This is like the coolest commercial for a company ever.

This is our lost American manufacturing small family style. Original building passed down through the generations 100% paid off and owned original equipment did not expand to large warehouse manufacturing with large overhead expenses marketing staff salesforce massive Office personnel staff. In this day and age this kind of business can never be restarted in the same method as the original. The price point for the product would be out of everybody’s grasp if some other new company tried. Always thought about purchasing a Grado, after seeing the handmade method in the original building with their original equipment makes me even more want to go purchase one to keep this business going in America.

I always wondered how a company with a name and important history survived in today's competitive market. This is how. By keeping it simple, and maintaining people that care and work hard for their families.

I've never owned a pair a Grado headphones. Now I'm going to own a pair of Grado headphones...

Many thank's Steve! Now Grado have a face for me. Great People, great Company and great products👍👍👍

I love how casually he tells about how he met THE BEATLES and gets a call from Ringo on his birthday. Such a legend.

One day in my life I happened I had some money in my pocket. I went to my friend Silvio's store in Turin, Italy, near the historical RAI building. I put all my money in his hands and just told him to give me all the Grado I can buy. It wasn't a lot of money but I went home with a GS1000 and a Reference cartridge. It was the peak of my happiness. Some many years passed but I still have and love both. I love Grado family, I love the way they work and their being proud of their work. This virtual tour of "the house that John built" is pure joy. Thank you so much for sharing

i am simple man. when i see grado factory tour: i press that 'i like this' button! as simple as my grado SR-60 with the iPod shuffle 1st generation. just plain simple. thank you grado's and audiophiliac!

What I love about the Grados in general is that they stick to their values. People love or hate the Grado sound but it remained virtually unchanged for decades. Of course their are differences to each headphone but the signature "recipe" is the same - alive, natural, engaging. Will always be a Grado fan, whatever they do. I wish them continued success and heritage. Great episode Steve! Can't wait for Part 2. 😊

Grado were the first pair of headphones that made me say “Wow!”. Over the years I’ve listened to many popular headphones but Grado always make me smile. Now I own a pair of RS2e and they’re on constant rotation. It’s nice to know that such a world class set of headphones are made in the US.

I also love how Herb just pops up here and there...talks about the beauty of an old hammer. My kind of people.

I love my Grado SR60s when they came the packaging was so thoughtful and when I first used them it was with both a revelation and a delight. They take some wearing to get used to them and the cables drive me nuts BUT I love their value for money and I am tremendously grateful for Grado doing what they do and I urge people to have a pair in their listening repertoire! God Bless Them (and I’m not even religious).

I’ve owned grados for 10 yrs love em, this tour is how I imagined the small factory to be ,very nice gentleman md, I now am going to upgrade to next level grados, this in the modern digital world is a breath of fresh air long may it continue baz 🇬🇧

I get what John Grado means about making a headphone for music rather than tests and sound effects. I'm very privileged to own the PS2000e and a Chord Mojo, which plays CD rips (WAV) from my iPad Pro. Currently I'm listening to an album of J.S. Bach organ pieces, played by Florence Mustric on the Beckerath tracker organ in Cleveland. The tonality is amazing from this purely acoustic instrument.

Steve your channel is awesome. You are the best. Thanks.

I'm skipping work this afternoon to go purchase my first Grado Headphones. Thank you Grado Labs for keeping it real. You have a wonderful staff and each of you should be proud.

I love my Grado SR325, fantastic headphone.

This was a cool video. I don’t own any Grado headphones but I am going to buy a pair now.

Very informative and such a nice guy cant wait for part two glad to know there is still some great people in the audio industry

In my country there is constant discussion about demolishing buildings and companies complaining that the real estate isn't up to their demands... Just look how you can make things work, wonderful.

Fantastic! Always loved my Grado cartridges, nice to see where they were born. 😎

This was a great tour of Grado Labs, a great example of the old school way of doing things . What a great historical record, great job Steve. Thank you.

Grado SR-60 was the first piece of audiophile gear I ever purchased back in the 90s. It was so different from the mainstream headphones: from the classy packaging to its unique design and of course the sound.

Very relaxed and enjoyable interview..looking forward to part 2. Thank you fellas!

