3 Common Misconceptions Using a Record Brush - Vinyl Community

[@sonicboompole2774]

You are the Mr. Wizard of the record community. Not only are your hypotheses and methods spot on but your visual aids and examples really highlight the point you're trying to make. I enjoy watching you debunk a lot of the hype that envelopes this hobby and that lesser informed people simply echo on other channels for likes and subscriptions. You're the real deal.

[@XjunkieNL]

Hi! Thanks for the positive feedback. Trying to look at it from a different angle. And see what everybody is repeating is actually true. Results are sometimes surprising. Cheers. /Paul

[@mypie_mc]

That's it! You were right! I'd been trying to remove static with the new brush I just ordered while the record was spinning on the platter, and it wasn't working at all. I could still feel a lot of charge when I held it close to my face (good way to test static). Tried holding it carefully in my hand and brushing while off the platter. Immediate, significant difference. Thanks for explaining so well and being right!

[@XjunkieNL]

Happy to hear the puzzle is solved ;) Part of the trick is also to move the very slowly. Easy does it. Thanks for the comment. Cheers. /Paul

[@SNCKPCK]

Those explanations with all the props are A+!!! Thank you for all the time you put into these! I appreciate it A LOT! :")

[@XjunkieNL]

Thanks for watching and the comment. It's fun to prepare these videos. Cheers. /Paul

[@Theclowncomesbacktobite]

Omg I found a SNCKPCK comment!

[@XjunkieNL]

lol :)

[@larryzeke6767]

instaBlaster

[@gigsfunk]

Brilliant. Makes so much sense. I would have never thought about it. Thank you.

[@XjunkieNL]

Hi Michael. Thanks! It was fun to think of ways to make it more visible. Hope it helps a little to make this hobby more fun. All the best. Cheers. /Paul

[@andreysokolskiy5701]

Physics lesson. Bravo Paul. many kids will surely be surprised at these miracles.

[@XjunkieNL]

Hi Andrey! Lol, you are really checking out all vidoes :) Everybody likes science experiments. A great way to show the magic of nature...and vinyl ;) Take care. /Paul

[@andreysokolskiy5701]

@@XjunkieNL Hi Paul I look at the turn. Not all of your helpful tips have looked. I like to learn something new and like to watch when people do something with their own hands. Vinyl, it's like dope, probably to the grave. There is football Spartak Moscow, The Beatles and Ice Zeppelin and vinyl records. This is passion to the grave. I haven’t watched all your videos yet, so I don’t say goodbye. Have a nice weekend Paul.

[@XjunkieNL]

@@andreysokolskiy5701 You also have a great Sunday. Hahah, in the weekend you can do all hobbies at once :) Yes, vinyl will be our dope till we go to the grave yard. Cheers. /Paul

[@RolandPolz-bw7fl]

Why nobody ever recommended this method? I don't know, but this works, suddenly the brush removes the dust. Thank you very much for showing us this tip.

[@XjunkieNL]

Hi again! Great to hear the video helped. It's a little different, but it are sometimes small changes that make the difference. Keep that vinyl clean :) All the best. Cheers. /Paul

[@gavinstilwell654]

Excellent! Smartest guy explaining this by far, i really appreciated the science behind it, thank you sir

[@XjunkieNL]

Hey Gavin. Great to read your comment! Thanks! A different approach can sometimes help to give a better insight. Keep that vinyl spinning :) Cheers. /Paul

[@RoastyBunz]

Those explanations and props were amazing, thankyou!

[@XjunkieNL]

Hi! Always nice to get positive feedback. It was fun to think of ways to make things more visible. Thanks for the comment. Cheers. /Paul

[@eleithias]

Some interesting thoughts, I hadn't thought of any of these before, so some great insights you have, I think. Thanks a lot for the thoughtful video!

[@eleithias]

Also I must note, all work you put into explaining things made it really clear and understandable, it is much appreciated!

[@XjunkieNL]

Hi! Thanks for watching. If the video made you and think about it, that's all I hope for. All the best. Cheers. /Paul

[@jeffreysrnec3809]

Great video! I have developed a way to minimize static that seems to work for me. After removing the LP record from its sleeve, I hold the record and shoot it with the zerostat gun, above and below the record. Then I put the record on the platter and use a stiff VPI dry brush to remove the obvious bits of dust, dragging the brush on an angle making several swipes off the record, that is being lit by a high lumen flashlight. I follow with the zerostat as the record is still rotating. I sometimes add the use the Audioquest antistatic brush and if so, will hold it on a slight angle to the record, as in this video, going from the outside in, then back to the point where the brush is covering all the grooves of the rotating record and very slowly raise the brush off the record only by rotating it towards the back of the brush. I enjoy rather quiet playback and noticed the static is gone, even when I lift the record off the platter. a final few shots of the zerostat and back in the sleeve it goes. It's a bit of a pain, but worth it. I would love an easier way, but I do pick up a lot of static due to cleaning on a vacuum machine.

