I know this page is long, so here are some FAQs:

1. Do these pads change the sound? If you don’t want to, not. Otherwise, hopefully, for the better.

2. Will they fit my Grado model? Yes, I can make them fit any Grado headphones.

3. How long do they last? For many years. Just be aware if you get merino: it is wool after all, so do keep an eye for moths.

4. Do they get hot? Au contraire. I was told by people in hot places such as Dubai, Texas, Hawaii, that they can finally wear headphones.

5. Can I return them if they don’t fit my ears? Yes. But I am in New Zealand, the farthest place from…anywhere else, so it’ll be expensive.

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Grado Replacement Earpads and Headbands

What I can make

My products, earpads or ear pads or ear cushions if you prefer, and headbands, are for any Grado headphones ever made, from the HP-1000 to SR1-2-300 to the current Signature (series S550, S750, S950 and HP100 SE), to the Statement Series (GS1000x and 3000x), the Reference Series (RS1x, RS2x, Hemp), to the Prestige Series (SR60x, SR80x, SR125x, SR225x and SR325x). But also, all the series and the Special Editions of the past: the “i” and the “e” series of drivers, as well as the GH1, GH2, GH3, GH4 and the White Headphones.

While Grado uses a variety of size drivers, therefore earcup diameters, the mount, that “lip” on their edge of the earcups, is the same. And so I can make any of my earpads fit any model. During the purchasing process I ask for that diameter and also the model I’ll be working for.

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Earpads / Sound

No Grado headphones models sound the same. They all have the unmistakable Grado sound, but they differ, and so the impact of my earpads on sound will depend of the model you have, as well as on your preferences. The pads I currently offer have been tested, by me, on my SR325e. With the original cushions I found the sound to be a little “thin” and, as most would agree, the majority of Grado models tend to favour the high frequencies. My intention was to balance the sound while preserving the recognizable Grado signature.

My Small earpads, based on the Grado L-cushions, come in three types of material combinations:

• The hybrid preserves the original sound the most, while adding a touch of mid range and bass. They seem to be best suited for the more recent Grado models which are better balanced than the older models which were ‘hot’ in the treble and with even less bass. The merino will also add a touch of silkiness, of finesse to the high frequencies. A few of the clients felt this and I did too.

• The full leather, probably because of the reflections which are encouraged by the leather on the inside cone, can be maybe less “fine” than the hybrids.

• The full merino will add the most mids and bass and so if you think your headphones are indeed treble ‘hot’ on most recordings and you know you could do with more bass, they could be the better choice.

My Large earpads based on Grado’s G-cushions, come only as hybrids. The other combinations of materials do not work as well, I tested.

The Large earpads can also be used on L and S-cushion based models. What you will get is a significantly larger soundstage, in all directions, more space between instruments/voices, more “air” around instruments/voices. Not better or worse than with the Small earpads, just different. The sound balance (frequency response) remains consistent.

The earpads are open, the user can change the foam inserts. Every pair of earpads comes with two types of foam, for a choice of sound signatures and/or softness.

On use of other drivers for custom builds

I did not consider any of the other drivers which are available for custom builds when I designed my earpads. I only listened to how Grado tunes their headphones. And so my earpads might not be a good match for such builds. I am aware of a few clients who tried them, some more successful than others, and so if you are tempted, please do the appropriate research with those builders as I can not assist with any info.

Headbands

The headband wraps around the original Grado headband and it closes securely at both ends with magnets. It offers plenty of comfort due to the 15mm very soft foam insert. I can put more padding if needed, for example if the headband is bigger than one’s head, or if simply the user could do with even more padding.

How to adjust your Grado headphones

I don’t know of any brand of headphones which got the adjustment of the headband right, with the exception of Grado. If I remember correctly, on anything I ever tried, the headband has a fixed shape, meaning that it wants to stay in that shape which, if your head is large enough, will create too much clamping force, or, if your head is small, there will not be enough clamping force.

What makes Grado different is the metal band which is inside the headband: that band is malleable, meaning that if you bend it it will come back almost to the initial shape. And that almost makes a huge difference.

How to adjust the clamping force

Grab the ends of the headband just above the plastic blocks with L and R on them. If you need to make more room between the earpads, pull, even up to making the headband horizontal. It will come back, but with more space between the earpads. If you went too far, push back so that the plastic blocks overlap. Do it both ways, L in front and then behind the R, so that the earpads remain parallel.

How much clamping force?

Obviously that depends on the user. Try to imagine or even do the actions which might require some clamping such as do you move your head a lot? Personally, I need very little force, just enough to feel that the earpads do sit all around my ears, but with no pressure as such at all.

One way to figure out how the earpads sit on you is by looking in a mirror. If the earpads are squashed, and that usually takes place asymmetrical, the top or the bottom are more squashed than the other end, adjust until they are not.

But this adjustment alone might not be enough.

Adjusting the angle of the earcups/earpads relative to the headband

WARNING: this adjustment, if done sloppy, may cause the plastic block to split where it was glued.

The swivel movement Grado provided for the earcups/earpads is minimal. And so if that’s not enough, you’ll need to bend the metal band from above the L and R blocks. You’ll probably need a set of pliers, I did, so hold tight the plastic block, grab the end of the metal band with the pliers and bend in the desired direction. Start small and check the fit.

After all of that, you should see in the mirror how the earpads sit evenly around your ears, not squashed at all or much, depending on your need for clamping force.

Sound

This will also help with the sound. The foam inside my earpsds needs to be sound transparent. If squashed, the pores of the foam close and the sound balance will tilt towards bass.

Also, if too much clamping force, your ears will be closer to the drivers, so that the soundstage and the feeling of air around the instruments, will be reduced.

Or your ears might even touch the driver grilles, negating one of the purposes of my earpads.

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Design, Comfort, Durability & Luxury

My intention was to offer the most comfortable, durable and luxurious products, while preserving the Grado heritage design. They are fully hand made in New Zealand from leather and merino, the most luxurious and skin friendly natural materials.

• Leather is known to last a very long time with very minimal care.

• Merino is the finest available non-scratchy wool and one of the most hard wearing natural fibers. It is exceptionally breathable, temperature regulating, hypoallergenic and soft. It is used for baby blankets, underwear, outdoor garments, high-end suits, even shoes.

For details on maintenance, please read the Good to know page.

Prices

I make earpads and headbands for any Grado headphones. During the purchasing process, I will ask you what model(s) I will be working for.

• Small earpads (based on the Grado L-cushions): US$ 125

• Large earpads (based on Grado G-cushions): US$ 155

• Headbands: US$ 70

• Shipping with DHL Express: US$ 35

Try them

You can try my products for a month, but you will pay for the return and please understand that returning them is not going to be cheap. I am in New Zealand, the farthest place from most of the World…

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