[Kevin.T]

It seems I've started to run into the dreaded headband disintegrating. The outer edges of the faux-suede (underside) have started flaking, leaving tiny black residues on anything it rests on (head, hands, headphone stand). Fortunately, the flat part of the underside is still fine for now, it's just the edges (which might have dried out faster). Also, the pleather (top) part shows no sign of peeling, thankfully.

Anybody have any success mitigating this on their own pair? I would not be against cleaning up a whole layer of flaking faux-suede, if it's to eventually get it to a point where it stops flaking. I don't care too much about the esthetics of it: I'm more worried about the integrity of the headband. Any tips are welcome!

 

[volly]

It seems I've started to run into the dreaded headband disintegrating. The outer edges of the faux-suede (underside) have started flaking, leaving tiny black residues on anything it rests on (head, hands, headphone stand). Fortunately, the flat part of the underside is still fine for now, it's just the edges (which might have dried out faster). Also, the pleather (top) part shows no sign of peeling, thankfully.

Anybody have any success mitigating this on their own pair? I would not be against cleaning up a whole layer of flaking faux-suede, if it's to eventually get it to a point where it stops flaking. I don't care too much about the esthetics of it: I'm more worried about the integrity of the headband. Any tips are welcome!

Sorry to hear that, I've had the exact telltale signs but mine progressed a long further and worsened over time. The top part seems fine but the underside (the bit that makes actual contact with your head) has literally disintegrated....

 

[volly]

Fcuk it....took one for the team....this is the state of the headband and this is what happens when you cut it open to see how it's made....

I'm thinking, if you're creative enough, you could fix this and make a new headband....

Let's go!

 

[Kevin.T]

Fcuk it....took one for the team....this is the state of the headband and this is what happens when you cut it open to see how it's made....

I'm thinking, if you're creative enough, you could fix this and make a new headband....

Let's go!

HOLY CRUD!! Balls of steel, right there! Thanks for sharing, surely it'll be helpful for those of us left with a slowly decaying headband. Cheers!!

 

[HipHopScribe]

A leatherworker could probably make a durable new headband pretty easily if you bring in the old one

 

[dosley01]

It seems I've started to run into the dreaded headband disintegrating. The outer edges of the faux-suede (underside) have started flaking, leaving tiny black residues on anything it rests on (head, hands, headphone stand). Fortunately, the flat part of the underside is still fine for now, it's just the edges (which might have dried out faster). Also, the pleather (top) part shows no sign of peeling, thankfully.

Anybody have any success mitigating this on their own pair? I would not be against cleaning up a whole layer of flaking faux-suede, if it's to eventually get it to a point where it stops flaking. I don't care too much about the esthetics of it: I'm more worried about the integrity of the headband. Any tips are welcome!

Audioquest had replacments last time I checked. Send them an email info@audioquest.com

 

[Kevin.T]

Audioquest had replacments last time I checked. Send them an email info@audioquest.com

I just sent them an email, which took all of sixty seconds (nothing to lose I guess). But, from all posts I can find online (on here, other forums and Reddit), people say they've stopped selling replacement headbands a good while ago.

I'll let you guys know what (if) they reply!

EDIT: Wow, that was really fast! Here's the reply:

"
Dear Kevin,

I regret we are now sold out of the leatherette headpads for Nighthawk & Nightowl headphones. Unfortunately our supplier is no longer able to provide us with these headpads. Our apologies for the inconvenience.

Best regards,
"

 

[volly]

I just sent them an email, which took all of sixty seconds (nothing to lose I guess). But, from all posts I can find online (on here, other forums and Reddit), people say they've stopped selling replacement headbands a good while ago.

I'll let you guys know what (if) they reply!

EDIT: Wow, that was really fast! Here's the reply:

"
Dear Kevin,

I regret we are now sold out of the leatherette headpads for Nighthawk & Nightowl headphones. Unfortunately our supplier is no longer able to provide us with these headpads. Our apologies for the inconvenience.

Best regards,
"

Cheers for this, I tried numerous times, long a go and no luck!

I'll be taking it to a family member that works with leathers to make me a new pad....it doesn't look to difficult to retro-fit this back together too! Unlike other headphones....my Edition X headband needed renewal and that was a pain in the neck!

 

[Kevin.T]

Follow-up on the decaying headband saga: I've found a cheap, comfortable, and esthetically-pleasing solution to salvage my Nighthawks!

