Does The Milty Zerostat Actually Work?

I take the industry standard static eliminator and put it through its paces. If that's your thing, you've found your place. Welcome to the Vinyl Attack!
0:00 - Intro
1:19 - The Zerostat
3:41 - First Test
6:48 - Second Test
8:34 - Third Test
10:11 - Fourth Test
11:52 - Epilogue
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[@dconsmack]

I’m pretty sure that when you lifted the record up after using the Milty, that caused a new static charge, hence the high numbers. We’ll never know since you didn’t ever do the test without lifting up the record again. I’d like to see a test where: 1. Put the record on the turntable then take a reading. 2. Use the Milty then take a reading. 3. Then, play the entire side then take a reading. I’ll probably buy the meter and try this myself. Thanks for making the video.

[@thevinylattack]

You might like my latest test video.

[@timsmith1426]

I think BPA may be right on this. When you pick it up I believe you're re-introducing static from your own body. Great video btw, thank you! :)

[@thevinylattack]

@@timsmith1426 After grounding myself for the lighter test, I can say that it's the action of taking the record off the turntable and not my body that re-introduces the static. But it was good to find out for sure.

[@emailatomic]

It was interesting that he got a low reading when leaving the record on the turntable that had just tested high.

[@rkilbrai]

I watched this whole video and thought, "surely he's going to measure on the turntable, without touching it?" That's just common sense, but... nope. This video is a bit embarrassing....

[@TheAgeOfAnalog]

If you send a few bucks to Jim Bakker, the static will miracle itself from the Tammy Faye record.

[@thevinylattack]

I'm not sure I want to get wrapped up with that guy in any way, lol.

[@MJEvermore853]

That comment made me spit the coffee outta my mouth 🤣

[@AudioGuyBrian]

I heard you can buy a Tammy Faye anti-static brush made from her unused fake eyelashes. Still trying to find it on eBay. No luck so far. LOL

[@thevinyltruffle]

Tearing the paper sleeve?! OMFG dude, you’re a gd genius!

[@thevinylattack]

lol, thanks. I just couldn't bear sliding a record out of them when it wasn't necessary.

[@OlavARod]

I always want to keep the paper sleeve, so I just put the whole record on it’s edge, and slowly roll it out while pushing a little bit down on the top of the sleeve (so it bends away from the record). Then I put it in a mofi sleeve :)

[@C64SX]

For a modest fee I can teach you the Ancient Secret to how you pull a record out of a sleeve - without scratching it! Just imagine all the money you save on sleeves! Seriously though, ripping apart the sleeve is perhaps the most silly thing I've seen a vinyl enthusiast do lately.

[@thevinylattack]

@@C64SX Then I'd recommend not doing it.

[@AndrewNascimento]

Little bit of a newbie question. What’s bad with the paper sleeves? Do they damage the record?

[@bwoodward93]

I ordered my first Milty over the weekend and figured I’d get a leg up on learning how to use it while I wait for it to arrive. Stumbled across your video and WOW! Thanks for posting this man! I found it incredibly helpful and love watching you test the different processes, as well as having some numerical evidence. Instant subscribe from me, man. Kudos.

[@thevinylattack]

I'm glad you were able to get some use from it.

[@paulreitzel836]

I bought my Zerostat in the mid seventies and have been using it ever since. I thought I'd relate to you my experience since I've found it works exceptionally well for me. After removing a record from its sleeve, I hold it near my face to determine how 'staticy' it is. I've found my cheek to be more sensitive to static than the back of my hand. If there is any static at all, I place the record on the turntable while in motion. I hold the Zerostat about 12" above the record and squeeze it slowly taking about 5 seconds, then releasing it over another 5 seconds. That's it, one slow squeeze in and a slow release. I've found it to remove 90 to 100% of the static every time. Great device! My 45 year old Zerostat looks the same as the new one other than mine is white in color.

[@thevinylattack]

They seem seem to hold up quite well over time.

[@paulreitzel836]

@@thevinylattack Who would have thought after 45 years! Hopefully the new ones are as well made. Your KZbin channel looks great, all the best to you!

[@herbertmathews]

Have also used one since the 70s. Works very well. only difference is i do each side before putting it on the turntable.

[@skipgordon5382]

I also use mine on the platter while turning. I use three triggers but will try less

[@richardcline1337]

While this test really did not answer any questions for me, I am going by your posting and purchasing an original Zerostat. With over a thousand records I need to try something!

[@DaveVelociraptor]

I'm very grateful for this video. I found it randomly while searching for information on the Zerostat and I think you've answered every question I might have about it. Your video was well paced, with great editing. Thank you.

[@thevinylattack]

Glad it was helpful!

[@kiwibirch]

thanks for doing this test, looking forward to the results from round two :) !

[@thevinylattack]

I look forward to making it. Thanks for dropping in.

[@Double-Exposure]

Love love love you doing this test. Plenty of great input here in the comment section from people on how to further improve your testing methods, but for a first go, this was really great to watch and quite informative.

[@thevinylattack]

Thanks for the positive feedback. I'm definitely taking notes for the follow up.

