From this and the previous video on static, it seems the most efficient way to eliminate static on a record is simply to lay it on a turntable which just gets rid of most static by itself
That may be. However, I've noticed that many records are quite charged with static when I go to flip to side B, or take them off to put them away. I've been using a carbon fiber brush with a finger on the spindle after each side is played just to try to reduce their charge in order to keep them from attracting dust.
@@michaellitscher9456 My records also do that, they can suck the felt mat out of the platter. But I don't have properly grounded wall sockets (that's what happens when you live in a commie block). The "ground" wire does go to a preamp, but that's just to avoid mains hum. When both devices share the same floating ground they won't have mains hum, but the static charges still won't be going anywhere. This indicates that I could benefit from adding a 1MΩ or so resistor from the ground contact to a radiator or something. Just DON'T connect it directly, especially if you have bad ground in wall sockets, as you can damage something. Did that to a tube radio once, and I actually managed to damage a vacuum tube. Not the filament, but the wire that connects the cathode to a pin. And it is normally hard to kill tubes in other way than damaging the filament. There can be half of mains voltage on neutral, and sometimes they did connect that to the "ground" pin insode "grounded" sockets to avoid having a third wire. Normally neutral is also connected to the actual ground somewhere, but where, it really depends. And also the Earth or buildings aren't an ideal conductor, so signals from far away will be at a diferent potential. The same can happen with things like cable TV coax.
Grounded it to the radiator with a 4MΩ resistor, and a record i tested it on does sound noticeably less crackly after the usual pass with a carbon brush. The mat still lifts out though. I might get a different one made of something else.
I took a $5.99 chance on one (a RONXS), and am *really* pleased with the results! It's working well and conveniently by holding it steady about an inch above the spinning album and activating it twice-once about an inch in from the outer edge and once more closer to the label. I can't see any way these could damage vinyl if the tip isn't actually touching the album and you keep it moving. I had a ZeroStat many years ago and while they were never cheap they're now ridiculously priced for what they are, and I was never super impressed by mine. Glad I found this video and gave plasma-the unsung fourth state of matter-a shot. Thank you, Vinyl Attack!
Your video led to me buying a pair of these from Amazon shortly after I watched it. I need to report back that it works, and ridiculously well! And I use the "hold the record in your hand when you zap it" method. I turn it on and run it around the record a couple of time and keep it at least an inch from the record. I drag it away while it's still on and turn it off after it's a foot or more away. I don't know if that matters (it probably doesn't) but it's how I do it. Just yesterday I pulled out a record, and with our new clear and dry weather, It really made the hair on my arm stand up. I gave it a shot with the lighter, and it killed it all. No static.
Your description of the technique in moving the plasma lighter away from the record while still running sounds exactly like how I was taught to use a bulk tape eraser during my early days working in radio many moons ago.
@@ReasonablySane I remember our PD saying you should throw the tape reel in order to "snap" the magnetic flow to complete the erasing. I never could bring myself to do that.
Oh I don't know about all that, I just really like records and hifi gear, and occassionally trying my hand at some pseudo-science. I appreciate the kind words though.
Wow bought one of these couple of weeks ago as cooker ignition playing up. Couldn't believe my eyes seeing you waving one about. Have got a zero stat but will use this as well. Cheers. 👍🏻
Great info. This could be a great option for those who can’t afford a Zero Stat, or for those who can’t afford one RIGHT NOW. I might pick one up. I’m still nervous though about using it on my actual records. I hardly have any filler in my collection. Every single record serves a purpose or tells a story. Anyway... You’re video is hilarious. Great writing, dude.