Listening through my RS1. All I can say is thanks. My ultimate respect for this group dedicated and fine people. Will always add Grado to my line up from time to time.

As a Grado fan and as a business graduate. I really look up to these small-medium businesses that do their work exceptionally well.

I was about to buy some Phillips headphones, after watching this, I’m buying a Grado!

I bought a Grado phono cartridge and it's by far the best cartridge I've own.

By far one of the best Grado factory visit/tour videos I've seen so far! No fuss, no hurry - actually something that feels like being on a relaxed tour, instead of some quick 5 minute thing that uses fast cuts to cram in all the things deemed necessary by some tech site editor. Looking forward to the second part!

Working in modern mfg, i am almost in disbelief a global company can still make stuff old school like this. Its fantastic

I like them. Simple family business and hand made... Rare and cool!

Thanks for the tour! I have the SR-60 headphones and a Prestige Black2 cart installed on my U-Turn Orbit turntable. Happy to support a small family business like Grado.

Thanks Steve. I have always loved and enjoyed their products over the many years. Grado is one of the Great American Companies.

I have had several Grado products over the years; it’s great to see the people who built them for me.

Bought a pair of 80s about 7 yrs ago, was blown away by the sound at that price and immediately starting saving for RS1s and a decent headphone amp. Used everyday for music, movies and gaming. They are AWESOME. This video makes me appreciate them more than ever.

I so want a pair or 3 of these. These might be the go to for any gifts i need to give

Thanks for the ride along on your tour!!! Best video you have made since the nelson pass ones! John is an interesting character and it is fun to see people who made so many of the products I have purchased!!!

Hell yeah! American made by a hard working man! Only Grados will be on my turntables from here on out! Thanks for the video.

It was 1985 for me on my first Grado cartridge, and been buying ever since. Great headphones too.

Thanks for your video. I have been a Grado fan for over 40 years, having bought my first Grado cartridge in 1976, around the time you did. There are few companies whose products bring me as close to the music (right now only Rega comes to mind).

Uniquely great episode! I have cherished Grado cartridges since my first AR XA turntable in 1963! It is a hypnotizing experience to visit with them. Presently own one "Statement 2" cartridge, which IS my favorite among several others. Am anticipating your next episode with Grado! Thankyou!

Dear Steve, I'm from Buenos Aires and I had been following you since the early 80's reading your articles in an audio magazine where you contributed (honestly can't remember if it was Stereo Review, High Fidelity or Audio Magazine. I bought all three every month to practice my english). You have been my "guru" regarding audio topics, and I'm glad you have this excellent channel in KZfaq. I must congratulate you for this particular video about Grado Labs. Most enjoyable. Best regards and I'm loking forward for the next chapter!

I bought my first GRADO SR125e Prestige Series Wired Open-Back Stereo Headphones today and love them, they are so comfortable.

I have a couple of Grado cartridges and really like their sound. HOWEVER, like so many, I have had to put up with what many call "the Grado hum"! It didn't matter whether I had it on a belt drive or direct drive turntable, they'd hum! One day I picked up an SME head shell that was built a little bit different. It had a unique grounding system. I bought three of them (good price) and mounted two of my Grado cartridges on them. To my amazement, no more Grado hum! I could actually hear my records clean and clear. I don't know what the problem is with Grado cartridges but I'm glad I finally got them to play correctly for me.

Listening to this tour with my Grado SR225e headphones.

I'm getting excited because my 225s are arriving this afternoon, and it's been great seeing where they're made. I would always choose a family firm like this over corporations and private equity companies because they care. corporations only care about profit, and it shows.

Love the dumbell hack on the printing machine :)

I just bought my first Grado cart and stylus. After watching this video, I couldn't be happier that I supported these old rockers!

Wow watching this with my SR80 right now from the other side of of the world - in Mauritius. Big thanks Steve.

Steve, thanks for all your great videos. Very informative and such a treat when you interview industry leaders of design, manufacturing, recording, mastering, retail, etc. Keep up the great work!

It must be such a privilege and pleasure to visit them!!! I am so glad that they keep Grado an American product!!!! I love my Grado SR325ie. Thank you Grado!! And Thank you Steve!!!

appreciate this, thanks Steve and Mr. Grado!

