Stumbled on a youtube video about static buildup and vinyl pops

I was just scrolling last night and caught this random video from some audio engineer guy. He was talking about how a lot of surface noise on records isn't scratches, it's static electricity attracting dust and debris. I never really thought about it that much before. I always just blamed my turntable or the condition of the vinyl itself. So I tried his tip of running a damp microfiber cloth over the record before playing it, just a light wipe. The difference was huge, like 80% fewer pops and crackles on a used copy of Fleetwood Mac I picked up at a flea market last summer. I guess I figured a dry clean with my brush was enough, but that moisture thing really does something. Has anyone else tried the damp cloth trick or do you have another method for killing that static?

2 comments

2 Comments

paige_martin14d ago

Honestly that dry winter static thing is real, same reason my hair goes crazy.

michael89514d ago

Same here, I look like I stuck my finger in a socket most of January... freaking frizz city. Static cling is real too, I can't walk past a blanket without my pants crackling like a campfire. Got zapped opening my car door last week, nearly jumped out of my skin. Thought it was just me being clumsy, glad it's not just me.