View Full Version : 3D fiddle made by object printer
billkilpatrick
Nov-16-2013, 8:45am
how about "the PEEK" written on the headstock?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bJA6J5girlo
padawan
Nov-16-2013, 8:44pm
That's pretty cool.
Imagine what its going to be like when they can fine tune the "printing" process to include things like variable density and flexibility. It could easily be the next big thing in (if nothing else) pumping out student quality instruments with, conceivably, near zero variation from instrument to instrument.
OldSausage
Nov-16-2013, 8:51pm
...pumping out student quality instruments with, conceivably, near zero variation from instrument to instrument.
I might just have to move on to my next planet when that happens. Sorry, earthlings.
padawan
Nov-16-2013, 9:44pm
I think that pumping out exact copies at will could be quite useful. Music students could no longer blame their instrument. That's got to be worth something.
Having a "standard" instrument that is very inexpensive and easily replaced could be quite nice for those just starting out, Especially since it could end up being harder to damage than a wooden instrument. Similar to the cheap plastic recorder I started out on before stepping up to an expensive saxophone.
While I don't expect to ever see one on stage at the Ryman Auditorium or Carnegie Hall I can easily imagine them grasped in sticky little hands on a school bus.
Besides, having decent sounding plastic instruments opens up a whole new world of taking live music (or just practice sessions) to places where wooden instruments would self destruct. No more worrying about humidity or corrosion or even termites. Imagine having an inexpensive instrument you can take to the beach or the desert or even leave in your car on a hot day and have no worries? Pretty cool.
abuteague
Nov-16-2013, 10:15pm
It all sounds great...
Until some fool starts printing banjos! :grin:
billkilpatrick
Nov-17-2013, 1:23am
... Imagine what its going to be like when they can fine tune the "printing" process to include things like variable density and flexibility.
good point - i repeated it here:
http://www.violinist.com/discussion/response.cfm?ID=24976
... negative reaction so-far sounds like what buggy-whip manufacturers had to say about the automobile.
Sounds pretty good to me.... but then I don't play violin, and it is only a youtube clip :)
Like you say - early days yet, it's been made by a tech company for heavens sake, once this stuff gets into the hands of hackers (or luthiers!) and someone prints a 100 variations until they hit the right tone, then you'll have something!
Petrus
Nov-17-2013, 5:27am
There are some interesting violins and eviolins out there ... I think a better way to go is total innovation, not trying to replicate or replace something that already exists. I mentioned on a similar thread the possibility of transparent lucite violins, metal violins (which I can't find anywhere; they don't seem to exist except as sculptures, or those old ones from the '30s that that big metal horns on them to amplify sound for wax recording, etc.)
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UsuallyPickin
Nov-17-2013, 6:51am
Technology can not surpass creativity because a copy will always be jut that and no more. Yes I play a German copy of a Strad. But a handmade copy will have variations that a 3D printer won't. As mentioned above material flexability , density and the combination of the two or more different materials working together won't be copied any time soon. All that aside it is kind of cool., and sounded surprisingly good........ R/
Bertram Henze
Nov-17-2013, 9:24am
One one hand, they'd be out of reasons for different price tags on A-style/F-style mandolins with that - or any price tags at all.
On the other hand, we know exactly word for word what Bill Monroe would say.
brunello97
Nov-17-2013, 9:39am
Pretty sure Bill Monroe is in the ground.
Mick
Bluejay
Nov-17-2013, 11:36am
This technology is being used to 'print' lightweight casts for broken bones. Perhaps this technique could produce some killer instrument cases. I prefer my instruments touched by human hands.
Love my wood instruments , but that fiddle sounded OK for plastic and it can be recycled. Anyone know what sort of plastic these printers are using. Can you take three printed fiddles, grind them up throw the powder back in the hopper and make a cello?
Marty Jacobson
Nov-17-2013, 12:21pm
No, not yet. SLS parts (thermoplastics fused by a selective heating with a laser) can be recycled conventionally, while SLA (thermosets cured with UV light) cannot be recycled. Recyclable or biodegradable resins for 3D printing are a fairly recent development, but are becoming more common.
MakerBots, for example, print in PLA, a corn-based bioplastic which is easily biodegradable.
Good thing, because the parts made on those printers are basically worthless except as visual representations of a design.
j. condino
Nov-17-2013, 12:44pm
.....metal violins (which I can't find anywhere; they don't seem to exist except as sculptures, or those old ones from the '30s that that big metal horns on them.....
'Not trying to derail the thread, but there are lots of metal violins, mandolins, guitars, and basses out in the trenches:
http://kaybassrepair.com/aluminium-instruments/
I've got a 1953 plastic Macafferri guitar, and an aluminum upright bass, as well as the spectrum of ply and beautiful fully carved instruments spanning centuries. They should all be judged on thier own merit and not compared to often very uptight, limited use traditional standards. Even your L. Loar signed F5 may have a prettier finish or a broader tonal spectrum, but are you willing to pack it for 25 days on a river trip down the Grand Canyon or to the Everest basecamp or leave it locked in your trunk on a hot day in Phoenix? I've done all of those and more, ALWAYS with an instrument in tow. I use all of my different instruments for different needs and they work great. But...some guys go out on a date with a fun, enthusiastic redhead and all they can think about is some other blonde.....
As soon as they can 3D print 50 year old red spruce and Brazilian rosewood, I'll be the first guy to set one up in my shop!
j.
www.condino.com
mandroid
Nov-17-2013, 3:53pm
Expect its more about the IT gear , the printer demonstration than the fiddle ..
Maybe they can print houses for those who cannot afford one in places
the IT company people priced out of the barely affordable Rent.
Petrus
Nov-17-2013, 4:36pm
Pretty sure Bill Monroe is in the ground.
One day they'll be able to clone him from a few specks of his remains, and 3D print a whole new Bill Monroe. :cool:
Petrus
Nov-17-2013, 4:44pm
'Not trying to derail the thread, but there are lots of metal violins, mandolins, guitars, and basses out in the trenches:
http://kaybassrepair.com/aluminium-instruments/
Wow, those are beautiful. I little out of my price range though, I suspect ... :disbelief:
An NS Design instrument (not sure which one yet) has been on my wish list for a while though. I'm not a bassist yet, but these are more portable than the traditional upright bass. The least expensive model bass (NXT4) is about $1900.
http://thinkns.com/instruments/eubass.php
Unlike some cheaper ebasses, they can be bowed and/or plucked.
Here's David Friesen who I was honored to see in a small concert venue earlier this year. I'm not sure what make of ebass he's playing, but he's doing it amazingly. Note how he switches between bowing and plucking quite naturally and easily.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6XMcYCgQXMQ
brunello97
Nov-17-2013, 5:15pm
One day they'll be able to clone him from a few specks of his remains, and 3D print a whole new Bill Monroe. :cool:
Well, if they can print one they can print five. Then the clones will stand around and argue about "who stole my sound."
Mick
So cool. Revolutionizes manufacturing.
I'll worry when they can make copies of violinists.
j. condino
Nov-17-2013, 9:52pm
So cool. Revolutionizes manufacturing.
I'll worry when they can make copies of violinists.
Imagine an army of 3D printed banjo players taking over.......:disbelief: