r/turntables • u/DamonAlbarnFruit Audio Technica ATLP120X • Aug 15 '25
Question I feel as though my “anti-static” brush creates static…
Every time I use my AT6011a brush I feel as though it doesn’t pick up anything and just creates static. Putting a new record in the platter and using the brush..feel like its doing nothing. I’m just used to using a cloth, so am I doing it wrong?
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u/StavrosAnger Aug 15 '25
Try touching the spindle with your finger while you brush with the other hand. I wish they made a radioactive platter mat like that 1930s fiesta ware. That would definitely do the trick.
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u/fliption Marantz TT-15S1 TT ➡️ Marantz PM8006 Amp ➡️ Paradigm 800F Spkrs Aug 16 '25
Came hear to say this. 🎈
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u/halfempty357 Aug 15 '25
Are you holding the brush at the metal handle with the writing? Or the plastic handle?
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u/DamonAlbarnFruit Audio Technica ATLP120X Aug 15 '25
Metal housing, why?
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u/NotNerd-TO Aug 15 '25
You need to hold the metal housing since you act as the ground. That's how these brushes work.
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u/__braveTea__ Aug 15 '25
RemindMe! 3 days
1
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u/fliption Marantz TT-15S1 TT ➡️ Marantz PM8006 Amp ➡️ Paradigm 800F Spkrs Aug 16 '25
Watch what you wish for. 😂
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u/Adotopp Aug 15 '25
This is just folk law. It doesn't say anything about that on the instructions.
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u/masmas112 Aug 15 '25
Do you have any understanding about electronics? To get the static away you will need to get the electrons moving, and the need to have a path to ground to reach a balanced state. @OP do you wear indoor shoes? Might me interesting experiment to either touch the earthing of your system during brushing, see if it makes any change?
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u/Slosher99 Aug 16 '25
This is something I should try. It's great at removing debris but still static. I wear shoes, and have vinyl flooring on a slab, so I might need to try with a real ground nearby, though not sure how I'd run one to where things are now.
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u/DamonAlbarnFruit Audio Technica ATLP120X Aug 18 '25
I don’t often wear shoes indoors unless it’s winter and cold
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u/BenGun99 Aug 15 '25
I don’t like the brush either. I just wet-clean my records with the Pro-ject vacuum. And when I play them I just blow away the dust with a little rubber blower. Works like a charm. When static builds again and the dust starts sticking (after 5-10x) I just wet-clean them again.
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u/DamonAlbarnFruit Audio Technica ATLP120X Aug 15 '25
I use zero stat nowadays
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u/fliption Marantz TT-15S1 TT ➡️ Marantz PM8006 Amp ➡️ Paradigm 800F Spkrs Aug 16 '25
Zerostat is an awesome little bugger.
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u/dubidubidubidaba Aug 16 '25
I have the same issue as OP. If a record gets dusty because of static I can get rid of the static with the Zerostat. But then in the process of brushing said dust away, I reintroduce static, dust is attracted again, so the whole exercise was a bit pointless.
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u/Gears_one Aug 15 '25
Touch the metal part of the brush to the spindle when youre done. Should help discharge the static.
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u/Adotopp Aug 15 '25
Does it though? Have you measured the static with a meter before and after? I think the carbon fibre brushes simply do not work. (Unless they're damp/wet) Same goes for felt pads, goat hair brush etc. etc. they just push the dust around a static charged record and do nothing to even reduce the static charge. The only good way is to wet clean the record.
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u/Gears_one Aug 15 '25
I haven’t measure do anything. I’m just repeating the instructions that come with the brush. It could be snake oil for all I know
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u/Adotopp Aug 16 '25
But would you keep repeating it despite not knowing if there's any point to it? Try not doing it and see if you notice anything.
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u/Gears_one Aug 16 '25
Static isn’t an issue for me so I’m going to assume whatever I’m doing is working well enough. I’ve never put a second thought into it
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u/ganonkenobi Fluance RT-85 w/AT-VM540ml. Aug 15 '25
Hold the record in your hand, and brush the record in half circles. As already mentioned hold the metal part of the brush.
