Overview Link to section: Overview
I found out I could 3D print a violin, so I made one. This is my rainbow build of the Hovalin, a 3D-printable violin design by Hova Labs.
I started with an improvised guitar-string sound test while waiting for violin strings and a bow (the tool drawn across strings to make them sound). The videos below show that first test and my early attempts at playing with a bow.
Printing and assembly Link to section: Printing and assembly
Printed parts Link to section: Printed parts
I printed the entire body in one piece on a Creality CR-10, a 3D printer, with a print time of about 20 hours. The neck and bridge (the piece that supports the strings above the body) were also printed. Guitar tuning machines, or tuners, adjust string tension to change pitch.
The body prints upright, standing vertically as the printer builds it layer by layer. Rainbow bands run across those layers.
Assembly and tuning Link to section: Assembly and tuning
After printing, I fitted the neck, bridge, tuners, and strings. The gray neck and bridge contrast with the colorful body. I tuned it E–A–D–G, the notes of its four strings.
First sound test Link to section: First sound test
Before my violin strings and bow arrived, I fitted acoustic guitar strings and tried plucking it. The first recording starts with a look around the body and hardware, followed by the playing test. I change notes by pressing the strings against the fingerboard, the surface along the neck.
Video transcript
The body was completely 3D printed in one piece on my Creality CR-10. The neck and bridge were also printed. The violin uses guitar tuners and is tuned E–A–D–G. I am using acoustic guitar strings until my violin strings and bow arrive.
The remainder of the video shows me holding the violin across my lap and plucking the strings while changing notes on the fingerboard.
Learning with a bow Link to section: Learning with a bow
Once I had a bow, I started learning to play. This clip is from about three days of practice—an early attempt, but a chance to hear the printed violin played with a bow.
In the clip, I hold the instrument at my shoulder, draw the bow across the strings, and change notes with my left hand. There is no spoken narration in this excerpt.
Design and build references Link to section: Design and build references
Hova Labs created the Hovalin design. I printed and assembled this one, learned to play it, and filmed the tests. Their project page has more about the instrument and its printable files.
Other small physical builds, including the arcade controller and soldering fan, remain in From the Workbench.
Build photos
