Record Cleaning Tips

Roy Gandy says the needle will simply push any debris out of the way and we should not use these things at all.

(Stirring)

Works great and never had static issues, AFAIK.

I have a Philips Carbon Fibre Brush (identical to the Audioquest) for as long as I can remember and it has an earth wire from the handle of the brush which you 'earth' to decrease static.

Just wondering is Audioquests 'idea' anything new!

James, Dublin, Ireland

Thanks for the info Michael!
Roey

I'm kidding around. I paid the same for my original Audioquest brush as pictured first in the article. Thanks for the heads up, I have added the improved brush to my next purchase list. I'm going to keep my old one though for my second system, it does the job it is designed to do.
The improved brush is supposed to be better at dispelling static electricity, but carbon fiber brushes are not really designed for that in my opinion. Although the little help they do offer in that area is welcome of course, bit for real riddance of static build up a thunderon brush or Zerostat gun (for a more expensive choice) do best. (I have both, but I've had very good results from the less expensive thunderon brush as well, by the way).
As for the HUNT style brush, I have that too and I like it for the same purpose as the carbon fiber. As far as getting grungy, a soft bristle tooth brush occasionally lightly run over the middle bit works to keep it cleaner and harms none the brush. Or you could just not play any grunge records from Seattle..ha ha ha. (Couldn't resist).

Eric

I've been using the In The Groove record cleaner. Works great and i have no static issues. I get about a year from eaxh roller. I may try this new AQ brush, though.

Except it says:
Audioq ecord cleaner
Perhaps I have worn off the protective coating so my path to ground is OK.
Keep up the good work Michael
Jeff C

I'm using a Hunt brush which is fine.

... the Stanton CFB-1 carbon fiber brush, which can be had for $13?
http://www.stantondj.com/stanton-accessories/cfb-1.html

Michael
I absolutely love your videos and on this strategically important aspect of record playing, we need a tutorial video showing the art of using this device. Your written description is fine, but leaves room for interpretation, whereas a video, with closeups and slow motion replays would eliminate any question.

Plus I'm sure you'd have a hilarious comment or two.

Thank you in advance

That may be what AQ say. However if you have ever taken the old brush apart or had one come apart on you (after only 25 or so years of use, scandalous :-)) you will quickly see what the real problem was.

The earth path from the fibres exits the black plastic handle that lies under the metal cover via a small rounded metal point. It protrudes only by about 0.5mm as the penetration through the handle also causes a low ridge of plastic material surrounding the hole like a crater rim.

The metal cover is then attached to the plastic handle by a couple of blobs of hot glue. However the blobs can be thicker than 0.5mm in depth hence the metal point doesn't actually meet the metal cover. Thus here is no effective path to earth.

Other than that the AQ brush has always been a terrific aid and I own and have owned a few of them . It is certainly better than many cheap rip off types that have very stiff carbon fibres which can mark discs ( check the "mirror" play out area).

Looking forward to the new type.

Unfortunately, Amazon doesn't have them yet and the usual mail order audio stores charge at least $8 for shipping. :(

Is the Record Doctor CFB (similar to the AQ, both sold by Audio Advisor) also on the fecal roster?

If I recall correctly, Michael's second DVD, which addresses record cleaning, also shows the use of a carbon fiber brush.

I've been using a Hunt-style brush for 3-4 years without grunge buildup on the felt. Perhaps the pre-ultrasound cleaned records were dirtier than supposed?

against this one:

https://www.ursa-major.eu/#

I've been thinking of getting a replacement for my brush, and I was thinking of maybe getting a goat hair brush instead, as my current brush seems to actually add static electricity. Any thoughts?

I have this old model of the brush. I hold it by the plastic bristle guard when using it, because if I hold it by the metal label part, I get "pop pop pop pop pop..." through the speakers. I dont understand electricity...

Brush should be held with narrow side facing the record,then gently moved across the record with little pressure,up on to the label then lifted up.
People forget there only two grooves on an LP.

The Decca 2+2 even has a Arrow on the top showing which way to move it.

This brush is available from Sears, of all places!

http://www.sears.com/audioquest-anti-static-carbon-fiber-record-brush-tv...

If you're wearing rubber soles, you're not grounded, right? So unless my basic science is failing me, there's no path to ground and the whole theory behind the brush goes out the window.

So I bought one, arrived today and I must say I'm a little disappointed in the flimsy construction compared to the original. The original had a sturdy metal cover, this one has a flimsy plastic thing that falls off half the time when you use it. Cleans ok though.

then I'm interested. i've been waiting for 3 months for this thing to drop to see if its worth it. I use all of the main brushes... the Hunt EDA 6 is the best IMO, but MF correctly stated that it grunges up over time. I use the Big Brush for quick dusting; it's just as easy and a bit quicker for fast swipes of dust missed the first time round. It also allows for getting around the spindle very quickly as well.

I don't think it matters what type or brand of fibers one uses- I think they all work well once one cleans the record with a wet machine initially. If not, then the firm brushes would work better, no question.

Again, I am most interested to see if the brush does contain static electricity. I think the Zerostats are super-expensive vs. the 80's pricing when I last purchased it, and I really do NOT want another accessory or additional accessory to clean or prep records every time I listen.

Dry brush cantilever, dry brush record, Stylast.. GO.

I live in Florida. What's "static"?

I have an AQ brush pushing 35 years that I don't use and needs thrown away because the cleaning strip on the handle has undergone rubber rot and pieces crumble off onto the brush.

Typically I clean a record with an antistatic brush before each playing, and give a wet machine cleaning when first acquired and as needed. Lately I've been using the Hunt but I also have, I think, a Deccca branded brush similar to the AQ, that doesn't work as well as the Hunt. But maybe I'll try the new AQ, adding to my brush collection. Giving away to a poor collector is probably a good idea.

And, no, I never let my oily fingers touch the bristles, even when cleaning my records of Beethoven's oily string quartets.

I just received mine....it's the bomb.

Unarguably the top of the heap.

Thank so much, Have used a record brush for 40 years and will continue to do so!
Read more at http://hoatuoishop.net/

My Decca record brush still looks and works just like it did in the mid 80's . And yes, it conducts perfectly well according to my DMM.
So, I am always smiling when I see imitations of the original, and I am grinning after reading this article.