The Most Remarkable Musical Instruments Created Through 3D Printing

To celebrate Music Day, we have curated a list of the top 3D printed musical instruments for you at 3Dnatives. The beauty of 3D printing in the realm of music lies in its ability to offer unparalleled freedom in instrument design and production. It showcases the exciting and creative possibilities that await when delving into this innovative world. Gone are the days of being confined to traditional instrument models; now, we can craft personalized instruments with unique designs. Our selection features remarkable projects using various 3D printing technologies and specific materials tailored to achieve desired final results. Explore them below and embrace this special day with the power of music!

The Electric Saxophone by Odisei Music

Odisei Music, a Catalan company, has introduced a remarkable electric saxophone known as the “Travel Sax.” This instrument is designed to be exceptionally lightweight and portable while delivering an impressive sound quality. It is manufactured entirely using HP’s Jet Fusion 3D printer, which enables Odisei Music to create parts with impeccable aesthetic and mechanical finishes, as well as facilitating efficient large-scale production. The Travel Sax offers the convenience of sound output through headphones, allowing musicians to practice without disturbing others. Furthermore, it boasts compatibility with a wide range of music software. Odisei Music’s ultimate aim is to empower musicians to express themselves more easily, thereby contributing to the enrichment of the musical landscape.

Introducing a Slide Trumpet for Rediscovering Traditional Music

Ricardo Simian’s company, 3D Music Instruments, specializes in creating slide trumpets using advanced laser fusion technology. These trumpets are renowned for their robustness, achieved by combining 3D printed components with carbon tubes, resulting in a much lighter instrument compared to conventional trumpets. The 3D printed mouthpiece, inspired by the original Guitbert model, serves as the foundation for its design. However, it’s important to note that the objective of the manufacturer is not to replicate the original model exactly, but rather to develop a functional instrument that pays homage to its legacy. Priced at 1,000 euros, the 3D printed slide trumpet is available for purchase on the company’s website, providing musicians with a unique opportunity to embrace the beauty of traditional music.

Photo credits: 3d music instruments

Sandvik: A Metal Guitar Built to Withstand the Passion of Rock Stars

Sandvik has developed an innovative solution to tackle the issue of breakage caused by energetic rock musicians during their passionate performances. They have successfully created the world’s first indestructible metal guitar using titanium and 3D printing technology. By employing laser fusion on a bed of titanium powder, Sandvik has achieved remarkable durability. To put their creation to the test, they enlisted the talents of renowned guitarist Yngwie Malmsteen, ranked among the top 10 electric guitarists globally by Time magazine. Despite Malmsteen’s vigorous playing, the instrument remained unscathed. The guitar’s design prioritizes long-term resilience and sturdiness. Leveraging the capabilities of 3D printing, Sandvik incorporated intricate lattice structures into specific areas, a feat unattainable through traditional milling methods. This approach not only provides the guitar with a lightweight profile but also endows it with exceptional strength and flexibility, allowing it to withstand the most demanding environments, including the relentless onslaughts of Yngwie Malmsteen.

Open E-Drums, the Future of Electronic Drums

Open E-Drums is an exciting open-source project that takes electronic drums to new heights. With a focus on accessibility and customization, Open E-Drums offers a world of possibilities for drummers of all levels. This innovative project provides open-source hardware, including 3D printable pads and MIDI converters, allowing you to build your own electronic drum kit from scratch. Whether you’re starting from scratch or looking to expand your Roland or Yamaha kit, Open E-Drums offers the flexibility and freedom to create your ideal drumming experience. With Arduino code available for sensing, you can fine-tune your drum setup to match your unique style.

Photo credits: Open E-Drums

The Remarkable MONAD Studio’s Grand 3D-Printed Piano

Presenting the awe-inspiring Lucid – EXO, a cutting-edge grand piano with a futuristic design, brought to life by the Argentine company MONAD Studio. This extraordinary instrument seamlessly merges traditional craftsmanship with avant-garde innovation. With its intricate shapes and authentic piano sound, it captivates the senses, while its expansive windows offer a mesmerizing view into the inner workings of its percussive sound machinery. Notably, this collaboration involved esteemed partners, including Blüthner, the renowned German piano manufacturer, and Lucid Pianos, the Spanish company known for its line of transparent pianos. The name “Lucid” pays homage to the exoskeletal system that forms the piano’s captivating structure, consisting of curved components that gracefully support and shape the instrument’s sonorous body. The construction of the piano’s “case” took place in Portugal, utilizing large-scale 3D printing machines, while the assembly of its sound components was meticulously carried out in Leipzig, Blüthner’s headquarters. This international collaboration guarantees the highest level of perfection and quality in every intricate detail, offering music aficionados a truly unparalleled and extraordinary musical experience.

