Shure Corporation published a white paper on Static Charge as it pertains to vinyl, and they actually measured increases in VTF and correlated them with the amount of charge on an LP. I wish I could recall the exact results or find the paper on line right this minute, but I can’t. Suffice to say that VTF can be dramatically influenced by static charge, enough so that in some cases it would theoretically endanger the cartridge suspension. I believe that the major enemy that causes charge build-up is us. You can clean and store your LPs with meticulous attention to avoiding static charge. Then in one fraction of a second you can transfer charge to an uncharged LP just in the handling process that must precede playing an LP. Wool carpets, type of footwear, etc, could play a role. Like someone else said, ground yourself before touching the LP. Also, I agree, avoid paper sleeves; the act of sliding an LP out of a paper sleeve can charge it up nicely.
Record Static Charge Affecting Vertical Tracking Force (VTF)?
Hi,
This winter, I've been experiencing a lot of static charge build up on my records after using various brushes. So much so, that I frequently hear a crackling sound when I lift the record off the platter and the record mat clings to the record. (The relative humidity in winter in my house varies between low 30's to high 40"s percent.) I live in San Francisco and it has been a very dry winter!
Several days ago prior to listening, I brushed the record and the resulting static build up was so great that it pulled the tonearm across the platter when I picked up the record to use a destat device on it. Fortunately, the arm lift was raised so the stylus did not drag across the platter.
Afterwards, I started wondering that if the static charge is great enough to attract a tonearm, then how much downward force is added to the VTF? Also, how much of a charge is needed for this to occur? Using some sort of static charge eliminator device prior to playing a record should eliminate this potential.
It make me wonder how often and how much the VTF increases due to static charges when the record has not been subjected to static charge removal prior to listening?