[@GurjeetSagoo]

You absolute legend! Only spoke about my new Milty stat gun last night and today this video gets uploaded. The vinyl Gods are smiling on me!

[@thevinylattack]

I'm glad you enjoyed the video, thanks for dropping by!

[@speedythecat07]

That’s really clever, the ripping of the sleeve. That never occurred to me in the last 50 years, but from here on out, I’ll be a ripper too! Subbed, thanks!

[@thevinylattack]

Gets the frustrations out ;-)

[@zenboy2000]

But the resale value...

[@RegebroRepairs]

@@zenboy2000 Also, where are you going to store the vinyl? In a pile on the floor? If not, you need to put it back in a sleeve.

[@RegebroRepairs]

It will quickly get expensive if you rip a sleeve everytime you listen to a record. So "clever" isn't the word I'd use.

[@thevinylattack]

@@RegebroRepairs If you're replacing every sleeve with something nicer (which I'd recommend) ripping sleeves doesn't matter.

[@tonyharrison2542]

Great information. I appreciate your efforts in helping to inform us on static and ridding it. It's a problem that plagues many of us that spin vinyl. I look forward to the follow-up. Very useful.

[@thevinylattack]

I appreciate the feedback. I'll be interested in what happens with the follow up too, lol.

[@MJEvermore853]

Another very informative video. Please keep them coming. 👍👍👍

[@thevinylattack]

I'm doing my best. Thanks for the encouragement.

[@GodfreyMann]

Superb video. I like your approach to testing things in a way that can be replicated by others... some might call that science!

[@metalheadbill]

Hi Chris, thanks for the detailed video. I have always thought this was voodoo nonsense but you've convinced me, I just purchased one. I also watched your Destat video, it's tempting but I just can't justify the price. Hopefully the Zerostat will be good enough.

[@thevinylattack]

I can assure you the Zerostat will be all you need provided you use it properly. Just don't squeeze too fast and you'll be great.

[@MetalGuyReacts]

Thank you for this test! Also, your penmanship is fantastic! Just got a collection of vinyl from my father in law. He kept his records immaculate and I intend on keeping them in great shape! Thanks again!

[@thevinylattack]

I'm glad you liked the video.

[@ricefieldrecords]

Dear Vinyl Attack! - Since watching your video, I've been pointing the Milty Zerostat 8" from the center of the record, and pulling the trigger 4 times. The results have been demonstrable. Thank you very much!

[@thevinylattack]

I'm glad it's working out for you.

[@johnryan7104]

Great video man! I have always wondered how well the zerostat worked with actual proof. I’m going to be picking one up soon, as I struggle with static all the time. I have also become a new subscriber. Thanks man!

[@thevinylattack]

Glad I could help and welcome aboard!

[@Cherr1]

Thank you, thank you, thank you, for doing this. I have a Zerostat, and I was using it as the packaging suggested. It definitely improved things, but I was still getting some static clicks here and there. I tried the method you found worked the best, and it has made a dramatic improvement. This sort of scientifically based approach is exactly what I've been hoping for for a long time. Keep up the good work.

[@thevinylattack]

I'm really glad to hear this. Thanks for giving it a try and reporting back, I appreciate it.

[@darrellchappelle4684]

Hey Chris I just watched 5 of your videos on various audio subjests. I am really impressed by many of your views and tests, so much so that I did something for the first time ever...I subscribed to your channel. Keep up the good work! I'll be watching and listening.

[@thevinylattack]

Welcome aboard!

[@twofromthetrunk9932]

Just found your channel and this video. Found your experiment really interesting. I think it was well done. I definitely subscribed. Enjoyed thus vid. Very much

[@thevinylattack]

I'm glad I could be of any help at all. Thanks for coming along.

[@keeferdog5617]

Hey Chris- dig the channel, you’ll do well! I’ve been buying audiophile pressings for some time, now. To me, it’s worth it, especially if you have the rig to enjoy the extra fidelity these lp’s bring to the “table”- pun intended. Good luck man!

[@thevinylattack]

Thanks much for the kind words. I'm in agreement with you about the higher end records. As my system has grown I can really appreciate what goes in to them.

[@briancostello8053]

These videos are awesome chris!

[@thevinylattack]

Glad you like them!

[@jeremyr722]

Really glad you did this. I have been debating whether or not to buy one of those. This makes me think it would be worth it. I’m glad to be a subscriber 🤝

[@thevinylattack]

I definitely think they're worth the money, I'm glad to have you here.

[@bluecream444]

All depends on where you live/climate and your surfaces In home. When I lived in NY this was a must have however when I moved to Greenville SC It became obvious it wasn't needed. I literally have almost zero static in my house and my records are dead silent. At least that's my experience.

[@thevinylattack]

@@bluecream444 I'd say that's spot on.

[@ly776]

I have used the Milty as one of the cleaning steps before doing transfers. It is definitely needed more in winter when the humidity is low. I always use the four squeeze method. And I repeat the process if I flip over the record. Results vary by the type of vinyl but in general it reduces static, and it helps the brush (my last step) work more efficiently.

