Got my Grado Bowls, they look so used

[Facade19]

About 3 weeks ago I ordered from TTVJ Grado Bowls, since I knew I could get them cheaper there (due to the $10 off). Well after much delay I got them finally today. Put them on my MS1 and liked what I heard. However I noticed distinct marks on both bowls (as if someone removed scotch tape). It just does not look right. I took a few pictures with my macbook. Since I do not know where my brother and sister keep their digi cams I am stuck with these semi-doable shots.

The way it looks is that most of the surfaces area has been taped and then removed. The surface does not look rough and rather has a smooth feel to it. Additionally the bumpy texture is not there. I really think ttvj send me used (returned) grado bowls. What is there I can do now?

Edit: Shoot forgot the pics.

 

[fc911c]

Don't feel bad, my MS2i's came today and my pads look pretty crummy too. Looks like QQ is going down the toilet.

Frank

 

[kontai69]

I think what you are describing is normal. The bowl pads seems to be constructed of different types of foam that has been glued together. The sides are smoother and softer than the "ends" which tends to be stiffer and rougher.

 

[judas391]

you're colouring in the picture is too saturated (right word?) to see the detail

 

[Andrew_WOT]

That's normal, some manufacturing artifact, mine were the same way.

 

[kramer5150]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Andrew_WOT /img/forum/go_quote.gif That's normal, some manufacturing artifact, mine were the same way.

x2... they use a coating to create different foam densities.

 

[unclejr]

So I've seen bowls that have the foam bonded properly, but my recent MS-2s certainly were not. So long as it doesn't affect the sound, I can't complain too much ...

 

[Facade19]

Well I guess I rushed hastly into a erronous conclusion.
Thanks for the clarification guys.

 

[BrookR1]

Yeah...as long as there weren't any hairs in them, you should be good to go. If you're unhappy, you can always return them to Todd and get another pair. He's good that way.

 

[kramer5150]

Not sure why I am remembering this now....

IMHO Bowl pads will always look kind of crude and less refined than anything AT, Senn, AKG...etc... But, they certainly shouldn't look used. A well used bowl pad is soggier and more smashed. A new bowl is "taller" and more angular looking. Very night and day difference in appearance IMHO.

Used pad is on the right, brand new pad is on the left. IMHO this is the source of at least some of the burn-in Grados undergo as they age (but we'll save that discussion for another thread

)

 

[judas391]

imo the bowl pads on grados were the sexiest thing i've ever seen since ...

 

[ccontreras]

yea. x3 they use a coating to create different foam densities.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/onbelay...7601406902025/

 

[unclejr]

^ man, whoever took those pictures is a friggin' artist!

... who needs to learn white balance and light metering!

 

[Liver]

dunno if this was a bad idea, but mine were used (bought off forums) and looked somewhat like that. I could smell the glue. I took them off and washed once with soap and rinsed twice. Total time in water was about a minute. Some of the color came off into the water, but my perception of the pads was no different. Glue / Chemical smell is gone, looks more uniform and was much cooler to listen to (at least while the water was evaporating off!)

 

[Facade19]

Well regarding the bowls and sound quality compared to the stock comfie pads that came with my MS1's. I think the comfies had a more "loud" sound, but dang it I really love me some bowls.

First of all my ear does not feel pressed, secondly I am picking lows and mids much better, though in sacrafice of the highs (at least that is how I feel them). The instrumental difference is so far better on the comfies for me, but the bowls definately add an extra of the deeps that I have been looking for.
Great buy now that my fears have been subsided. Though I need to turn my volume on ipod up a bit now, I do not mind. I take this clarity of lows and mids over the highs and loudness of the pads. Plus the bowls feel lighter on me than do the comfies (right now at least). Pretty glad I purchased them.
I might do later on the bass mod, but as of now I am liking what I am experiencing with them. Thanks to all of you who recommended me the bowls.

Edit: BTW do I need to soak them in water?? I did not know about that.