Number 7 might be the most delicious-smelling headphones ever created.
Some audio DIYers refuse to stay in their lane. When regular headphones won’t do, they’ll use whatever’s handy, like nuts, coconuts, or even a sandwich.
Here are eight bizarre headphone mods that show what happens when creativity meets too much free time.
1. Pistachio Shell Earbuds
The Pistachio Shell Earbuds are exactly what they sound like: tiny earbuds tucked inside actual pistachio shells!
Created by Penguin DIY, a YouTube channel that loves quirky tech projects, these earbuds show just how creative audio DIYers can get.
The creator took apart regular AirPods and somehow managed to squeeze all those tiny components into empty pistachio shells.
This wasn’t just gluing things together. We’re talking precise micro-soldering to fit a working driver and LED lights into something you’d normally throw away after snacking.
The creator didn’t stop at making them a novelty item, either.
They made sure these nutty earbuds could recharge and fit perfectly in a standard AirPod charging case.
That attention to detail turns what could have been just a funny internet video into something you might actually want to use. I’m not sure why you’d want that, but, you do you, I guess.
2. Custom Motorcycle Helmet Audio System
A motorcyclist built his own helmet audio system using 50mm HyperX Cloud 2 drivers, balanced wiring, and Hi-Res capability.
His goals were clear: quality sound while still being able to hear his surroundings, especially when riding with friends.
To do just that, he created a versatile setup with a connector that works with different inputs (2.5/3.5/4.4mm), hand-braided wiring, and power from either a BTR5 or BTR7. F
Then, he simply used micropore tape to hold everything in place temporarily during testing.
Nothing fancy here, just practical problem-solving from a hands-on rider.
Why, you ask?
Well, when other motorcyclists suggested commercial systems like Cardo or Sena with JBL speakers, our DIY guy quickly dismissed them as marketing gimmicks. According to him, those systems use cheap drivers that sound terrible as soon as you try to adjust the sound.
As for safety concerns about listening to music while riding? Not an issue for this experienced rider who claims he can “scrape peg on my 1k while singing the Bee Gees.”
While he considered in-ear monitors (IEMs) for better sound quality, he opted for his custom solution as the perfect middle ground.
3. DeWalt Meets Audiophile
Reddit user Holy_chick had been struggling to find a neckband that didn’t use IEM-style earbuds, which they simply couldn’t stand wearing “for various reasons.”
So, they grabbed some $10 FAAEAL Snow Lotus earbuds they normally used for gaming sessions and paired them with the DeWalt neckband that caught their eye because of its “GIANT control buttons with built-in speakers.”
Getting these unlikely partners together wasn’t a DIY job, though. They wisely took everything to a local phone repair shop to have the DeWalt earbuds removed and the FAAEAL ones soldered in their place.
Surprisingly, this odd couple actually worked really well together.
The original cable was too long, but cutting it down for the modification resulted in “the perfect length.”
And, the DeWalt neckband brought some serious practical benefits to the table too, such as those huge control buttons, built-in speakers for calls and podcasts, and water resistance for outdoor use.
“Is it worth the money? Absolutely not. If this one breaks, would I do it again? Yes.” shares the creator.
4. DVD Case Closed-Back Mod
We’ve all done weird things when we’re bored, but Reddit user EEEE-BOY took boredom creativity to another level.
He got tired of looking at his regular HE-4xx planar magnetic headphones and decided they needed a makeover using… DVD case pieces.
Why? Apparently, he really wanted to see the drivers through transparent plastic, and sound quality was just a secondary concern.
The modification process was about as DIY as it gets. With just a Sharpie and a Civivi Mandate knife, he crafted closed-backs that somehow fit without the original rings.
While playing with EQ settings in FXSound, he admitted the sound was “wack” but didn’t seem bothered by it.
And, when people asked about the purpose behind this strange modification, he simply answered, “Cause fun.” That’s a philosophy we can all get behind.
The Reddit comments were entertaining too:
- When people pointed out how rough the edges looked, EEEE-BOY just thanked them for noticing.
- Someone suggested he should properly seal the headphones for better sound, but our creator casually suggested he might just call them “slightly semi open” instead.
- And when another user criticized the headphones as “kinda bad to begin with,” EEEE-BOY defended them with “they ain’t that bad.”
Sometimes the joy of modifying something is reason enough, even if the results are questionable.
