The Truth About the Zerostat Anti-Static Gun
HTML-код
- Опубликовано: 17 окт 2024
- Placebo? Snake oil? Gimmick? Waste of money? Are any of the things true? The Zerostat anti-static gun has been around for decades. Have we been being fooled all along? Today I reveal the answer.
Buy a Joy of Vinyl t-shirt! : www.etsy.com/s...
Find out more at JoyOfVinyl.com
Written & Produced by Rick Coste
You can learn more about Rick and his work at RickCoste.com
I have a Zerostat Anti-Static Gun from the 1970's and is is red with a metal trigger. The gun was sold with a Discwasher brand and has extensive directions on the back of the box. It says it should take about 2 seconds to squeeze in, pause 2 seconds and release taking about 2 seconds. It says to do it as many times as it takes and that the last release should be aimed away from the record. It also states the distance should be between 10 and 20 inches and record should not "earthed". It still works. I almost forgot I had this until I saw your video.
Thanks for weighing in on that, Jim. It sounds like the folks who marketed it were much better at it than they are now (re: directions and all). I should also do an update on it as I've heard a few times, you included, that the last squeeze should be pointed away. It makes sense when I think about it too. Thanks for that!
I used to work for International Jensen Inc. back in the 1980’s when IJI bought Discwasher. I still have and use the Discwasher set of cleaning products. The set came with an owner’s manual; pages 12 through 16 explain in much detail how to use the Zerostat.
@@itube1893 Do you still have that manual? If you and wouldn't mind taking some pictures of it, I'd love to have them.
Hi, Rick. As a matter of fact, I have a pdf of the entire 16 page Discwasher Diskit owner’s manual, which covers the record brush use, the stylus brush use, and the Zerostat use. I’d be glad to share it with you (but not the whole world); how can I send you a copy?
-Larry
@@itube1893 Thanks Larry. I'd really appreciate that. I'd love to do an update on the Zerostat. You can see my email on this page to the left of the contact form - rickcoste.com/contact/
I have a red one that must be at least 25 years old. The instructions say to point the gun at three different points (like a triangle) approx 12" away. Squeeze and release at these 3 points and then point at the center and squeeze, then remove the gun to release. I like what you showed with the tpilet paper test which I will try myself. Great job!
Very cool that you still have those directions, Mark. I might do a follow-up as I've heard just what you said about the final release pointing away (which makes complete sense).
Mine is probably 40 years old, but there was a 20 year gap in there when it wasn't used.
I do 3 squeezes, with the record on the turntable. 10, 2, and 6 o'clock, release the third squeeze pointing away.
I use a similar technique with a rechargeable candle lighter. That works, too.
Anti-static poly sleeves help a lot to keep static levels down.
I keep hearing similar things about the lighter trick. That’s wild. With my luck I’d set my record on fire.🔥 😂😂
Mine is red and still works....
I've always placed the record on the turntable... been doing it that way since the late 70's. I let the album spin while doing it.
I've used one for years. It definitely helps. I recently purchased a Degritter mkll that not only quiets the vinyl remarkably well but a secondary bonus is the vinyl is resistant to static effects. Happy listening 🎶
Happy listening to you as well! The Degritter is on my wish list :)
It's not snake oil if it works. I've got an original red Zerostat gun. When I put a record on and drop the needle, if I hear loud static pops right off the bat, I know the album has static build up. While it's spinning on the turntable I give it four slow shots of the Zerostat. I then put the needle back on the record, and the pops are gone--every single time. The sun rises in the east and sets in the west, and the Zerostat solves static issues. Fact.
Cheers to that Craig! 🍺
I can personally attest to the fact that this thing actually works. I used it on my old Beatles albums that could never lose their static before, even after properly cleaning them, and using the gun on the records as instructed removed 95% of the static!
Besides, I don't think it would be around for so long and be so expensive if it didn't work.
Thank you for the feedback! Cheers 🍺
I am now using the Furutech Destat III. I used to have one like yours and wore it out over time. The Destat III runs on 4 AA size batteries. Eventually I'd like to upgrade to the anti-static device from DS Audio. Now that's class!! Check it out.
So as its get colder in the NE my heat's been coming on with its attendant static issues leading me to research the Zerostat. I wind up on this video and was dumbfounded. Wait, the Evolution Talk guy? WHOA! Very happy to have found a vinyl channel with your brains behind it. And my new Zerostat is working wonderfully used as you describe (with no help from the non-existent "manual").
Hi Jack! I'm glad you found the channel and love the fact that you know about Evolution Talk 😀
I've been pulling my zerostat out with every record now that my heat has been kicking on (NH here). It's going to be a long, cold winter.
Great instructions, so few of those. Used one for years and so glad I have it. You can use it to remove/reduce static in other items, not just records, which I've found useful
Thanks Jon!
Yes. I also use it to reduce coffee ground static on a grinder
This is hysterical. I thought I was supposed to leave the tip on.
oops!
i needed to know specifically if it works better zapping it off the turnable and finally got answer here. thanks again.
Cheers!🍺
My boyfriend’s dad gave me one. I pulled the trigger and it shocked me. 😂 this is why I found your video. Considering it shocked me, I am confident it does something. 😂 thanks for making this
Ouch! A friend of mine used to run around zapping his friends with it when he was younger 🤣🤣🤣.
Thanks for stopping by!
Absolutely agree this works though I lost mine years ago, I need another! One thing, if you use a brush after the zerostat it can put static back on your vinyl, I think some brushes claim to be anti-static generating but you'd need to check. The toilet roll experiment looks perfect to check. Always best to play with little or no static, also argue to close the deck lid if you have one as that's the time dust will be attracted as well as helping to isolate the playback from the sound pressure. All simple logic. PS, without the properties of crystals we would not have watches (remember the quartz watch revolution?), smart phones, computers....pretty much any modern electronics, they all use crystals as their base clocks.
Hi Nigel! The power of crystals 😂
True on the brushes. I only use an anti-static brush. The one I use comes from AudioQuest. Static is a never-ending battle here in the Northeast.
Yep, mine is red and still works. Purchased somewhere in the mid-seventies along with a Discwasher.
They seem to last forever from what I'm hearing - thanks, Turner! 🍺
That was great for those that ever got that far. I have an original red ZeroStat set with a wooden-backed dust brush and wooden base. It's worked for over 40 years. If you wear a cheap ground strap it increases the effect too.
It's a bit overpaid but it can help
I have the Orignal ZeroStat 3 that I purchased in 1983 while station in Germany. The unit was made in England and it still works to this day.
@@rogerdjs I have a set on a wood platform. What color is yours, mine is red.
Red
Original zero stat was white!
Thank you for this video! I still have 1 that came with my "Disc Washer" kit in the 70s
Have you used it recently? Curious if it still works. If so that’s a great feather in its cap!
Collected those old kits until I grew tired of it. Don't have an old Zerostat that won't still work. Even have a few still in their plastic display hangers.
A piëzo electric crystal isn't anything magic. It's a well known type of crystal material that produces a small amount of electricity when it's deformed. When electricity is applied to the crystal, it deforms itself. The material is used in cheap tweeters in loudspeaker, and is known as a piëzo tweeter. It's also used in gas-lighters to produce a small spark to when the trigger is pulled, to ignite the gas.
Thank you for posting this!
Also, it was/still is, used in the cheaper ceramic pick-up cartridges. A small rubber gasket translates the vibrations picked up by the stylus on the cantilever, and by being attached at the other end to the small ceramic bar (mono), or bars (stereo) these vibrations cause micro bending and twisting in the piezo crystal/s, generating a small electrical current.
Nowadays they're almost always what are used on the cheap suitcase players, and so on....! 😉
Yep😊
Recommendation: Use zerostat on your turntable mat and platter too
I just got into this hobby a few months back. I live in northern Michigan so I'll need one of these before winter.
Absolutely loved the Bond stuff and your science experiments!
😆Had fun with that. Thank you for watching!
best instructions i've found. thank you for this.
Welcome, Tom!
Just found your channel because I was given Zerostat as a gift and wanted to know more about how to use it. Thanks for the informative video. I’ll take your suggestions when I first use my Zerostat.
I’m thrilled to hear that. Thank you for sharing! Let me know how it goes and if you have any questions.
I bought one of these back in 1982 and wore it out. It was originally red and it did come with instructions back then. Your procedures are about spot on. The instructions, as I remember them, are the fourth and last trigger squeeze you're supposed to aim at the middle of the record take it a few inches away slowly pull away, and then point away while releasing the trigger. Why? I really couldn't tell you as that was too many years ago! 🤣🤣 I now have the same blue one you have and it works fine.
I've seen folks demonstrate that as well - the pointing away at the end. I couldn't find a valid reason why. Haven't given up looking though. For now the method I settled on seems to do the trick. It would be nice to have a one click solution :)
Wore one out?? Kudos for the use....supposed to click so many thousand times before dying. My friends used to run around and shock people with them. Given the cost and the fact that they do wear out, not a good plan.
@@TheJoyofVinylRecordsI read someone saying the last squeeze leaves a positive charge that will repel dust from the record.
I've been playing LPs on decent gear since the mid 70s and even used to have a Zerostat. The problem is that whenever I buy a new record it nearly always has the occasional click or pop and no matter how much I clean it, whatever the method used, nor how much I deal with static, those same flaws always remain exactly the same. I'm not saying you shouldn't clean records (that would be absurd), because far and away the worst effect on sound is when the stylus becomes clogged with dust - and there will also be issues with accelerated wear on the groove and stylus - but I long ago came to the conclusion that these imperfections on brand new records are actually due to minute contaminations of the vinyl at the time of pressing. Certainly, on a new record, there is very rarely any evidence of a scratch where the pop appears. Modern pressings do seem to be slightly better in this regard than stuff was in the 70s, but I only own one record that is completely free of clicks and pops (a fairly recent pressing of Abbey Road). Interestingly, that record also has the lowest surface noise of any that I own, which suggests to me that it was simply made using a less contaminated batch of vinyl and in a very clean environment.
I'm with you on everything you stated, Roger. New records come with far more surface noise than records I've purchased in the past. Japanese pressings (if cared for) are practically dead silent, even in the lead-in groove. It most likely speaks to what you said - the contaminants in the batch used in _some_ plants.
I was showing off my zerostat to my friends with the little sparky tip that it includes for proving it does something, and I got a nasty electric shock! It was short and weak, but it was sharp. The sparky tip stopped sparking and now the inside of the gun sparks when you pull the trigger. Still gets rid of record static though!
😂😂😂
I have one from the 1970s, I haven't used it for a while now but it still worked around 2005. Up until then it had regular use - it emitted a quiet whine in use which showed it was working, but only if you squeezed and released slowly. Good device which worked for around 30 years.
I was always skeptical and now I use it with every play 🍺
Thanks for your time enlightening us how to use it. I have one and works pretty well but I’d like to know if you employ an special pattern to release the ion streams. Me for instance, use an X pattern to do it and works fine but somebody told me a swirl movement would do better so what’s on your mind? Cheers!
I don't use a pattern. Something I'd read mentioned holding the zerostat about 16 inches away from the record and it will hit the whole thing. I wish I knew for sure. That being said - I think your way is just as good.
Hi Rick... thanks for your videos. Quick follow up, do you run the gun before playing every record? I also noticed you did it four times from same place, same distance. Is that what you found works best from your research? some suggest 12 / 3 / 6 & 9 o'clock with the last one getting away.
Hi! yes - I do do it every time. Now it’s just habit (after doing it for so long). I typically do just point it at one spot from about 12 inches away. Something I had read said it spreads outwards and will cover the surface.
That being said I do need to do an update. Someone sent me an old manual from the early 80s that has a better explanation which indicates it should be pointed away at the final release.
Nice and concise I may have to get one myself. Thanks for sharing your research.
You're welcome, John!
Hi, l purchased a Zerostat 70s or 80s ( can’t remember which) .I used it all the time up to 2000 ( on Hifi ), then from 2200 up to today. I tried the fluorescent lamp test - no good, so I tried the toilet paper which worked well . The poor old Zerostat is a yellow now, it was white but still working well.
Hey Richard ! That's a testament to their longevity for sure :)
I've got one of the old original red ones and it's still working great. I guess it must be 30 years old now.
Thanks for the vid . I ordered it , used it and it works . Hopefully holds up till I return to the source 😀
Cheers! 🍺
Thanks for taking the time to prove that this gizmo actually works! No thanks to Milty. Anyway your brilliantly sane appraisal convinced me to reset my relationship with Zero S.
Very briefly here’s my story: A few years back I had a Zerostat. However after a fruitless few months with it I lost the faith. A rather long winding never ending story! Fast forward to the present and here I am with the Zerostat back in my life thanks to you Rick! This time though I’m having a ball. Static free of course! Having said all that though I’ve discovered something that I feel I should pass on. The ‘toilet’ paper trick is a great idea simply because it proves it works. Every time. So I have one leaf of it on the side of my hi fi unit with a metal disc holding it in place. Heres my ritual for what it’s worth:
1. Gently clean the record first on the turntable with my trusty Legend brush.
2. Remove record and like Rick shows zap it in situ. Just the once. Depress slowly. Release slowly. That’s it!
3. Play record.
4. Remove record when finished and zap it again before returning to sleeve. This is assuming you only play one side otherwise repeat above again.
So in summary I’ve found only ONE ZAP is enough then another, as per above, at the end. How do I know for sure? This is where I use the ‘toilet’ paper trick to check each time I zap it. Brilliant! Now I have perfect peace of mind knowing it works every single time! Happy days 😅
This is great, Dermot! Thanks for adding to it. The one thing I haven't done is zapping it before putting it back in its sleeve. I'll have to add that. I'll try one zap as well.
Thanks again! 🍺
You’re welcome Rick! At the end of the day it’s just another ritual to keep us happy! I forgot to say that the paper is a brilliant way to actually check that some of the static is removed. By ‘some’ I concur with your own findings namely that it’s impossible to remove ALL of the static. So there’s no point being anal about the paper ritual! What I do after I remove a record from its sleeve is I immediately check its static quota with the paper. Most times it’ll fly out straight away towards the record but not so when zapped as I recommended above. The sheer thrill of not seeing the paper fly out is priceless! Yet when you then play the record it becomes charged again 😢hence it needs to be zapped again. Just the once. What are we like lol????????
Oh I forgot to say that humidity probably plays a huge part in determining how many times you depress the zapper.
I had something close in the 70's and it worked well.
Nice overview, thank you for the info!
Welcome!
i have been using GRUV-Glide, ever since I saw it on Stereophile's Recommended Components in the late 1980s. I use this, along with the Feickert's Dereneville Anti-Static Mat... this two combination ... no MORE static ever !
also use the Audioquest carbon fiber brush...
I've heard good things about that mat!
I'm betting that within 30 seconds the static is back. You can also get a tone arm looking device with a grounded brush fixed to it that is supposed to remove the static right before the needle passes through the groove. Does it work? I dunno. You tell me.
It does come back. I've tested that. It's a neverending battle. You can't eliminate it but all you can do is minimize it. Almost as soon as it starts spinning there is static re-introduced.
The guy who comes up with the PVC additive that eliminates static is gonna get quite wealthy. Unfortunately it won't be me.@@TheJoyofVinylRecords
I own the same model as shown in the video. I absolutely believe in its functionality, but I personally found it more successful in removing a carpet, made of synthetic fibers, that was in front of my system. Added to this is that since then I only touch my records (may sound funny but believe me) when I'm barefoot or in socks and have therefore extremely reduced the electrostatic charges...
If you use it correctly...it works exceptionally well. Dont let it click in either direction and you are goldent as long as holding record suspended and not doing on your turntable. It is a demonstrable change when used as directed...
Exactly, Ron!
Been using for years. It works. Expressly important on records over 30 years old.
As an electrical engineer, it is absolutely a snake oil pitch. You're essentially using pressure (pulling the handle) to act as the input force of the "piezoelecric" to sort of "order" ions and create a single stream of positive ions, this can seem like it's working as it can knock off excess, but as you said yourself it can also have the opposite effect which is to actually cause positive ions to stick to the medium. Releasing the handle doesn't release negative ions, it just discontinues the force input, which doesn't really do much of anything, it just stops doing what it was doing. Just use already existing tools or make one yourself that does a better job, you want to ionize, sending positive AND negative ions, the problem with the ionizer approach is if you're doing it whilst playing (which would be optimal) you could be introducing more drag due to the force of the air being pushed.
Baring in mind, what makes a snake oil pitch, a snake oil pitch, is that it does do something... It's being sold as a miracle cure-all and THE SOLUTION. When in fact there already exists a solution, and it's an ionizer. These kinds of things all exist within factories that produce large amounts of plastic and even in vinyl production too.
Stop complicating things 🤣
And this is exactly why i created this channel. Thank you for weighing in. It means a lot that you took the time and actually responded with experience and knowledge. Cheers 🍻
I was looking at this video for this info. Seems like snake oil and if it isn’t seems like it could be cheaper for a non nitch (vinyl) hobby
Would connecting a wire to an anti static brush where the bristles touch the metal handle and the other end to ground work to discharge the static? Seems like the simplest solution. Or just clicking a stick lighter with a piezo at it? 😂
Hey Rick, I really enjoyed the James Bond intro. Big Bond fan. It seems crazy they didn't put instructions in the packaging for how to use it properly. Thanks for the information and demo. This looks like a good tool for further reducing static and the resulting pops and cracks. I think I'll ask for one for my upcoming 60th birthday. My wife will buy me something I don't need otherwise 😂.
Huge Bond fan here too. Been one since Live and Let Die came out when I was 6. And yes - that would make a great gift!
Works for me … another great video 👍
Thank you!
I started using the Zerostat gun in the 80s when Discwasher sold it as a red Zerostat gun. Definitely quiets the "pops" heard during vinyl playback. I hold the LP ~8" away and hit it 2 times with the gun. I'll try it with 4 times and see if there is any difference. Also works on separating clinging socks from the dryer 😉
That's too funny. I'm going to try it on the socks :)
I have one from the 1970s, and mine is black.
@@videotrexx I remember the black ones! I never thought of them as being tied to date issued.....except that the red ones are all vintage now. I have at least six of them from my past efforts to collect Dishwasher sets.
When I first got one of these, I was skeptical. To test it, I blew up a ballon and tried to make it stick on the wall. It fell down.
Then I rubbed it on my hair, and then it stuck right onto the wall. I used the zerostat on the balloon and the balloon immediately dropped to the ground. Doing this over and over also helped me understand it's limitations.
Very nice and great way to test it! I was skeptical too and it took me years to finally break down and try it out. Now I use it daily.
Hey Rick, I agree re the lack of instructions for the Zerostat. Just ridiculous. I was also confused about the tip of the gun and the plastic tip so thanks for clearing that up.
You mentioned the reason for the plastic tip was for testing the gun. But, unless I missed it, you don't actually explain how it tests the gun. Also; The gun carries a warning about letting children handle it. Is the gun capable of causing an electric shock? As for the use. I actually use mine with the record on the turntable and spinning. I hold the gun approx 30cm above the spinning record and press the trigger approx 4 times, as you detailed.. Seems to work very well.
Hi Steve! You know - you're right! I did neglect to say how it tests the gun. I should probably correct that with a short video - not everyone has a fluorescent bulb in a closet to test it.
The Zerostat actually does produce a small electric shock. It's not painful (I've done it to myself) but it must be why the warning about children handling it.
I should also test it the way you do it. That would be more convenient than holding it.
I have used mine for years and would not be without it. Also you can hear it working when you press the trigger both ways ,if it is quiet enough.
Great little tool - it's become essential with every playback. Cheers, Ron!
So I used it holding the record and while Kleenex stuck to it at first when I zapped it fell right off. However after brushing the dust off and putting it on the turn table and taking it back off it stuck to it again. What order should I do all this? Put it on the player first, then zap it and then brush it. I assume I have to do this every time?
Hi Max! Yes - it is a pain in the a$$. There will never be a point where we beat static. I zap it before going on the turntable to minimize static during play. I zap it again when I turn it over for the second side. Just putting it in the mat collects static. The mat’s material matters as well depending on where it falls on the triboelectric scale - acrylic being the best.
Some folks zap it before going back in the anti-static sleeve. I haven’t yet but it’s a good idea.
@@TheJoyofVinylRecords should I brush it after zapping it to get off any dust that the static attracted prior to the zap?
@@maxfischer469 I do. Some folks say it re-introduces static, which it probably does, but doing so before, with static present, just pushes the dust around and not off in my opinion. There's no way to win , just to minimize.
