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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?

 

 

grk

Showing 1 response by rhljazz

rhljazz
1,250 posts
 

I’m in the desert southwest and the current humidity in my house right now is 9%.  My floors are carpet.  One turntable has an acrylic platter, no mat, the other an aluminum platter with rubber mat.  I use a dry Discwasher brush before each play.  I don’t experience any static electricity when brushing, removing a record, or lifting the stylus.  I do build a slight charge on the trip to the equipment rack which I discharge by touching the metal post on the rack before I touch the cueing lever.

It seems counterintuitive to place the blame entirely on humidity.  Perhaps you have another issue which is overlooked?

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