Wow. Thanks so much for all the great suggestions! There are so many I never would have thought of. I think I have it narrowed down to:   closed and little:   Audio Technica ESW-9 (prettiest)   AKG Q460 (lightest) senn HD 25-1 II (proven)   open and big:   AKG K601 (like...

I know the neck thing is weird, but it's what she likes. If you think audiophiles are picky, professional musicians are 10 times worse. It's possible that she's just never had really comfortable headphones though. Also, for a classical musician, anything that plugs in is just expected to suck...

Just registered to ask this question, but have been lurking a long time.   My girlfriend is a professional classical pianist, and needs new headphones to practice with her digital piano at night. (New York apartment)    I have Shure 840s and have had Grado SR80s (stolen), but wanted to...