Q: Is it plastic?

 Yes - we print our violins with nontoxic PLA and PLA derivatives. 

Q: Why would anybody want a plastic violin?

Our instruments can take a drop better than a wooden violin. They’re also water-resistant, so they’ll hold up when played outside without the risk of split seams. Unlike wooden violins, they’re never treated with formaldehyde. And, of course, they’re available in all kinds of color combinations.

Q: Is it really 3D printed?

Yes.

Q: What printer did you use?

We currently use Ender 5+ printers with a few modifications.

Q: Where are your violins manufactured?

We manufacture them in the USA in Cleveland, Ohio in our office at the Sears think[box].

Q: Are you selling the file or the object?

We are selling the object, a fully printed/assembled violin. 

Q: Why not make the file available?

The violin has to print the body in one piece which requires a larger than average printer and has to be calibrated on a per printer basis to ensure sound quality. If you’re interested in making your own, there are some open-source alternatives available. If you’re interested in licensing our patent, please contact us. 

Q: Can you ship internationally?

Yes. 

Q: Are more instruments coming?

Yes.  We are working our way up the string instrument size scale. Violas are in testing and more instruments are in the works. If you have any requests, feel free to contact us.

Q: Can you build an electric violin?

Our instruments are acoustic. However we are looking into electrification methods. Please contact us if you have any specific requests. 

Q: Will it sound as good as a Stradivarius?
No. It’ll cost less, though. 

We are always interested in improving the acoustic qualities of our instruments, but our main focus is on getting instruments into learners’ hands, and getting more people interested in playing.

Q: What is the sound quality like, compared to a wooden violin?
It’s a bit quieter, which can be a blessing for your ears - and, if you’re just starting out, for the ears around you. It also makes it good for practice and travel. The tone is most comparable to a $600 learner’s instrument.

Q: What is the difference between the classical style and the folk style? 

The folk style instrument has a sound profile that better emphasizes the instruments middle register, closer to that of a fiddle. The classical instrument has a focus on the higher register that can be more commonly found in classical violin compositions.

Q: Are the strings plastic?

Our instruments take metal ball-ended strings. We use Prelude D'Addario strings.

Q: Why not 3D print the bridge?
Too brittle. In our testing, a 3d printed bridge had lower durability, so we opted for a wooden bridge to give a higher durability and longer lifetime without maintenance to the instrument.

Q: Can you make a guitar/ukulele?

Injection-molded guitars and ukuleles are already widely available. They’re easier to manufacture than violins because they don’t have sound posts, other internal geometry, or complicated curved faces. If you have requests for new instruments, feel free to contact us.

Q: Who is this for?
Our target audience is people learning to play the violin (especially kids), people who tend to drop things (especially kids), people who want an instrument for extensive travel, or someone who wants something different (especially kids). 

Q: If I buy one, will a luthier be able to service the instrument?

Yes, although they may look at you funny. 

Q: How did you set your price point?

We factor in material, printing, labor and electricity cost. 

Q: Are volume discounts available?

Yes. Please contact us for more information.