[@XjunkieNL]

Hi Jeffrey. Thanks for sharing your method of getting rid of static. You have quit a few steps, although I don't think there is a shortcut. One thing I notice you use the brush to get rid of the dust and the zerostat to get rid of the static. Maybe it's fun to know a zerostat does not remove charge, it neutralises charge. Meaning it actively overflows the record with the opposite charge to neutralise the charge on the record. With a carbon brush you can remove the static, in a passive way. But it wouldn't speed up the process, maybe even slows it down as you have to move the brush much slower. Thanks for watching. Cheers. /Paul

[@ERRORFACE1]

thanks bud . i watching these cleaning vids for fun i saw a ton of them and never commented on any of them because as many vinyl head as many cleaning ritual . so on static my way is to place the disc on the platter then on my lh thumb touch the edge of the disc and my lh pointy finger touches the spindle [ in the same time ] then i reach out whit my rh pointy finger and touching the dead bolt [ flat surface unpainted ]on the radiator. all of my radiators in the property grounded also the lp spinner connected to the main ground. it's works flawlessly FOR ME . static gone . then i brus from out to in touching the spindle till the last minute . it's works for me so save your thoughts smarty pants ;)

[@XjunkieNL]

Hahah, great comment :) Give me at least one go at making a smarty pants remark ;) Have you ever tried to brush the record slowly with one hand and touching the radiator with the other hand? I like the way you try to remove the static. It clearly has a positive effect. Thanks for the comment. Have a great weekend. Cheers. /Paul

[@ERRORFACE1]

@@XjunkieNL Thanks for taking the time to reply You to m8 and God bless .

[@francisborms2324]

Right. Gedurende 25 jaar heb ik dit dus verkeerd gedaan. Dank voor je klare uitleg. As they say : nooit te oud om te leren.

[@XjunkieNL]

Hahah, dank voor je eerlijke antwoord, Francis. Denk dat er maar weinig mensen zijn, die de borstel op deze manier gebruiken. Heb er lang over nagedacht, maar denk dat dit een betere methode is. Groeten. /Paul

[@ryan.m.weisgerber]

This was such a simple adjustment to how I was doing it (on the platter), but the results are pretty profound. Thank you for sharing this! 🙂

[@XjunkieNL]

Hi Ryan! Great you got something out of this video. Cheers. /Paul

[@glencummings355]

You definitely need to try an acrylic mat! When used in conjunction with your advice the two should work better than on their own. I have always used the brush with the platter spinning, after seeing this it makes perfect sense not too. A felt mat has the same effect of conducting/harnessing static charge. Acrylic is the closest composition to vinyl records, cork and leather also seem good alternatives.

[@XjunkieNL]

Hi Glenn. Thanks for the tip. Till now I have never used an acrylic mat. I can see your point. On the other hand I've mostly selected my mat on its sound qualities. Although many say the sound quality of acrylic is also great. Something fun to try in the future. Thanks again for the comment. Cheers. /Paul

[@glencummings355]

@@iLL-iNNeR-GrOoVe my Matt is also a Hudson, works really well. Often wonder if a cork Matt is worth a go.

[@rafaelribeiro3972]

Thank you very much for this explanation, helped a lot. Also want to share that my cheap carbon fiber brush (from Aliexpress) has absolutely no contact with the metal, which I think prevents exactly what it proposes to do, reduce the static energy. Thank you again for your effort, greetings from Brazil!

[@XjunkieNL]

Bom dia Rafael! Nice to get a comment from Brazil. Thanks for watching and the comment. I agree with you, static removal is part of reason using a carbon fiber brush. There are quite a few different carbon fiber brushes on the market. Have you seen the video where I test different types? Maybe it's helpful for you. All the best. Cheers. /Paul

[@rafaelribeiro3972]

​@@XjunkieNL Boa noite Paul! I saw the other video and my carbon fiber brush matched (apparently) with the cheapest one you showed. The only thing is that, dissassembling it, there wasn't contact with the handle as yours did. I had to make some "DIY" stuff to have the fibers in contact with my hand (or any other ground), as it's a bit difficult to buy a new here in Brazil. I will try to do some recording tests to see the real efficiency getting rid of the static (which is the biggest problem for me). Thank you very much again, Rafael :)

[@XjunkieNL]

Hi Rafael, if static is a real big problem, most probably the only way to get rid of it is by a wet cleaning. The brushes are helpful in remove some, but are not as effective as a wet clean in distilled water. /Paul

[@jamesgriffithsmusic]

Very helpful Paul, particularly the thing about starting at the edge and moving towards the middle....that would not have occurred to me. Looking forward to the next instalment!

