Static electricity and my TT

[clandy44]

I have a carpet in my study where my turntable is located. Often when I touch the arm, I hear and feel some static electricity. Any suggestions other than buying a humidifier? Incidentally, the TT has no ground wire which (in my total lack of electrical knowledge) might be the solution...or maybe not.

[Jim Alfredson]

A little static will probably not hurt your tonearm, if that's what your worried about.

[mgraham333]

I always touch something metal other than my electronics to discharge any static electricity. Just a habit from my PC tinkering days.

[Jim Alfredson]

Static will hurt computers for sure. Audio electronics (analog ones, that is) on the other hand, are fine.

[clandy44]

Jim, not concerned with harming the components although I do not care for the sound of the discharge through my speakers. MGraham, I do that for other things, thanks for reminding me (D'Oh!). Of course, I was hoping for some simple but elegant solution....

[wolff]

How staticy do your LP's get after playing?

[clandy44]

Wolff-not much, except for one night recently when they stuck to the felt every time I lifted a record off the platter. Otherwise, sound and play great and no apparent static-I have begun touching nearby metal before touching the arm and it has pretty much solved the problem.

[mgraham333]

Clandy-

I've applied for a business method patent for "touching a nearby metal surface to safely discharge static electricity". I'll grant a free, irrevocable license to anyone on the Organissimo board, but all others must pay a license fee every time they use this method.

[clandy44]

mgraham- a lot of dodgy characters here, be careful and protect your intellectual property. So, I was on a plane today doing a crossword and the clue was capital on the Red River. Tulsa? Too lazy to look it up and have been to t-town, but can't recall a river....