5. 3D Pen Headphones
Just when you think you’ve seen it all, someone goes and makes entire headphones using only a 3D printing pen. A video from 5 Minute-DECOR shows a creator going full arts-and-crafts mode with nothing but yellow filament.
The process is both fascinating and slightly ridiculous.
The guy starts by drawing concentric circles connected by straight lines, creating a web-like pattern that somehow becomes the foundation for ear cups.
Layer by layer, he builds hollow rings that mimic headphone ear cups.
The final touch? He simply sticks regular wired earbuds inside these plastic webs.
After connecting his plastic circles with a matching headband, the video proudly shows a woman wearing these yellow web creations as if they’re premium audio gear from a high-end store.
The contrast between the homemade appearance and the model’s confident wearing is honestly the best part.
No tools, no parts, no problem apparently. Just plastic filament and pure determination.
The sound quality is probably terrible since it’s just regular earbuds inside a plastic frame. But turning tiny earbuds into full-sized headphones with what’s basically a glorified hot glue gun deserves some recognition just for the audacity alone.
6. Metal Claw AirPod Holder
We’ve all been there. You’re jogging, head-banging, or just turning your head too quickly, and suddenly your AirPod goes flying. A YouTube creator apparently had enough of this common problem and came up with a solution that’s equal parts medieval and modern.
The process starts with dipping an earbud into blue silicone or wax to create a mold. But unlike most DIY projects, this one takes a surprisingly intense turn when the creator uses this mold as a template for actual metal casting.
They pour molten metal into a container, let it cool, and polish it to a gleaming silver finish.
Out comes a metal piece with claw-like grips that wraps around the AirPods stem.
Unlike many of the other creations on our list that prioritize looks over function, this accessory actually solves a real problem.
The metal piece grips the AirPod stem with several rings, keeping it securely attached to your ear even during movement. The simple silver bands add a subtle accent while serving a genuine purpose.
This might be the rare DIY mod that makes you think “I could actually use that” instead of “Why would anyone make that?”
What do you think? Clever solution to a common problem or an unnecessarily complex way to keep your AirPods in place?
7. Uncrustable Sandwich Headphones
Some DIY projects start with a practical problem. Others begin with a joke that goes too far. Pud definitely falls into the second category.
After Zach from ZMF Headphones made a casual joke about Uncrustable headphones, Pud took it as a personal challenge to create the world’s first sandwich-based audio gear.
The build process is as ridiculous as you’d expect.
Pud designed and 3D-printed bright red ear cups with spikes specifically to impale the circular pre-packaged sandwiches.
Like many DIY projects, there were hiccups along the way. He forgot to include screw holes in his design and had to resort to glue mid-build.
The project reached peak absurdity when his DoorDash driver arrived with the “audio components.”
Before mounting the sandwiches, Pud noticed the asymmetrical crimping around the edges, as if that was going to be the biggest issue with this setup.
Surprisingly, the headphones actually produced decent sound after switching to solid ear pads.
And, when the bass seemed a bit too heavy, Pud took an experimental “tuning bite” out of one sandwich. It didn’t improve the sound, but he reported it was delicious.
His conclusion? Peanut butter makes for the best-smelling headphones ever created. Can’t argue with that logic.
8. Coconut Shell Audiophile Experiment
A dedicated YouTuber decided to combine the audiophile world with materials straight from nature by crafting headphones from actual coconut shells.
Unlike our sandwich-loving friend, this creator approached his project with serious audio engineering in mind.
The build started with wood for the headband, which he soaked overnight and then steam-bent to get the right curve.
The coconut ear cups required some trial and error.
After tracing shell outlines onto MDF for templates, his first attempt with super glue failed completely. Not one to give up easily, he switched to epoxy adhesive with much better results.
For comfort, he used acoustic foam to create ear cushions, opting for a finger sander instead of scissors to get smoother edges. He even created a funnel shape inside to direct the sound properly.
Plus, getting good sound from coconuts isn’t as simple as you might think.
The creator had to make the cups airtight using speaker grill fabric as a sound barrier. And, to avoid a tangled mess of wires, he cleverly routed RCA cables through just one cup.
He even added a stylish touch by mounting the headphone jack using Danish coins as decorative plates.
The biggest challenge? Finding drivers that would deliver decent bass.
He tested four different options including Monacor and Dayton drivers, but all of them fell short in the low-end department, though one performed slightly better than the others.