Record-playing Rituals?

absolutely. I do if for the halibut. But before I make a bass out of myself, tunality between brands affects the scales of performance. Some people may flounder when first trying this, but they will shout 'holy mackeral' when hearing the sharking improvement. Well, I better clam up cause this cod go on.

Total ridiculousness. :)

Sounds fishy to me...

I dry-brush my records before every play and clean the stylus as well. Oh, and let's not forget the clamp, a really important part of my analog set up.

I also use the VPI 16.5 on records after three or four uses, depending on how much dust/dirt they collect.

On a weekly basis, I'll clean the platter and use Last stylus cleaner on the cartridge.

I'm slowly getting back into vinyl after 20 years. I can't remember, if I ever knew, how to properly use a "Zerostat." Can anyone please remind me the correct procedure?