What record brush do you recommend?

[jamesobxfan2296]

Hey guys. I'm looking into buying a record brush as a quick way to clean the dust off records and keep them sounding fresh.

I was looking at this one here:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Anti-Static-Car ... 3cc731d2f6

Would you recommend that one or are there an other recommendations you can make?

Also are the discwashers the best brushes available?

Thanks!

James

[Alec124c41]

There are so many that look identical, that I think the only difference is the printing.
I use one every play. Lay it across the grooves of a turning record, almost touching the spindle, then slowly drag it straight back off the edge of the record.

Cheers,
Alec

[Dimal]

G'day James....

Personally, I'd go with the "AcousTech Carbon Fiber Brush" from Disc Doctor. They are decent quality whereas some of the 'look-alikes' tend to be of poor quality and continually lose fibres, almost from day one.

Mal.

[megatrends]

I just use a vintage Discwasher dry if the record is already clean, doesn't prevent static however.

I should get an anti-static carbon fiber brush after reading these things in here.

[Tedrick]

G'day James....

Personally, I'd go with the "AcousTech Carbon Fiber Brush" from Disc Doctor. They are decent quality whereas some of the 'look-alikes' tend to be of poor quality and continually lose fibres, almost from day one.

Mal.

+1. Spend the few extra dollars and get a name brand CF brush, such as the AcousTech, Audioquest, or Hunt models. A good CF brush can last for 10-20 years, so when you spread the cost out over the lifetime of the brush, the per annum cost is next to nothing. The cheap copies are notorious for shedding and are worse than useless.

[Alec124c41]

I just use a vintage Discwasher dry if the record is already clean, doesn't prevent static however.

I should get an anti-static carbon fiber brush after reading these things in here.

I use a small spritzer, ex eye-glasses cleaner, on my Diskwasher before use. Stops static.

Cheers,
Alec

[johnny q]

I use the Audio Technica Carbon Fiber for dry brushing before every play...

The Mofi brush is what I use for wet cleaning with my homebrew cleaner.
JQ

[Sandbah 92]

I think Alec is correct on what he says! I've had a Sleeve City brush from sleevetown.com for 4 years. It has never shredded any bristles nor has it made any micro-scratches that I can see.

[Alec124c41]

I have to add that the Audioquest brush I bought recently is stiffer than the others I have. Not sure if this is better, or only different.

Cheers,
Alec

[1200y3]

http://www.roksan.co.uk/roksan/roksanpage.php?pageno=7

I suppose since this company uses microfiber, it would be today's choice. But I do know that a D4 pad never sheds or needs replacing, and microfiber sheds.
I like the idea that two sizes of microfiber are used, because I often wondered what sizes to use if I used it on records.
Could it be possible that just rolling up a swatch of microfiber could solve all the problems? Or does it have enough friction to damage records?

[thommo_work]

I know you can now get carbon anti-static arms like the dustdugthat track just ahead of the stylus, and they are earthed to pull the static away.

http://www.musonic.co.uk/nostatic-auto- ... 17424.html

[1200y3]

Rek-o-Kut has their name on the same type of wand as well.
The Dust Bug (early design) boasted that it is the only way to guarantee a mark free record. It also would be an accurate way to guarantee that every groove gets swept.

I like using the Dust Bug when I don't have time to do a complete dusting, but this style of brush does have to be cleaned often during a record play, if it is your only cleaner.

[Blue Angel]

I would recommend to go vintage with a Watts Dustbug always on your turntable/records during play and before play, a Watts Manual Parastat - both used dry.

I realise these items are now probably like hen's teeth but i suggest you bide your time on the 'bay and pounce when you see either of these items.

I do have three or more of these c/f brushes out near my turntables but in my opinion, they are pretty useless and not worth the money. The fibres are too long and too soft. I don't have any static problems but I think even used as an anti-static brush, these brushes would be useless.

I am probably biased in favour of the late Mr Watts' products but I can just relate my experiences with record brushes during the past 40+ years.

I have other brushes too - a brand new Discwasher but here the plush velour is mounted under a massive wooden grip - a surefire way to record/cartridge damage.

Another little vintage brush I have is a bright yellow little affair made in Germany - Plattofix Wi-Fi 3. I have two of them and am quite taken by their effective dust pickup.

ba