Combining the ancient art of tinder fungus leather (amadou/trama) with modern audio technology for sustainable, comfortable, and naturally antimicrobial headphone modifications
TramaTech demonstrates how traditional European fungal leather crafting can enhance modern technology. This DIY project replaces synthetic leather ear cushions on Jabra Elite 85h headphones and augments an orthopedic arm rest using amadou (trama) - a sustainable, breathable material made from Fomes fomentarius (tinder fungus).
- Superior Comfort: No more sweating during extended wear
- Enhanced Sound Quality: Improved acoustic properties
- Natural Warmth: Comfortable temperature regulation
- Sustainable Materials: Using traditional, renewable resources
- Quick Implementation: ~1 hour build time
- ANC Performance: Slightly reduced Active Noise Cancellation seal
- Aesthetic: Unique, rustic appearance may not suit all preferences
| Headphones | Headphones |
|---|---|
 |
 |
| Headphones with modification on stand | Close view on replaced cushions |
| Arm Rest | Arm Rest |
|---|---|
 |
 |
| Orthopedic arm rest with trama padding | Closeup Armrest with replaced cushions |
Amadou, also known as trama leather, has been crafted from the tinder fungus (Fomes fomentarius) for over 5,000 years. Archaeological evidence shows that Ötzi the Iceman carried amadou in 3,300 BCE for fire-starting and medicinal purposes.
Today, this traditional craft survives only in Korond (Corund), Transylvania, Romania (Harghita County), where seven families maintain the ancient techniques of "taplászat" (the local term for amadou-making). This community represents the last active amadou craftsmen in Europe, preserving knowledge passed down since the 1860s.
Learn more: The World's Last Amadou Makers
- Preparation: 15 minutes
- Modification: 45 minutes
- Total: ~1 hour
⭐⭐⭐☆☆ (Intermediate - requires careful cutting and gluing)
- Amadou/Trama sheets (10x10cm minimum)
- Purchase directly from my source or Korond craftsmen
- Knöfix glue or similar leather adhesive
- Jabra Elite 85h headphones (or similar over-ear model)
- Optional: Orthopedic arm rest for second project
- Sharp craft knife or scalpel
- Small hammer for flattening
- Cutting mat
- Ruler or template
- Fine sandpaper (optional)
- Isopropyl alcohol for cleaning
Two-Layer Trama Design: This modification uses a dual-layer approach for optimal comfort and durability:
- Middle Layer: Harder trama piece positioned between the plastic cushion element and top layer
- Top Layer: Especially soft trama for direct skin contact
- Both layers are bonded together using a small amount of Knöfix glue
- Remove Original Cushions: Carefully detach synthetic leather from headphones
- Create Templates: Trace original cushion shapes onto paper
- Cut Trama: Use templates to cut both hard and soft amadou sheets precisely
- Layer Assembly: Apply thin layer of Knöfix between trama pieces
- Prepare Surface: Clean adhesive areas with isopropyl alcohol
- Apply Adhesive: Use Knöfix glue sparingly on both surfaces
- Attach & Shape: Position layered trama, hammer gently for adhesion
- Finishing Touches: Trim excess with sharp knife
📖 Detailed Build Instructions →
- 📖 Complete Build Guide - Step-by-step instructions with photos
- 🧪 Materials Science - Understanding amadou properties
- 🔧 Troubleshooting - Common issues and solutions
- 🌿 Sustainability Notes - Environmental impact and ethics
- 📜 Traditional Techniques - Historical methods and cultural significance
- Drivers: 40mm custom-tuned
- ANC: Digital Hybrid (8 microphones)
- Battery: 36 hours with ANC
- Bluetooth: 5.0 with AAC support
- Water Resistance: IP52 rated
- Thickness: 2-4mm (adjustable through processing)
- Density: 0.3-0.5 g/cm³
- Thermal Conductivity: Low (excellent insulation)
- Moisture Management: Superior wicking properties
- Antimicrobial: Natural fungal resistance
- Peintner, U., et al. (2019). "The Ice Man's fungi: Facts and mysteries." International Journal of Medicinal Mushrooms
- Papp, N., et al. (2017). "Ethnomycological use of Fomes fomentarius in Transylvania, Romania." Genetic Resources and Crop Evolution
- Amadou Products Blog - Traditional techniques
- Korond Amadou Makers - Direct from craftsmen
- Fungus Federation of Santa Cruz - Mycological information
- Premium hand crafted Amadou hats and materials
- Primitive Ways: Amadou Substitutes
- Practical Self Reliance: Foraging Fomes
- Beaver Bushcraft: Making Amadou
This is an open-source DIY project! Contributions are welcome:
- 🐛 Report issues or suggest improvements
- 📸 Share your build photos and modifications
- 📝 Improve documentation or translations
- 🔬 Add technical measurements or acoustic tests
See CONTRIBUTING.md for guidelines.
This project is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.
You are free to:
- Share — copy and redistribute the material
- Adapt — remix, transform, and build upon the material
- The amadou craftsmen of Korond, Transylvania for preserving this ancient art
- Jabra for creating modifiable, high-quality headphones
- The mycology community for research and knowledge sharing
- Traditional knowledge keepers across Europe
Questions? Ideas? Show us your build!
- Open an Issue
- Tag us: #TramaTech #AmadouAudio #SustainableSound
Made with 🍄 and traditional wisdom
Bridging 5,000 years of craft with modern technology
Project by: Bartholomäus Dedersen
Created: 2025