[@XjunkieNL]

Nice you got something new from the video, James. Sometimes it is fun to see if things can be done in a different way. Cheers. /Paul

[@1999zrx1100]

I always felt by moving the dust and dirt to the centre it’s getting on the label only to be re-deposited in the grooves once the vinyl is put back into sleeve. 😎

[@XjunkieNL]

Hi John. Hahah, at least the dust is removed from the record. Just kidding of course :) When there is so much dust on the record, and the brush can't pick it up with the bristles, I agree it's better to not move to the center of the label. Thanks for the comment. Cheers. /Paul.

[@Rancherinaz]

I do remember 45 years ago when I bought my Decca Record Brush , that the instructions specifically said that you place the record on the turntable , turn it on , then place the brush over the grooves , let the record go around 3 or 4 times then gradually move the brush toward the spindle until the brush is completely on the lable before lifting it off the record . It’s funny that I see most people dragging the brush off to the outer edge . I’ve gotta wonder if anybody bothers to read instructions or if instructions are just no longer included with these products now days . I often wonder what ever happened to my Decca brush . It’s been out of production a long time now which is sad and I truly miss mine . All I can think of is that it got damaged in moving from one location to another and I tossed it , not bothering to replace it since I had acquired the DiscWasher system .

[@XjunkieNL]

Hi again Dave. Funny that you mention the Decca Record Brush. Some of the information I used in this video are from seventies leaflets and manual from that brush. They knew there stuff. I think most people go to the outside, because there is a lot of dust on the record. And use the brush more as a broom to get it off. Too bad you have lost the brush. It's a cool piece. Cheers. /Paul

[@NiiOnLood]

In my opinion moving brush towards the spindle can leave the dust on the label which then can leave hairline scratches onto the record while inserting it into a sleeve. It's probably still good idea to wipe dust outwards.

[@Rancherinaz]

Well , everybody has got their opinion but mine came with instructions and that’s the way Decca instructed the use of a piece they tested and manufactured . If you’re records have so much surface dust that the brush actually leaves dust behind , you should probably be using something that uses at least a damp pad to clean the dust off . I never let the stylus touch my records until I went through the ritual before each and every play . All my records sound as good as they did on the very first play and they are 35 to 55 years old . My styli go two to three times what they are supposed to go due to meticulous care or the records and I think Decca knew what they were talking about . There’s something about the charge created when the brush hits the spindle while it’s on the label that makes sure everything stays in the micro bristles when it’s picked up off the label until it got swiped on its stand that had a small post that knocked the dust out of the bristles . I’d also put money on there being more pollutants in the records sleeve that what would ever be on the records label so care in the way the disc is inserted and extracted from the sleeve is important . Traveling in the direction that the grooves actually travel makes more sense also than fighting that direction by trying to drag dust off the edge without the charge that occurs by touching the spindle . I’ve tried it both ways and by going off the edge , static always left dust on the records surface . I only wish I still had my Decca brush . It was truly state of the art in design and function . But alas , I’ve still got my DiscWasher and an extra pad if I ever wear out my first one which will probably outlast me .

[@H_bomb_]

Very well explained and demonstrated, great video!

[@XjunkieNL]

Thanks, Harry. Appreciate the positive comment. /Paul

[@itsreallytom4310]

1000th like! This video is brilliant though. Should be much higher

[@XjunkieNL]

Cool! That's the first time I reach 1000 likes. Thanks, man, for getting me to this milestone :) Cheers. /Paul

[@elliotcohen6488]

This is very close to the correct way of using a carbon fiber brush. bring the outside of the brush in a sweeping motion towards the center, to push any dust not picked up, to the center label.

[@XjunkieNL]

Hi Elliot. Thanks for the additional tip. Always curious how others use the carbon fiber brush. All the best. Cheers. /Paul

[@nanchanger]

I thought that is what he said to do... ??

[@kevindacosta7099]

Excellent advice, many thanks.

[@XjunkieNL]

Thanks for positive comment, Kevin. /Paul

[@hippydjkit9913]

Thanks a lot about your insight and your adorable way to make us do the right thing.................being a subscriber for long and thanks God for that..............................

[@XjunkieNL]

Thanks for dropping by, Kit. Hahah, doing it the right and inconvenient way :) As long as you get the static and dust from the records. Take care. /Paul

[@TheJazzyVaudevillian]

This is a very interesting video. In my opinion carbon fiber record brushes are designed incorrectly because the ends of the two rows of brushes are open when they should be closed so that any dust that is picked up by that part of the brush would be swept away as the brush is brought either forward (off the end of the record) or backward (toward the center of the record). A better design for a carbon fiber record brush, in my opinion, would be a square because there would be a larger brush area to remove dust and there would be no uncertainty about which direction the brush should be held as no matter which direction the brush "faces", the cleaning potential is always the same. Following your idea of cleaning from the outside in because that is the direction the grooves follow, it seems to me that the best method for cleaning (following your same logic) would be to spin the turntable in reverse and then start from the inside and brush toward the outer edge of the record and then off the edge of the record so that dust would fall off the outer edge of record rather than be on the label of the record. To be clear, when the turntable is spun in reverse, the grooves would then follow from the middle of the record to the outer edge of the record.