Fascinating! I've had several graydle cartridges even including their attempted a ceramic cartridge with variable compliance: the model B. From the 60s... To my knowledge, they never made a ceramic cartridge, again. In my old Garrard AT60, the high compliance setting of that cartridge gave the best sound. Still, it was never as detailed as their magnetic cartridges. But, it was the QUIETEST phono cartridge I ever owned -- NO HUM!

Thanks Steve! That was a great tour. Looking forward to the next part.

Grado headphones are the only cans that I buy. Great tour!!

Watching this affirms my choice to pick up and own a few pairs of Grado. Great company, good people, and made in and assembled in USA.

I have not finished watching the video, but i feel i have to comment. I bought a Grado cartridge for my Thorens turntable back in 1975 and was very impressed with it, it sounded much better than the Shure cartridge i had been using. I am buying a set of headphones next week, Grado of course, the SR60e, can't wait to hear them. It was so nice to see the Grado factory and John Grado, i will take this opportunity to thank you Mr. Grado for providing music lovers around the world with the equipment that makes this so enjoyable, Grado gear means quality and great sound, truly amazing sound. Keep up the noble work sir, don't sell out, music lovers around the world need people like you in the business.

It’s nice to see everything made in house and that’s where your quality comes from

Very Charming piece of footage Steve.

This video makes me appreciate my SR-60s so much more. Going to have to give them a listen now.

I just bought a 8XM needle for the vintage Grado black cartridge I have. It’s still sounds so good for a decades old cart. Watching this video makes me want to support this factory even more. Saving up for a wooden body Prestige...

Love to see the legacy carried on, handcrafted parts are so rare these days!

I own the 325X. They are wonderful.

Just got my first pair of Grado Headphones. Love them!

I love love loved this tour. I got my SR80e’s in 2015 and the new 80x for my nephew, hoping to open his mind to the world of beautiful sound. After watching this, I took my Grados out of the original box they live in and just took them in, the feel and the look-knowing they were born in that little house. I love Grado!

This is gold Steve. This has historic documentary value. A wonderful company and an interesting man.

Fabulous, just fabulous. A couple of years ago, one of the audio magazines did tour of the Grado factory but this walk around is far more interesting. I own a pair of PS1000e headphones and a few of their mid-level carts. I’m using Ortofon carts these days but, no doubt, I’ll return to Grado at some point.

I'm a long time Grado customer. My first pair of "good" headphones were Grado, and last year I treated myself, maybe not to "best" but to "better". Grado has been my preferred phono cartridge for years (not MC and not MM.... but uniquely Grado). I thoroughly enjoyed this tour. Thanks so much. You've done other tours, Sound Smith comes to mind, that have impressed me. Thanks.

now i can see where the soul that puts the feeling into the music that Grado products reproduce comes from , this guy makes colonel sanders look like marketing hype , if ever there was the real deal , this guy is it.

Thank you for this tour. I feel like I know John and privileged to have heard his story. I bought Grado headphones for my sons 10 years ago because the SR325 was the best build and design quality for the price. Now I understand why I like the company and the products. John runs the company like he is making all the products as if he were making them for his family and people he cares about.

Hats off, John! Nothing beats the Brooklyn accent! In the late seventies I had a Thorens TD 124 turntable. it had a wooden Grado tone arm mounted to it. Sorry I let it get away.........Hope things go to the fourth generation!!! Still have my original Beatle albums in Mono, they sound great.......

I used to be a Tour Bus Driver here in the UK and was fortunate to get good Tips at the end of the day totalling to about £100.00 per week. I saved up enough money in about a month and bought a pair of GRADO RS2 Headphones costing around £400.00 back then. that was back in 1999!. I don't have them now as i sold them a few years ago, but am looking at buying another pair of GRADO's shortly !. Fascinating video, nice to see things being hand made .

Wow, seriously impressed. What a fantastic person and company to work for. Thank you, Steve, for showing us, your fellow audiophiles, this incredible company. I am very familiar with Grado having owned several headphones and cartridges in the past, however, being able to see behind the scenes, really makes you appreciate how very special this company is. I really am extremely impressed!

What a nice way to meet good people in the business. My next cartridge will have to be a Grado. I haven't owned one in years. I prefer to spend my money with these kind of down to earth people who take pride in their work. Thank you Steve for making this video.

Thanks for this tour. I really enjoyed this!