I've decided to purchase this headband cover: https://www.amazon.com/Compatibles-ATH-MSR7NC-ATH-MSR7BK-ATH-MSR7GM-Installation/dp/B07GDQ9QVZ/ref=sr_1_5?crid=3NFV88RA6SE8B&keywords=geekria+headband+cover+ath&qid=1643923977&sprefix=geekria+headband+cover+ath,aps,58&sr=8-5. I'd seen an eBay listing where the seller used this exact headband cover, and decided to try it for myself.

Here are the results:

Front / underside:

From the back:

Top:

The fit is very snug over the Nighthawk headband, so there's no wiggle room between the cover and the headband (it essentially becomes coupled). Comfort is still excellent. The headband becomes slightly stiffer and thicker with this, so it may add a bit of extra pressure on top of the head. I have a small head, so I don't notice much difference. Overall, I'm very pleased with this. I can now use my Nighthawks again, without worrying about tiny black residues laying everywhere!

 

[Hal7yon]

My headband straps finally got stretched out to the point the bar on the top was resting on my head. So, I replaced it with the following Arctis 3/5 headband, https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B081S6B8HF/. I started by pushing a nail in and out of the spot shown in image 1 and 2. I then put the bar that holds the original strap with the short side and long side as shown through the hole. It's held in with some rubber/plastic that you can easily move apart to remove that piece. I found pulling the nail completely in and out of the hole helped break some of the fibers and after a few minutes of fiddling allowed one of the ends to push through the new band. Scratching the fibers the end was trying to push through helped move them out of the way and allow it to finally push through with some struggle. Then, just pushing it sideways and popping the other end through was easier. You can press the velcro against the fabric and it will hold to it better than what is shown in the photos. Adjusting would be moving the bar to another position.

Optionally, since my straps were practically unusable and the ends for it were falling off I just yanked it out breaking what was keeping it in. Then, using the tool shown I shoved my new band/straps through the old band trying my best to keep it from twisting or folding. Some smoothing and adjustments helped it look a bit better than in the photo. Doing so seemed to either stretch it a bit, or keep it stretched slightly so keep that in mind it may sit higher/lower. Both with and without the original band worked well. The leatherette material has already rubbed off on both my ear cups and the original headband so that using them is not an issue anymore.

Best of luck to anyone else who needs to make a similar modification!

 

[volly]

My headband straps finally got stretched out to the point the bar on the top was resting on my head. So, I replaced it with the following Arctis 3/5 headband, https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B081S6B8HF/. I started by pushing a nail in and out of the spot shown in image 1 and 2. I then put the bar that holds the original strap with the short side and long side as shown through the hole. It's held in with some rubber/plastic that you can easily move apart to remove that piece. I found pulling the nail completely in and out of the hole helped break some of the fibers and after a few minutes of fiddling allowed one of the ends to push through the new band. Scratching the fibers the end was trying to push through helped move them out of the way and allow it to finally push through with some struggle. Then, just pushing it sideways and popping the other end through was easier. You can press the velcro against the fabric and it will hold to it better than what is shown in the photos. Adjusting would be moving the bar to another position.

Optionally, since my straps were practically unusable and the ends for it were falling off I just yanked it out breaking what was keeping it in. Then, using the tool shown I shoved my new band/straps through the old band trying my best to keep it from twisting or folding. Some smoothing and adjustments helped it look a bit better than in the photo. Doing so seemed to either stretch it a bit, or keep it stretched slightly so keep that in mind it may sit higher/lower. Both with and without the original band worked well. The leatherette material has already rubbed off on both my ear cups and the original headband so that using them is not an issue anymore.

Best of luck to anyone else who needs to make a similar modification!

Good stuff mate!

I was looking at doing something like this too!

I think we're gonna see some cool Hacks come out of the community for our Nightbirds....keep it going!

 

[volly]

@Hal7yon - Thank you for the motivation, got off my arse and got creative!

Trying out a spare Beyerdynamic head pad. Seems alright and comfort is supreme. Gotta adjust it a bit more when positioning on the head but does seem to work well!

Admittedly, I've been using speakers more on a daily basis but was keen to listen to the Nighthawks again.....my gawddddd....so dreamy!

 

[volly]

Drifted off to another place with the Nighthawks and this recording.....



and....

 

[volly]

Some good news for any Aussie owners, just taken delivery of fresh new genuine pads for the Nighthawks. They are the full leather pads, not sure how much this place has in stock so I grabbed two.

Amber Technology:

https://www.ambertech.com.au/nightowl-~-hawk-leather-replacment-earpads-audioquest

I paid for the express postage and got them the next day!




Things are looking up for my Nighthawks....

 

[tm4347]

Love how easy they are on sensitive ears.