[@XjunkieNL]

Hey Paul. Thanks for the comment. I like your idea of spinning it in reverse. Exactly, best of both worlds. In theory the dust should be caught in between the fibres and stay there. But I guess there is too much dust to be picked up. You really gave this some thought. The boxed designed brush is a neat idea. I don't know if you have seen my follow up video, in which I compare 5 different brushes. One of them resembles your idea a little. Much more fibers, not a small row, resembles more a real brush. Maybe it is also something you would like. All the best. /Paul

[@Paneeks1960]

Hi Paul, I always walk away with a new tip from you when it comes to proper care for your vinyl. Thanks a million for showing me how to clean the albums properly. I have seen quite a few of these videos in the VC with alternate cleaning techniques. Some great, some average. It depends on what time out you want to take to do so. Loved your example~ Rob/Boston

[@XjunkieNL]

Nice to hear from you, Rob. Always appreciate your comments. I'm pretty sure you already have some great ways to clean your vinyl records. I always enjoy seeing how everbody has developed their own way. Happy to share my way and learn there was something new for you. All the best. /Paul

[@diggininthecr8]

Paul! Haha man i love your gatefold groove demonstration. You are awesome! I do it the way you explain it on the turntable, but I will try the other way, too - I will let you know how it worked out! ;)

[@XjunkieNL]

Give me some foam packing material, a gatefold and some static and I'm quite all day :) Success trying it this way, I'm sure it will work. Enjoy your evening. /Paul

[@quanle2400]

Thanks so much for the instruction, it's really helpful for a newbie as I. On the other hand, is there any way to remove the static electricity from the vinyl quicker by something I can create at home? I tried to look for a solution, and most people said that using Milty Zerostat 3 is the only way.

[@XjunkieNL]

Hi! An alternative wat to remove static is by a wet-cleaning your record. It's very effective, as you really remove the static. With a Zerostat you are not removing, but neutralizing static. Meaning there is a lot of charge on the record, but the positive and negative charge are in balance. So there is no quicker way, but wet-cleaning is a very effective way. Afterwards you only need a brush. Hope this helps. Cheers. /Paul

[@quanle2400]

@@XjunkieNL : Hi Paul, Thanks so much for answer my question. Really, I tried to look for the correct answer for long ago. I think I will go ahead with your way. It's saving way, just take little time but I also think it's the good way. Cheers

[@XjunkieNL]

In a strange way, cleaning records can be fun. Kind of meditation ;) Have fun. Keep that vinyl spinning :)

[@quanle2400]

@@XjunkieNL : hahaha, you are right. It's fun when doing the cleaning each record before enjoy it .

[@TawiSaran]

thanks for the info. Appreciated.

[@XjunkieNL]

Happy to hear the video was helpful. Thanks for the comment. Cheers. /Paul

[@unspecified2472]

Nice video. Thanks.

[@XjunkieNL]

Thanks. Appreciate the positive feedback. Cheers. /Paul

[@L.E.55472]

Halo Paul👋🏻👋🏻 man I just love these videos 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻I'm doing my thumbs here!! Great Paul--- Lis

[@XjunkieNL]

Hey Lis! Thanks for all the thumbs up :) Six in one go! Great to see you are enjoying these videos. Have a great day. /Paul

[@terrylarson7596]

I use the carbon fibre brush in a fixed position with the turntable rotating. Holding the brush steady I turn the turntable off, this leaves a line of dust. I then use a can of dust off to blow the dust off. Trying to go from inside out or outside is trying to drag dust across the groves is flawed in my opinion.

[@XjunkieNL]

Thanks for watching and the comment, Terry. Sounds as a good way to remove the line of dust. In another video I show a mini vacuum cleaner to suck it up. In general I think when there is that much dust on a record, a carbon fiber brush alone is not the ideal tool to remove it. Cheers. /Paul

[@nanchanger]

@@iLL-iNNeR-GrOoVe please clarify this formula for me... I believe you're saying 32oz of distilled water mixed with 20ml of llfotol plus 20ml of ipa? Is that correct? And what is ipa??

[@wolfschmidt6646]

dank je wel! heel erg goed!

[@XjunkieNL]

Hi! Dank voor het positieve commentaar. Altijd leuk om te krijgen :) Goed weekend. Groet. /Paul

[@PMajorTremblay]

I will definitely give it a try

[@XjunkieNL]

Great to hear you're going to give it a try. Let me know if it worked. Cheers. /Paul

[@EWmedia]

What you answer for when carbon brush scratching you vinyl? You can try if your brush the vinyl on the in inside of your vinyl, to see if it give you micro scratches.

