3D Inkjet Printed Guitar Bodies on Display at NAMM

Printing guitars with 3D inkjet technology
America, designed by Olaf Diegel, and produced with 3D inkjet printing. Photo by Jeff Leto.

LexJet’s man on the scene, product manager Jeff Leto, is currently scouring the halls of National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) Show in Anaheim, drumming up interest in a new and innovative printable material for customizing drums.

While at the show, Leto happened across this amazing use of inkjet printing: a 3D printed guitar. The company that produced it, 3D Systems, is showcasing its 3D printing technology at the annual music business trade show.

According to the 3D Sytems, the guitar, called Americana, embeds the rich details of New York City’s most memorable landmarks in the body of a Les Paul inspired, electric guitar, clad by the stars and stripes. Designed by Cubify artist Olaf Diegel, the Americana masterpiece guitar is on display to the public for the first time along with, 3D Systems’ Cube 3D printer and Cubify apps.

Straying from his signature biomimicry-styled 3D printed guitars, Olaf Diegel was inspired by his love for New York City and all that it represents when creating the Americana. It patriotically demonstrates the complexity and sophistication that is possible with 3D printing. A full interview with Olaf Diegel on his inspiration, process and passion for 3D printed instruments is available here.

Inket printing three dimensional guitarsThe Americana joins the rest of Olaf Diegel’s guitar collection on Cubify.com and is available for purchase today. Interested musicians and enthusiasts are invited to work directly with Olaf to customize their preferences including a range of pick-ups and necks from which to choose.

Stay tuned here for more information about 3D printing technology. For more information about 3D Systems, go to printin3d.com, and for more info about Cubify, go to Cubify.com.