This is part 1 of a two part series on Grado Labs. Part 2 will post next Sunday. The Grado website, gradolabs.com Follow me on Twitter @AudiophiliacMan #madeinbrooklyn
Hey numbnuts. So is it the coolest commercial for a company or like one? So if I said you were like stupid. It would mean you weren't stupid just like it. Meaning similar.
@@paulallen7848 Agreed. That was un-civilized and un-provoked. Frankly it was a kind of commercial in a way and it was among the coolest ones I've seen. I think most of us could see ourselves working in a place like that. I don't see any degrees or other certificates of accomplishment on the walls. They don't need them. Either you like our shit or you don't. Turns out enough do that they can make a decent living at it. That's what it's about. I especially liked the little unassuming box in the cabinet that had hand written on it "Reference" That right there says everything I need to know. When Steve said "real" he friggin meant it.
This is our lost American manufacturing small family style. Original building passed down through the generations 100% paid off and owned original equipment did not expand to large warehouse manufacturing with large overhead expenses marketing staff salesforce massive Office personnel staff. In this day and age this kind of business can never be restarted in the same method as the original. The price point for the product would be out of everybody’s grasp if some other new company tried. Always thought about purchasing a Grado, after seeing the handmade method in the original building with their original equipment makes me even more want to go purchase one to keep this business going in America.
A proudly american and proudly local business, and every american should be proud to have a business like this as part of America. As a non-american I highly admire the dedication and family friendly approach. I will enquire into purchasing one of their products when I next buy the next part to my audio setup :)
I always wondered how a company with a name and important history survived in today's competitive market. This is how. By keeping it simple, and maintaining people that care and work hard for their families.
Who knows if you can replicate a business like Grado today. The market and its way of doing things changed massively since the opening of this company, today it seems like your only options is to be part of a multinational magacorporation and move all production to China or just be a tech company that does not really invent anything but has a few apps as services. I hope that you still can, I hope Grado is not a remnant of a far gone era of family own business, but I'm a pessimist in that regard.
Go RS2e if you can. All grado roads lead there. Check review on HeadFi forum. sound reviewed and tech stats gave RS2e the most points. They are damn fine!
i am simple man. when i see grado factory tour: i press that 'i like this' button! as simple as my grado SR-60 with the iPod shuffle 1st generation. just plain simple. thank you grado's and audiophiliac!
One day in my life I happened I had some money in my pocket. I went to my friend Silvio's store in Turin, Italy, near the historical RAI building. I put all my money in his hands and just told him to give me all the Grado I can buy. It wasn't a lot of money but I went home with a GS1000 and a Reference cartridge. It was the peak of my happiness. Some many years passed but I still have and love both. I love Grado family, I love the way they work and their being proud of their work. This virtual tour of "the house that John built" is pure joy. Thank you so much for sharing
What I love about the Grados in general is that they stick to their values. People love or hate the Grado sound but it remained virtually unchanged for decades. Of course their are differences to each headphone but the signature "recipe" is the same - alive, natural, engaging. Will always be a Grado fan, whatever they do. I wish them continued success and heritage. Great episode Steve! Can't wait for Part 2. 😊
Grado were the first pair of headphones that made me say “Wow!”. Over the years I’ve listened to many popular headphones but Grado always make me smile. Now I own a pair of RS2e and they’re on constant rotation. It’s nice to know that such a world class set of headphones are made in the US.
I love my Grado SR60s when they came the packaging was so thoughtful and when I first used them it was with both a revelation and a delight. They take some wearing to get used to them and the cables drive me nuts BUT I love their value for money and I am tremendously grateful for Grado doing what they do and I urge people to have a pair in their listening repertoire! God Bless Them (and I’m not even religious).
I get what John Grado means about making a headphone for music rather than tests and sound effects. I'm very privileged to own the PS2000e and a Chord Mojo, which plays CD rips (WAV) from my iPad Pro. Currently I'm listening to an album of J.S. Bach organ pieces, played by Florence Mustric on the Beckerath tracker organ in Cleveland. The tonality is amazing from this purely acoustic instrument.
I’ve owned grados for 10 yrs love em, this tour is how I imagined the small factory to be ,very nice gentleman md, I now am going to upgrade to next level grados, this in the modern digital world is a breath of fresh air long may it continue baz 🇬🇧
I'm skipping work this afternoon to go purchase my first Grado Headphones. Thank you Grado Labs for keeping it real. You have a wonderful staff and each of you should be proud.
Grado SR-60 was the first piece of audiophile gear I ever purchased back in the 90s. It was so different from the mainstream headphones: from the classy packaging to its unique design and of course the sound.
This was a great tour of Grado Labs, a great example of the old school way of doing things . What a great historical record, great job Steve. Thank you.
