Need a Record Brush. Got a recommendation?

Have I shined a light on my records before and after cleaning.  Yes but not necessarily in the dark.  

It seems that the Furutech SK-filter is no longer being produced.  But it appears to be available from eBay sellers at less than MSRP.  

Alrighty @slaw, I just ordered my own Thunderon from Sleeve City. It’s listed on Amazon too (where the shipping woulda been free), but is currently unavailable from them. And yes, I have pointed a flashlight at LP's (at night with the room lights off), and it's like an ESL loudspeaker---ruthlessly revealing!

I mentioned the Thunderon brush from www.sleevecity.com before.

After months of using it, I find it a pleasure to use and just as effective as any other brush I've tried. 

I recently came across this: Furutech SK-filter/ www.furutech.com .

It uses Thunderon. According to their site, Thunderon is a group of fine acrylic fiber, chemically bonded with copper sulfide that discharges static into the air.

So the SK- filter works differently in that it's on a stand that allows the fibers to absorb static from above an lp without touching. If it works, is that worth $500.00 US?

I'm happy with my Thunderon brush, it works just as well as any other brush I've tried, but more importantly, it is a breeze to use.

Have any of you shined a light on your lps before and after using you're favorite brush?

I use a Hunt brush.....as good as any I suppose.  Takes the dog hair and dust off.

+1 for Analog Relax.

I have been using the Analog Relax and the Audio Quest exclusively.  Apart from my experiment I find the results of those two satisfying.  Normally I pre-clean with the Analog Relax before playing.  Then I use the Audio Quest as a clean sweep before placing the record into it’s sleeve.  

BTW, I got the Audioquest Carbon Conductive Brush. I've been happy with it.

Static charge and magnetic field are independent physical properties. They even have entirely different causes, effects and definitions and units. Lloyd was apparently over-reaching a little bit. 🤗

I would agree.  However their advertisements states something a little different.

“Magnetic fields and static electricity can greatly affect audio and video playback equipment and source material. The Talisman temporarily dissipates magnetic fields and static electricity allowing the phono cartridge or laser reader to transmit a purer, more accurate signal. Use the Talisman to treat LPs, CDs, SACDs, DVDs, HD-DVDs, and Blu Ray discs, as well as treating your audio and video cables in place!

Newest Application: Speaker Drivers
We recently began treating speakers with the Talisman with great results.”

https://walkeraudio.com/product/talisman-magnetic-optimizer/

Uh, the Walker Talisman is not an anti static device. It’s a demagnetization device. That probably explains it’s low ranking in your test. 😃 Assuming you were measuring static charge.

I conducted the non- scientific tissue test last night with 8 different anti static devices. They are ranked from bests to worst. Six of them are brushes as noted below. The other two devices I used in the test was the Mity Zerostat Gun and the Walker Audio Talisman.

My testing method was slightly different than placing the record on the table and gliding the brush/device over the record.  I held the record in my hand while using each device. The Milty Gun and the Kirmuss Brush completely eliminated the static as well as the Boundless Brush.  But the Kirmuss was a bit better than the Boundless Brush. I must state that they are my newest brushes with very little use.  After my initial results I blasted the 5 other devices with the Milty Gun.  The performance of the brushes improved to the approximate degree of the Boundless Brush.  

I think my older brushes retained some level of charge as a result of more use even though they are insulators. 

++1) Milty Zerostat Gun, the best. Effected both sides of the record from a one side application.

1) Kirmuss KA-B Combination Brush
2) Boundless Brush
3) Pro-Ject Brush
4) Audio Quest Brush w/gold handle
5) Analog Relax Brush
6) Walker Talisman
7) Audio-Technica Sonic Boom Brush/Pad. The Sonic Boom added static charge to the record.

Gon'rs, I got the Audioquest brush as a birthday gift today. Used it on 2 LPs, so far, and it seems to work very well.

Thanks for all the recommendations. 

An email I received today, states that www.partsconnexion.com has one more Destat at $259.00/free shipping. This really isn’t a recommendation, just info. If you’re in this for the LONG haul, I think it’s a good investment. The Miltys don’t last forever and at $90 a pop, if you buy three, you’ll be better off with the Destat.