[@jeffsims8270]

Glad u made this vid! I've always wondered how effective this device is.

[@thevinylattack]

Glad it was helpful!

[@veteq101]

The two most useful videos that I watched this week came from this channel. I own the Zerostat and I always used the standard method (#1) with very little luck, I finally gave up on it and it has been in a box for the last few months. Let me try method #2, it might be helpful after all. Thank you.

[@thevinylattack]

Glad to help!

[@markstewart1807]

Excellent video I recently bought a Milty and was concerned I wasn't getting particularly good results and thought there was a lack of concise instructions included. So now I know. Thanks

[@thevinylattack]

Glad to hear it helped.

[@kennysrecordcollection9573]

Thank you so much for doing the thorough test! I have a Milty and have been using it completely wrong with no good results haha.I will be using method 2 from this day forth! I will also be adopting your sleeve tear away method with all future purchases, great idea!

[@thevinylattack]

I'm happy you were able to take away some info from this.

[@_AJH_]

How did you go after using method 2. Any improvement?

[@kennysrecordcollection9573]

@@_AJH_ yes it’s a much more effective method.

[@morsteen]

I like the tear away method with just a plain colored sleeve. But I'd never do it with a sleeve that had artwork and lyrics on it.

[@donaldchisholm9931]

Thank you ,thank you ,thank you. I now realize I have been using my Milti wrong for years. I was always skeptical if it was actually doing anything. I liked your testing approach. Thanks again. Cheers from Canada

[@thevinylattack]

I'm glad you were able to sort some answers from the video.

[@FuzzGrunge]

Thank you so much for doing this.

[@thevinylattack]

You're quite welcome. Stay tuned for the follow up as I need to address a couple of flaws in the testing.

[@snakevenom4227]

man, not that long ago you had under 20 subs and now at almost 1k! nice fast growth :D

[@thevinylattack]

Kinda crazy right?

[@JulioSkovHansen]

Thank you for the great video. I’m glad to be a subscriber and I'm going to try Second test :-)

[@thevinylattack]

Drop back by and let me know how it goes.

[@1fattyfatman]

GREAT VIDEO!

[@thevinylattack]

Thank you.

[@MrSneakyGunz]

Thank you for this my man!

[@thevinylattack]

You bet!

[@Markymarkvinylnut]

I was skeptical too..however I wouldn't be without it... for new records I use a milty and then a camera lens blower rocket.. works everytime

[@thevinylattack]

That sounds like a pretty good combo.

[@garyalexander5686]

Very nice job. Thanks for this.

[@thevinylattack]

I'm glad you were able to get some use from it.

[@amok281]

I bought one of these in the mid 1970s, I used a method very similar to your 4 squeeze one and it seemed to work quite well. Owing to a house move I haven't used it for some time, but it was still working perfectly when around 30 years old!

[@thevinylattack]

They certainly seem built to last.

[@Madjed2024]

Excellent video Very methodical This device is used to reduce statics when weighing mg amounts of powder in a Chem lab and I have personal experience that it works in stabilizing the tray on the micro balance

[@joekoesters3463]

Thank you for the analysis. I don’t own a ZeroStat yet but have considered it. The tearing off of paper sleeves....... Brilliant, simply brilliant. Props to Frank of Channel 33rpm for mentioning your channel.

[@thevinylattack]

They're certainly effective with static, if not a little expensive.

[@mattmiller2761]

"Discwasher" brand used to sell those, never tried one. I do remember making mix tapes from vinyl back in the 70's. When I'd reach the end of one side I would fog some moisture from my breath onto the vinyl surface. That kept it quiet.

[@benpit2762]

Awesome, may be getting one now!

[@thevinylattack]

I'm truly glad you were able to make in informed decision, that's entirely my goal.

[@nathanielnicholson559]

Very well presented video!

[@thevinylattack]

Thanks much.

[@EnygmaRecords]

Great video! For an even more scientific approach, I'd suggest: • Test each method at least 3 times, to ensure accuracy of measurements and application • Once consistent results are proven, conduct another test of each method where you interrupt the process halfway through and take a measurement, to gauge strength/effectiveness as well as potential improvements for each method. • Ground yourself with an anti-static strap (sometimes used in electronics repairs) to mitigate/eliminate potential static generated by yourself. It may be possible your own static levels vary by using the device, handling objects with any charge whatsoever, etc. Keep up the great work!

[@thevinylattack]

Thanks for the feedback!

[@y42k]

@@thevinylattack What he said. If it's not repeatable, it's not science.

[@nacarp2000]

I believe the press gives +ve ions, the release -ve ions. You only want the -ve ions, no point having both. So I always point the Milty away from the record when I press and only point the Milty at the record when I release. The release has to be slow enough so it does not click. That is my understanding of the instructions on the box.

[@ChuckLeeMBM]

this was great thank you!!

[@thevinylattack]

Glad you enjoyed it.

[@Sylvrfonic]

Fantastic video. The transparency of your methodology was a breath of fresh air. Given all the responses I'd say you've gotten a lot of folks thinking about a really amazing hobby is really constructive ways. Good form, man. I just picked up a desktop ionizing air blower used to eliminate static for electronics work and micro-pipetting. For under $100 us it's worth a shot...maybe... we'll see.😂 Cheers!