Listening through my RS1. All I can say is thanks. My ultimate respect for this group dedicated and fine people. Will always add Grado to my line up from time to time.
In my country there is constant discussion about demolishing buildings and companies complaining that the real estate isn't up to their demands... Just look how you can make things work, wonderful.
By far one of the best Grado factory visit/tour videos I've seen so far! No fuss, no hurry - actually something that feels like being on a relaxed tour, instead of some quick 5 minute thing that uses fast cuts to cram in all the things deemed necessary by some tech site editor. Looking forward to the second part!
Joseph grade was my great grandfather and when he died in his south carolina in the bacement we still have all his collectioms and projects and its been 6 years since we lost him but his acheivements will live on so i want to thank you for sticking with my family and god bless you and my grandmother also says thank you (shes joesph grados daughter) one day i would love to share his work that untouched but in honor of the way he left it ill keep it to the fam and once my mama(grandma) passes i will take over the house so i think thats pretty neat that i have BOXES and BOXES AND BOXES of old family tapes and poloroids from the 50,60,70,80,90,2000s Have a amazing time Godbless
Thanks for the tour! I have the SR-60 headphones and a Prestige Black2 cart installed on my U-Turn Orbit turntable. Happy to support a small family business like Grado.
Thanks for the ride along on your tour!!! Best video you have made since the nelson pass ones! John is an interesting character and it is fun to see people who made so many of the products I have purchased!!!
Dear Steve, I'm from Buenos Aires and I had been following you since the early 80's reading your articles in an audio magazine where you contributed (honestly can't remember if it was Stereo Review, High Fidelity or Audio Magazine. I bought all three every month to practice my english). You have been my "guru" regarding audio topics, and I'm glad you have this excellent channel in CZcams. I must congratulate you for this particular video about Grado Labs. Most enjoyable. Best regards and I'm loking forward for the next chapter!
Steve, thanks for all your great videos. Very informative and such a treat when you interview industry leaders of design, manufacturing, recording, mastering, retail, etc. Keep up the great work!
Thanks for your video. I have been a Grado fan for over 40 years, having bought my first Grado cartridge in 1976, around the time you did. There are few companies whose products bring me as close to the music (right now only Rega comes to mind).
Joseph grade was my great grandfather and when he died in his south carolina in the bacement we still have all his collectioms and projects and its been 6 years since we lost him but his acheivements will live on so i want to thank you for sticking with my family and god bless you and my grandmother also says thank you (shes joesph grados daughter) one day i would love to share his work that untouched but in honor of the way he left it ill keep it to the fam and once my mama(grandma) passes i will take over the house so i think thats pretty neat that i have BOXES and BOXES AND BOXES of old family tapes and poloroids from the 50,60,70,80,90,2000s Have a amazing time Godbless
Bought a pair of 80s about 7 yrs ago, was blown away by the sound at that price and immediately starting saving for RS1s and a decent headphone amp. Used everyday for music, movies and gaming. They are AWESOME. This video makes me appreciate them more than ever.
Uniquely great episode! I have cherished Grado cartridges since my first AR XA turntable in 1963! It is a hypnotizing experience to visit with them. Presently own one "Statement 2" cartridge, which IS my favorite among several others. Am anticipating your next episode with Grado! Thankyou!
Fascinating! I've had several graydle cartridges even including their attempted a ceramic cartridge with variable compliance: the model B. From the 60s... To my knowledge, they never made a ceramic cartridge, again. In my old Garrard AT60, the high compliance setting of that cartridge gave the best sound. Still, it was never as detailed as their magnetic cartridges. But, it was the QUIETEST phono cartridge I ever owned -- NO HUM!
I'm getting excited because my 225s are arriving this afternoon, and it's been great seeing where they're made. I would always choose a family firm like this over corporations and private equity companies because they care. corporations only care about profit, and it shows.
Thanks Steve, one fantastic tour. I love to see craftsmanship happening, and Grado Labs still have the "organic" aspects in abundance to go with it. Really cool. Loving your show.
I have a couple of Grado cartridges and really like their sound. HOWEVER, like so many, I have had to put up with what many call "the Grado hum"! It didn't matter whether I had it on a belt drive or direct drive turntable, they'd hum! One day I picked up an SME head shell that was built a little bit different. It had a unique grounding system. I bought three of them (good price) and mounted two of my Grado cartridges on them. To my amazement, no more Grado hum! I could actually hear my records clean and clear. I don't know what the problem is with Grado cartridges but I'm glad I finally got them to play correctly for me.
Wow, seriously impressed. What a fantastic person and company to work for. Thank you, Steve, for showing us, your fellow audiophiles, this incredible company. I am very familiar with Grado having owned several headphones and cartridges in the past, however, being able to see behind the scenes, really makes you appreciate how very special this company is. I really am extremely impressed!
I have two pairs of their headphones. Started with 80's just graduated to the 325's. Hopefully one day I'll move up to the next step. I love their dedication to keeping everything local and putting out great products. I even just started with their low end cartridge. Awesome video Steve. Nice to get the story. Ranks up there with all your Nelson Pass videos. Good job!
I just bought a 8XM needle for the vintage Grado black cartridge I have. It’s still sounds so good for a decades old cart. Watching this video makes me want to support this factory even more. Saving up for a wooden body Prestige...
It must be such a privilege and pleasure to visit them!!! I am so glad that they keep Grado an American product!!!! I love my Grado SR325ie. Thank you Grado!! And Thank you Steve!!!
Thank you for this tour. I feel like I know John and privileged to have heard his story. I bought Grado headphones for my sons 10 years ago because the SR325 was the best build and design quality for the price. Now I understand why I like the company and the products. John runs the company like he is making all the products as if he were making them for his family and people he cares about.
Fabulous, just fabulous. A couple of years ago, one of the audio magazines did tour of the Grado factory but this walk around is far more interesting. I own a pair of PS1000e headphones and a few of their mid-level carts. I’m using Ortofon carts these days but, no doubt, I’ll return to Grado at some point.
This is great! I love all my Grado gear a little bit more now that I have watched this. I love that they have been doing all of this in house for so long. Such a rarity today.
I'm a long time Grado customer. My first pair of "good" headphones were Grado, and last year I treated myself, maybe not to "best" but to "better". Grado has been my preferred phono cartridge for years (not MC and not MM.... but uniquely Grado). I thoroughly enjoyed this tour. Thanks so much. You've done other tours, Sound Smith comes to mind, that have impressed me. Thanks.
I have not finished watching the video, but i feel i have to comment. I bought a Grado cartridge for my Thorens turntable back in 1975 and was very impressed with it, it sounded much better than the Shure cartridge i had been using. I am buying a set of headphones next week, Grado of course, the SR60e, can't wait to hear them. It was so nice to see the Grado factory and John Grado, i will take this opportunity to thank you Mr. Grado for providing music lovers around the world with the equipment that makes this so enjoyable, Grado gear means quality and great sound, truly amazing sound. Keep up the noble work sir, don't sell out, music lovers around the world need people like you in the business.
Super awesome! Loved the Rube Goldberg machine fix with the rope and dumbbell. Good ol’ American ingenuity. Terrific Beatles story!!! Hello, this is Ringo “Happy Birthday.”
My dad bought a Thorens turntable in 1958 and he added a Grado Tone arm in 1964, I have that turntable with the Grado tone arm ( made of wood) and a Grado Cartridge. It is amazing quality and durability. Recently Mr Grado helped me find someone to do some rewiring to my Grado Tone Arm, he is the nicest guy, I love their products and I own several of their headphones.
I love love loved this tour. I got my SR80e’s in 2015 and the new 80x for my nephew, hoping to open his mind to the world of beautiful sound. After watching this, I took my Grados out of the original box they live in and just took them in, the feel and the look-knowing they were born in that little house. I love Grado!
What a nice way to meet good people in the business. My next cartridge will have to be a Grado. I haven't owned one in years. I prefer to spend my money with these kind of down to earth people who take pride in their work. Thank you Steve for making this video.
Awesome sauce. I knownvery little about grado as a company, but now I feel better for knowing more. Im so glad they are doing things the way they are. It certainly shows in their products. I dont use headphones that often, but about 11 years ago i bought some grados. Initially i looked at them anc thought "these look cheaply made" but inwas absolutely wrong. Obviously the fact they press their own plastics deceived me. I love them to bits. Ive had many a headphone in the past where the cable gave out or a hinge piece or something on the headstrap fell off rendering them nigh on unsuable. Not so with these. They are built to last. But thaat wouldnt mean a lot if they didnt sound good. They sound amazing. Theyre the only headphones i find will play ANYTHJNG with space, pace and brilliant clarity. They dont in any way suffer from any harsh frquencies like others do. I cant recommend them enough. Never tried their cartridges, but i guess i may have to change that soon.
Hats off, John! Nothing beats the Brooklyn accent! In the late seventies I had a Thorens TD 124 turntable. it had a wooden Grado tone arm mounted to it. Sorry I let it get away.........Hope things go to the fourth generation!!! Still have my original Beatle albums in Mono, they sound great.......
now i can see where the soul that puts the feeling into the music that Grado products reproduce comes from , this guy makes colonel sanders look like marketing hype , if ever there was the real deal , this guy is it.
