10.19.12
Junk from the Economy of Tech Artisans
Acoustic guitars can be ridiculously cheap. By contrast, a premium model like something from Gibson’s top of line can go to three thousand.
From the Plaster Caster press, on 3-D manufacturing of a plastic acoustic guitar:
Industrial designer Scott Summit has created what is believed to be the first 3D-printed acoustic guitar. Businessweek reports that although he thought the pressure of the strings would be too much for the plastic, he says it sounds like a much more expensive custom guitar.
3D Systems, which recently acquired Summit’s prosthetic printing startup Bespoke Innovations, transformed the graphic model into an actual instrument using its 3D printers. It used around $3,000 worth of plastic and features a 3D-printed sterling silver headstock and stainless steel plate on the neck.
“Somewhere down the road [Summit] figures people will be able to use software to pick out what sort of treble, bass, or sustain they desire and then print a guitar to match those qualities,” writes Businessweek. “It will arrive in the mail and sound just the way you wanted,” says the annoying person.
Invariably, it will be for the 1 percent or some of their shoeshiners. Because that’s the future promised by these things.