OMG, I totally flaked by not mentioning Nordost anti static spray or my own Sonic Tonic anti static spray, both of which are more permanent or at least semi permanent solutions (no pun intended) for CDs, LPs and cables.

https://www.sleevecityusa.com/diskeeper-anti-static-cd-dvd-sleeve-p/3cdcir.htm

I guess I've wasted enough time. I'll continue with the anti-static brush when using plastic CD cases. Thanks.

I use the audioquest carbon fiber brush. I have the hunt brush as well but I prefer the audioquest. Important not to touch the carbon fibers with your fingers but flip the bristles back and forth inside the guard to clean.

I don’t know. If it’s any consolation the anti static sleeves are apparently designed for Japanese mini LPs. As I already asked, what good is eliminating static charge on the CD prior to play if the static charge is placed there by playing It? Ditto keeping them in anti static sleeves. I.e., it doesn’t matter if the CDs in sleeves have a static charge or not.

 Geoff, that's right. Any static charge on the disk would happen in the transport. Now what happens if I remove the disc and place it directly into a soft plastic case. Since plastic is an insulator and not a conductor, would the static charge be preserved on the CD?

The Diskeeper Anti-Static CD Sleeve adds to my confusion regarding CD's needing to be statically discharged...
https://www.amazon.com/Diskeeper-Anti-Static-Round-Bottom-Sleeve/dp/B00HS4352Q

That’s actually an interesting question. The mystery is why would removing the static charge -  if any - prior to playing the CD help, since spinning the plastic disc at high speed during play is what ostensibly places the static charge on the disc in the first place. As to whether CDs or other objects in the room develop static charges I suspect depends mostly on humidity in the room. It also depends on what size static charge is audible.

Will a CD hold a static charge when stored in the soft plastic holders similar to clamshells? I use the Audioquest brush when removing the discs, but not a concern when using jewel cases.

Static electric charge is an issue for CDs, LPs and cables. I doubt you will ever see dust on a CD unless you leave it out exposed for some time. 

I'm not trying to hijack the thread, but does anybody use one of these brushes to wipe CDs before playing? 

I've read all the CD demag threads in the archives, dont want to get into that.
Just wondering if dust collects on the reflective side of a disc.
 

I use this:
https://www.turntableneedles.com/Record-Cleaning-Brush--Carbon-Fiber-True-Velvet--Deep-Clean-Antista...
And then this at the spot where I lift the brush. (never got the hang of the swish-lift just right)
https://www.turntableneedles.com/Record-Cleaning-Brush--Carbon-Fiber-True-Velvet--Deep-Clean-Antista...

You may find even lower prices if you shop.

 "If you're registered with them, every now and then they'll offer 15% off. That's when I take stock."

good to know 

thanks

@lowrider57 ,

Yes. According to my previous posts. Those will answer your question.

@slaw , so the brush works well👍.
Have you tried it on a record that's been pulled out of its sleeve and put onto the TT?
(An LP that was washed and put away).

@rsandor,

If you're registered with them, every now and then they'll offer 15% off. That's when I take stock.

i just ordered a Thunderon to see if ti works like in the video.

 i really want a Destat but right now i cannot afford it.   and it looks like partsconnection is sold out, lucky for my wallet because i probably would have bought one.

FWIW: I just don’t want an option that has a wire connected to it.

So far, with the Thunderon, my best solution, which is much better than the AQ, is after it is cleaned/steamed a few times, to use it for at least two rotations then flip the brush over and repeat. The result is VERY nice to the eye.

@slaw , I completely understand your reasoning. As I discovered, I needed to use my Zerostat, then use the brush to remove any leftover particles.

If you noticed on the Thunderon site, it's recommended to hold the record and not have it on the platter.
I've also found that the anti-static procedure works best when off the platter.

@lowrider57 ,

You bring up an excellent point regarding how long the anti-static charge will last on one of these brushes? This may be one of, or the main reason I opted for the Destat to use in my regimen?

In the end, I think there is no one perfect solution, especially since static is formed by the act of the stylus traveling the lp anyway. In the long run, the expense of the Destat was worth it for me...at $100.00 off retail.

The very best solution I ever had was when my Audio Desk cleaner was working....after the air drying mode...straight to the platter......Ahhhhhh!!!

The demo for the Thunderon makes the process look quick, easy and effective.
https://www.sleevecityusa.com/Sleeve-City-Thunderon-Conductive-Record-Brush-p/dc-505.htm

I see that the Hunt/DAK brush claims to remove dust from both the surface and inside the grooves. 
Good word of mouth about the Hunt over the years.