I used to be a Tour Bus Driver here in the UK and was fortunate to get good Tips at the end of the day totalling to about £100.00 per week. I saved up enough money in about a month and bought a pair of GRADO RS2 Headphones costing around £400.00 back then. that was back in 1999!. I don't have them now as i sold them a few years ago, but am looking at buying another pair of GRADO's shortly !. Fascinating video, nice to see things being hand made .
Grado has figured out the reason to live - to create - and even better if you can beautifully do it with your hands involved with a daily routine. Thank you, Steve for showing to us this jewel/people. I work in the agricultural industry in California and feel the same way, but with food, which you all enjoy across the country. We don't get the same prestige, but you're welcome. :)
Grado's have to be the best referencing headphones ever! Yes it's open back, yes they bleed like crazy, but just beautiful things happen to music you "think" you know so well. Soundscapes are truly unique and so warm. If you want ANC, bass overload.... then there are many "celebrity" endorsements plying their badly made cans with branding . Grado's are in a league of their own. Each one is different and unique because it's made by hand and that's good! I love the mellow tour. Genuinely surprised at the scale of the production process. Again, if you want amazing reference headphones or your fed up with BASS with EXTRA BASS by (insert talentless name here) then you will love Grado's. Truly unique.
Great stuff. Learning a lot here. I never heard of Grado, but I love and appreciate a good set of Headphones. I'm fascinated with the sound of Stereophonic.
Just get the grados and forget about the rest. I have the £130 SR125 and have listened to some £300 headphones e.g. Sennheiser or Sony that are nowhere near as good.
I like Grado headphones that reproduce great sound. But one issue is that the black sponge cushions crush after about one year of use. Hope they change the material to make the sponge cushions to solve the problem. May be another option of faux leather cushions.
This is like the coolest commercial for a company ever.
Hey numbnuts. So is it the coolest commercial for a company or like one? So if I said you were like stupid. It would mean you weren't stupid just like it. Meaning similar.
@@lynnpoole7830 You never miss an opportunity to be an arrogant douche bag.
@@paulallen7848 Agreed. That was un-civilized and un-provoked. Frankly it was a kind of commercial in a way and it was among the coolest ones I've seen. I think most of us could see ourselves working in a place like that. I don't see any degrees or other certificates of accomplishment on the walls. They don't need them. Either you like our shit or you don't. Turns out enough do that they can make a decent living at it. That's what it's about. I especially liked the little unassuming box in the cabinet that had hand written on it "Reference" That right there says everything I need to know. When Steve said "real" he friggin meant it.
@@paulallen7848 Like you know a like douche bag like exactly or similar to a douche bag like such as you know like yourself? Like you know?
Lynn Poole who is obviously an asshole
This is our lost American manufacturing small family style. Original building passed down through the generations 100% paid off and owned original equipment did not expand to large warehouse manufacturing with large overhead expenses marketing staff salesforce massive Office personnel staff.
In this day and age this kind of business can never be restarted in the same method as the original. The price point for the product would be out of everybody’s grasp if some other new company tried.
Always thought about purchasing a Grado, after seeing the handmade method in the original building with their original equipment makes me even more want to go purchase one to keep this business going in America.
You should.
A proudly american and proudly local business, and every american should be proud to have a business like this as part of America.
As a non-american I highly admire the dedication and family friendly approach.
I will enquire into purchasing one of their products when I next buy the next part to my audio setup :)
Grado fan in Melbourne Australia. So inspiring seeing this - what wonderful people and family company. And those headphones are magic, Thankyou.
I always wondered how a company with a name and important history survived in today's competitive market. This is how. By keeping it simple, and maintaining people that care and work hard for their families.
Keeping it simple and developing a following. A charismatic company!
Who knows if you can replicate a business like Grado today. The market and its way of doing things changed massively since the opening of this company, today it seems like your only options is to be part of a multinational magacorporation and move all production to China or just be a tech company that does not really invent anything but has a few apps as services. I hope that you still can, I hope Grado is not a remnant of a far gone era of family own business, but I'm a pessimist in that regard.
Add PASSION to the mix as well 💎
Many thank's Steve! Now Grado have a face for me. Great People, great Company and great products👍👍👍
I've never owned a pair a Grado headphones. Now I'm going to own a pair of Grado headphones...
Go RS2e if you can. All grado roads lead there. Check review on HeadFi forum. sound reviewed and tech stats gave RS2e the most points. They are damn fine!
Go for the Hemp! Truly a warm lush luxurious experience sound-wise!
Yeah, the 80s do it for me.
RS1X - they’re wonderful
i am simple man. when i see grado factory tour: i press that 'i like this' button!
as simple as my grado SR-60 with the iPod shuffle 1st generation. just plain simple.
thank you grado's and audiophiliac!
