What does a 3D printed clarinet sound like?

3D printed clarinet accessories are now available on my website: jdwoodwind.com/
My most recent project, a clarinet with a 3D printed body. This was done on a basic $200 printer using wood filament. Despite some flaws it does play with good intonation and tone. Now I just need a printer big enough to make an octocontrabass clarinet XD

[@thepropagandastudiosbrigs0927]

A clarinet in A would be fantastic. The light weight would make the A clarinet more accessible. One thing I was always taught is that clarinet in A will give you arthritis/carpal/hand and wrist issues due to its design and weight. There is also an issue of an affordable option of clarinet in A. I can find Bb clarinet for 100 dollars new even in Canadian dollars, but the the lowest A new was still over 1000 CAD. Plenty of rep and opportunities exist for students to need a clarinet in A (school orchestras, solo, chamber etc) but it is accepted that you must pay way more to have one. A 3D printed clarinet in A would give an affordable option for students to learn on paired instruments. The lighter weight would make them accessible by not being a murderer of wrists and hands. I couldn't believe how good your proto sounded. Projects like this are why I watch and subscribed. Not sure what your next crazy idea is but cant wait.

[@jero2955]

hi sir! arthritis/carpal/hand and wrist issues also happen in a common Bb clarinet?

[@thepropagandastudiosbrigs0927]

​@@jero2955 They do but it is not a prevalent. Most A clarinets use similar enough positions for the holes (compared to Bb) but you often have to stretch your pinky fingers farther for those pinky keys. That added stress tends to make the A clarinet more prone to causing that type of injury. It does depend on the manufacturer but the ones I've seen (a lot of Buffets, Selmer and Yamahas) tend to have the stretch. It may not seem like much of an extra stretch but it adds up quickly. So much so that Clarinet instructors and profs have run Clarinet wrist stretching exercises when doing a lot of Clarinet in A (Orchestra) and advise on things to do to reduce the chance of injury. Wind ensembles players tend to stick to Bb but even still I remember University Wind Ensemble adviseing clarinets on that issue... mostly geared to the players that were also in orchestra. Since he was a clarinet major as well... It was a well advised topic. I also think switching between Bb (which is the main clarinet for most people and thus the one most used to) and A plays a role but I've never seen any information on the subject.

[@abedinsubashi]

This could lead to a lot of future videos 1: Try and replace the keys and mouthpiece with 3D printed replicas 2: Create Your own Bass clarinets. I would love a low C one but alas, I’m broke

[@titanhill7074]

I would love a low c too mate

[@griffindrucker5712]

Someone online already made a completely 3D printed Low C bass Clarinet extension. Search around for it, all the files and details are for sale

[@abedinsubashi]

Scribbli Chheery if you were to have a typical Bb bass clarinet, it would be Impractical because then you would have to add an extra thumb key and make the instrument even longer. There are some bass clarinets that are actually tuned to A instead of Bb so their low C is a Concert A

[@dibblethwaite]

​@Scribbli Chheery So is G#. They all useful. You have to stop somewhere.

[@organist1982]

@@abedinsubashi I know Selmer (Paris) used to offer a bass clarinet in A, but it only descended to written Eb, so concert C. Do you know of an A bass with low-C?

[@samuelhingley7066]

Why are you so good at this? Sounds better than a buffet I tried

[@dibblethwaite]

Fantastic job Jared. I'm very surprised a consumer grade FDM printer was accurate enough to make a soprano clarinet. The tolerances must bit more exacting than big bass instruments. That is definitely the best 3d printed instrument I've seen. It's great to see what can be done with a 3d printer in the hands of a skilled instrument tech.

[@afiqmr]

This is so cool. Had been thinking on what to do with my ender 3d printer, and now I know. Thanks.

[@fergalflynn3688]

As a maker and former musician I found this fascinating to watch. I played clarinet for a number of years but unfortunately due to an accident I suffered nerve damage in both hands making it too difficult to play. If in the future you make files available for any of your clarinet designs available the maker in me would love to attempt to replicate what you have achieved. Fortunately my 10yr old son has taken up the my mantle to play clarinet this year. So would be something special for me to help create for him. I look forward to future videos.

