record with 20 minutes of dust exposure back into a clean lined anti-static inner sleeve.

@lewm 

I don’t know the answer to that question, but my hypothesis is that the tiny magnetic field present in the vicinity of the motor of any MM, MI, or MC cartridge might suck up any electrons flying around in that micro environment. One test for my idea would be to run a modified cartridge that lacks the generator parts, has only a stylus on a suspended cantilever but nothing on the other end of the cantilever

On this topic, I beg to disagree with almost everything you say except the bit I bolded above!

However, you do not need to modify any cartridge to perform your experiment - DS Audio's optical cartridges meet your requirement exactly!  There are no electromagnetic generator parts.  Moreover there is a wide choice of stylus / cantilever materials, from diamond / aluminium to a single diamond stylus / cantilever.  My diamond / aluminium one should arrive in the next month ...