Great video, and I see a lot of kindred souls in the comments. I've had one of the classic Red Zerostats, probably from the early 80s ( Anyone remember Pacific Stereo?), that came with the deluxe Discwasher package. It's been in a drawer for decades and I was never sure it if it was too old to work or ever dod anything in the first place. Your flourecent tube test is brilliant, I'll be trying that tonight.
That's awesome Mark! Let me know how it goes.
@@TheJoyofVinylRecords It worked! I took it out to the garage and even in mixed light (not total darkness) the fluorescent bulbs in a shop light clearly reacted on both the squeeze and release.
@@MarkBolt-r1y Thanks for the update, Mark!
I use it often as it definitely removes the static charge from my vinyl. Always... pull slowww and release slowww
Big thumbs up for the thumbnail! 😃
Lol - thanks! I had fun with this one.
I'll probably bite the bullet and pick one of these up eventually. I'm assuming you need to treat both sides of the record; if so, do you do both sides before playback, or do you do a side, play it, and then treat the other side immediately before playback?
Hey, Seth! I treat one side before playback and then the other before playback. It's worked for me that way.
When I sold hi-fi in the 70's I sold a lot of Zerostats. They really worked, but I never bought one myself. Too expensive. But about two years ago I bought two of those electronic candle lighters for $19 for the same purpose - and they really work. How do I know? Before zapping them, I would put the record next to my arm and the hair would raise up fiercely. After zapping the record, none. Zero. Nada. But you need to do it while you are holding the record in your hand. I just turn it on and "wave" it an inch or so over the record in a couple of circles and draw it away about a foot before turning it off.
Oh, and it also lights candles! 🤣
One complaint: Battery life is abysmal. I can treat only ten or so records before it needs a recharge. But there are two so it's not a problem. They charge pretty fast.
That’s incredible. First I’ve ever heard of that. Lots of firsts today!.
I use mine with the record on the platter (not sure if it matters but it's acrylic platter), definitely is quieter.
I don't think it matters significantly, but I also suspect the acrylic platter comes into play. It's way less prone to static as it is.
It seems like if the vinyl record generates negative ions, you would only want to provide positive ions to neutralize. So it seems you should release the trigger somewhere not in the vicinity of the record?
You might be on to something. I’ve wondered about that myself but had good luck without pointing it away. What you’re saying makes sense though. I think I’ll try some tests on that.
The directions I was given say to hold the Zerostat 12" above the record and slowly squeeze and release the trigger 3 times (every 120 degrees) around the record. On the 4th squeeze over the center of the record you slowly squeeze the trigger but you then point the Zerostat away from the record to release the trigger. Done.
Hi Ian! Where did your instructions come from? Just curious. As you stated - I've started to point it away after the 4th squeeze on release as well.
@@TheJoyofVinylRecords They came with my Zerostat when I bought my Discwasher kit that came in a wood display case along with record and stylus cleaning brushes and fluids. Late 70's IIRC.
@@ianaintsaying1625 Good to know - thank you!
I have owned one since the 80s and I swear by it
I still have (and use) my original Discwasher Zerostat (red model)
The "Forever-Gun" 😎
how do we measure the static before and after? And while holding your record you isolate it from other sources, but you also producing static just holding it... So... Maybe we will have more static produced than reduced??
The Zerostat will reduce the static present before playback, but will never completely eliminate it. It's a never ending battle and static will always have a leg up.
@@TheJoyofVinylRecords So why we even try to fight if static moves to the other side of the record while on plate, and we already store and wash our vinyl properly?
@@seedney It's only about reduction. It can never be eliminated unfortunately. Static is our enemy.
Won't washing your record in some humminguru reduce static better? Do I need both?
The Humminguru will definitely help if you're putting it into an anti-static sleeve after cleaning. As soon as you play it and handle it, it will collect static. Depending on the environment it could be minimal but there's always some static collected.
Anyone know what a grill click button ignitor would do? Seems like it's just that with a little fan that blows the charged air as you squeeze the trigger..but hence the clicks, and even they say it's just a piezo...just wondering
Interesting idea Landon. I don't know.
first 2 I bought broke; third one has lasted my entire adult life (40+ years); still works; triangle/point away 4th time release is it. Just started using the Dstat 3; its much easier and you only have to use it once for both sides!
I need to check out the Dstat!
good info
Suggestion. If you’re having company over, stream or play a CD instead. Prepping a NASA space launch takes less time. That said, I’m a sucker who will probably buy one.
Lol. 😂😂😂😂. You get the prize today for making me laugh. "NASA space launch" - perfect summation.
I saw your excellent thumbnail and knew this was the Zerostat video for me.
I just got one, and yes, the instructions are lousy. No explanation of what the hell that tip was. Thanks for explaining that, first off.
I have been fiddling with it and was getting good results. I definitely was not getting static-y records, but I wasn't sure if I was doing my best work. I could hear it doing "something" inside, plus the trigger would get much more loose after the first pull. The first pull is usually stiff. And I go slow each time. The damn instructions at least mentioned to go slow pulling and releasing.
And I have been holding the discs while using the gun. I did not want to hit the turntable with it. I know there are also considerations with regard to grounding. So I got that right.