[@XjunkieNL]

Hi! Yes, good suggestion. The deadwax is a good place test a carbon fiber brush for scratching. From what I've seen quite a few brushes leave tiny little markings. Thanks for the comment. Cheers. /Paul

[@TheMichiel1976]

Hmm,. zo had ik het nog niet bekeken. Goede tip.

[@XjunkieNL]

Things that make you go hmmmm :) Een andere kijk op zaken is altijd leuk. Denk dat er nog maar weinig mensen op deze manier naar hebben gekeken. Groeten. /Paul

[@JohnSmith-xy7jc]

What is that tool to hold the record called? thanks 2:30

[@XjunkieNL]

Hi John. Not sure if it has an official name. I got it as gift with a purchase. They called it a record butler. Cheers. /Paul

[@ampheat]

i find that if i lightly spray the brush with distilled water prior to cleaning, most dust and some static are illiminated.

[@XjunkieNL]

Hi again. Water is one of the best solvents on the planet. For sure it helps if you add a little. Thanks for watching. Cheers. /Paul

[@twelveoclockvinyl4567]

Thanks Paul, for your input. I would like to know if ultrasonic cleaning eliminates static (?). I currently use a vacuum machine. The thing that I have found out with the Zerostat is records don't seem to attract much dust at all versus not using it. Also, before using the Zerostat, records would crackle with static, pulling the record off the platter after playing a side of an LP.

[@XjunkieNL]

Hi! In general wet cleaning removes static. Independent if you use a Spin Clean, Moth, Loricraft or an ultrasonic machine. The water forms a conductive layer over the record that helps to neutralise charge. Most often drying is the tricky part. Fast moving air reintroduces static. This is especially true for vacuum machines. You could try to shorten the drying time and dry the last droplets in air. Or use your Zerostat to neutralise the newly introduced static as you do now. Let me know if it helps. Cheers. /Paul

[@Vinylbop]

Very helpful, thanks!

[@XjunkieNL]

Thanks! By the way is that the church tower of Den Hoorn in the background? Cheers. /Paul.

[@Vinylbop]

X junkie NL yes, that's right! 😁

[@bonafide154]

Great video! Have you used a carbon fiber brush on fabrics like clothing or furniture to remove dust, lint, pillings, hair, crumbs, etc? If so how did you like it? Thx in advance

[@XjunkieNL]

Hi! Thanks! Never tried it, but I don't think it will be as successful as those sticky rollers. I show some in my Ikea Vinyl Accessories video. For vinyl records they are a bit too sticky. All the best. Cheers. /Paul

[@bonafide154]

thx for the reply - last question i have for you if that is okay...I am building a fabric shaver with a vacuum element. Jus curious if you have pets or find yourself cleaning fabric on a weekly basis and if so, what fabric shavers do you or have used and out of 15 star ratings, how would you rate them? thx in advance -Bonafide-

[@XjunkieNL]

Cool to hear you are making your own. No cats or dogs here, so no direct need for a fabric cleaner. Best of luck. Cheers. /Paul

[@alanhaywood01]

Great video, but I wish Vac-O-Rec would return.. Its not a cleaner, but great for dust and sratic

[@XjunkieNL]

Hi! That looks like a cool device. I didn't know it, and look it up on-line. In the seventies they invented some cool vinyl accessories. Now I want one also :) Thanks for watching. Cheers. /Paul

[@jameslucas6589]

I have cleaned records from the early 1970's forward. I have used practically every method known to man. The glaring issue I have come to learn, is recontamination. Being that nearly all the methods I see, involves cleaning one side, then flipping it over to be cleaned on the other without removing the material surface on which the dirty side was set on. Also, I have yet to see anyone address the labels. They are filthy, full of dust material. An anti static device can be used on the record before and after cleaning, but it should be used on the turntable as well. But by far the problem lies with recontamination.

[@XjunkieNL]

Thank you for your comment, James. You make a valid point. In general recontamination is a problem. Platter mats, brushes and the labels you mention, all are a source. Static can really help to reattach dust to a cleaned surface. Cheers. /Paul

[@jameslucas6589]

X junkie NL Thank you for your response Paul. I was observing your mention of using the carbon fiber brush in an inverse manner (towards the label). I was watching a great blogger on YT named Fran Blanche. She is a former DJ and spoke about various things that occur to records. She also used a carbon fiber brush. However she slowly moves the brush to the outside of the record and off. She stated that the slow movement helps to carry the static away from the record. Thanks for your videos Paul.

[@XjunkieNL]

Gonna check out the blog of Fran Blanche. For the static it doesn't care in which direction you move. It has to leave by the conductive fibers. Only thing is it needs time to do this. Most people move the brush to quick. /Paul

[@jikim0916]

@X junkie NL HI Paul. Great video and learned quite a lot. Thank you. One question if you may... how do you scoop the dust out when you hold the LP and brush it with carbon brush? I could gather all of dust on a line across the LP but not sure how to scoop it out when I hold the LP one hand and the other hand with carbon brush.... Thank you in advance.

