3D-Printed Musical Instruments: Lessons Learned from Five Case Studies

Abstract

The music field is lively and creative, and innovation in the final product is a leading force in the sector. However, the physical instruments used by musicians to produce their craft are highly conservative and have developed little over the last centuries. Computers, audio software, and electronic musical instruments have been integrated into musical practice, but acoustic instrument design has remained virtually frozen. Although mass production methods are frequently applied to musical instrument production nowadays, the designs have changed minimally, which makes the musical landscape unique. Additive manufacturing (AM) provides novel possibilities that can be of interest in music and musical research. In this article, we present the results of five case studies on AM use within specific musical niches. Each niche represents a unique market space and cultural background that is critical in tradition-oriented environments. Starting from the analysis of these five case studies, we extract lessons on AM application to unique environments. From these, we discuss the potential for AM-driven innovation in design and production in general and propose a holistic evaluation matrix for identifying suitable market niches.