One question, do I only need to hit one side four times? Or is it four times on each side? And would hitting the second side negate what I did on the first side?
Hi John!
I'm glad this helped. I still shake my head at their lack of directions.
Four times per side. I do it four times on Side A - play it, then Four times on the second side before playing. So eight total.
Hope that helps!
@@TheJoyofVinylRecords Excellent, thanks!
nice vid, where did you get the info about the proper usage?
Thanks! A ton of researching and discarding things that didn’t make sense and combining things that did.
I don't own one. I haven't had a bad problem with static but I do use a Record Doctor goat hair brush that seems to work pretty good. I also use Vinyl Fever record sleeves, that I believe helps with static. Now if someone could create a gun 🔫 that would remove harshness and distortion from bad sounding records, let me be the first in line to buy.
I’d be in line for that one as well!
I live in a dry environment. My records are very clean. But sometimes I will hrar loud pops when playing even new lps. That's disconcerting. I'll have to pick up one of these. Thanks.
It should definitely help in a dry environment, Nick. Do you also clean them when they come in (new and used)?
@@TheJoyofVinylRecords I use a nittygritty 1.5 cleaning machine I've had about 30 years. I have several thousand lps and make sure to clean each one before I play it. Works great and doesn't take long. Then I can use a brush before I play it again. My lps are mostly without scratches and I don't hear a lot of crackles while playing. In fact I get rid of them if I do.
@@astolatpere11 You are most assuredly all set with the NittyGritty. Great machine!
So after much research I came up with an inexpensive anti static method. With the lp turning on the tt, I spritz a fine brush with distilled water out of a spray mister. One turn on the platter seems to do the trick. Cheap and easy.
I will only add that you try not to press/pull the trigger quickly to make the clicking sound with the Milty. Quartz crystal(SiO2) has the amazing property of producing an electrical charge when squeezed and that's just what's happening here. I've seen Zerostat's break from overdoing it; squeezing the trigger too fast and too often. But, like my fifty year old gun that this happened to forty years ago, I opened it up and rotated the crystal mechanism slightly(boy this was so long ago and I'm not exactly sure how much I rotated it), but it started to work again just fine and today, if I point it at the four-foot fluorescent bulbs in the basement they light right up. I'll run out of charge b-4 this thing ever does.
That's really cool. Thanks for sharing that. I hope my gun lasts half that long!
Should this process be done on both sides of a record?
Yes. The way I do it is Side 1 first, then when I flip to play Side 2 I do it too that side before playing it.
Guy had a static 'meter' on RUclips....tried all variations of Zerostat use lore. Found the best position was 8" from the center and four trigger pulls. If it clicks while you're pulling it, you're pulling too fast, repeat. Discwasher used to supply a test light to test your unit. Another fun way is to shock your friends....proof of working unit.
I think I saw that video! Vinyl Attack I think.
@@TheJoyofVinylRecords Heavy set guy with a beard, I won't mention his name because I think he's a pretentious snob. Yeah, we got into it....definitely a 'You gotta PAY big to play' guy.
Well Rick thank you for info… there was me clicking away like a man possessed
James Bond had to show me the proper way...
If you rub a balloon on your head (assuming you have clean, dry, non-oily hair) and stick it to the wall then use the Zerostat you can drop the balloon off the wall, so yes it works… a bit. The absolute best thing to do to remove static is to use water or liquid record cleaner and suck it off with a vacuum cleaner to remove the static charge for years. I have a video on RUclips that shows you how to make one really cheaply using a shop wet vac, stamp dryer/paint pad a piece of nylon/pvc pipe and some duct tape or you can just go get yourself a record doctor or an Okki Nokki for $800. Make sure your cleaning solution uses 99% alcohol, distilled water and a splash of jet dry for emulsification to get in the grooves and stick to that pesky dust, then when the liquid is sucked off, it sucks the dust with it and also removes 100% of the static for over a year as long as you’re using rice paper or antistatic record sleeves. Your welcome.
Thanks Joe! Great video by the way. I agree - the wet-wash does help tremendously.
I have an original one that I’ve been using since 1979. I can tell you it is not snake oil. One time while I was dusting the house I ran the cloth over the cover of my turntable while the needle was on the record playing. The arm lifted straight up and stuck to the lid. Static electricity from the cloth caused this. I thought oh sh** what I do if I lift the lid? the needle will fall down. Then I thought about the zero stat. I used it on the record arm that was stuck to the lid and it slowly dropped back down onto the record. It eliminated the static electricity.
You can also test it by sticking your finger at the end and squeezing the trigger. You will get zapped.
😂😂😂 I've been zapped many times (on purpose). That's wild about the arm sticking to the lid
The toilet paper is in on the conspiracy. 😅
I’ve had one for years-one of many mysterious objects collected over the eons-and thought it was a weapon that required the opponent to stand still and not move while it was being applied, which never really made sense, lol.
Thanks! Finally I know what it is for!!!
😂😂 Toilet paper is ALWAYS in on the conspiracies that abound 😂😂
my two cents is that using the anti stat while the record is on a plate display stand maximizes the effect ten fold as opposed to holding the record on your hand, Not sure what the readings would be but the auditory is very noticeable.
I’ll try that. Thank you for the suggestion!