[@XjunkieNL]

Hey John. Thanks for watching. Yeah those dust line are tough to get off. In the past I tried to blow them off. Not a smart idea as there are also small water particles in your breath that get stuck on the record. In principle you have more dust on the record as the brush can handle to pick up. Did you get this much dust on the record after cleaning, otherwise I would suggest a wet clean to get the record dust free again. Take care. /Paul

[@jikim0916]

@@XjunkieNL I found a way to get rid of dust line easily and just would like to share with you. I got Vinyl Buddy Record Cleaner from Amazon which is sticky roller type and just 2 pass will get rid of those dustline completely. No mess No hassle. Hope it helps and again, thank you for sharing your idea and knowledge. Greatly appreciate your channel. :)

[@XjunkieNL]

That's great to hear, John. And a nice and simple solution. Never thought about doing it this way. I have a Nagaoka roller with no use. Now I have a new use for it :) Cheers. /Paul

[@gchelem]

Thank you mate!

[@XjunkieNL]

Thanks for watching. Cheers. /Paul

[@fernandoluna2025]

I just bought a carbon fiber brush ( anti-static brush) but the first time I used it , it made a screeching sound when it made contact with the record! I had been using a velvet brush but since everyone recommended using one of these types of brushes... I bought one and now I'm not sure its not scratching the records! is it normal for it to make that sound? I placed it so that it barely touches the record so the bristles don't bend... still it makes that weird sound... there is no better way to describe it than ... screeching... jaja

[@XjunkieNL]

Hi Fernando. This does not sound okay. Have you seen my video where I compare five different carbon fiber brushes? One brush also made a screeching sound. And also scratched the surface of the vinyl. Here is a link to the video kzbin.info/www/bejne/gGjKgJeeqbCDpsk Let me know if this is similar to your problem. Thank you for the comment. Cheers. /Paul

[@chengo51]

First, pass your static carbon brush following the grove ; then use a Zerostat pistol shooting a few times on the surface and pass the brush again the same way.

[@XjunkieNL]

Thanks for posting your method. Cheers. /Paul

[@1bigmacha-thePianoLesson]

I really love your demonstration! Have you evaluated acrylic turntable mats?

[@XjunkieNL]

Thanks! It was fun thinking of possible ways to make the effects visuable. I'm spinning with a rubber mat. Never tried an acrylic mat. Cheers. /Paul

[@danielcombs3207]

I was thinking couldn’t you wear nitrile gloves to handle the record to get a better grip.

[@XjunkieNL]

Hi Daniel! That idea is not as crazy as it sounds. Also no risk of leaving finger prints on the record. Just make sure no one see you, too much explaining to do ;) Cheers. /Paul

[@pandoraefretum]

Thank you Sir ! I might be wrong, but, I don't think the carbon brush removes static... a Zerostat 3 gun is better for removing static.

[@XjunkieNL]

Hi again. It might surprise you, but it's actually the other way around. The Zerostat gun can't remove static. What it does, is cover the record with a negative charge and next with a positive charge. Both charges cancel each other out. This way the record is neutral and no longer static. I think a carbon brush is the only dry method that can remove static from a record. Wet cleaning also removes static. Have a great weekend. /Paul

[@pandoraefretum]

@@XjunkieNL yes, applying opposite charge is exactly what I heard, but in addition I heard the carbon brush just does not add static... and it can't remove static. In other words you will only remove static with zerostat 3. I have the zerstat3 but have not yet gained enough experience and confidence with it and dealing with static. I also find cleaning removes static.

[@XjunkieNL]

Check this video. It shows two ways that a carbon fiber brush removes static. kzbin.info/www/bejne/gGjKgJeeqbCDpsk

[@pandoraefretum]

@@XjunkieNL already seen and liked that clip, thank you

[@annable883]

Hello I highly prize watching your videos and listening to you as you are very interesting. I am 64 and so I have owned and played vinyl records for well over 50 years. I own CDs but I prefer the intrinsic nature of vinyl records. I am very interested in all things German as I have recently developed an interest in Krautrock. I have very eclectic tastes. Thanks for your great videos.

[@XjunkieNL]

Hi Kevin. Thanks for the comment. Collecting vinyl records is a great hobby. So much music to discover. It seems it never ends. I recently discovered the later period of Krautrock, where it mixes jazz and world music. Never knew this kind of music was created in Germany. All the best. Cheers. /Paul

[@frittfrall3220]

Best brush to buy? I'm trying to find a new one. Just bought a Tonar Dust Jockey and I dont like it at all.

