Random Static Hits

Dragging the stylus over the vinyl causes static build up? That would mean we would all be having the same problem.

More likely it is the movement of the air on a rotating vinyl platter that is causing it. The dryer the air, the more static.

I'm fortunate enough to have a whole house humidifier so that the winter time dry conditions caused by central heating are ameliorated. I still use the Milty Zerostat for further treatment.

It seemed logical that the friction of the stylus in the groove could cause static - like rubbing a balloon on your sleeve and sticking it to the wall. But I guess it may be the dry air moving over the rotating platter as well. It's academic. In any case, the GG will cure the static, which is what the OP is looking for. A whole-house humidifier like you have is the best solution, but not everyone can install one, for one reason or another.

Thanks for the suggestion. GG makes me nervous given all the money and time I spend keeping the LPs clean. Isn't there some degrading of sound? I've done a seach and there's a lot of controversy about GG.

Don't buy it if it makes you nervous. IMO, it does not degrade the sound, but others disagree. When you first apply it, the first playing will collect a bit of residue on the stylus, which could build up to the point where you might hear a dulling effect, as with any excessive build up of dust. In my experience, this is minimal after a play or two and you end up with static-free records. Again, that's up to you. You've tried the miracle cures and they didn't work. So basically you're left with 3 choices - try the GG and make up your own mind, get a better humidifier for your home, which is probably the best solution, or just use the gimmicks you have and live with the static pops. Best of luck to you either way.

I have a little hologen light right at my TT for changing records. It is very bright and you can see fine particles of dust or stuff in the air landing on the record.

Under normal house lighting, you wouldn't see it. Would it help to have a small fan near the TT blowing air so that these fine particles don't land on the record. I am considering doing this.

I already use the Furutech destat