Heritage Series

Grado GH1 Headphones

Transducer type:

Dynamic

Operating principle:

Open Air

Frequency response:

18–24 kHz

SPL 1mW:

99.8 dB

Nominal impedance:

32 ohms

Driver Matched dB:

±0.05

Ear pads:

L Cushions (Bowl Pads)

Grado GH1 Headphones

The Grado GH1, released in 2015, marked the debut of Grado’s Heritage Series. This limited-edition model was crafted from a single maple tree sourced in Brooklyn, symbolizing Grado’s deep connection to its local roots. The GH1 combines Grado’s renowned sound signature with a warm and natural tonal quality imparted by its hand-crafted wooden housing. As the first Heritage Series headphone, the GH1 set the stage for a lineup celebrating artisanal craftsmanship and unique materials.

Facts

History and Trivia

Build Quality and Design

Sound Description

Modding Potential

The GH1’s introduction was a milestone in Grado’s history, blending local craftsmanship with the brand’s celebrated sound quality.

First Heritage Series Model: The GH1 inaugurated the Heritage Series, showcasing Grado’s ability to craft headphones from unique and meaningful materials.
Brooklyn Maple Wood: The housings were crafted from a single maple tree sourced from Brooklyn, Grado’s hometown, adding a sentimental touch to its design.
Limited Edition: As a limited-edition release, the GH1 is a highly collectible model among Grado enthusiasts.

The GH1 features Grado’s signature design elements with added warmth and character from its wooden construction.

Materials: Hand-crafted housings made from Brooklyn maple wood, chosen for its tonal properties and local significance.
Headband: Vegan leather-covered metal band, offering durability and moderate padding for comfort.
Cable: Fixed braided Y-cable for durability and optimal signal transmission.

The lightweight design and bowl-shaped L Cushions ensure comfort during extended listening sessions, making the GH1 both practical and stylish.

The GH1 offers a balanced and natural sound signature, enhanced by the acoustic properties of its maple wood housing.

Bass: Tight and well-defined, with added warmth that complements the mids and treble.
Mids: Forward and smooth, offering a natural representation of vocals and instruments.
Treble: Crisp and detailed, with a slight sparkle that adds airiness without harshness.
Soundstage: Open and immersive, with precise imaging that benefits from the open-back design.

The GH1’s tonal warmth and balanced signature make it well-suited for genres like jazz, acoustic, and rock, where its natural timbre and detail shine.

As a limited-edition wooden model, the GH1 is less commonly modded, though some enthusiasts explore subtle upgrades.

Common Mods:
- Swapping ear pads with G Cushions or Nyczaj Earpads to enhance comfort and soundstage.
- Re-cabling for detachable connectors or balanced setups, though preserving the original wooden housings is essential.

Collectibility and Reception

The GH1 is highly prized among collectors and audiophiles for its sentimental value, unique materials, and exceptional sound quality.

Community Reception:
- Praised for its warm and natural sound signature, the GH1 is regarded as a standout in Grado’s lineup.
- Its limited availability and Brooklyn maple construction make it a cherished piece for fans of Grado’s craftsmanship.
Rarity:
- As the inaugural model of the Heritage Series and a limited-edition release, the GH1 holds strong appeal for collectors.

The Grado GH1 set a new benchmark for Grado’s craftsmanship and innovation, combining the brand’s iconic sound with a design that celebrates its local roots. With its warm tonal character, artisanal build quality, and limited-edition status, the GH1 remains a treasured model in Grado’s history. Whether used for critical listening or displayed as part of a collection, the GH1 embodies the spirit of the Heritage Series.