A very cheap but extremely effective tweak for records’ static

[sombunya]

I played a record the other day, digitized it actually, and it was so quiet I sent a note to the label complementing them on such a fine pressing. Quiet passages and between tracks it sounded great and the waveform confirmed it. I have a Zerostat but don't use it much because I don't see static as a problem, leastways not where I live. I like reading the reviews here, however.

 

[Bobvin]

With the record spinning, light up the spark and scan it across the disc surface, keeping a small distance of say 10mm.View attachment 72834

My ritual is a shot of compressed air against the direction of the spinning disk (record spinning towards me) to blow off any surface dust, then on opposite side (record spinning away from me) I pass the plasma arc over the record a few times slowly, back and forth, as he said about 1 cm above the record. (Unlike the photo above I do keep it away from my cartridge.)

I've always been leery of using compressed air to blow off any dust as it creates static, but now the worry is gone.

 

[tima]

I've always been leery of using compressed air to blow off any dust as it creates static, but now the worry is gone.

And as I'm sure you've heard, one wrong turn with the can and compressed air will snap off a cantilever. ouch!

 

[matakana]

And as I'm sure you've heard, one wrong turn with the can and compressed air will snap off a cantilever. ouch!

Unless you have a Decca. lol.

 

[defride]

Also bought one then another for an audio buddy for Christmas. He was bemused when it turned up in the post without explanation

Thanks for the tip

 

[matakana]

My ritual is a shot of compressed air against the direction of the spinning disk (record spinning towards me) to blow off any surface dust, then on opposite side (record spinning away from me) I pass the plasma arc over the record a few times slowly, back and forth, as he said about 1 cm above the record. (Unlike the photo above I do keep it away from my cartridge.)

I've always been leery of using compressed air to blow off any dust as it creates static, but now the worry is gone.

This is the blower I use.

 

[adyc]

How did it compare to the expensive DS Audio?

it is very dry in here for the last week. Humidity Is around 30 to 40%. So perfect weather to test the plasma lighter. It works very well. Very effective. No more static when lifting LP from the platter. To me, it works better than DS Audio. I will put up DS Audio for sale.

 

[Vienna]

I am very glad that this inexpensive tweak helped

 

[kimurastanley]

I just received mine today and it definitely works as mentioned.

Better clarity, quieter and the vocal becomes more natural and presence.

Thanks for the tip!

 

[timztunz]

it is very dry in here for the last week. Humidity Is around 30 to 40%. So perfect weather to test the plasma lighter. It works very well. Very effective. No more static when lifting LP from the platter. To me, it works better than DS Audio. I will put up DS Audio for sale.

When you say it works better than the DS Audio do you mean that you hear an improvement using the plasma lighter when the DS Audio unit is working as well? Or do you mean that it works as well or better than the DS Audio unit by itself?

 

[pcosta]

I got mine yesterday. Can't say everything sounds better, but certainly does remove the static. I the past when removing a record, I could feel the record almost cling to the platter, when the separation was made you could hear the static. A quick hover over the record while pressing the button works quickly and efficiently. Best part is I didn't spend a fortune.

 

[timztunz]

I got one yesterday too. I can light a cigarette with that thing. I’m not putting it 1cm from my records. I’ll stick with the DS Audio.

 

[SONDEKNZ]

I’m very interested because here in China there is a lot of crud in the air - that ends up on your turntable platter and on your LP surfaces.

Confession time: Anyone actually damaged a record with one of these BBQ lighters yet???

 

[Bobvin]

I’m very interested because here in China there is a lot of crud in the air - that ends up on your turntable platter and on your LP surfaces.

Confession time: Anyone actually damaged a record with one of these BBQ lighters yet???

Not here… would be difficult to do. You would have to hold the device in one spot right against the record surface I think. Pretty harmless device in reality.

I get my record up to speed then pass the device with the plasma arc enabled back and forth from outer edge to inner edge about 1cm over the record surface. When the slight buzz goes away and the arc steadies into a straight line I’m done. Sometimes one area of the LP will seem to require holding the arc near that spot (record spinning) but the device, IMHO, performs better than the old ZeroStat that’s been around for decades. ymmv

 

[bazelio]

Confession time: Anyone actually damaged a record with one of these BBQ lighters yet???

No. But don't put it on your tongue. Ask me how I know.

 

[Bonesy Jonesy]

Anybody compared the performance of the very expensive (RRP: £1,500) CSPort IME1 Static Eliminator & Demagnetiser to this BBQ Lighter ?

 

[Bonesy Jonesy]

Also has anybody tried this Furutech Destat Static Charge Eliminator ? ;

destat III | FURUTECH

www.furutech.com

I have the Zerostat Gun and it does nothing to my record static issues. Waste of £50+ !

 

[Bonesy Jonesy]

Anybody compared the performance of the very expensive (RRP: £1,500) CSPort IME1 Static Eliminator & Demagnetiser to this BBQ Lighter ?

Static Eliminator IME1｜Products

静電気ノイズのない音の世界 カートリッジとの摩擦でレコードは時間とともに数百V...

www.csport.audio

 

[Bonesy Jonesy]

Anybody have or tried the Hudson Hifi Anti Static Brush ? ;

Vinyl Record Cleaning Arm - Anti Static Brush for Vinyl Records - Adju

As a dedicated collector, you know exactly what it takes to care for your precious collection. Here at Hudson Hi-Fi, we are committed to equipping audiophiles with the perfect setup for their LP care, maintenance, and storage needs. Audiophiles and dedicated hobbyists might have varying...

www.hudsonhifi.com

Or the Pro-Ject Sweep It E Broom with Natural Hair Brush ? ;

Sweep it E – Pro-Ject Audio Systems

Easy and effective cleaning arm Cleaning a record collection can be tiresome. There are many ways to de-dust your precious collection. All of them have one thin

www.project-audio.com

 

[TooCool4]

Also has anybody tried this Furutech Destat Static Charge Eliminator ? ;

destat III | FURUTECH

www.furutech.com

I have the Zerostat Gun and it does nothing to my record static issues. Waste of £50+ !

I do use the Furutech Destat III and it's very good.

Check out this link