This is one of the best reviews, very scientifically done and I thank you for your review! BTW. I had to Shazam all of the songs because I love your taste in music! Haha
Loving the videos lately. You have a new subscriber, I’ll be sticking around. I love that you actually experiment and have a passion to give us true results
Chris...your finding of the static reading on the platter is consistent with what i have been telling all of the people that felt the Zerostat was not worth the money. i have been using the Zstat since it came out more than 30 years ago (mine is the original in white, not red or blue) when it was Discwasher that was marketing them. since that time, i acquired a red one from a friend. the plasma lighter trick is something i saw a while ago but never acted on it so THANKS for making this video and spelling out the products used. the static reader is out of the question at $500 for me but the approximately $11 for the RONXS is right in there. now, what i have been advising my friends when using the Zstat is not to use it prior to playing the record but instead, use it on the LP AFTER play and before placing into the sleeves. this is to circumvent the attraction of dust onto the vinyl while it rests in the jacket. theoretically, the dust will be easier to remove with a carbon fiber brush such as the AQ. i use my old radio shack brush which has finer carbon fibers, like the original Decca Brush of about 30-40 years ago. it is still in good shape, the bristles arent curled from too much pressure. These brushes are only effective if the tips of the fibers are lightly applied for 2-3 revolutions of the platter after which i always brush them off to the outside. fortunately, i am left-handed so using the brush with my left isn't awkward as if i were right-handed. i will be recommending my fellow vinyl addicts to watch this YT. ...hifitommy
Using any static treatment on the platter is useless, unfortunately. The static that has come from the record originally simply bleeds off into the turntable, and then comes right back as you lift the record. Treating the record for static before play has shown the best results.
Hi Chris, I bought one of these based on your testing here. I really think this thing works. On static-filled LPs I can hear the discharge in the air, normally I don't hear much. I run it around the LP usually 2 or 3 times. Thanks for the very entertaining and informative videos. I would love to see you do a series on Phono stages from cheap to $1000 for both solid-state and vacuum-tube-based devices. Keep up the great work.
Thanks for this tip. I bought one and did my own test, with a plastic bag. I charged the plastic bag by rubbing on my hair, stuck it to the wall to prove the charge was there because it stuck with good force. Then I did the same thing only "zapped" it after charging it and it would not stick to the wall at all. So I use it on my records now, I zap them in my hand both sides before playing. My wife asked me if it sounds better now, well if I tell myself it sounds better then it does, :) Anyway, I'm quite sure the static is less by using this and it was only $15.
I was considering buying a zerostat. Was also looking for a refillable lighter for candles.Looks like I just killed two birds with one stone and saved $100. Thank you!
This is fascinating! I do wish that I'd found this vid before buying a Furutech Destat 3 (OUCH!) , but I really should have known as I used the original zerostat back in the 70's (much to the amusement of my skeptical buddy's) and it was only a piezo device Making my way through your older vids and just found your shop. Gonna be some cow merch under the tree this year! Thank you for making these, I know how much time and effort can go into editing.
I'll give that a go in my own time and see what I get. Thanks very much for the idea, it was a lot of fun! Shoot me an email at thevinylattack@gmail.com when you have a quick minute.
A length of light paper like toilet paper hanging down can gauge the static of the album. I've found that any brushing of the vinyl including those "antistat" carbon fiber brushes or the ones on their own arm adds static. Playing the album adds a little from the stylus. A dirty stylus will add more. The Milty Zerostat works. My preferred method of removing dust is a silicon roller but those also add static. So my current sequence is hold the album and roll and then do the gun. Before putting the album back hit again with the gun. The biggest problem with this is holding the album while rolling. It's a little awkward. Using a brush might be easier since you don't have to push on the surface like with the roller. Using the roller or brush while the album will add static but then hitting it with the gun will not remove it. Have to take the album off and hold.
I just purchased a candle lighter of a similar design. It doesn't have the gooseneck, just a straight shaft. It is excellent at removing static. I have been keeping it a half inch from the surface of record while it’s spinning on the turntable and draw it from the center outward twice. If the record has high static, you can really hear the arc buzz on the first swipe. It diminishes on the second swipe, almost like it’s eating the static. I'm very impressed with the results.
Great video, and an AWESOME shirt. Long live DT! Similar to your top 5 under $500 turntables, I'd love to see the same thing for speakers. Thanks for the knowledge!
Thanks for great video. After watching several of these videos about static . I came to conclusion static on a record not as big a problem as everyone use to make ot out to be. Needless to say i still picked up couple different of the things you tested just incase lol.
Great vid. I actually have some serious issues with static, especially in the winter. My records like to pickup my felt slip mat, it's awful! I was thinking of getting a ZEROSTAT-3 but maybe this option is just as good.
If you're looking to save money, this will indeed help in a pinch. You might also consider ditching the felt mat for a cork one (the ones I sell or not) as they'll produce much less static.
