wjm (04/14/83)
I used to use a Watts Dust Bug but discontinued the practice since I've found
that cleaning the record before playing with a Discwasher and using a Zerostat
for static neutralization gives adequate cleaning. The Dust Bug has several
drawbacks - 1) its pivot has a sharp point for the unwary and/or careless
to scratch the other side of their records on; 2) it does put some drag on
one's turntable (this should not cause a problem on most modern, high quality
units but why add anything extra? That's why I have a manual turntable.)
3) I'm not sure how safe some of these record cleaning fluids supplied with
these devices are for one's records. Personally, I only use Discwasher D4,
since its the only fluid that the stereo mags have been able to convince me
is not harmful to vinyl (by removing the plasticizers and stabilizers) and
does not leave a harmful residue in the grooves.
Although I don't like the Dust Bug and similar equipment, I agree with the
need to keep one's records clean and recommend the Discwasher line of equipment.
I also agree that keeping the dust cover closed during playback is necessary
for dust control.
Bill Mitchell
Bell Labs - Whippany, NJ
(whuxk!wjm)