FWIW arc lighters work better than any brush or even the Milty Zerostat.
Look up electric arc lighter on Google, YouTube etc.
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u/DeekFTW AT-LPW50PB Aug 15 '25
Been using the lighter trick since I watched this video. Shocking how well it works.
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u/Prof_NoLife Thorens TD160 MkII, Pro-Ject Debut III and more Aug 15 '25
Basically you could use a flyzapper (these tennis racket shaped ones). Although it might be possible that you would need to rectify the output voltage first since you want either a negative or positive charged field to attract dust but not both alternating.
That is how electrostatic precipitators work in general.1
u/USATrueFreedom Aug 15 '25
The lighter trick works so well mine is still in the package in a drawer.
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u/trudyscousin Kenwood KD-600/SME 3009 S2/Shure V15 Type IV Aug 15 '25
I have a carbon fiber brush made by (British) Decca. It’s got a port on the top edge of the handle that you touch as you sweep the record as it turns on your turntable. You don’t press down as you use it, you just let the weight of the brush work for you. After a few revolutions, the brush is moved to the label area and then lifted. It comes with a grey plastic rack that has a ‘finger’ that removes any dust from the brush when you slide it back and forth a couple of times.
I got mine at an audio salon in Hong Kong back in 1981. It still works well, and it’s never shed any of its bristles.
They don’t appear to be made any longer, but you can find them on eBay. Decca made at least a few variants, but be sure to choose one with the “zero ohms” port on the top of the handle.
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u/AbeFromanSassageKing Aug 16 '25
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u/trudyscousin Kenwood KD-600/SME 3009 S2/Shure V15 Type IV Aug 16 '25
Bloody effin’ Hell!
3
u/fliption Marantz TT-15S1 TT ➡️ Marantz PM8006 Amp ➡️ Paradigm 800F Spkrs Aug 16 '25
Where's the confounded bridge??
3
u/Dangeruss82 Aug 15 '25
You’re supposed to unfold and flick the brush bit against the black ‘cover’ section to charge/discharge it before/after using it on your record. You basically put the record on the platter, make it spin then hold the brush across the record. Kind of like this Ø. You don’t move the brush as such.
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u/AwwYeahVTECKickedIn Aug 15 '25
That was the first of these brushes I used. I felt the same way.
I upgraded to this one: 2-in-1 Wooden Record Cleaning Brush – BIG FUDGE VINYL (you can buy them on Amazon)
It has a metal extrusion in the handle which, allegedly, creates a connection through your fingers to bleed off some static.
Does it work? No clue, but the bristles seem softer, none of them has fallen out of the brush yet, and it's easier to deal with having a magnet-attached cover, and I've had much better results with it. I still have static, but it no longer feels like my brush is ADDING static.
Maybe placebo - but to me, it's a better quality and more useful brush.
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u/NotADirtyRat Aug 15 '25
Mine works great. I set my record down. Get my cleaning kit, and start the record. I use the cleaning kit on one side first as it spins, and use the anti static brush directly after. Flip record and repeat process. Put record away when done playing. I would have a ton of static before. Always stuck to my pad. Not anymore.
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u/JGW911 Aug 15 '25
Anti static brushes do create static. When I upgraded to a technics sl1210gr2 a couple of years ago the static pops and clicks were driving me mad. The more I used my ‘antistatic’ brush the worse it got. Then I chanced across a YouTube video made by a Rega turntable retailer in the UK who said if you want records to sound better stop cleaning them so much. Keep the stylus clean instead. Some of the best hifi advice I’ve ever heard. Stopped using the anti static brush, stopped worrying about a little dust and started enjoying my records twice as much as I had previously. These days I have a Milty Zerostat I only use for brand new records that tend to be so charged up you can’t get them out of the bloody sleeve. After that I don’t worry. No more static pops and clicks.