Did you notice that the "improved versions" of the SR-60 sound absolutely awful?
@@k1ghz960 yep yep.i've tried 60i and 60e, but i keep goin back to the sr-60 😁
I also still use my SR-60s, though I do find the treble a bit thin, so I am planning to buy the 325es when they next become available in the UK.
One day in my life I happened I had some money in my pocket. I went to my friend Silvio's store in Turin, Italy, near the historical RAI building. I put all my money in his hands and just told him to give me all the Grado I can buy. It wasn't a lot of money but I went home with a GS1000 and a Reference cartridge. It was the peak of my happiness. Some many years passed but I still have and love both. I love Grado family, I love the way they work and their being proud of their work. This virtual tour of "the house that John built" is pure joy. Thank you so much for sharing
I also love how Herb just pops up here and there...talks about the beauty of an old hammer. My kind of people.
What I love about the Grados in general is that they stick to their values. People love or hate the Grado sound but it remained virtually unchanged for decades. Of course their are differences to each headphone but the signature "recipe" is the same - alive, natural, engaging. Will always be a Grado fan, whatever they do. I wish them continued success and heritage. Great episode Steve! Can't wait for Part 2. 😊
I love how casually he tells about how he met THE BEATLES and gets a call from Ringo on his birthday. Such a legend.
Grado were the first pair of headphones that made me say “Wow!”. Over the years I’ve listened to many popular headphones but Grado always make me smile. Now I own a pair of RS2e and they’re on constant rotation. It’s nice to know that such a world class set of headphones are made in the US.
Have you used SR125 model? These are the ones I have but I think about upgrading. Is there any upgrade model that you could recommend for best value?
Did you try the Hifiman's? Just curious.
I love my Grado SR60s when they came the packaging was so thoughtful and when I first used them it was with both a revelation and a delight. They take some wearing to get used to them and the cables drive me nuts BUT I love their value for money and I am tremendously grateful for Grado doing what they do and I urge people to have a pair in their listening repertoire! God Bless Them (and I’m not even religious).
I get what John Grado means about making a headphone for music rather than tests and sound effects. I'm very privileged to own the PS2000e and a Chord Mojo, which plays CD rips (WAV) from my iPad Pro. Currently I'm listening to an album of J.S. Bach organ pieces, played by Florence Mustric on the Beckerath tracker organ in Cleveland. The tonality is amazing from this purely acoustic instrument.
Good day to you sir for being so discerning - PS2000e - artful to say the least as a headphone.
I’ve owned grados for 10 yrs love em, this tour is how I imagined the small factory to be ,very nice gentleman md, I now am going to upgrade to next level grados, this in the modern digital world is a breath of fresh air long may it continue baz 🇬🇧
I'm skipping work this afternoon to go purchase my first Grado Headphones. Thank you Grado Labs for keeping it real. You have a wonderful staff and each of you should be proud.
I love my Grado SR325, fantastic headphone.
Grado SR-60 was the first piece of audiophile gear I ever purchased back in the 90s. It was so different from the mainstream headphones: from the classy packaging to its unique design and of course the sound.
This was a great tour of Grado Labs, a great example of the old school way of doing things . What a great historical record, great job Steve. Thank you.
This was a cool video. I don’t own any Grado headphones but I am going to buy a pair now.
Fantastic! Always loved my Grado cartridges, nice to see where they
were born. 😎
I so want a pair or 3 of these. These might be the go to for any gifts i need to give
Very informative and such a nice guy cant wait for part two glad to know there is still some great people in the audio industry
Very relaxed and enjoyable interview..looking forward to part 2. Thank you fellas!
I like them. Simple family business and hand made... Rare and cool!
As a Grado fan and as a business graduate. I really look up to these small-medium businesses that do their work exceptionally well.
I bought a Grado phono cartridge and it's by far the best cartridge I've own.
I have had several Grado products over the years; it’s great to see the people who built them for me.
Steve your channel is awesome. You are the best. Thanks.
Listening through my RS1. All I can say is thanks. My ultimate respect for this group dedicated and fine people. Will always add Grado to my line up from time to time.
In my country there is constant discussion about demolishing buildings and companies complaining that the real estate isn't up to their demands... Just look how you can make things work, wonderful.
By far one of the best Grado factory visit/tour videos I've seen so far!
No fuss, no hurry - actually something that feels like being on a relaxed tour, instead of some quick 5 minute thing that uses fast cuts to cram in all the things deemed necessary by some tech site editor.
Looking forward to the second part!
It was 1985 for me on my first Grado cartridge, and been buying ever since. Great headphones too.