WOW I as of watching this video had a zerostat in my amazon cart and its 149 Canadian was watching some videos see if I really want to spend that much come across your video and seeing how many in comments say this candle lighter works I now have one that is preparing for shipment at a cost 12.99 Canadian fingers crossed it works but deff worth that little of a risk thankyou for this video
picked one up from eBay, used it for two cycles in hand (ungrounded so the charge has nowhere to go) and it made an enormous difference to one of my quieter LP's, thanks!
You'll probably hit 4K this week - including me! I live in the mountains, a semi-arid climate, where the static issue is a huge one all year round. I'm happy to try ANY (inexpensive) novel method to reduce it. Thanks for the vid!
I love my Milty. I would caution people to make sure you don’t use it too close to your cartridge. In my experience can cause damage. Love the channel!
Was going to get the Zero Stat as I seem to have so much static that the record is taking the slipmat along with it when turning the record over. I then stumbled across this. Gonna see if that makes a difference and take it from there. Love the videos. Thank you!
I find your episodes very interesting and useful,also really liking your channel,quietly following you for a few weeks now and am intrigued every time I watch you..great job!
I’ve been using time consuming deionized water rinses to get very noticeable reduction in static cracking - this seems very interesting a prospect! The only thing I’m missing is sound comparisons of the lead in grooves before and after :)
I'd say it's the same as you mentioned it - the turntable is grounded, so it pulls the maximum amount of static possible. I usually just put the lp on the platter, start the rotation, go with the carbon fiber brush to pic the dust if any, and "remove the static". Works for me. Maybe you could do the same episode using the brush and your gadgets to see what's happening?
Great video, Ive been trying to decide which route to take for antistatic. I will definitely give this a try. Your delivery, knowledge and general likeability have made you my favorite vinyl channel.
I have tried different methods to get rid of static on my vinyl records. The Milti Zerostat 3 gun has been very unfulfilling. A good wet wash with TergiKleen has been my best tool. New tool to get rid of static I just tried is "brilliant". Why didn't I think of that (I have 2 degrees in Engineering)? The Hudson HiFi Company has come out with a Anti-Static Dust Brush that mounts on an arm that tracks across your record as you play it. The brush is connected to the ground wire on the back of your turntable. So if it works, it works for me, it drains the static to ground as you play the record. Brilliant.
You should try a very simple test. First, hold the record in your hand and take the measurements. Then do nothing but put the record on the turntable and take the measurements again.
I agree. That would be the control test that any experiment should include. In this case, it’s possible the static dissipates naturally, or it could be getting grounded by simply holding the album.
I was very surprised at the readings on the table vs the readings you got in-hand. I didn't think that the turntable grounding strap would have that much affect on the elimination of static charge but it definitely seems to do just that. Last week, I tried my 1986 era Discwasher version of the Zerostat and I think it must be broken as I could only get it to click one time when pulling the trigger and it would not click at all when releasing it. As a result, I could watch the dust get attracted to the vinyl in a matter of seconds - like it was snowing on my record... evidence that the Zerostat needs to be used (and needs to be operating correctly) in the manner originally intended. Something I doubt most owners do. This product you just tested seems to do much the same, seems to be practically fool proof, and much, much less expensive. Thanks for the heads up. Congrats on the 3k subscribers (now) too!
The strap really didn't do anything. I wore it to appease the masses, but from my last test to this one, the numbers were consistent. I'm glad you found some use in the video though :-)
When you place a record in the platter the charges inside the dielectric record material move to the side that is in contact with the platter it is like a capacitor, that is why less charge remains in the play surface. When you lift the record from the platter the charges will redistribute inside the record again restoring the static charge level in both sides of the record. This can actually be felt when lifting a record with a lot of charge it will crackle and you can feel it is pulling the mat and you can actually see dust particles being attracted to the record surface. Always discharge the record off the turntable so the charges will bleed off into the air. A well grounded metal platter and conductive mat will help bleed off the charges from the record too.
Well I just ordered one it definitely seems to eliminate static and also good to light candles. The handheld test you did made a big difference. I will update once I try it. Thanks keep"em coming. I believe most of the tests you did with the milty were hand held.
It would be interesting to compare readings between felt mat, cork mat and acrylic mat. There is supposedly this huge amount of static discharge between mat materials.
Did you ever test the different platter mat materials? I'm very curious to know how they handle static, or if they do. Especially curious about carbon fiber felt vs "regular" carbon fiber.