[@thevinylattack]

I'm glad you liked the video.

[@bvdaussiemetalhead9338]

As soon as you touched the record you recharged the static with your body and clothes. Best to do it in hand before playing and again in hand before putting away. Cheers

[@thevinylattack]

I have some ideas for the follow up that should address this. Thanks for the feedback!

[@MoltenJules]

Perhaps we all need to have audiophile wrist worn earthing straps like people use when working on circuit boards. Personally I can't see how the electrostatic charge varies across the surface of a record. I thought charge distributes itself equally over a surface, otherwise there is a potential difference.

[@nacarp2000]

Yep, do the anti-static before you put away, that is key.

[@nanchanger]

Being naked with a clean shaven body helps...

[@bvdaussiemetalhead9338]

@@nanchanger and don’t walk on carpet 😂

[@ralphbesser1125]

I still use my Zerostat 1st generation that I bought in the early 1980s. Still works, always hold the record in my hand away from clothing from about a foot away, slow circular motion. Never have given it a second thought about its effectiveness. Simply put, it works. Also works great for film processing.

[@MichelLinschoten]

Thanks for this video always wondered about those guns.

[@thevinylattack]

I'm glad you could find something useful :-)

[@nacarp2000]

Also the zerostat comes with the diffuser/cap on it, take it off! Took me a little while to work that one out.

[@jsmctch]

Must have tool. I use it everyday with a carpet being in my audio room. If you shoot the record when on the TT or another surface, measure the record there, not holding it. The static meter is measuring the record and you. Notice how you got a lower reading doing the 4 squeeze? You were holding the record when you did it so you also killed the static on your body( immediate area, arms, t shirt) you would be amazed if you knew how far that gun throws ions. I shoot the record in hand and then put it in a MoFi sleeve after it comes off the TT with static. That way I dont recharge the record when I pick it up to put it in the sleeve.... Hope this helps

[@thevinylattack]

I'm compiling a list of things to adjust for a new testing video. Thanks for the feedback, it helps.

[@trevordoolan5011]

That was my first thought... Why your not testing the LPs while not holding them in your hand ?

[@thevinylattack]

@@trevordoolan5011 I was trying to adhere to the most popular methods I could find and some of them state specifically to use the tool while holding the record in hand. I have some ideas for the follow up though that should clear things up a bit.

[@dustinrue]

Yes, came to say the same. I think the act of removing the record from the place you treated is having a negative affect. Based on what you’ve shown so far I have to wonder if the best way is while on the turntable the entire time. As in, put record on the TT, measure, shoot, test again without removing it from the TT. The fact that it was so affective when you held it the whole time leads me to believe this thing works if done right.

[@trevordoolan5011]

@@thevinylattack 👍

[@ibdam1]

I just saw another one of your videos with you wearing a Detroit Shirt. I’m now hitting the notifications bell.

[@thevinylattack]

You may be accused of an easy sell at this point ;-)

[@screaminglordmabuhayka]

Always makes me feel good to see another older person suporting skateboarding. I dont bother with any audiophile tools, except the basic cleaning tools and anti static brush that comes with cleaning products. I dont have a real static issue with my records, think the way I store them has helped with that. My records are all in rice paper style sleeves, which help with static and stored in the record jacked. All my records are stored in resealable sleaves to keep dust and cat hair out, which is a problem more than normal in my current apartment.

[@thevinylattack]

If you have a system that works, you're ahead of the game. Good stuff.

[@maroon2k]

Great video, excellent test with a scientific, no-nonsense approach. Thank you. Now, the reason you don't want static in the first place is because statically charged records will attract dust particles to its surface like a magnet. A great follow up video would be a practical/empirical test where you would have some kind of dust powder and actually watch how much of it will stick to the record before and after antistat gun treatment, maybe through a magnifying glass with lots of light etc

[@thevinylattack]

A good though, but I don't want to have a bunch of dust swirling about in my home. We'll just have to trust the meter ;-)

[@maroon2k]

@@thevinylattack Me neither, that's why I was hoping I could watch a video of someone else doing it! :-)

[@larrylarry1]

I still have my red Discwasher Zerostat 3 from decades ago. It still makes the same noise I remember while using. Hopefully it still works as it use to. Good informative video.

[@thevinylattack]

I'd be interested to hear if it does still work for you. Keep me posted.

[@josexavierjr.5633]

Scientific method! Way to go, Chris! That Zerostat has been around forever......good video!

[@thevinylattack]

Thanks. I have some improving to do on the follow up, but I still think it was a good start.

[@jasonsmith9845]

I've always held the record in my hand. Glad to see that seems to be the best way to go. My problem is that it's easy to squeeze too hard and make it click before it should. I've gotten better at the slow squeeze, but it's still tough. Also - I have noticed just giving a couple squeezes in the general direction of the cartridge and tonearm can help the noise floor in the system. I don't often need to do this, but sometimes there's a lot of static energy in my house. Unplugging everything from the power conditioner can also help.

