[GWD72]

Hello forum followers!
 
Before I begin, I mention this has nothing to do with me.  (I am not selling these and benefit nothing personally by posting this).  I am merely informing about a very rare opportunity to have custom made, genuine leather ear pad replacements, by an ebay seller (whose name is Yurij, from Ukraine), for an extremely affordable price.
 
Mine are on the way!  Here is what they look like (custom made to order: specifications to fit Sony MDR-V4)
 

 

 

 
At 22 USD a set, I bought both available (7 USD shipping, + 2 USD for second set).  They have not arrived yet (ordered only today), but I will post back once I have them (will be away for some weeks soon, but will do this eventually).  It took a bit over 2 weeks from contact, discussion, sending dimensions to them being available for purchase on ebay.
 
I have yet to find anyone else making these (to order!).  Here is a link to find some available, see: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Genuine-Sheepskin-Leather-Ear-Pads-Cushion-Audio-Technica-ATH-AD2000X-AD1000X-/172120471700?hash=item28132df894:g:~usAAOSwmmxW10oa
 
I used the following templates to direct the dimensions I needed (see below), with an additional 20 mm height off the backing plate (top is front, bottom is back).  This guy seems quite friendly and helpful (good communication).  Give it a go, or wait to hear back on the quality.  I thought in any case it would be good to support someone doing this!  And if they are as good as I think they will be, I will get back to Yurij and recommend he sign up to this forum to avoid ebay fees (or maybe for less hassles he will prefer to stay there?).

 

 

[GWD72]

So, as promised, some info and some pics.  
 
They've arrived and I couldn't be more pleased. Very comfy and make an excellent seal.  I don't think a big name company could have made these better! A very high quality work and I am guessing I will get many many years out of these.
 
Other than ancient and very worn down leather pads on an old set of Yamaha cans, I've never had real leather pads.  They must need a work-in period since they don't seem to grip (somehow) like the "pleather" ones I just threw away.  
 
Not a complaint whatsoever, just sayin, they have a different feel than pleather.  I'm guessing they won't need much to "break-in" as they are quite soft already.
Some little difference sonically, but for the better since the bass seems to have improved somewhat.
 
Some pics mounted:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[teesui]

These look awesome! I've got a pair of the Sony MDR-V300 where the leatherette has flaked off, and the thinness of that original cushioning hurts my ears.

How's the comfort of these?

 

[GWD72]

Hi there!
 
I've now been wearing mine for many hours at a time, for a few days.  Very comfy, on the MDR-V4.  I think though, comfort is not just down to the pads, but also overall weight, and clamping force of the headband.
 
Originally, I found these to be very smooth, not gripping on the ear as much as the pleather type pad.  But it's leather, and they were dry, so I painted on (x2) non-perfume baby oil, and it soaked in really fast, may even do it again.  That seemed to help them seal even better.  I would say go for it!  You may need to be patient, I think this guy is doing mostly other things and so these are not his first priority.  But I am very happy with mine, and would not hesitate to order again if I have a need in the future, for some other set.
 
Also, his English is very good, but it is his second language, so explain very clearly and detailed what you need.
 
Cheers!!