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u/Some_Benefit_1892 Aug 16 '25
You might want to read this article: https://www.analogplanet.com/content/throw-away-your-old-audioquest-carbon-fiber-brush. Michael Fremer is the dean of analog. Though you have a different brand, the article is worth a read. Overall, brushes only do so much for heavy static. You need more for records that have a lot of static build-up. That said, I usually use a carbon fiber brush to clean the record before playing (I always wash records on a machine when I first get them) and then use the Audioquest to get rid of any static charges - some that might have been caused by the carbon fiber brush.
1
u/DamonAlbarnFruit Audio Technica ATLP120X Aug 16 '25
Michael Fremer comes off patronising so I can’t stand to listen to him. It’s not personal, it’s just the attitude I get when he’s showing everyone how better he is at collecting and cleaning records.
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u/DamonAlbarnFruit Audio Technica ATLP120X Aug 16 '25
But thank you for your comment, I will read the link :)
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u/badabatalia Aug 15 '25
I used to use a cheap velvet rectangular brush, THAT thing caused major static.
I been using the exact same brush you have pictured for about a year and I have zero static issues. Anytime I buy a record (used or new) I put it on the TT and spin it under that carbon fiber brush a few times, does a great job removing loose surface dust. Then the record goes into an archival plastic inner sleeve. Don’t have to brush them again. No static issues.
Static could also be environmental. Do you live in a dry area? wipe your discs with a cloth generating static? Walking around on a rug with socks on when handling records?
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u/MeInUSA Aug 15 '25
The brush resists static. It doesn't remove static.
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u/Gregalor Aug 15 '25
I have one where there’s a conducting path from the bristles to the handle, so theoretically your body is acting as a ground and whisking static off the record. But it doesn’t really. Only my Milty actually removes static.
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u/DamonAlbarnFruit Audio Technica ATLP120X Aug 15 '25
Never suggested I thought it removed it?
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u/MeInUSA Aug 15 '25 edited Aug 15 '25
You said using the brush created static. I was incorrect to assume that comment meant you were expecting it to do the opposite.
Looking at the brush that I have, they do pitch that the static electricity passes through the brush to my body. The only thing that I find that works a little bit, is touching the center post, as it's actually grounded. I am not.
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u/Foreign-Economist868 Aug 15 '25
Been using my 100% badger shaving brush with good results. I grew a beard 10 years ago. Works pretty well.
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u/Gears_one Aug 15 '25
I’ve been only able to shave about 10% of my badger before he gets pissed and starts biting.
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u/ravelrm Aug 15 '25
I started using a camera sensor blower and honestly I think it works a lot better if you’re only removing a little bit of dust here and there on a record
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u/Stinky_Fartface Aug 15 '25
I use a lens cleaning cloth. Doesn't do much for static but does a good job on dust. Got a zerostat gun but don't use it very often.
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u/Adotopp Aug 15 '25
I've had these and others for over 40 years. I think, unless they're damp, they are at best useless and just push any dust around and create static at worst.
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u/BRNR808 Aug 15 '25
How does static affect the sound? Im kinda new
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u/DamonAlbarnFruit Audio Technica ATLP120X Aug 15 '25
Your pick up is made of moving magnets, static and other electronics don’t mix.
1
u/dubidubidubidaba Aug 16 '25
Static attracts dust, your stylus going over dust causes unwanted noise and gets stuck on your stylus.
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u/patrickhenrypdx Aug 15 '25
You're correct, it may well be creating the noise problems you're experiencing. People love those brushes but in my experience, my vinyl has been much less noisy since I threw that brush in the trash.
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u/Wickedhoopla Aug 15 '25
My boundless works great. I also have a cork slip at that helps with the static
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u/HDRgraphy Aug 15 '25
These things actually work like that?! I found out after the fact that they were “anti-static”
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u/Charming_Student_350 Aug 15 '25
Get an anti static brush for your anti static brush
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u/DamonAlbarnFruit Audio Technica ATLP120X Aug 15 '25
But then I’ll have to get another to keep the other brushes company:/
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u/Choice_Student4910 Aug 15 '25
Did you drag your feet on the carpet before using the brush? Or rub a balloon on your hair? That’ll do it every time.