Awesome sauce. I knownvery little about grado as a company, but now I feel better for knowing more. Im so glad they are doing things the way they are. It certainly shows in their products. I dont use headphones that often, but about 11 years ago i bought some grados. Initially i looked at them anc thought "these look cheaply made" but inwas absolutely wrong. Obviously the fact they press their own plastics deceived me. I love them to bits. Ive had many a headphone in the past where the cable gave out or a hinge piece or something on the headstrap fell off rendering them nigh on unsuable. Not so with these. They are built to last. But thaat wouldnt mean a lot if they didnt sound good. They sound amazing. Theyre the only headphones i find will play ANYTHJNG with space, pace and brilliant clarity. They dont in any way suffer from any harsh frquencies like others do. I cant recommend them enough. Never tried their cartridges, but i guess i may have to change that soon.

Amazing Steve! My first real cartridge (and all I could afford) was a $69 Grado Black I bought in 1995... Thank you for this...

My dad bought a Thorens turntable in 1958 and he added a Grado Tone arm in 1964, I have that turntable with the Grado tone arm ( made of wood) and a Grado Cartridge. It is amazing quality and durability. Recently Mr Grado helped me find someone to do some rewiring to my Grado Tone Arm, he is the nicest guy, I love their products and I own several of their headphones.

Grado has figured out the reason to live - to create - and even better if you can beautifully do it with your hands involved with a daily routine. Thank you, Steve for showing to us this jewel/people. I work in the agricultural industry in California and feel the same way, but with food, which you all enjoy across the country. We don't get the same prestige, but you're welcome. :)

I have my Grado SR80 for 14 years and i still love it! Thanks for your great job !!! god bless you.

I have two pairs of their headphones. Started with 80's just graduated to the 325's. Hopefully one day I'll move up to the next step. I love their dedication to keeping everything local and putting out great products. I even just started with their low end cartridge. Awesome video Steve. Nice to get the story. Ranks up there with all your Nelson Pass videos. Good job!

The experience I had with grados is that are very bright headphones, but I appreciate these kind of companies.... good luck for them

Fun video. It makes me want their stuff!

Thanks Steve, one fantastic tour. I love to see craftsmanship happening, and Grado Labs still have the "organic" aspects in abundance to go with it. Really cool. Loving your show.

This is so lovely. I just ordered one of their headphones, first for me. Keep doing what you are doing, it's special.

Thank you for keeping your company home!

I sold a ton of Grado carts in the 70,s and still own some.👍

This is great Steve! Best regards from Mexico!

Super awesome! Loved the Rube Goldberg machine fix with the rope and dumbbell. Good ol’ American ingenuity. Terrific Beatles story!!! Hello, this is Ringo “Happy Birthday.”

Steve these Sunday Interviews and tours are fantastic.Thanks!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Grado's have to be the best referencing headphones ever! Yes it's open back, yes they bleed like crazy, but just beautiful things happen to music you "think" you know so well. Soundscapes are truly unique and so warm. If you want ANC, bass overload.... then there are many "celebrity" endorsements plying their badly made cans with branding . Grado's are in a league of their own. Each one is different and unique because it's made by hand and that's good! I love the mellow tour. Genuinely surprised at the scale of the production process. Again, if you want amazing reference headphones or your fed up with BASS with EXTRA BASS by (insert talentless name here) then you will love Grado's. Truly unique.

This is great! I love all my Grado gear a little bit more now that I have watched this. I love that they have been doing all of this in house for so long. Such a rarity today.

I bought a pair or sr80s at J&R back in 2008 (wife and I live in Louisiana but love NY). Those things pull you into another dimension sonically.

Great 👍🏻! Reading through comments just realised I have Grado wood master series cartridge and loving it!🥰

I loved this! Thanks for posting!

Respect to the grado family.

great documentation. Thank you Mr. Guttenberg. 🙏

Nice to see where my SR325is and SR80e's started life... Really interesting stuff!!!

I tried the Grado SR 80e the other day at HifiBuys and I was blown away! I literally said "wow!" out loud when I hit play because they exceeded my expectations so greatly. Don't let the look of these headphones fool you, they sound really, really good.

Sorry for the spelling error, I was dictating the note. Of course, I know that it's a Grado cartridge.