Joseph grade was my great grandfather and when he died in his south carolina in the bacement we still have all his collectioms and projects and its been 6 years since we lost him but his acheivements will live on so i want to thank you for sticking with my family and god bless you and my grandmother also says thank you (shes joesph grados daughter) one day i would love to share his work that untouched but in honor of the way he left it ill keep it to the fam and once my mama(grandma) passes i will take over the house so i think thats pretty neat that i have BOXES and BOXES AND BOXES of old family tapes and poloroids from the 50,60,70,80,90,2000s
Have a amazing time
Godbless
I was about to buy some Phillips headphones, after watching this, I’m buying a Grado!
Working in modern mfg, i am almost in disbelief a global company can still make stuff old school like this. Its fantastic
In the the quality musical equipment industry much is made like above.
They are not a global company but a company which is known globally.
Thanks for the tour! I have the SR-60 headphones and a Prestige Black2 cart installed on my U-Turn Orbit turntable. Happy to support a small family business like Grado.
Thanks for the ride along on your tour!!! Best video you have made since the nelson pass ones! John is an interesting character and it is fun to see people who made so many of the products I have purchased!!!
Listening to this tour with my Grado SR225e headphones.
Whats the e? mine doesnt have one
@@LSxHC I think its a slightly revised version, but I'm not sure. I have the e as well.
@@duskyracer8800 I found out the e is an old version with a 5.5 mm jack
@@LSxHC 5.5? My 225e came with a 3.5mm and a 6.35mm adapter.
@@duskyracer8800 I meant 6.35. But yeah mine has no e and its a 6.35
Thanks Steve. I have always loved and enjoyed their products over the many years. Grado is one of the Great American Companies.
Dear Steve, I'm from Buenos Aires and I had been following you since the early 80's reading your articles in an audio magazine where you contributed (honestly can't remember if it was Stereo Review, High Fidelity or Audio Magazine. I bought all three every month to practice my english). You have been my "guru" regarding audio topics, and I'm glad you have this excellent channel in CZcams. I must congratulate you for this particular video about Grado Labs. Most enjoyable. Best regards and I'm loking forward for the next chapter!
Eg Ds Thanks for the kind words. Steve
Steve, thanks for all your great videos. Very informative and such a treat when you interview industry leaders of design, manufacturing, recording, mastering, retail, etc. Keep up the great work!
Thanks for your video. I have been a Grado fan for over 40 years, having bought my first Grado cartridge in 1976, around the time you did. There are few companies whose products bring me as close to the music (right now only Rega comes to mind).
Joseph grade was my great grandfather and when he died in his south carolina in the bacement we still have all his collectioms and projects and its been 6 years since we lost him but his acheivements will live on so i want to thank you for sticking with my family and god bless you and my grandmother also says thank you (shes joesph grados daughter) one day i would love to share his work that untouched but in honor of the way he left it ill keep it to the fam and once my mama(grandma) passes i will take over the house so i think thats pretty neat that i have BOXES and BOXES AND BOXES of old family tapes and poloroids from the 50,60,70,80,90,2000s
Have a amazing time
Godbless
Love the dumbell hack on the printing machine :)
He was too cheap to have another spring made, yes it can be done.
Bought a pair of 80s about 7 yrs ago, was blown away by the sound at that price and immediately starting saving for RS1s and a decent headphone amp. Used everyday for music, movies and gaming. They are AWESOME. This video makes me appreciate them more than ever.
I bought my first GRADO SR125e Prestige Series Wired Open-Back Stereo Headphones today and love them, they are so comfortable.
Uniquely great episode! I have cherished Grado cartridges since my first AR XA turntable in 1963! It is a hypnotizing experience to visit with them. Presently own one "Statement 2" cartridge, which IS my favorite among several others. Am anticipating your next episode with Grado! Thankyou!
Fascinating! I've had several graydle cartridges even including their attempted a ceramic cartridge with variable compliance: the model B. From the 60s...
To my knowledge, they never made a ceramic cartridge, again. In my old Garrard AT60, the high compliance setting of that cartridge gave the best sound. Still, it was never as detailed as their magnetic cartridges.
But, it was the QUIETEST phono cartridge I ever owned -- NO HUM!
Hell yeah! American made by a hard working man! Only Grados will be on my turntables from here on out! Thanks for the video.
I'm getting excited because my 225s are arriving this afternoon, and it's been great seeing where they're made. I would always choose a family firm like this over corporations and private equity companies because they care. corporations only care about profit, and it shows.
Thanks Steve! That was a great tour. Looking forward to the next part.
Thanks Steve, one fantastic tour. I love to see craftsmanship happening, and Grado Labs still have the "organic" aspects in abundance to go with it. Really cool. Loving your show.