Just stumbled across your channel earlier today. Now subscribed here in the UK. I was intrigued simply because I've used one of these usb plasma lighters for a couple of months. They really do work! Good to see some empirical evidence! I use a slightly different technique to yourself in that I use it when the record is spinning on the platter. Two or three discharges from centre to outer edge. Certainly works for me. Any chance you can measure the other side of the record when you've initially discharged the static on the first side? Good presentation style btw!
Great video again! Someone on Stereonet Australia posted about this product and swore it was more effective than his Zerostat....so I got one for $8.95 on ebay. I hold it about an inch above the LP, while on the platter and zig-zag it from outer to inner for 3 revolutions. I have a leather (suede) platter mat. Now I don't seem to have had a lot of static issues in the past but I use it anyway and it seems to work ok.....but I can't really tell for sure and maybe it just makes me feel better!😉
WOW that is an interesting result!!! Thanks for the thorough testing. I have been looking for a low cost way to reduce static this looks like a winner, not quite as good as the Zero stat 3 but 10% of the cost with 80% of the results is good enough for me DEFINITELY better than nothing
@@thevinylattack For SURE, BTW at one point I found a video years back where the host had mention the Zero Stat and said that he had found a cheaper alternative and it was some kind of industrial tool that was almost identical and was used to remove static but it was not AUDIOPHILE so the price was less than half the Zero Stat but for the life of me I CAN NOT remember what it was called
@@thevinylattack It's white, and still works. When I bought it back then the "instructions" were to squeeze slowly, release slowly, then squeeze slowly once again and then point the Zerostat away from the record so that the last emission to the record was positively charged. Maybe your static detector can clear up the whole question of positive versus negative streams coming out of your Zerostat.
Interesting findings! My question is if the records read so low when placed on the turntable and there's very little change when conducting the experiment while placed on the turntable, how about just reading in hand then on the turntable? It seems like that might be eliminating the majority of the static and therefore negating the need for a static reduction device at all. Or am I missing something?
I would think! I wish he had my setup, where I can hear the crackling of static in the air as I lift my record off the platter sometimes! Which is why I'm here watching this. Perhaps the solution for the testing is to insulate the record at the spindle with some rubber or plastic or something if possible, because it's that metal spindle not the felt mat that's conducting I'm sure. If it were the mat, switch to cork, and check.
@@michaelbliss3337 Do you live in a hot and dry climate? I could imagine that static is an issue in a place like Nevada, where it is really dry. I wonder if lightly misting the room with a spray may reduce the static. I live in the U.K., where we have lots of moisture in the air, but I’ve always wondered whether an earthing/grounding mat under the turntable could make a difference
@@michaelbliss3337 I used to get that problem until I connected a separate earth cable to my setup. Now I have a cable that connects directly to earth as well as the earth between preamp and deck.
Hi Chris - I have just this moment come back from Bunnings Warehouse here in Australia with an arc lighter after seeing this video. I have a feeling arc lighters are rarer in Australia than in America, because I have been to multiple hardware stores without finding one. I think I found a winner - a welding torch arc lighter with a really cool design. It looks like a Zippo designed by Darth Vader!! I think there's a cool factor in its design all right. Also, it has a USB charger (as yours does); I don't know if those 1970s static pistols were even rechargable.
After three weeks, let me tell you; the arc lighter seems to work. I have no static testing device but I use feathers and bits of dust to see if they stick. I have had records so bad they crackled when I stuck the feather to the surface; the lighter does seem to eliminate the static very effectively.
Quite amazing that this works. Will have to look for one of these lighters and try it out. Love your channel and congratulations on getting so many subscribers - well deserved!
Is anyone interested in seeing some phono cartridge reviews or shoot outs in the $100-600 range? PS I dig this channel. I thank you for creating content I enjoy.
Hi, First off, one should not use this plazma nor the Zero stat anywhere near the turntable's head. This is a very sensitive device. Secondly, the procedure, as far as I have gathered, is to wave the wand above the entire surface of the record to get best results. Lastly, when you read the patent for the Zero Stat it actually states that this device is a piezoelectric device (as in cigarette lighters) and the patent is ONLY for the trigger mechanism itself. Hence no wonder that this works. Thanks for the video. BTW, there were a number of small mistakes that I have seen in your video but it would not influence the results that were quite conclusive. Again thanks for the video
Hi. The candle lighters do work. I ran the same tests that you did, had much the same results. However the difference i did is that i disconnected the earth wire from the turntable so that the spindle could not drain the static to earth. the static meter results were much same as holding it in hand and the reduction was the same as the hand held. I also tested the Zerostat against the candle lighter and the figures were much same. ....enjoy the music.....
