[spinali]

Whether wood Denon D5000s, upper-range Audiotechnicas, or beyond, preserving the wood is important - for basic looks, or even the possibility of a future sale. They're not plastic or magnesium, and probably require unique treatment. And they get handling and wear.

What is your routine/recommendations for headphone wood care? I've heard of exotic things like carnauba wax - but what's your suggestion?

 

[VeipaCray]

Good question. I too am curious about this. I sent your question off to Grado. Hopefully they will respond.

 

[warubozu]

On all of my vintage AT woodies and other woody cans that I own, I don't apply any wax or wood preservatives. What I do is that I will occassionally wipe them down with a clean damp cloth and I always store them back in their boxes when they're not in use. I also store my woody cans in a cool dry area in my home away from direct sunlight and heat.

 

[spinali]

Headphile has several recommendations...
Shipping, Info, FAQ, Cable Care, Limited Warranty
...but given their peerless work, I didn't feel comfortable cutting and pasting their recommendations wholesale.

Carnauba wax? I've never used that - but it seems it's also really hard to apply. (It's solid at room temperature.)

 

[Andrew_WOT]

Quote:

Originally Posted by spinali /img/forum/go_quote.gif Headphile has several recommendations... Shipping, Info, FAQ, Cable Care, Limited Warranty ...but given their peerless work, I didn't feel comfortable cutting and pasting their recommendations wholesale. Carnauba wax? I've never used that - but it seems it's also really hard to apply. (It's solid at room temperature.)

I guess you've never waxed your car either. It's soft paste and hardens when dries out.

 

[swt61]

It is completely dependent on what finish was used. The AT phones use a sealer type finish ie... lacquer, polyurethane, shellac etc... These finishes seal the pours of the wood and not only don't need any maintenance, but it could hurt the finish.

Oil or wax finishes on the other hand can use a touch up now and again. It's always best to find out what finish is on the wood, and stick with that.

 

[BushGuy]

Whether a Headphiled headphone or Denon and watch the remainder of that useless printing disappear

) - yes, carnauba.......which is often sold by it's application (car, bowling alley wax, etc.)...........on the other hand that would not be my choice for Grado/Alessandro woody's.

 

[VeipaCray]

In an email response from Grado about care of their RS-1 phones (I assume it also applies for all Grado woodies)...

-------------

Just a clean dry cloth is recommended.
Thanks so much.

Kind Regards,
Grado Labs

 

[Citizen Kan]

Just look out for Asian longhorn beetles, ash borer beetles and gypsy moths.
Actually, better not wear them outdoors.

 

[Fing]

If it's good enough for the British Museum.... Renaissance Wax | www.picreator.co.uk

It's good in that it can be used on almost anything, not just the wood. I usually put 3 coats onto earcups and frame.

I (carefully) did this for the Denon D5000 and despite repeated modding on them, the lettering has remained completely intact, so it does provide a good protective barrier.

I tend to use Effax Leather Combi for leather pads and whatnot as it's a restorative as well as a cleaner and thus, better for it.

HTH

 

[Uncle Erik]

Don't use carnauba wax on wood. You want to use bee's wax. Completely safe and can be removed in the future without harming the wood or finish. The aforementioned museum wax is good, so is Briwax. You can order both through Rockler and other woodwork supply houses.

Mostly, you want to keep dust and grease off the finish. Wiping with a dry cloth is good, and so is storage in a box or case. If dirty, a slightly damp cloth is best. That will not harm any finish commonly used.

Keep in mind that wood and finishes change over time. Short of refinishing, there's not much you can do to stop it. Take the attitude of antique specialists and woodworkers - the change is patina and it is to be valued and preserved. Personally, I look forward to seeing my RS-1 mellow and lighten (as mahogany will) over time.

 

[Andrew_WOT]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Uncle Erik /img/forum/go_quote.gif Don't use carnauba wax on wood.

Isn't that what recommended by Larry and by hardwood floor manufacturers. I use Trewax on W5000, haven't noticed any problems so far.

 

[warubozu]

You can use a quality non abrasive carnuba wax (preferably one that's made specifically for finishing wood instead of automotive) on unfinished wood, it's just a matter of personal preference. I personally don't use any carnuba wax on any of my Koa wood furniture in my home or on any of my woody cans. If I need to clean or condition my Koa furniture which has no varnish applied to it's surface, it would be with Milsek Furniture Polish which is what was recommended by the woodworker who built my furniture:

Welcome to Milsek Furniture Polish Inc.

 

[BushGuy]

Effax is one of the very best comb. cleaner and restoratives. I've used it for a number of years on saddlery.