Static LP12 felt mat

LH · Post by LH » 2009-12-31 16:42

I have had problems with the felt mat of my LP12 clinging to records since I bought it a couple of years ago. In our old apartment built in the 1920s we did not have earthed sockets for the electricity so I thought that this was the main reason for my problem and once the deck was earthed the problem would disappear. Now after moving to a new apartment with brand new electricity and earthing the problem still remains and its “driving me crazy” to the point that I consider selling my (otherwise) beloved LP12. I have tried dual sided adhesive to keep the felt mat in place but as this sounds slightly worse (then without) and I can still sometimes hear the static build up its not a solution I can live with.

Any suggestions on where to start fault searching my system would be greatly appreciated!

anthony · Post by **anthony** » 2009-12-31 16:56

This will be a static problem, not necessarily related to mains earthing.
The best way to stop this is to use anti static inner record sleeves.
Nagoka used to make them not sure if and where available now, probably best to google it. Static will be increased when man made materials are nearby (carpets, or very dry low humidity)

ThomasOK · Post by **ThomasOK** » 2009-12-31 17:56

The last few words of Anthony's reply may hold the real key. Static electricity tends to be more abundant in low humidity environments, hence why it is usually more of a problem in the winter when the heating systems tend to dry out the air. The best bet is to put a humidifier in the room (or a whole house unit) as it will not only reduce static it will also improve your health. I note that I have never had static problems when I have had my aquariums up and running in my living room.

Another option is using one of the Zerostat guns to remove static from the mat and records. It is a piezoelectric device that emits charged ions when the trigger is squeezed and sells for about $100 in the US. I also apply an anti-static fluid to my dustcover every few months as it tends to pick up static, especially when dusted. Since I sometimes have to play my records with the dustcover on (when I can't keep an eye on the dog while listening) it is important that the cover not be charged with static. How important it can be is easily demonstrated on any Rega turntable: just wipe a cloth (or even your forearm) across the dustcover while a record is playing and watch in shock as the tonearm lifts off the record and sticks to the cover! :)

LH · Post by LH » 2010-01-01 14:19

To Anthony: I have some Naganoka copies inner sleeves and if the problem would be that the record would be static before it is played (as they sometimes are) then surely the LP12 would not be the problem but from my experience the inner sleeves doesn't make a very big difference. Once the record is static it seems to stay that way.

As for yours and ThomasOKs other suggestion (about low humidity): Yesterday I filled the hot tub with warm water and suggested to my fiancee that she should take a long warm bath and relax (with the bathroom door open steaming up the entire apartment). This seemed to help as I could play a couple of records without the felt mat giving me any grief. So as a trial a new policy has been instated: “when showering or taking a bath the door is to be left open”. Hopefully this will help I will report back on this matter later.

ThomasOK you mentioned the Zerostat gun. My question is does it work? I have some records that are static even before they are played and if the Zerostat gun will help in these cases I will buy one immediately. So does it work?

Should I entirely rule out that this has anything to do with faulty electronics or cables for now?

ahaa · Post by **ahaa** » 2010-01-01 16:44

It works. I have been using the principle for more than 25 years. Lift off the record with the felt mat stuck to it, give it a couple of "shots" and the felt mat will fall around your hand. In my experience the Zeepa gun (double "barrel") works more effectively than the Zerostat, but I have no idea if it is produced anymore.

ThomasOK · Post by **ThomasOK** » 2010-01-01 23:05

Glad to hear increasing the humidity has helped. It is also generally healthier for your skin and nasal passages.

I agree, the Zerostat gun does work. I don't use one that often as I have a whole house humidifier and don't have much problem with static electricity. But I do own one and have found it effective. I have no experience with the Zeepa gun but as described it should work fine as well.

I don't believe that the cables or electronics have anything to do with your static problem.

LH · Post by LH » 2010-01-06 18:38

Well I bought a Milty Zerostat 3 gun yesterday and it seems to work on those pesky LPs which are still static even though the humidity levels are up.

My dealer strongly suggested that I should buy a Record Cleaning Machine. As he is a true vinyl enthusiast and has never fooled me before I am taking his advice into consideration even though I have heard both good and bad things about RCMs. Has any of you tried any RCMs? If so what is your take on them?

SaltyDog · Post by **SaltyDog** » 2010-01-07 17:57

Hi. My experience with Loricraft PRC3 is that elimination of static is part of the cleaning process. It may not overcome the low humidity refreshing the static charge.

Tony Tune-age · Post by **Tony Tune-age** » 2010-01-18 16:23

I never realized static could be such a problem with the felt mat. Is dry air the only way for static to build up on felt mats?

ThomasOK · Post by **ThomasOK** » 2010-01-21 20:50

Tony Tune-age wrote:I never realized static could be such a problem with the felt mat. Is dry air the only way for static to build up on felt mats?

Mostly it is caused by friction (friction of the stylus on the record, friction of the record on the mat). I don't know that dry air actually creates the static it is just that it makes things worse. Static doesn't tend to develop as much in humid environments.

That's about as far as I go with the scientific explanation. I am sure there is someone else on here that could give you the real skinny as to how the ions are affected by humidity and how they are generated, etc.

Tony Tune-age · Post by **Tony Tune-age** » 2010-01-21 23:34

Well, that's certainly enough information for me - Thanks Thomas. So far I haven't had a problem with static, of course there's always a first time.