Photo credits: MONAD Studio

Reviving Historical Instruments through 3D Technologies

The next project on our list sets itself apart by aiming not to create playable instruments, but rather to recreate historically significant musical instruments from the Royal College of Music Museum. Thanks to a generous £33,000 grant from the DCMS and the Wolfson Foundation, the ultimate objective is to increase accessibility to these instruments, particularly for visitors with additional needs, as well as younger audiences and music students. The project involved leveraging 3D printing technology to produce replicas of 10 iconic instruments from the collection, including the world’s oldest guitar, one of the oldest surviving clarinets, and two 17th-century recorders. By harnessing additive manufacturing for the educational purpose of replicating these extraordinary instruments, this project highlights yet another way in which 3D technologies can contribute to the realm of music.

Photo credits: Royal College of Music

The 3D Printed Cello “MyCello”

Sensio.cz, a Czech company, has embraced 3D printing as a revolutionary method for crafting cellos. These innovative instruments have already made their way into various countries, including the United Kingdom, Italy, and the United States, where musicians have incorporated them into both rehearsals and live performances. The creators, Ondřej Kratochvíl and Jan Tobolík, emphasize that the 3D printed cello, constructed from plastic materials, is not meant to replace the traditional cello, but rather to signify a significant evolution in design. Notably, it takes just two days to print a cello, a stark contrast to the approximately six months required to handcraft a conventional one. This makes the 3D printed cello particularly well-suited for beginners. To truly appreciate its remarkable performance and exceptional sound quality, I encourage you to watch the accompanying video showcasing the “MyCello” in action.

3Dvarius: The Revolutionary 3D Printed Violins

Located in Toulouse, the innovative company 3Dvarius specializes in crafting electric violins and e-cellos, proudly made in France. Founded in 2012 by a talented violinist and engineer, their vision was to create an electric violin that not only met the exacting standards of classical musicians but also seamlessly bridged the gap between traditional and electric instruments. After initial setbacks with aluminum, 3Dvarius turned to the realm of 3D printing. Leveraging the power of stereolithography, these exquisite violins are meticulously printed in a single, seamless piece over a span of 24 hours. This cutting-edge printing process ensures exceptional precision and fidelity in reproducing the rich sound spectrum. However, the journey doesn’t end there. Extensive post-processing is required, including subjecting the violin to a specialized oven for complete polymerization and enhanced material durability. Following this, meticulous cleaning, fine-tuning, and the installation of the bridge, pegs, and strings take place. Drawing inspiration from the iconic Stradivarius model, the design of the 3Dvarius showcases the perfect amalgamation of traditional craftsmanship and modern technology. The versatility of 3D printing allows for endless customization options, enabling musicians to tailor their 3Dvarius to their unique preferences and musical aspirations. With their visionary approach, 3Dvarius is revolutionizing the world of string instruments, pushing the boundaries of innovation and artistry.

Pereira 3D’s Clarinets

Pereira 3D is a renowned clarinet shop known for its comprehensive range of services, including hand-crafted accessories, clarinets, repairs, and overhauls. Esteemed musicians like Cedric Mayfield and Ashley Oliveto have praised their products for improved response and stability. Eric Salazar, a New Music Soloist, values the enhanced performance Pereira 3D equipment brings. The shop also offers hand-selected Buffet Crampon clarinets known for their quality. Pereira 3D’s innovation extends to 3D printed clarinet accessories, such as barrels and bells made from 3D Wood material, improving tone quality and facilitating smooth transitions. Their ligatures surpass traditional ones, providing flexibility and a full sound without dampening. With their commitment to excellence and cutting-edge designs, Pereira 3D continues to elevate the world of clarinet performance.

Photo credits: Pereira 3D

TuneFast Harp, a Single-String Instrument

The TuneFast Harp, developed by Makefast Workshop, is a unique 3D-printed instrument with a single string. Resembling a miniature harp, its creators aimed to simplify the tuning process typically associated with instruments that have numerous strings. Instead, the TuneFast Harp features a single zigzagging string, minimizing the need for frequent tuning adjustments. This innovative design allows for a compact instrument that covers a complete octave with just eight notes. Moreover, its size makes it accessible for 3D printing enthusiasts who can produce it using their own machines at home. Material selection plays a crucial role in ensuring the harp’s durability and resistance to the string’s tension. If you’re interested in creating your own TuneFast Harp, detailed instructions and information can be found, HERE.

Photo credits: Makefast Workshop

What do you think of this list of our top 10 3D Printed instruments? Let us know in a comment below or on our LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter pages! Don’t forget to sign up for our free weekly Newsletter here, the latest 3D printing news straight to your inbox! You can also find all our videos on our YouTube channel.