A 3D printed electric guitar sounds like....an electric guitar! [Insert Tonewood Debate] :)
In an electric guitar, the sound is primarily impacted by the pickups, wiring (including grounding), and amp. The body material has little to no effect.
The guitar body is designed in modular sections, allowing it to fit on most home 3D printers. We recommend a print bed size of 256 x 256mm or larger, which accommodates popular models such as the Bambu Lab A1, X1C, P1P, P1S, and many others.
Many 3D printing slicers, including Bambu Studio, PrusaSlicer, and Cura, offer a “cut” or similar feature that lets you split parts into smaller sections. While this is possible, splitting the guitar’s center core may create joints that could be weak or fail under string tension.
Another option is tilting the parts on the print bed, which can help them fit. Keep in mind this approach usually requires additional support material and will increase print time.
The longevity of a 3D printed guitar depends on a few key factors, with material selection being the most important. For the center core, use a strong, stiff material to prevent flexing or creeping under the tension of the strings.
The body sections experience minimal stress, but it’s still crucial to create strong, secure joints when bonding the pieces together. Traditional CA glue works well with many 3D printing plastics, and there are also 3D-printing-specific adhesives available for added strength.
Choosing the right material is key to a durable 3D printed guitar.
Environmental Considerations:
The most important factor for tuning stability is the material of the center core. Using a strong, stiff filament prevents flexing or creeping under the tension of the strings.
Recommended materials include ABS, Nylon, PC, and glass- or carbon-filled filaments.
Just like a traditional wooden guitar, proper string setup and installation are also essential to prevent slipping or loosening over time.
Assembly time depends on your experience and skill level:
On average, a guitar will use approximately 1.5–2 kg of filament, depending on the design and your slicer settings.
The amount of filament required depends on several factors:
On average, a complete guitar will take approximately 30–50 hours to print, depending on the design and your slicer settings.
Print time depends on several factors, much like filament usage:
One of the advantages of 3D printing is that you can control the guitar’s weight through your slicer settings. Adjusting the infill percentage allows you to make the body lighter or heavier to suit your preference.
Depending on the body design and infill, a complete 3D printed guitar (including neck, electronics, etc.) typically weighs 6–9 lbs (2.7–4 kg) — similar to most standard wooden guitars. This provides a comfortable feel in the hands without neck dive.
No, an enclosure is not required, but it can improve your print results.
Using an enclosure helps regulate temperature, reduce warping, and enhance print quality, particularly for materials like ABS that are sensitive to temperature changes. Additional benefits include noise reduction, fume containment, and increased safety by keeping the print area enclosed.
All customers must follow the Creative Commons terms outlined below:
Creative Commons:
Yes! Don’t see the design you are looking for?
Use the Custom Design Request Form to get in touch and let us know what you are looking for! Let’s work together to create your perfect guitar body design!