I've been using it since beta too. The first brush wore out before that started. I think I'm going to try something other than a Decca and see what happens.
I agree with Dopogue. I've been using AIVS since Beta testing. No ill effect on my old Decca brush. This makes me wonder if the method of setting bristles in the newer brushes is the culprit.
This is part of a response I received from the Disc Dr. re the use of his cleaning system. The quoted portion pertains to your question. Duane is no hack, so I urge you to take his advice.
"Please make sure that you have a carbon fiber brush available for use before and after each playback (as described in the pamphlet which accompanies all order or can be mailed or emailed upon request, also available at our web site). A CFB previously used on less than thoroughly cleaned records can be regenerated by soaking the 1/4 to 3/8" of the tips overnight in the full strength fluid followed by several rinses with distilled water. If available, periodic use of a ZeroStat-type device will keep the brush at maximum efficiency. We offer the Audioquest carbon fiber brush, discounted to $13.50. We do not recommend the current versions of the Hunt or Decca brushes as they are less efficient & contain additional synthetic bristles which can scratch some vinyl formulations when applied dry."
My original Decca carbon fiber brush is still going strong nearly twenty years later. I wonder how they make them have such a short life span. Very interesting.
Like Dopogue, I've used the Audioquest brush for 15+ years and it still works great. A new Audioquest brush came as part of the "care kit" with my new turntable and it's still in the blister pac - the old one's working just fine. .
I have a little brush shaped like a wisk broom I got from Raskins that is made in Japan. I don't know the brand other than SFC is one the otherwise japenese label. But it works great and I haven't used the carbon fibre since.
I use the Hunt, both times. And I clean my lp's on a 16.5. The bristles just get soft and look all bent out of shape. I don't even put that much pressure on it. Just a light dusting.
Damn if I can figure it out. I know there are people out there who listen more often than I do, hence using the brush more. Does static affect it? My house is pretty "charged" I always have to dissapate the static before I play, usually after I brush an lp.
I have both the Audioquest and the Hunt. I only use them if I don't use the 16.5. I'm not sure how you can wear them out so fast, they should last years.
Which one do you have? I have the Hunt brush and have used it for about 3 years and it's still in very good shape. I do clean my records with a wet/vacuum cleaning system so the carbon brush is generally just taking very light dust particles off the top surface.
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