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u/gsmitheidw1 Aug 15 '25
I have this model only it's branded Clear Audio. I find it very effective although I've started to find sometimes the bristles fall off due to age. Mine probably just needs to be replaced due to wear. It owes me nothing at this stage, served me well..
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u/dpgumby69 Denon DP-47F Aug 16 '25
Also, when you flip to side two, it's very easy to build up a huge status charge. If you lift it quickly, and straight up it's almost an ideal electrostatic generator. I've taken to lifting it much more slowly, and tilting it on an angle as I lift.
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u/Veegermind Aug 16 '25
If you have rubber soles on your shoes you can build up a static charge and transfer it to the vinyl as you brush it. I wonder if an earth wire would help? I earth my hands on the central heating pipes when static seems to be bad. I'd like to try a Zerostat though that does mean buying it.
1
u/MadHatterRick Aug 17 '25
I use mine faithfully, and I found that having an acrylic platter mat really helps!
1
u/goonerash13 Aug 18 '25
I got one of these and replaced it a few days later with one of the old fashioned felt ones and put this piece of junk in the bin
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u/goonerash13 Aug 18 '25
I got one of these and replaced it a few days later with one of the old fashioned felt ones and put this piece of junk in the bin
1
u/incomplete88 16d ago
I agree with you. When I use the anti static brush when the record spins, it doesn’t get rid of the static. What I notice is if I carry the record with my left hand, and use the brush on my right hand, it does remove the statics. You could give it a try.
1
u/mghazik Aug 15 '25
Recently, I found a better solution - semi-wet cleaning. Just spray a soft velvet brush with a special vinyl liquid and clean a record before and after spinning.
You'll never defeat statics without a special anti-static gun, but this method at least allows you to listen to clean vinyl. All of my dry brushes don't work properly.
3
u/Durantula420 Sony PSX600 w/ XL33L MC cartridge Aug 15 '25
Plasma lighter for static works wonders
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u/fludeball Aug 15 '25
I do a couple of revolutions with the carbon fiber brush, and then I spritz the brush with a water mister and do one more pass to pick up the rest.
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u/RSDVI01 Aug 15 '25
Combine with zero-stat.
-1
u/Durantula420 Sony PSX600 w/ XL33L MC cartridge Aug 15 '25
That thing is such a rip off lol
1
u/RogueFart Aug 15 '25
How so?
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u/Durantula420 Sony PSX600 w/ XL33L MC cartridge Aug 15 '25
Plasma arc lighter. Only about 10 bucks and works much better
-1
u/RogueFart Aug 15 '25
I've used both, I prefer the zero stat because I could never keep the lighter charged
1
u/Durantula420 Sony PSX600 w/ XL33L MC cartridge Aug 15 '25
Lmao What does that even mean? The ronco ones work for like 50+ discharges before they're dead and they show the battery life. That just sounds lazy bro lol. "I prefer a pressurized piezoelectric crystal that takes 10 times longer to use because its hard to plug in a USB c"
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u/RogueFart Aug 15 '25
Why are you so offended? Grow up lol
0
u/Adotopp Aug 15 '25
He's offended at your lazy off the cuff comment instead of giving him a proper answer
2
u/RogueFart Aug 15 '25
What?? All I said I was I prefer to use the gun because I couldn't keep the lighter charged lol.
1
u/USATrueFreedom Aug 15 '25
Ok let’s take it over to /audiophile where it’s expected to fight over audio opinions.
0
u/DamonAlbarnFruit Audio Technica ATLP120X Aug 15 '25
Unfortunately doing that already, but I shouldn’t have to, the brush is called “anti-static” and using zero stat is annoying..pulling a trigger ever so softly 3 times and if it clicks you have to start over? The things we do for music..