Wow watching this with my SR80 right now from the other side of of the world - in Mauritius. Big thanks Steve.
I have a couple of Grado cartridges and really like their sound. HOWEVER, like so many, I have had to put up with what many call "the Grado hum"! It didn't matter whether I had it on a belt drive or direct drive turntable, they'd hum! One day I picked up an SME head shell that was built a little bit different. It had a unique grounding system. I bought three of them (good price) and mounted two of my Grado cartridges on them. To my amazement, no more Grado hum! I could actually hear my records clean and clear. I don't know what the problem is with Grado cartridges but I'm glad I finally got them to play correctly for me.
It’s nice to see everything made in house and that’s where your quality comes from
I have my Grado SR80 for 14 years and i still love it! Thanks for your great job !!! god bless you.
This video makes me appreciate my SR-60s so much more. Going to have to give them a listen now.
Love to see the legacy carried on, handcrafted parts are so rare these days!
Wow, seriously impressed. What a fantastic person and company to work for. Thank you, Steve, for showing us, your fellow audiophiles, this incredible company. I am very familiar with Grado having owned several headphones and cartridges in the past, however, being able to see behind the scenes, really makes you appreciate how very special this company is. I really am extremely impressed!
I have two pairs of their headphones. Started with 80's just graduated to the 325's. Hopefully one day I'll move up to the next step. I love their dedication to keeping everything local and putting out great products. I even just started with their low end cartridge. Awesome video Steve. Nice to get the story. Ranks up there with all your Nelson Pass videos. Good job!
I just bought a 8XM needle for the vintage Grado black cartridge I have. It’s still sounds so good for a decades old cart.
Watching this video makes me want to support this factory even more. Saving up for a wooden body Prestige...
It must be such a privilege and pleasure to visit them!!! I am so glad that they keep Grado an American product!!!! I love my Grado SR325ie. Thank you Grado!! And Thank you Steve!!!
Watching this affirms my choice to pick up and own a few pairs of Grado. Great company, good people, and made in and assembled in USA.
Thank you for this tour. I feel like I know John and privileged to have heard his story. I bought Grado headphones for my sons 10 years ago because the SR325 was the best build and design quality for the price. Now I understand why I like the company and the products. John runs the company like he is making all the products as if he were making them for his family and people he cares about.
Thanks for this tour. I really enjoyed this!
appreciate this, thanks Steve and Mr. Grado!
I sold a ton of Grado carts in the 70,s and still own some.👍
I own the 325X. They are wonderful.
Fabulous, just fabulous. A couple of years ago, one of the audio magazines did tour of the Grado factory but this walk around is far more interesting. I own a pair of PS1000e headphones and a few of their mid-level carts. I’m using Ortofon carts these days but, no doubt, I’ll return to Grado at some point.
I just bought my first Grado cart and stylus. After watching this video, I couldn't be happier that I supported these old rockers!
Grado headphones are the only cans that I buy. Great tour!!
This is great! I love all my Grado gear a little bit more now that I have watched this. I love that they have been doing all of this in house for so long. Such a rarity today.
I'm a long time Grado customer. My first pair of "good" headphones were Grado, and last year I treated myself, maybe not to "best" but to "better". Grado has been my preferred phono cartridge for years (not MC and not MM.... but uniquely Grado). I thoroughly enjoyed this tour. Thanks so much. You've done other tours, Sound Smith comes to mind, that have impressed me. Thanks.
The experience I had with grados is that are very bright headphones, but I appreciate these kind of companies.... good luck for them
This is gold Steve. This has historic documentary value. A wonderful company and an interesting man.
Amazing Steve! My first real cartridge (and all I could afford) was a $69 Grado Black I bought in 1995... Thank you for this...
I have not finished watching the video, but i feel i have to comment. I bought a Grado cartridge for my Thorens turntable back in 1975 and was very impressed with it, it sounded much better than the Shure cartridge i had been using. I am buying a set of headphones next week, Grado of course, the SR60e, can't wait to hear them. It was so nice to see the Grado factory and John Grado, i will take this opportunity to thank you Mr. Grado for providing music lovers around the world with the equipment that makes this so enjoyable, Grado gear means quality and great sound, truly amazing sound. Keep up the noble work sir, don't sell out, music lovers around the world need people like you in the business.
Super awesome! Loved the Rube Goldberg machine fix with the rope and dumbbell. Good ol’ American ingenuity. Terrific Beatles story!!! Hello, this is Ringo “Happy Birthday.”
My dad bought a Thorens turntable in 1958 and he added a Grado Tone arm in 1964, I have that turntable with the Grado tone arm ( made of wood) and a Grado Cartridge. It is amazing quality and durability. Recently Mr Grado helped me find someone to do some rewiring to my Grado Tone Arm, he is the nicest guy, I love their products and I own several of their headphones.