[@XjunkieNL]

Hello Fredrik. Maybe this video helps you kzbin.info/www/bejne/gGjKgJeeqbCDpsk I compare 5 different carbon brushes. One of them is very similar to the Tonar Dust Jockey. I didn't like much also. /Paul

[@samrotolo7303]

Makes sense

[@XjunkieNL]

Thanks! /Paul

[@stateniland]

well done! makes sense. ;)

[@XjunkieNL]

Thanks man! Good to hear it was helpful. Cheers. /Paul

[@stateniland]

@@XjunkieNL you're welcome

[@VinylRescue]

I guess I've been using mine the wrong way. I zap mine with my Zerostat gun before using the brush. Thanks for the tip!

[@XjunkieNL]

Sounds good to me. If you have a Zerostat available, using it before brushing, will certainly help removing the dust. Cheers. /Paul

[@TheJazzyVaudevillian]

I believe I have discovered a mistake in your presentation regarding the angling of the brush when cleaning the record. By way of explanation, you put an open gate fold album into a rack. The "V" shape of the album when open was to represent the groove of a record. You demonstrated the way in which a record brush when tilted would touch the side of the groove and consequently potentially statically charge the record. It appears to me that this would be correct only if the brush was angled differently on the record by about 90 degrees. In other words, for the angled bristles to touch the side of the groove the way you described, the brush face (not the ends of the brush) would have to "face" the label. When the end of the brush "faces" the label, the bristles of the brush are within the groove and some bristles are naturally touching the side of the groove, a situation that apparently cannot be avoided even when the brush is not tilted. One question is, whether or not the brush is tilted, how does pulling the brush off of the end of the record or pushing it toward the center of the record thoroughly clean the dust from the record? It would seem to me that it would be necessary to change the angle of the brush for the purpose of sweeping the dust from the grooves and off the edge of the record BUT there is a problem I have discovered when doing this sweeping with a carbon fiber brush. That aforementioned problem is tiny scratches. You read that statement correctly. I have an "Audioquest" carbon fiber brush that when utilized to sweep (as previously described) causes tiny scratches on the record surface, a situation that is not supposed to happen but I assure you it does happen. The scratches can be seen on the outer rim of he record. As far as I can discern, these scratches are inaudible when the music is playing. I just do not want them to be there, obviously. This has caused me to question whether or not a carbon fiber brush should be utilized at all as a method of cleaning vinyl records.

[@XjunkieNL]

I'm not sure if I understand, but you are correct if you mean any brushing action is creating static. If you are worried about tiny scratches, there are anti static brushes available with the carbon on the inside. It uses soft hollow fibers. Chances of tiny scratches are minimal with this kind of brush. /Paul

[@ingenfestbrems]

Anyway pulling the brush tho the centre or out, you pulling it over the grove. Pulling it in and over the label that you touched i think you just contaminated your brush with whatever you put on the label with your fingers

[@XjunkieNL]

Hey Jørn. Thanks for the comment. I like your argument of the unwanted body oil, from fingers, touching the brush. Although, like a catch 22, you touch the record at the outer and inner part of the record. For me it feels more comfortable to make the carbon fibres go in the same direction as the needle goes in the groove. The difference may be limited. All the best. Cheers. /Paul

[@hifitommy]

i disagree that it's necessary to de-staticize a record before using the CF brush. when you put the LP down on the platter, the static field on the record (if any at the time) collapses into the ground plane of your grounded turntable. when you take the record off the platter, it brings the static along with it from the ground plane and the disc is ALIVE with static. THIS is when you use a zerostat or equivalent anti-static gun to remove the charge so that as the record is being stored in its sleeve, it isn't drawing dust into the grooves. however, your point about attracting dust from the tt mat is cogent, so a zstat treatment before the record being placed on the mat is in order. the carbon fiber brush is unnecessary to remove the static, a zstat gun if MUCH more effective. here is a quote from another post i made in the audio asylum-viny asylum: my requirement for a carbon fiber brush is the smaller bristle diameter like found on the original Decca Brush which indicates over a million bristles. that infers smaller diameter. "ii have CF brushes with the stiffer bristles and don't feel as confident that the bristles are reaching into the grooves as well as the stouter, larger diameter bristles. i don't exert much downward force, but i do angle the bottom of the brush slightly forward, top back so the bristles are aimed into the oncoming grooves as such: \\, and then sweep off to the outside after a couple of rotations and repeat once or twice. this brush is always used dry and only for clean records that may have dust from the sleeve. at the very least, a spin clean wash for used records and sometimes for new. i know, some people wash new records every time, probably a good idea." as with any procedure, it can be tailored to your own preferences but of course, MINE is the best. ;^) ...hifitommy

[@XjunkieNL]

No problem, to disagree :) But be careful in your way of thinking. A zerostat does not remove charge, it neutralises charge. Meaning it overflows the record with the opposite charge to neutralise the charge on the record. In my other video I show how you can achieve the same, in a passive way, with a carbon fiber brush. Thanks for watching. /Paul

[@Jerimboplaysgames]

zstat guns are expensive though id rather buy more records with the money tbh

[@XjunkieNL]

Hahah, right, just the basic groceries and the cheapest brand...anything to save money and spend it on more vinyl records :) Cheers. /Paul

[@spinningreek2247]

I am do everything the wrong way and the right way is too big a pain in the ass! I quit.