Ok..try this.. take measurements after holding in your hand and using the little gizmo. Then place lp on TT and measure again. If the number drop even more.. then you’ll know the TT is hvi g an effect
Love the humour and well done on the growth of your channel. I wonder if placing the mat on a desk and then the record on the mat would give a more accurate reading. Hope you aren’t offended by me saying that, it is all in the interest of science 🙂
Not offended at all. I like to hear new ideas. I think I like the 'real world' scenario I have now, but that may change if I continue with other tests.
I live in SoCal and the humidity in my room is always 25%-45%, and I have a carpet, so it's static galore. Just ordered the arc lighter off Amazon since it's only $10, hopefully it's the end all solution. I also ordered an Ortofon carbon fiber brush off the advice of one user in the arc lighter thread, as my current Audioquest brush clone actually increases static. Also, nice Technics turntable! I'm buying a fully automatic D303 variant tomorrow that's been caringly maintained since the 80s and is in pristine condition. I might also modify a cork mat to fit the autodetect mechanism for extra anti-static properties.
Most static on the record happens when the stylus is already causing friction on the record. The friction accumulates static hence why clips and pops start to appear and stick on the grooves. I was wondering if the testings can be made while a record is playing in the beginning, middle, and end of a reproduction. Congrats on the subscriptions! You put more effort in your videos that it looks effortless , hence why your channel is entertaining to watch. Also you testing stuff on records is always a great way to discover how to improve our vinyl experience, and that is priceless. Oh, btw. There is a viral video where some guy recommends to apply WD 40 on the record's surface with a cloth (microfiber cloth I suppose) after cleaning them to eliminate pops and clicks. Apparently the WD 40 also improves the quality of sound of the record. I'm curious if WD 40 does not have a chemical negative abrasive effect on the vinyl like alcohol has. Also I wonder if the Hudson anti static brush arm is as effective. Unfortunately, that product is not easy to get where I live.
I’ve heard that WD-40 can sound great short term but long term it pulls moisture out of the vinyl and causes miniature cracks. Possibly due to it being petroleum based? Probably similar ish to how petroleum based headlight cleaning products look and work great but soon haze over.
You mentioned replacing a felt mat for a cork one to reduce static. I have a Marantz TT-15S1 with an acrylic platter. Would it be best to use no may at all?
I have not read all the responses to the video. You asked why just putting the disc on to the platter reduces the static charge number. I have read that it is fine by design. The tt old and new, generally speaking is grounded. This helps to equalize the charge or reduce it in this case. The tt that have a wall wart, runs on low current DC doesn’t require grounding at all. What do you think about this conclusion Chris?
The static bleed off into the table isn't a good thing. It can affect the sensitive electronics inside. This is why treating a record before play is crucial.
@@thevinylattack Thanks Chris, sorry for my poor language/writing skills, I don’t often correct my grammar and spelling. So my understanding about static imbalance which is somehow adjusted when the album is measured on the platter, would be a good thing because the charge is closer to a zero value when measured. I think it occurs by design of the engineers/technical team to reduce static noise. You state that it isn’t necessarily a good thing because it affects sensitive parts in the turntable? Or it affects sensitive parts within the preamplifier? Can you be a little more concrete about your viewpoint and that because I’m trying to understand the concept of static noise or imbalance and how it affects sound quality. Thank you.
OK, an update on how well the arc lighter works: The RONXS (?) unit from Amazon is the one I got - overall results are shockingly effective. The battery seems to last for at least 30 de-static cycles (or 15 LPs), probably even longer if the bursts are short. Doing a cycle on a spinning turntable DOES NOT work for me - 0 impact to static. What DOES work is holding the record in my hand (touching the label) and doing a single 2 second discharge around the LP at a height of 2-3 inches. This KILLS all static, so I do this after brushing the record and before playing it - once per side. I tried to use it for its intended purpose but regular flame lighters are probably faster - it took a good 10 seconds to light a leaf on fire. As for the Ortofon brush that was recommended, whoever put that suggestion in must live in some place where the humidity around 45-50% instead of 20% every day like here in LA. Although the user claimed that this brush dissipates static, in my environment it actually builds static (just like my Audioquest clone). It's still an excellent brush, better suited to the "tilt and lift" style of cleaning rather than the "pull off sideways" style that Audioquest brushes seem to prefer. The bristles are stiffer than most brushes (won't cause damage), so it's also better for manual spot sweeping. I'm not even gonna bother with stuff like metal record weights or cork/leather mats because in dry climates, only the most brute force solutions like sweeping with a plasma arc seem to work. Or using a humidifier to turn my room into a Louisiana swamp so it's physically impossible to build static.