[@thevinylattack]

If you have static, I think the Milty is a good way to go. Getting good at the squeeze just takes a little practice.

[@florisvandam6300]

Great video, thanks

[@thevinylattack]

Glad you liked it!

[@S.L.1211]

I have that exact turntable! It’s a beauty. Produced by Technics in 1981, a fully automatic slim line table was much slimmer and sleeker than other tables at the time and yet used a special design to decouple it from the audio rack and reduce any vibration.

[@thevinylattack]

I got mine as a hand me down and I used it until I got an upgrade. It's a solid machine and I use it in a secondary setup I'm building.

[@S.L.1211]

@@thevinylattack mine was a hand me down as well. My dad bought it for my grandma back then. Since she passed it was sitting in a box in his basement until I breathed new life into it. What TT did you upgrade to? *I’m new to your channel- discovered it last night and subscribed 👍🏼

[@thevinylattack]

@@S.L.1211 I went from the 202 to an SL1200 for a time, then last year I picked up a Clearaudio Concept.

[@S.L.1211]

@@thevinylattack very nice! All things the same (cartridge included) was there a noticeable improvement from the 202 to the SL1200? I’ve wondered if I were to upgrade would I be better off on a new table or cartridge (obvious answer is both)

[@toneslotohnz4540]

Thanks for the great video. A couple things I've always wondered (sorry if it's already been asked...) though: should you zap both sides of the record? Should you zap side 2 when you flip the record over for listening? Does either matter? Thanks for your time...

[@thevinylattack]

Personally I treat side A and play it, then after picking up the record I treat side B before playing that also.

[@jackmercer4244]

Just now, I think I came up with an easy and inexpensive vinyl anti-static idea. Where I live, during winter, the air is so dry and my warm weather clothes are mostly nylon. The dry air combined with nylon clothes generates very strong static electricity and the shock always stings me. So I started grounding my hand to the kitchen sink while I remove my nylon clothes and the static gets discharged on the metal sink. So I think this might work on vinyl as well, just ground a metal oven tray to the sink with a copper wire and place the record on tray to discharge the static. There's even Conductive Fabric for Grounding/Earthing that you can order online. I'm a DJ so I will buy it and cut into DJ slipmats because back-cueing records is how I generate static electricity on my records, but it will still need to get grounded with copper wire before and after playing. I would love to see you try my idea and measure the static charge with your little device.

[@thevinylattack]

Let me know what you find.

[@wilcrooymans]

Very useful video! I bought it!!!!

[@thevinylattack]

Happy to help.

[@SteveMaggioncalda]

THANK YOU!

[@thevinylattack]

You're welcome!

[@RoccoXYZ1]

I began buying classical music records and enjoying music in 1964 with AR tables, Thorens etc. I used a gadget that looked like a plastic tone arm. Eventually

[@thevinylattack]

The vinyl hobby is as complicated as you make it.

[@DaveVelociraptor]

Coming back to this again - now that I have the gun I have tried various things and using what you found as a starting point I've settled on putting the record on the turntable, but propping it up on the spindle so it's not resting on the mat. I can then us the gun on it. I'm certain that it works because I'm using a puffer bulb to blow away any dust from them and it doesn't work unless I use the gun to get rid of static. I use this method because it's the least involved. I've found that the more involvement I have with records the more dust they pick up from the environment. So my goal is to get them out and onto the record player and kill off the static, puff away any dust and get it playing. Something few people have mentioned, and perhaps it's something so obvious to other people that it doesn't need to be : When there's no record on the turntable take some time to remove any dust there. I use a swiffer to do it. Until I got my regime right I was chasing the same dust particles around and they were gathering on records. When I thought I had got rid of them they were just moving to the other side of the record or to the turntable and of course as soon as a record was charged it would suck up all the particles onto the surface.

[@thevinylattack]

Keeping your turntable clean is paramount, certainly. Eventually, it all comes down to how much dust you're willing to live with. It'll always be there no matter how hard we try, unless you have a great air filtration system (which I just might look at).

[@skipgordon5382]

I have found just shooting while holding works very good. No static when I put the record in or off the platter.

[@danmartinez5502]

At Discwasher who launched the product nationally we would set the album down flat and squeeze the trigger and then flip it over and repeat. Note the static field reading is affected by the otherside of the record when measured in hand. Measure from the flat surface or the turntable...

[@thevinylattack]

I'll be making adjustments in the follow up video. Thanks for the feedback!

[@cedfan1]

I really enjoy your channel. I have a vintage Nagoaka NF103 Anti Static Gun. It runs off one C battery. I hold it above a stationary record for about 5 seconds. It seems to make a difference. Even if it doesn't, it still works as a low level stun gun. It does give quite a shock if you touch the nozzle. ⚡⚡⚡😳

[@thevinylattack]

That sounds like it's working to me.

[@Mayaadventures]

Thank you!

[@thevinylattack]

You bet.

[@losaikosavetheearth4215]

I almost bought one of these. Glad I saved my money. Thanks.

[@nanchanger]

I thought he concluded it works... ??

[@leon9021]

@@nanchanger It does if used right.