[@XjunkieNL]

Hahah, Stavros, you are clearly negatively charged :) You know this is inconvenient hobby. And I just love to make it a little more tiresome. Cheers. /Paul

[@nitemareman1]

Can I buy your records?

[@spinningreek2247]

I guarantee you i will have the worst carbon fiber brush in the next video you show.

[@L.E.55472]

Spinnin' Greek your crackin me up!!! Just buy a zerostat Stavros and be done with it

[@XjunkieNL]

Better sell it now, as it still has some value ;) You will positivity surprised. Even the worst brush is better as most other methods. And it is so much fun to use, when used in the right way :) Take care. /Paul

[@johndemmer3496]

All brushing with whatever adds static. "antistat" brushes are BS including the arm ones with carbon fiber that is grounded. They add static. Best method I've found:. Hold album in hand, roll with silicon roller. This will also add static but then use an antistat gun like the Milty while still in hand otherwise it doesn't work. Now put album on platter. Keep stylus clean because even dust on the stylus will add static as it plays. To test all of this hand a piece of paper and watch how the album pulls on it.

[@XjunkieNL]

Hi. Thanks for the comment and sharing your experience. By definition anything that is conductive will remove static, including carbon fiber brushes. Maybe fun to know, a Milty gun doesn't remove static, it overloads the vinyl with positive and negative charge, which totals to a neutral total charge. In the video where I compare five different carbon fiber brushes, I demonstrate two possible ways static is removed from vinyl with these brushes. All the best. Cheers. /Paul

[@Michael_Drums_]

I alvays have visible scuffs on my records after using a carbon fiber brush from wiping it to the label. What am I doing wrong? Or is this normal?

[@XjunkieNL]

That doesn't sound okay. Have you seen my video where I show the differences between carbon fiber brushes? What kind of brush are you using? /Paul

[@paulknight1248]

Done that the dust just jumps from one side to the other i lay a micro fibre cloth out and place the record on the cloth and clean

[@XjunkieNL]

Hi Paul. Yeah if the record is very static, it can take a long time to remove the static with a brush. Giving the record a wet clean works faster and more efficient in that case. Thanks for watching. Cheers. /Paul

[@jondubb35]

Milty Zero Stat

[@XjunkieNL]

A Milty Zerostat is a nice tool. You can achieve the same thing, in a passive way, with a carbon fiber brush. Thanks for watching. /Paul

[@ericshutter5305]

You can forget removing a static charge with a(ny) brush like that ... just use a meter. and you know it doesn't work. Learn some physics before misinforming people. Use a Destat III instead if you want ... which does work.

[@XjunkieNL]

Hi Eric. Thanks for the comment. Carbon fibers are one of the few methods to remove static. Always open to listen and learn, if you can tell where I'm misinforming people, I'm happy to correct. Good to hear the Destat works for you. Cheers. /Paul

[@kelvinsmith6854]

No you are still brushing it wrong

[@XjunkieNL]

If you have a better way to make use of a carbon fiber brush, maybe you want to share it? /Paul

[@kelvinsmith6854]

X junkie NL ....you brush lightly on a spinning turntable, following the grooves towards the spindle, then touch the spindle to dispel the static charge., then remove the dust etc from the brush. This can be done twice,. Your demonstrstion is a complete load of nonsense.

[@XjunkieNL]

You make a thinking error when suggesting it is possible to dispel the charge by touching the spindle with the brush. The static of the record is instantly discharged through the brush and your body. The brush is not able to hold and release at a later moment. By the way your last remark is a bit rude without motivation. /Paul

[@kelvinsmith6854]

X junkie NL ....that's the instruction for useing the brush, it's my opinion, no need to get upset, it's called straight honest talking, which some people cannot seem to accept, it's not rude.

[@XjunkieNL]

It's no problem to disagree with my method, but to simply call it "a complete load of nonsense" has nothing to do with straight honest talking. /Paul

[@jasonargone5993]

A carbon fibre ( one of the toughest strongest materials out there) brush on a vinyl record? Steel wool will clean almost as well. The mechanics of your whole cleaning method is just wrong. I clean my albums with a brush that was made with the belly hairs of the Russian black squirrel from Siberia. It costs about 35$ and is scarcer than hens teeth today. That has worked for 40 years. Just because someone sez the latest is greatest does not mean it is. Like PT Barnum "there is a sucker born every minute"

[@XjunkieNL]

Sorry to hear that my cleaning method is all wrong. For me the removal of dust and static in one go has worked great over the years. Wouldn't be surprised if the first carbon fiber made by Decca, is more than 40 years old. By the way the fiber is coated with carbon, it is not a solid carbon fiber. And if you want to have a softer brush, available are also hollow fibers with the carbon inside. Cheers. /Paul