The 3Dvarius is an electric violin that’s produced with 3D printed plastic parts and conventional strings. It takes some of its shape from scans of a real Stradivarius violin, giving it quite the pedigree for quality. Despite feeling (and looking) a bit strange, it’s played just like any violin you could buy elsewhere. Place the bow on the strings and make this baby sing. Check out the 3Dvarius in action:
3Dvarius 3D Printed Violin Demo
Sure, purists may scoff at a plastic violin made with computer-assisted technology. A key factor in traditional violin performance is the resonance from the wood and interior cavities. With a plastic violin, you just don’t get the same kind of sound. The 3Dvarius isn’t intended to replace a wooden violin, however. It should be seen (and used) as its own kind of instrument. In that sense, this is an electric violin — specifically an electric violin with a very interesting back story. The 3Dvarius 3D printed violin is still a prototype project and is not yet planned for wider production. The concept has a lot of promise, and it’s already being used to make some pretty funky music.