Violin Comparison - $200K Italian vs 3D Printed Modular Fiddle

Esther Shim of David Kerr Violin Shop plays three violins. One is an 18th century Italian instrument valued around $200K, one a $500 Chinese instrument from their rental fleet, and one a Modular Fiddle printed in ProtoPasta carbon fiber PLA.
I think you know which will sound the best, but only one of these violins is upgrade-able! Learn more about the Modular Fiddle: openfabpdx.com/modular-fiddle
Many thanks to David Kerr Violin Shop for their invaluable feedback (over the years!) and the generous support of their time. Check out the shop: www.kerrviolins.com/

[@AlienTaskForce]

I'd definitely say the modular fiddle holds up well against the competition. I love mine. Still want to print one using wood filament just to see how it does.

[@wfpelletier4348]

I am very impressed with the sound of the Modular Fiddle compared to the wood instruments. This was an excellent comparison.

[@wric01]

Wait for the Graphene violin.

[@maymcclain2572]

I just went there today to get my new violin and I played in that same room😀

[@openfabpdx]

May McClain no way!! That’s funny - I was there today, too, picking up a low C for my new five string. Isn’t that shop the most amazing place?!

[@mcjelly0183]

I don't understand... why isn't your video hot all over the place? its a really great video！

[@babyshoemcclanahan]

I love what you’re doing man! Curious to what materials you’ve experimented with. There’s some cool wood filament available now, I wonder how they would resonate...

[@openfabpdx]

I haven’t played with the wood filament, but I have had great improvements with carbon fiber filled PLA. For the body, we want to maximize the ratio of stiffness to weight. I wrote a blog for Proto-Pasta about my most recent experiment. www.proto-pasta.com/blogs/applications/anneal-htpla-cf-for-a-truly-durable-fiddle

[@djdonbentley2141]

do you think its at all possible to print a cheap one at this point,
or is the cost still too much for average users

[@openfabpdx]

That is a tough question, as what is affordable to one is not to another. Currently you can print almost all of the parts, such that only the carbon fiber tubes and strings are necessary to purchase. That could get the total cost of the instrument down to $100.

[@AMATISIG]

斯八拉希!!!

[@Musique3579]

The 500.00 Violin wins! :-)

[@Strutingeagle]

sounds like a plastic box.

[@jeffbeck6501]

I like the $200k one. But if you ain't got 200k laying around, ...then work harder.