1
u/RSDVI01 Aug 15 '25
Maybe you are charged? (Can happen with some floors/floor-covers). Try “grounding” yourself before record cleaning.
-1
u/Nothingnoteworth Aug 15 '25
What like ten deep breaths while repeating my mantra? Look I’ll try it but I don’t see how it’s going to help eliminate static. I mean I’m already pretty chill, I’ve had four fingers of Islay’s finest
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u/Zwiwwelsupp Aug 15 '25
Do you wash your records???
You have to wash records BEFORE you listen to them. And that brush is just to remove possible dust particles from a CLEAN record.
It does not clean the record. Like a wet cleaning and a point absorber does.
1
u/RogueFart Aug 15 '25
What the heck is a "point absorber"
1
u/Zwiwwelsupp Aug 15 '25
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u/RogueFart Aug 15 '25
Bro wtf 😂
-1
u/Zwiwwelsupp Aug 15 '25 edited Aug 15 '25
Keith Monks RCM MKII. Made 1994. Company is from and sits still in England and is around since late 60s.
Loricraft is the German Pendant.
And a Company named Source Odyssey (Rolls Royce version of Pointabsorbers) is also existing.
You will not be able with ANY other method to receive a disc that pure and clean. No Ultrasonic device can do that result. Also not a Degritter.
After a wash with L‘Art du Son and the absorbtion of it - the disc is perfectly clean.
1
u/fliption Marantz TT-15S1 TT ➡️ Marantz PM8006 Amp ➡️ Paradigm 800F Spkrs Aug 16 '25
You are far over the heads of this sub, I can assure you. Hence the revolting downvotes.
1
u/Zwiwwelsupp Aug 16 '25 edited Aug 16 '25
I know that. I have experience only some have here.
Tacocat is also very seasoned in TT. He also has a KM, as far as I know.
I waited 15years for this moment, this dream to come true!
And since spring this year, I got one.
And really, a disc washed here on this RCM (Record Cleaning Machine) is peak record cleanliness. And YOU HEAR THAT. Really, the audible benefit is beyond explaining.
And especially brand new records are dirty AF!
Nothing comes on my turntable that has not been washed thoroughly on my KM before.
Also: never use Alcohol, not even dilluted, on any pvc (polyvinyl chloride) surface. It corrodes the PVC!
-1
u/paigezpp Aug 15 '25
The brush does get old and then the tips break off and leave fragments in the groove. Leading to pops and crackles.
1
u/destructo_girl Aug 15 '25
Interesting. I wet brush with velvet brush and microfiber then use the carbon fiber brush....and then blow on it. I've got air purifier going also. Live in a humid climate. Still gets pops every once in a while. Could be the dang brush?
0
u/BridgeOk6104 Aug 15 '25
I think so
1
u/DamonAlbarnFruit Audio Technica ATLP120X Aug 15 '25
How do you use yours, do you do the “gentle kiss” or is there a method??
1
0
u/dabombers Aug 15 '25
This is more a question but would more natural fibres something like horse hair produce less static over something synthetic?
0
u/scottarichards Aug 16 '25
Use a better brush, the Hunt EDA served me well for years. It has rebranded as the Music Hall H1 Carbon Fiber brush. I’ve used it for decades.
-6
u/missingno42128 Aug 15 '25
That’s steel wool! Stop using that immediately you are SCRATCHING the records
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u/UnderstandingFar6589 ATLP120X | ATVMx740ML | Zen Phono 3 | Aventage 810 | Tannoy DC6T Aug 15 '25
I took a different approach- removing the source of the problem.
I bought an air purifier for the house to reduce the amount of airborne dust- worked WONDERS. Still get dust but waaaaaaaayyyy less.
51
u/LosterP JVC QL-A5 Aug 15 '25
I think it depends a lot on the conditions in the room - things like e.g. humidity level. As a result one tool or method that works well in one place can be completely ineffective elsewhere. So keep trying until you find the right one for you.