@@thevinylattack I was about to bite the bullet and buy a Zerostat until I decided to do some more research and learned that it was just a modified piezo lighter. I have no idea why they’re so overpriced - apparently there used to be competing anti static guns, but Zerostat outlived everything else and seems to have a monopoly.
I just ordered a plasma lighter on amazon a minute ago after watching this video. wish me luck! i have some LP with static that I want to listen them a bit clean and clear... finger crossed!
@@thevinylattack sure, I'll test it tomorrow and let you know. even though it doesn't work, I really like your videos, and your t-shirts!!!! love the bands you like =) good content my friend.
Very nice. Does not seem to be better than a Zerostat, which since I have one, I'll stick with. As an aside, anyone using a cart with a Shure stabilizer brush, should have no static issues, as one of the virtues of said brush, is that it effectively eliminates static.
Interesting❗To prevent "burning" a record, could some kind of addition to the tip be used to prevent that,vand still keep it's function❓ Just something entered my mind 🤔
Well I wanted one of theses lighters for lighting candles for awhile , but seeing this , I’ve ordered one at £7.49 worth a try , and like you say cool lighter 👍
Just watched your vid. Think you covered all testing bases without actually being in a lab! 😁👍 Decided to order one on this basis (10 times less than the little blue gun thing!). I'll comment back in a few days to let you know how I got on. P.S.... I have found that the newer 180g pressing seem to hold more charge than the older, lighter/thinner vinyl. I have more problems with brand new records even whilst using anti-static sleeves... I wonder, has anyone else noticed this and is it (probably very obviously) because there is more plastic there to hold a bigger charge?
Aw man! I commented days ago and I think it got taken down 🙄 I was saying that I found an improved version of the lighter technique you used in this video (btw loving your channel so far). I won’t post the link again cause I think that’s why it got flagged, but what it does is it also uses an electric piezo lighter but you modify it with a needle to give the lighter a fine focus point, essentially recreating an anti static gun. I’m working on hacking one myself now. Let me know if you’re interested, maybe you can make another video out of it. Cheers my friend, congrats on your channel’s success thus far 😎😊👍🏼
@@thevinylattack I’d love to, except I don’t have any real way to measure it’s efficiency. I can only test it using packing foam, loose tape or paper, lol. I unfortunately do not have an electrostatic reader 😕 I was wondering if you were interested in testing it as well for your channel, except I have no idea how to send you the link with out triggering the algorithm overlords
@@thevinylattack Thanks my friend, I just wanted to spread the info to the vinyl community if it indeed turns out to be a reliable hack👍🏼 Keep doing what you’re doing bud, you have a fantastic channel and I hope it grows beyond your wildest dreams!!! 😎👍🏼
@@marcopolov673 Hey, thanks for the support. I'm always up for listening to new ideas and products, so if you find something and RU-vid won't let you post it please feel free to email me.
I recently bought a bipolar ion generator that takes a 12vdc input and a AAx8 battery pack box with power switch. It seems to maybe do the same thing for about the same amount of money but doesn't produce a spark. One thing I would have like to have seen is a measurement of an album on the table after using the plasma torch in hand. It would be interesting to know if the static charge lowered even more or if the charge became greater again. Then maybe test again once album is pulled from table. My hypothesis is that the charge will go back up because the record will be giving up electrons and therefore a higher negative static charge will be the result. Have you used one of the Thunderon brushes that is being sold by Sleeve City? I have been tempted to buy one but I really do not see how it will conduct a charge unless it is connected to an earth ground by a copper wire since the human body is a pretty crappy conductor.
I haven't used one of those brushes, but I might pick one up to see how effective it is. It seems the fine hairs might be better at removing dust if nothing else.
