# 3D-Printed Sitars 3DLI Has Created the World's First Functional 3D-Printed Sitars By Rahul Kalvapalle | Published 2016-03-23 | Tech Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sitars References: [gizmag](http://www.gizmag.com/3d-printed-sitar/42397/) & [3dli.au](http://www.3dli.com.au/) Sitars are some of the most beautiful and intricately designed musical instruments out there. Staples of classical Indian music, these complicated and gorgeous-sounding acoustic instruments are traditionally made by highly skilled craftsmen who make use of materials such as metal and wood. Now however, Australia-based 3DLI has managed to employ the wonders of 3D printing to create the world's first working 3D-printed sitar. Developed in collaboration with the Victoria, Australia-based Mat Creedon School of Music, the 3D-printed sitar was created by first borrowing CAD modeling cues from a regular sitar. The neck and body of the resulting 1.2 meter-long sitar is made up of printed components that are welded together, with the 3D-printed tuning pegs placed at their appropriate positions on the neck. Not only is this 3D-printed sitar a beautiful creation, but it speaks to how 3D printing can be used to faithfully reconstruct traditionally handmade instruments. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 1.8/10 - Popularity: 26% | Activity: 21% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 70% men, 30% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/tech) > [Science](https://www.trendhunter.com/science) ## Key Themes ### What Makes This Trend Stand Out - **3d-printed Musical Instruments:** The creation of the world's first working 3D-printed sitar showcases the potential for 3D printing in the production of traditional musical instruments. - **CAD Modeling for Instrument Design:** Borrowing CAD modeling cues from a regular sitar demonstrates a disruptive innovation opportunity to streamline and enhance instrument design processes. - **Faithful Reconstruction of Handmade Instruments:** The development of a 3D-printed sitar highlights the opportunity to use 3D printing technology to recreate and preserve traditional handmade instruments. ### Sectors Adopting This - **Music Instrument Manufacturing:** The introduction of 3D-printed musical instruments presents an innovative disruption opportunity within the traditional music instrument manufacturing industry. - **3D Printing Technology:** The application of 3D printing in instrument production opens up new possibilities for the 3D printing technology industry to expand into niche markets. - **Instrument Design and Customization:** The utilization of CAD modeling in instrument design provides an avenue for disruptive innovation in the field of instrument customization, enabling greater personalization and creativity. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [3D-Printed Carbon Cellos](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/3dprinted-carbon-cello.md) - [Recycled Guitar Prototypes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cardboard-guitar-1.md) - [Braille-Covered Electric Guitars](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/vitar-guitar.md) - [Futuristic Abstract Musical Instruments](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/zeta-electric-guitar.md) - [Shreddable Steampunk Guitars](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/steampunk-guitar.md) - [Powerful Bengali Music Instruments](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/musical-instrument-concept.md) - [Repairable 3D-Printed Speakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/maker-hardware-ttd3000.md) - [Carbon Fiber Smart Guitars](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lava-me-3.md) - [Electronic String Instruments](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/harmoni.md)