[@nanchanger]

@@leon9021seems like training is needed...

[@TurboBaksteen]

Great video, great channel. I'm amazed you only have 260-ish subs, it'll be above 100k within a couple months I recon. Btw why do you tear away the sleeves, don't you need them to put the record back in?

[@thevinylattack]

Well the channel has only been up about a month, so I'm really happy with the growth and response from the community. I doubt I'll ever hit numbers like 100k with this being a niche demographic, but I do it because I enjoy it so I'm not too concerned. Paper sleeves are an awful place to keep records. They create LOADS of static and they can easily cause surface abrasions and scratches just by taking a record out. Once I tear a record out, I thoroughly clean it and store it in a much nicer anti static inner sleeve.

[@bluecream444]

I put all my records personally in anti scratch/static MoFI sleeves after cleaning

[@johncicci917]

I bought a static gun in the 70's and what I remember from my instructions is that you release the trigger away from the record not on it when you do the three points. I always had good results with it

[@thevinylattack]

I couldn't seem to find any instructions like that anywhere, it sure would be an interesting read.

[@johncicci917]

@@thevinylattack Most things things today don't seem to come with instructions or for that matter aren't made half as good as what we had many years ago

[@zephead64]

I also recall from the Discwasher Zero Stat that you are not to use it on a record that is on the turntable. You were to hold the record in one hand (not with the finger tips) away from the turntable.

[@ozeskiman]

An excellent review..I remember the white handle zerostat gun from the late 60s my father had. Wish I still had it. I do have the original dishwasher brush and some fluid left. Don't use it though, it's just nice to have in the drawer. I wet washed my albums and was intrigued to see if the results you got were worth investing in a new gun.

[@mikefinney423]

I've had an original Zerostat since the mid 80s. I still use it today in my house that has a lot of static charge buildup in the cold, dry winters.. It works. Back in the 80s, these came with a little test attachment for the end to help you know that it was still generating ions. It was a little black plastic cage tip that you inserted. Inside that caged tip was some foam holding a small glass filament. When the trigger is pulled, the ions are released, the filament flickers and glows orange. The other way to check is to touch a finger on one hand to the end and pull the trigger with the other hand. If you curse, you know it's working. LOL.

[@thevinylattack]

They still come with the test tip, but I didn't include it as the video was getting long as it was. Glad to hear yours is still doing its job.

[@SLCVideoProductions]

I too have an original Zerostat that I purchased in 1980 +/- 1 year. Still works, though I lost the little NE-2 bulb contraption that came with it it test it (you can smell the ozone being generated if you put it close to your nose- but not too close). I have used it the same way all these years- Hold it about 8-10" away from the record and slowly move the Zerostat in a circular motion as you are pulling the trigger and then, while releasing the trigger, slowly move away from the record in a circular motion....

[@thevinylattack]

@@SLCVideoProductions That may be a method I look at later on. Thanks for the heads up.

[@SLCVideoProductions]

@@thevinylattack It is nice to see someone attempt to determine the effectiveness of such devices as the Zerostat. I applaud you for that and for listening to ways to improve your technique. As others have pointed out, I would only do the measurement with the record on the turntable. Also, you should probably note the humidity and temperature, particularly the former as it makes a big difference in static generation. I did not read all of the comments, but they used to sell static dissipating mats that you could use instead of the rubber ones that came with most turntables back then- they also were used by DJ's for slipping records...

[@thevinylattack]

@@SLCVideoProductions If I don't listen, I don't learn ;-)

[@irishbeatbox]

I use my anti static brush first and then use the zero milty on the TT while it’s spinning. I generally only squeeze a couple of times and the effectiveness is sporadic. I will certainly try the 4x method next to see if that makes a difference. On a side note, after cleaning the record in my Auto Deske I have no static, but that seems like it would be obvious. Thanks for the great video

[@thevinylattack]

Let me know how the new method goes for you.

[@richardrosetta2728]

Great video as I am considering buying this device. If you haven't already done so, then I would suggest you perform these tests several more times to determine if your initial results can be repeated. This approach may yield additional data to confirm initial results. 👍 thx

[@thevinylattack]

I've tested it many, many times at home since this video and I can say with certainty that it does what it says provided you're slow on the trigger.

[@krider7296]

Thank you for putting this experiment together and sharing it with us. You need to try the 4 pulls at 8 inches above the center of the spindle while the record is on the turntable and measure it while still on the platter. Every time you place a record flat on a surface and decouple it by removing it you will generate a potential change in charge. This will also vary depending on what type of platter and mat material you are using. I think the important thing here is to see the before and after while the record is placed on the platter because the balance of static charge is only important while you are playing the record and not handling it. You want it to be charge neutral while on the platter before you drop the stylus into the grove. Try this method during your next experiment and see how it goes.

[@thevinylattack]

The four pull method was a popular method I found and I followed it as written. You're probably right that it'll work better on the table and I'll look in to that for the follow up, but I didn't want to deviate from the method as written. Of course I didn't wear a damn grounding strap so what do I know? lol

[@THEBATMAN28AHH]

I was just thinking about wether this zero stat gun worked or not. Nice vid!

