3D printed violin and cello replace traditional wood with non-warping carbon fiber

Carbon fiber for lightweight 3D printed violin and cello

Forte3D introduces a series of 3D printed violins and cellos that use carbon fiber as the main material instead of wood, allowing resistance to cracks and deformities. Assembled by hand, the string instruments adopt the lightweight material, which doesn’t react to temperature and humidity and avoids any morphing when the environment changes over time. Traditional string instruments use wood, which can change shape when the objects are exposed to varying weather conditions. They tend to crack and get scratched as well as be heavier to carry.

The design idea of Forte3D, then, is to let musicians bring their violin or cello to places without fear of damage, all the while keeping the quality of the sound the same as the wooden counterparts. By using carbon fiber, the instruments may not break or be destroyed as easily as wood, giving them a sturdier frame. The company says that its material and design let sound travel easily through the body of the 3D printed violin and cello even though they’re not made from wood, and the quality of the sound is still maintained for performances.

all images courtesy of Forte3D

Adjustable string height system for each musician’s needs

The company adds that playing comfort is essential since if the strings are too high or too low, the musician feels pain in the hands and their personal technique becomes harder. The team decides to add an adjustable string height system so each player can move the strings up or down on their 3D printed violin or cello. They only need a small tool, and luckily, this comes with the carbon fiber-made instrument. The cello comes with tuning pegs that move smoothly as well as tools for stopping wolf tones. The bridges sit in the correct place with the help of a printed guide, and all these design parts work together to support playing and sound production.

Even Forte3D’s violin allows players to adjust its string height. Its body has a hole at the back to support sound flow, and the violin ships with strings and tuning pegs that make tuning easier. Like the cello, it can handle weather changes and bumps. Compared to wood, cleaning is simpler with the carbon fiber-made musical instruments because a cloth and common household cleaners are enough to polish them, unlike with wood, which may need special products for maintenance. For the team, their 3D printed violin and cello aren’t about style. It’s about what people need, they say, which means less worry about damage, easier carrying, simpler care, and lower cost.

rear view of the violin

the instruments come with adjustable string system

the parts are assembled by hand

the instruments can resist deformities and cracks

the design can be customized, too

view of the cello

by using carbon fiber, the instruments may have a sturdier frame

detailed view of the string system

project info:

name: Carbon Fiber Cello and Violin

company: Forte3D | @forte3dinstruments

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