I forgot to add I tried on a wooden holder and a plastic one and the plastic one gave me better results, I guess it gets it closer to neutral space @@TheJoyofVinylRecords
Are you hitting it with 4 squeezes and releases or 4 squeezes and 3 releases with the release pointed away? @@similarprisoners3661
update - I ended up doing 4 shots with the last one released away, and you were right it makes a huge difference (specially in naturalizing vocals) hitting all 4 shots on the same spot, on the label close to the spindle but slightly off south east direction ended up being the sweet spot for me, try using something to stabilize your wrist to hit 4 shots in the same spot that really maximized the results to a new tier.
P.S. latex gloves help not to add anything that might alter results back on to the record after the zero stat process
Does it make £60 worth of difference in terms of how records sound?
Hi Sandy! That's hard to say. I can say it does help with the static so, for me, it was worth the money and it took me years to actually spend the money to try it out. Now that I've seen the difference I use it with every play.
@@TheJoyofVinylRecords Thanks. That's helpful. I might just pull the trigger and get one.
I seem to remember back in the day that simply "wet" cleaning a record would also eliminate static. I've not tested it for decades, though. I just assumed using my discwasher wet was eliminating static.
I wet clean everything but of course they are dry by the time I play them and exposed to all the things.
All I did to test mine is rub a record on a cloth and then drop some hairs in it, which stick. Then stand it up, fire the Zerostat at it, and watch the hairs fall off - just like the toilet paper. I use it every time.
That's a great test. I was going to use shredded styrofoam, which seems to be everywhere, but couldn't find any :)
Bought mine in the 70s. To show how old it is it has “Made in England” in big blue letters. It definitely came with instructions.
Wow - that speaks to a quality build. Still use it?
From time to time.
I've seen another guy do experiments with statics. It seems just having the record on the platter sucks some of the static away. Living in a wet climate (Washington State), I've never had much problem with it.
I've gotten back into vinyl recently, although I never completely went away. So much of today's music is phony, if not in very bad taste. Part of the impetus is just playing the old stuff of quality. And that syncs very nicely with vinyl.
From what I gather after watching various RUclipsrs is that there are many elements of a fetish attached to being an "audiophile." I like listening to good music through good systems as well, but so many take it to bizarre extremes.
I think an awful lot of audio BS is transmitted online. Most is probably harmless, even fun to engage in. But I'd love more objective measurements of some of this stuff. Change the stylus after every 1000 plays? Okay. But show me the photos of the worn needles first.
Same with static. Same with all kinds of other stuff. Especially after having spent a lot of money on something, it's very easy to convince oneself that something sounds better. I love the mention in another video where you recommend Amazon Basics RCA cables. There are a few like you who go nuts on the hifi but still retain a sense of perspective. I like the balance.
Ive done everything i can to reduce static nothing seems to help. I even bought the Zerostat and hasn't made much of a difference. The only last ditch effort is i bought a humidifier for my dry Condo
Hi David - I think you're on the right track with the humidifier. It will definitely make a difference.
They are very good if you have back pain and click it directly on the pain location...thank me later
😂😂😂I’ll have to try that
Had one in the seventies, it 'worked' a bit, after a fashion, but was not a permanent solution. That other Milty product, Permastat was...my LPs from then - nearly fifty years ago - are still static free, and play in exactly the same condition as when they were treated. Used properly (scare stories are by people who didn't apply it correctly!) it'll protect your vinyl like nothing else.
That's interesting. I never knew Milty once offered another product for static mitigation.
@@TheJoyofVinylRecords Yes, it was a spray applied to the surfaces....which for some rules it out from the start....but this one actually worked! I've tried others since - as Permastat was discontinued, oh, 20 years ago, I think - but none worked like this. Recently I managed to buy two complete kits from Holland....these should see me out!
I have a very large vinyl collection (I used to own a record store) and wouldn't recommend it if it had any adverse effects to either disc or stylus...but one has to be meticulous in the procedure necessary to obtain good results.
@@rogerwebb7501 Thanks for this info, Roger!
4 times a side, or 4 times pointed at one side only?
The way it’s worked for me is 4 slow squeeze’s on one side. Then before playing the second side I repeat it. Hope
That makes sense
I do own a zerstate, but I really don't know if it helps- I guess I'm not a true audiophile. However, the piezo effect is NOT magic. I'm not trying to imply the zerostat isn't snake oil but..... anyone who owns a digital watch 'knows' the "magic" of the piezo effect; in reverse. When a crystal is put under pressure it oscillates at a given frequency( motion=energy/ electricity). The reverse is also true. Run a current through a crystal it oscillates at a given frequency= the timing mechanism of a digital watch. I believe the makers of zerostat would like you to believe that putting the crystal under a change of pressure ( squeezing slowly on the handle) creates the flow of whatever( ions) that neutralizes the static electricity. Obviously there are gaps in my knowledge of how this is an effective anti-static method so I cannot empirically (?) State the validity of the zerostat. I own one, I use it- but I really don't know how well, or even how it works. Just wanted to shed some light on the piezo effect. Thanks for the video.
Thanks for sharing as well!
Now that you've owned the Zerostat for a while, can you give us an update on your experience?
Hi Simon! I actually plan to do another video on it, but since you asked - I use it before every play. It's routine now (a good one) 🍺
Oh my god I thought the tip should be on while using. How dumb am I 😂
You're not dumb at all - they just fail to include directions and leave it to us to figure out !
I must be old! Mine is white. Our son is still using it and it DOES work.
That's awesome. I don't think I've ever seen a white one 😎
Do the pepper on the album test. Put pepper ona white piece of paper . Dry rub the album with a microfibre towel, then hover the album a few inches from the pepper and watch the album suck up the pepper. Now repeat that test except after you rub the record use the gun then hover. If it works? there should be no reaction
That's a new one to me. Cheers, JohnnY!
Caution: Keep out of reach of children.
I can't tell you how many times I've been shocked by one of those (self-inflicted and by others).
I'm not even sure I really used it for anything but that...
Now I need to try that
There ya go, the male way. ;-)
Easy test, if you have hair on your arms, point the zero stat and press, you can feel the change.
Had mine since the 70s
Cheers Mike!
Why would you not demonstrate?
Hi William. I assume you mean playing the music? Channels are being hit by copyright infringement for doing so. A friend of mine lost his channel.
I have been using a plasma arc electric lighter with good results alot cheaper for the price
Someone else mentioned the same thing. I have never heard about that. I need to check that out.
Now, you seriously need to look at using an $8.00 piezoelectric lighter instead of a $100.00 Zerostat (also piezoelectric, same principal) to mitigate static. Yes, there is a bit of objective testing available online. For $7.99 on Amozon, I had to try. The Ronx candle lighter was well let's just say, enlightening.
That's very cool. I've heard that come up before
I wonder? Has anyone tried a demagnetizer for anti static?
When I use my Zerostat gun, fine hair, dog hair, literally jumps off the surface of the record. If I don’t release the static from them, there’s no way to get them off with a dry brush.
It's like magic!
Im on my second now, the children used my original white one to try to see if it would electrocute them, when it didnt work they played cowboys, need less to say it went way beyond the 50,000 shots😅😂
😂😂😂
What's amusing is that even after your demonstration with the tissue, some claim it's snake oil. Maybe they didn't watch the video all the way through....Or maybe they didn't read whatever their theories are based on all the way through. It works, and it still works going on 50 years (the red original). Even with such an insanely great product; the dissenters will still come crawling out of the woodwork to find something wrong with it just to call it snake oil with their theories. It's sad to think how many people are dissuaded by these kind of people, from trying things that would be beneficial to their sound & enjoyment. Maybe their theories if taken hook line and sinker actually cost millions of people better sound. If logic says the sun shouldn't rise, and the sun rises, then the theory is full of you know what. The Zerostat works. And has since the 1970s.
By the way, some people use toilet paper as a record mat. If you have a rubber mat or a platter mat that lacks effectiveness,, remove it & replace it with three pieces of toilet paper, cut to size & one with a hole made in it, to fit over the spindle. Then play a very well known record. You might think you're going crazy how much more detail their is. Warmth and bass may be less in amount though. Ironically, the static attraction from the record will bring the toilet paper back up with it, when changing sides, unless the record is Zerostated, as in your video.
Now that is something I have never heard of. Any ideas how that helps? I'm not averse to trying it out 😎
When playing an lp you get vibrations from the speaker and even some smaller vibrations from the cartridge playing the groove. What is underneath the vinyl influences the sound. Rubber mats which were the norm from the mono era through around half a century more, really have no purpose but to protect the bottom of the record, and actually hurts the sound quality. Each material vibrates at it's own resonance. Rubber, cork or anything vibrating at its own resonance underneath vinyl, and not in sympathy with the way vinyl vibrates at ITS own resonance is not ideal. Turntables with a vinyl platter come closest to the ideal in that way, but a thicker piece of vinyl (platter), vibrates differently than a thin piece of vinyl (lp), but at least it is closer. Putting two ply toilet tissue under the lp, does it's own unique team resonance act with the vinyl. Clarity of reproduction is usually way more, but the thinness of the toilet paper approximates the back of your tonearm being set higher up (VTA), which is adjustable on many arms, and that may account for some of the added crispness & clarity. There will undoubtedly be noticeably less warmth & bass. I never tried stacking enough tissue on the platter so the VTA will be the same. Instead I increased the bass and warmth a little in other ways I know.
I am not recommending anyone do this next thing, some say it can be harmful, but I don't know about that. But I take the top off of the cd player, preamp and amp I'm using, and zap the inside with the Zerostat. I have been doing this for 25 years with dozens of pieces of equipment, and it has not ruined anything. Instead on my system I hear a nice increase in openness, and naturalness with less electronic signature and a (more acoustical) sound, which is also smoother and more pleasant. In fact, that to me is where the real value of the Zerostat lies. It makes its biggest contribution in that way. I zap once, but once to each part of the circuitry, aiming at a different spot of the circuitry each time. About 4 times or more each component. I do it while the equipment is on. You will hear a slight squealing sound as you do this. It needs re-zapped evey day you play it, to realize the benefits. It makes as much improvement in the ways mentioned above, as if you upgraded your electronics by about 25 to 30%.
P.S....Don't stare into your cd player with the cover off. Exposure to stray laser light at too close a distance for too long is bad for the eyes.
@@sidesup8286 Amazing. Thank you!