Alfred Goodrich and Elijah Lee, co-founders of Forte3D, have developed a 3D-printed cello that combines carbon fiber and polymer materials with traditional acoustic components. The instrument features flat carbon-fiber panels for the top and back, while the ribs, neck, and scroll are 3D-printed using a patented design. Traditional elements like the sound post, fingerboard, and bridge are retained to preserve tonal quality.
The project began when Goodrich, serving as Lee’s high school orchestra director, challenged the Yale biomedical engineering student to merge 3D printing with music instrument creation. Their goal was to address limitations of traditional wooden cellos, which typically cost $5,000 or more and are susceptible to damage from travel and temperature changes. The team built a custom-sized 3D printer in Goodrich’s home to manufacture the instruments.
After six years of development and hundreds of iterations, Forte3D appeared on the television show Shark Tank last month. The company secured a $250,000 investment from Lori Greiner in exchange for 16% equity. Notable musicians including Yo-Yo Ma and The Piano Guys have reportedly played and endorsed the instrument’s design.
“Because we’re using our own designs … we can really dial in the acoustics,” Lee explained. The company has expanded beyond cellos to include 3D-printed violins and is exploring viola designs. Forte3D also offers custom-printed designs on their instruments and aims to make string instruments more accessible to schools and students who cannot afford traditional wooden instruments.
Source: engineering.yale.edu