The Hovalin project opens up new opportunities for music enthusiasts by providing free 3D printed designs for violins. This initiative aims to lower the entry barriers to learning an instrument. Well-known violinist Ray Chen has documented the process of 3D printing and assembling such a violin in a recent video.
The printing process took around 12 hours, with the violin being produced in several parts. This is necessary as most 3D printers are not large enough to produce the instrument in one piece. Assembly proved to be complex and time-consuming. In addition to the printed parts, additional components such as tuning pegs and a carbon fibre rod are required.
Chen describes the assembly as challenging, especially the correct positioning of the neck and the fitting of the strings. The finished violin has some special features. The fingerboard is shorter than on conventional instruments, which limits the range. In addition, the instrument feels rough and may require reworking.
In terms of sound, Chen categorises the 3D-printed violin between a beginner’s instrument and a conventional violin with a heavy mute. The volume is low, which Chen attributes to the sound-absorbing properties of the plastic used. Despite these limitations, he considers the instrument suitable for learning basic playing techniques.
Chen emphasises that the value of the project lies less in the sonic result than in the process and accessibility. It allows interested people to get to grips with instrument making and produce a functioning instrument at a fraction of the cost of a traditional instrument.
On the Hovalin project website, you can assemble your violin and download the corresponding 3D print files in STL format. You can also find more details about the assembly process on the website itself.
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