Historical Musical Instruments Re-Created Using 3D Printers

In a fascinating interview with Robert Howe, Ph.D candidate in music hostory at UConn and Sina Shahbazmohamadi, former director of imaging at UConn's Centre for Clean Energy, NPR looks at how historical musical instruments could be made available again.

Listen to the story on NPR here:

The story goes something like this. Robert Howe collects antique instruments. He has an Adolph Sax saxophone (one of about 10 remaining in the world) and required a special mouthpiece for it. 

Sina Shahbazmohamadi utilised X-ray and CT scan data which the 3D printer was able to copy and print from. Using this data he was able to “digitally remove dings, dents and cracks that existed in the originals. In addition, working from Howe's tenor mouthpiece, Shahbazmohamadi was able to manipulate the data to create copies of alto, baritone and soprano mouthpieces that no longer existed.”

Watch a video on how antique musical instruments have been created using 3D printers:

Imagine being able to push a button and be able to print a replica antique musical instrument! That day is likely coming soon…

Source: NPR Blogs