It goes without saying that the record being used has first had a thorough wet/ultrasonic cleaning.

What I wonder is how long will the charge last on the fibers of these brushes. 
When my original Audioquest-anti-static-brush was new, it worked so well picking up dust that I didn't need to use my Zerostat. Now the brush has no anti-static properties and I use it in combination with the Zerostat.

I like the AcousTech Big Brush.  I find the conventional carbon fiber brushes too stiff.

https://www.needledoctor.com/AcousTech-Big-Brush?_vsrefdom=adwords&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIi_Pa3qH93gI...

Also, for me, it's more about getting everything off of a lp, not the anti-static properties since I have the Destat.

Just for reference, all of the lps I'm using have been through either my steam cleaning regimen or my steam & US regimen prior to this testing.

another vote for the Hunt. 

i have several brushes including the Audiquest which is pretty popular but for me the bristles are too flimsy and it leaves dust behind nearly all the time.  in contrast the Hunt which usually does a decent job but is certainly not perfect.

i would like to try the "Analog Relax" but Amazon shows that it may arrive after Christmas :(    There is a German brush that has been mention on this site but i cannot remember the name, i would also like to give that a try.

@lowrider57 ,

It’s called Thunderon Record Brush, look for it at www.sleevecity.com Got it at 18% off on Black Friday.
…………………………….

I’ve listened to several lp sides now while using the Thunderon. My usual process is to use an anti-static brush first then my Destat III before and after each side.

Initially I noticed the latest Audioquest is best at picking up the smaller tiny dots of (stuff), then the Thunderon was better at picking up dust fibers or particles. Then I realized those "tiny dots" ….I’ve really never noticed before. So I got my steamer fired up to give the Thunderon a quick clean. (not saturated). This lessened the dots left behind after using it. So, one more time with my steamer. This was an additional improvement. While all of this is early on, my feeling is the Thunderon needs to be steam cleaned a few times before it will perform at it’s best.

This is my initial report.

The Audioquest is somewhat of a pain to use, mainly because of how close the swing out wiper attachment is mounted to it. Of coarse you can remove this.

@kenrus,

The last brush I used before buying the latest AQ was the DAK. www.DAKindustries.com It is identical to the HUNT. It had the fiber pad between the two outer rows of carbon fiber as well. I really didn’t find it any better than the AQ.

Analog Relax, $79 at Amazon isn't a great deal of money when you consider what we spend on tweaks.
It could also be a substitute for the expensive Milty which some say is unreliable.

@slaw , what brush did you order?

Here's another vote for the Hunt brush.  It's the best of both worlds.  It has a soft pad to take off the easy top level of dust then a stiff, directional row of carbon fiber filaments that digs deep into the grooves.

BTW, if anyone is interested, www.partsconnexion.com recently had the Destat 3 for $269.00.

I received my brush from Sleeve City today, seems similar to what @leotis is using. I'll give it a whirl and report back. 

Sounds crazy but ticks and pops are super distracting to me so with much trepidation I forked for a Furutech Destat 3 ($389). I also use a goat hair brush that has a conductive coating (I forget the name). I tried many of the other brushes and they are basically worthless IMO. My records are super quiet now.

Still use my Discwasher from the early 80’s also, and it still works great. 

The Analog relax looks great, but it would cost more than my record cleaner (SpinClean). Just can't bring myself to pay that much, or ask for it as a gift. I think I'll stick with the $20-$30 options for now.

Swiffer® Dusters™

Work perfectly!!!

Still using my Discwasher from 1970's.  Seems to work fine on direct-to-disc records as well as all others.  Not sure that is fair as my records and turntable setup haven't changed much since then either.

Cheers!

Analog Relax. I tried many but this one is a keeper.

Mapleshade brush with grounding wire works nicely to eliminate static problems. Have also used Hunt, Audioquest brushes. Mapleshade is my main brush now.

I've tried several brushes over the years (Hunt, Audioquest, Clearaudio,Furutech, Kinetronics).  I dislike the new Audioquest brush because it felt awkward to use. The best anti-static record brush that I've tried is from Analog Relax in Japan.
http://analogrelax.com/en/page-206-2/

Thanks All. I put the Audioquest Carbon Conductive Brush on my Amazon Wishlist. Hope it comes through.......

Another vote for HUNT EDA brush.