[@thevinylattack]

Thank you, I'm glad I could help answer that a little for you.

[@shahidyt]

Thanks for sharing. I’m wondering how much touching the record while taking measurements is changing the figures. Placing the record on a non static sleeve to measure may change the results. I tend to put the record on the platter and then use the triangle method

[@thevinylattack]

I'll add that to the growing list of potential changes for a second test video. Thanks for the help!

[@shahidyt]

I thought I’d get the FMX-002 to do my own tests, I’ve checked the price, I think I will rely on your tests. So you have a new subscriber

[@thevinylattack]

lol yeah, they're a little pricey. I'm fortunate to have found a really good deal on mine. Glad to have you aboard.

[@geol7408]

What about increasing the humidity level in the room? My room is small. I try and reduce static energy by running a small vaporizer during my listening session. I also use a Milty gun so I don't know if moisture levels in the air make any difference.

[@thevinylattack]

A dry room will definitely have the ability to add more static to an item.

[@ibdam1]

Just came across your channel. GREAT info. I’m hitting that subscriber button. Oh, if you are based in the D I’m hitting it twice (Red Wings👍🏾👍🏾)

[@thevinylattack]

I'm a season ticket holder if that helps. Thanks for dropping by!

[@richardrosetta2728]

Thats good to here, thanks

[@thevinylattack]

No problem 👍

[@calebthespeedrunner]

thanks, man, I'll probably end up getting one now I have clear information with proof

[@WilliamCochran]

The mascara tinged tears of Tammy Faye will remove all dust, static and sin from your albums! A few drops on the discwasher and you are in hi-fi heaven.

[@thevinylattack]

She may also remove your soul. Tread with caution.

[@tlister67]

I have used one of these guns in a dry chemistry lab in winter at a balance. Crystals of some chemicals will be repelled until discharged. I just fired it quickly job done, at least for that application. So they definitely work.

[@thevinylattack]

Interesting, it seems it has a far wider reach than I'd originally thought.

[@casablanca2745]

Oh for the days when we used to just pull out a great album and play it. Seems like now there are multiple procedures and gadgets involved. I’m sure a vinyl lovers hazmat suit will be promoted in the future to ensure an optimal listening experience. That said, I’m a sucker and will probably buy one. Thanks

[@thevinylattack]

There does seem like there's a solution for everything these days. I try not to loose sight of the goal which is to enjoy the music, but it's fun to use the gadgets as well.

[@uncleremus64]

I still have and use an original red Discwasher Zerostat gun that I bought in 1980. I always put the disc on the turntable and squeeze 5x onto a not spinning record. Sort of in the points of a pentagon shape. About 8 inches away. I don't have a meter, but it's what I've always done. BTW, I love love love my SL-D202.

[@thevinylattack]

I'd imagine that technique works very well.

[@elkvision]

Love your channel!!! Would love your take on the onzow zerodust as well as maybe a couple of the other "stylus gels." I've been thinking about getting one but am scared off by the occasional "it left goop on my stylus" reviews. Hope to hear your thoughts. :)

[@thevinylattack]

That's a good suggestion. It might take a bit to set up because I need to dirty up some styli for testing, but I'll look into it.

[@elkvision]

@@thevinylattack Altho most reviews seem stellar, one complaint about them I've seen is some ppl claim it leaves their stylus sticky which makes the stylus gather even more dust than before...will love to see your tests! Keep up the great work :)

[@gharris2389]

I have one that must be at least 30 years old I inherited from my dad. Yes it works, but finally gave up the ghost recently. So I tried the electric candle lighter that you showed (I recently bought one I thought just for candles for $7) and yes that really does work. I had a new record with lots of obvious static when I removed it from the sleeve. Just waived this a couple of inches over the surface for about 20s as it was spinning, made a huge difference on my Studiodeck/Hana setup.

[@thevinylattack]

No one was more surprised than me. But I'm actually glad it works. We could use some affordable alternatives.

[@VinylRescue]

I originally bought the red Milty back when I was stationed at Kadena AB, Okinawa Japan in 1982. The instructions then were the triangular points and one last one at the center and release pointing away from the LP. I always then and now use the Milty while holding the LP in my other hand. The red gun died some years ago and when I got back into vinyl back in the late 2000s I finally bought a new blue one like you're demonstrating now. Tammy Faye Baker 🤣🤣🤣! That tester is a bit pricey, but Amazon has some much cheaper. I really liked the test and will look at changing my current method. Thanks!

[@thevinylattack]

The ones on Amazon don't actually test static, that's why I had to go for the more expensive (but professional) version. Hopefully I can do a follow up on this video soon.

[@JoseAChong]

Hey great channel! glad to see a new face into the vinyl world... I have never been a fan of the Milty Zerostat, maybe it's appearance, dunno... but I do know the benefits of removing static... anyway, I have been using an arc lighter (which also shoots ions) and it has been working great.... this is the thread that I found when I discovered: Oops, no URL, but you can search on Vinyl Engine for "Static gun on steroids?" Maybe you can use one and share the numbers you get after scanning the record with the "lighter" ;)

[@thevinylattack]

It's worth a look but at first glance I'd A) be worried I'd melt a record, lol and B) wonder if such a narrow tip could spread an ion field big enough to be worth the time. But, at 15 bucks I might just give it a test. Thanks for the tip!