I love love loved this tour. I got my SR80e’s in 2015 and the new 80x for my nephew, hoping to open his mind to the world of beautiful sound. After watching this, I took my Grados out of the original box they live in and just took them in, the feel and the look-knowing they were born in that little house. I love Grado!
What a nice way to meet good people in the business. My next cartridge will have to be a Grado. I haven't owned one in years. I prefer to spend my money with these kind of down to earth people who take pride in their work.
Thank you Steve for making this video.
great documentation. Thank you Mr. Guttenberg. 🙏
Awesome sauce. I knownvery little about grado as a company, but now I feel better for knowing more. Im so glad they are doing things the way they are. It certainly shows in their products. I dont use headphones that often, but about 11 years ago i bought some grados. Initially i looked at them anc thought "these look cheaply made" but inwas absolutely wrong. Obviously the fact they press their own plastics deceived me. I love them to bits.
Ive had many a headphone in the past where the cable gave out or a hinge piece or something on the headstrap fell off rendering them nigh on unsuable. Not so with these. They are built to last. But thaat wouldnt mean a lot if they didnt sound good. They sound amazing. Theyre the only headphones i find will play ANYTHJNG with space, pace and brilliant clarity. They dont in any way suffer from any harsh frquencies like others do.
I cant recommend them enough.
Never tried their cartridges, but i guess i may have to change that soon.
Just got my first pair of Grado Headphones. Love them!
Hats off, John! Nothing beats the Brooklyn accent! In the late seventies I had a Thorens TD 124 turntable. it had a wooden Grado tone arm mounted to it. Sorry I let it get away.........Hope things go to the fourth generation!!! Still have my original Beatle albums in Mono, they sound great.......
I bought a pair or sr80s at J&R back in 2008 (wife and I live in Louisiana but love NY). Those things pull you into another dimension sonically.
Sorry for the spelling error, I was dictating the note. Of course, I know that it's a Grado cartridge.
Excellent interview.
I have a pair of Grado RS-2's which were bought ~20 years ago, and these are used almost daily.
Very Charming piece of footage Steve.
Thank you for keeping your company home!
This is so lovely. I just ordered one of their headphones, first for me. Keep doing what you are doing, it's special.
Great 👍🏻! Reading through comments just realised I have Grado wood master series cartridge and loving it!🥰
now i can see where the soul that puts the feeling into the music that Grado products reproduce comes from , this guy makes colonel sanders look like marketing hype , if ever there was the real deal , this guy is it.
I used to be a Tour Bus Driver here in the UK and was fortunate to get good Tips at the end of the day totalling to about £100.00 per week. I saved up enough money in about a month and bought a pair of GRADO RS2 Headphones costing around £400.00 back then. that was back in 1999!. I don't have them now as i sold them a few years ago, but am looking at buying another pair of GRADO's shortly !. Fascinating video, nice to see things being hand made .
Fun video. It makes me want their stuff!
Steve these Sunday Interviews and tours are fantastic.Thanks!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
This is great Steve! Best regards from Mexico!
Grado has figured out the reason to live - to create - and even better if you can beautifully do it with your hands involved with a daily routine. Thank you, Steve for showing to us this jewel/people. I work in the agricultural industry in California and feel the same way, but with food, which you all enjoy across the country. We don't get the same prestige, but you're welcome. :)
Grado's have to be the best referencing headphones ever! Yes it's open back, yes they bleed like crazy, but just beautiful things happen to music you "think" you know so well. Soundscapes are truly unique and so warm. If you want ANC, bass overload.... then there are many "celebrity" endorsements plying their badly made cans with branding . Grado's are in a league of their own. Each one is different and unique because it's made by hand and that's good! I love the mellow tour. Genuinely surprised at the scale of the production process. Again, if you want amazing reference headphones or your fed up with BASS with EXTRA BASS by (insert talentless name here) then you will love Grado's. Truly unique.
Did you try the Hifiman's? Just curious.
What wonderfull people and family. Great philosophy, products and story. Absolutely loved the Grado videos. Thanks and well done Steve.
Great stuff. Learning a lot here. I never heard of Grado, but I love and appreciate a good set of Headphones. I'm fascinated with the sound of Stereophonic.
Just get the grados and forget about the rest. I have the £130 SR125 and have listened to some £300 headphones e.g. Sennheiser or Sony that are nowhere near as good.
I like Grado headphones that reproduce great sound. But one issue is that the black sponge cushions crush after about one year of use. Hope they change the material to make the sponge cushions to solve the problem. May be another option of faux leather cushions.
I had a set of cushions that turned into dust when left disused for a period of time. They literally dematerialised.