[@JoseAChong]

@@thevinylattack Yeah you should! i’ll “fire” the lighter, give three or four passes around the record and you are done! you can use the same lighter to light your grill or fireplace, hehe :)

[@JoseAChong]

PS. the whole process with the lighter is faster than the zero stat and no, you won’t melt the record ;) heat is only produced between the 2 electrodes (the arc)

[@thevinylattack]

@@JoseAChong lol, I'll make a note of it.

[@kniknayme9865]

Never seen someone peel a record before . Consider me subbed!

[@thevinylattack]

I'm glad you have you along.

[@GianlucaSibaldi]

I think you may perform both measurement and static removing while the disc is on the turntable. Because what we really want is having no static when the disc is there. Just by handling the disc, even doing it carefully, you may create new static charges. May I suggest a method? When I used to de-magnetize recording heads in a multitrack studio tape recorder I followed a standard method, which is to move the de-magnetizer in circles while getting slowly far away from the heads. You may try this with records. Put it on the turntable and make it spin, so you get automatically the circular movement. Then start your action with the anti-static tool close to the disc surface, I woud say much closer than you did in the video. Not staying still in the center but waving back and forth from the center to the border, and at the same time slowly getting far away from the disc. Stop when you are around 20-30 cm away. This way you should get a lower and consistent average static value over all the surface. But who knows?… just an idea.

[@thevinylattack]

After more testing, I did indeed find that measuring and treating the record off the table is best. It can be seen more clearly in my Destat testing video. Thanks much for the well thought out reply and encouragement.

[@gregherb4125]

What kind of cleaner do you use? I'd be curious to hear what you use. Love the videos and your insight, hence...your opinion is a valuable one! :)

[@thevinylattack]

I have a Degritter that I'm actually running right now to clean my latest RSD haul. It's an expensive item, but it works better than anything else I've ever seen.

[@gregherb4125]

@@thevinylattack Unfortunately, that's way out of my price range. If you have no more than $500 to spend...what would you choose?

[@thevinylattack]

@@gregherb4125 Right now I'd wait to see if the Humminguru that's supposed to be released in September will be worth the money. I have one coming in and I'll be doing a review as soon as I'm able to test it out.

[@adotopp1865]

Great video, thanks. The comment I have is that as the results for on platter and in the hand measuring differ then the static that the record stylus sees is the one that affects playback? Can you test for static at the record/stylus interface? Just my thought.

[@thevinylattack]

The static bleeds off into the turntable when the record is placed down. This causes additional problems with the very sensitive electronics.

[@adotopp1865]

@@thevinylattack Thanks for this. I've now seen your follow up Furutech De-Stat III Static Charge Eliminator video. Very good approach, loved that vid too. I use a Milty and will now use it off the TT as per your findings.

[@thevinylattack]

​@@adotopp1865 I think you'll find that you'll get excellent results that way.

[@craigfalconer8699]

Great music on this video.

[@thevinylattack]

Glad you like it.

[@RealHIFIHelp]

I used to use it. And I remember it changing the sound, but it seemed also to vary a bit in regards to performance because of the many variables.

[@thevinylattack]

I'd be interested to know how it could change the sound, thanks for dropping by.

[@dennisw4654]

Chris, thank you for the trial evaluating the effectiveness of the Zerostat. Informative, however, my only criticism is in the first triangle method you held the album against your shirt which could have transferred any static. It would have prudent to due again from the beginning that process. I also have an original booklet from 1982 when I first purchased my Zerostat. I can forward you a picture, if interested, of the instructions pertaining to the 3 point method.

[@thevinylattack]

I can assure you that I was grounded and my shirt was static free ;-)

[@ttownscott]

I have been waiting for this to come back in stock from my favorite retailer. I'm about to pull the trigger so to say. It sounds like one of the options is the spray the record while it is spinning on the turntable. I have a belt drive table and almost every listening session I get a static zap at some point when I touch the tone arm to move it to or from the record. Thus my desire to get the antistat. I'm thinking of hitting the spinning record as well as the tonearm. $100 seems expensive, but I can't imagine that static sound running through my preamp is good for it either.

[@thevinylattack]

Treating the record on the table doesn't really do any good as the static has mostly dissipated into the turntable at that point.

[@mr.gregorymorganba6136]

What is the device called that you using to measure the static? Also, great channel. I've really been enjoying your videos.

[@thevinylattack]

It's a Simco electro static reader.

[@thomaspotthoff3139]

New subscriber... Greetings from Detroit !

[@thevinylattack]

Welcome aboard!

[@yamakawa511]

In the final test you held the tip of the gun in your hand to steady it which was was not the case in the other tests. As the charged ions are being ejected from the tip this seems like a significant difference in test procedure. Also I would be interested to know whether a record can be discharged using an earthing strap as with microelectronics. Y