[@CeriseApple]

Sounds fantastic!!!’

[@menotyou4289]

This is amazing. Perhaps a basset clarinet RH joint next?? :D

[@raefblack7906]

Holy shit , You have skills !

[@user-wi2em5ev6u]

Brilliant!

[@aspenx1304]

Thats is AWESOME!!! I could have a blue clarinet 💙

[@grimdarkkitten1123]

Hey, my roommate and colleague specializes in low reed instruments. She did her master's work around contrabass clarinet. She would kill many for an octocontrabass clarinet. Also, we are currently working to make many instruments and accessories available for schools to print for students. If you plan to continue work on this we would love to help beta test and/or work with you to further this project. Thanks!

[@ahmetsobutay4777]

Great work. 3d printing a G clarinet should be next in your agenda.

[@shotagogodze3156]

Very good Super sound

[@whatcommsmusic]

Aboslutely ROFL! Question - "What does a 3d printed clarinet sound like?" Answer - " 'Cello music.". But really, it does sound quite acceptable! Thanks for the work and sharing! Planning to buy my 6th grade son (and me...) a 3d printer for Christmas and join the fun!

[@greatbingus]

this is cool

[@marvelboy74]

I've seen wood composite instruments on the market and some of them seem to be nice compromises between plastic and wood. There will always be purists who want instrument and their parts made out of certain materials. But I play a SYOS mouthpiece on one of my saxes and I can't believe how well it functions (it's a Wenzl McGowan bari mpc). So I'm all for using our technology to even make instruments. Plus there is an environmental impact to 3D printed instruments as well as less trees are used.

[@LarryShone]

It looks like maple wood. Very cool

[@bryanpardo1018]

This is amazing. It is *exactly* what I was wanting to try myself (making a lighter clarinet), since the weight of my Bb soprano causes me thumb pain. If you're not planning on releasing the clarinet, would you be willing to share expertise or CAD-CAM details in some way, so that others can benefit from your knowledge?

[@danil6006]

I would be also very happy if he shares the CAD-CAM files, but of course it is his right to not do this ... which is pity for us :( Meanwhile you could use a sling (similar to one for saxophone) it really helps ... my thumb was broken and I had the same problem...now I used again to it and can hold the clarinet weight.

[@zozojan89]

I printed a PLA+ barrel and it played better than any wooden barrel I have ever had. The potential is definitely there. Cool work! Hope to see more people messing with traditional instruments in creative and innovative ways now that printing them is so easy. Out of curiosity, what software did you use for CAD?

[@Jared_De_Leon]

Thanks! I use Fusion 360.

[@goodcyrus]

Great video! A. Where did you download the CAD files from. B. If you designed it, could you walk us thru as it may be interesting for all kinds of other designs to get into. C. It is much easier and faster to just print mouthpieces only for various reed instruments and put them up for sale. Just an idea. I know one Sax KZbinr who really liked the mouthpiece a student had printed for him.

[@richardsteinberg7654]

Genius!

[@zokko5856]

Hey! Amazing job I want to try it. Can you share your 3D stl. files ?

[@chrissereque8716]

Hi Jared: where did you get the keywork, especially considering the wider spacing for the right hand? Do you find that the lighter weight translates to a more diffuse tone quality?

[@orgelspielerkmd]

It definitely has some classical clarinet timbre to it. Does the wood composite filament have any potential to crack?

[@yunusemre1069]

Congratulations, it looks pretty good. Can you tell me the model of the 3d printer you are using and the type of filament?

[@georgeaguirre5437]

Where did you source your clarinet keys? I am having trouble finding a source and would love to try this project at home. If you used 3D Printed keys, how would the durability change? What parts could you swap out with parts that you could find at a hardware store (like screws, rods, and springs?) Would it play similar to a Nuvo Clarineo, or would it still sound as good as yours does?

[@robynrox]

What a wonderful project! Looks like you are using an Ender 3? I'm a clarinettist with an Ender 3 Pro. I'm very interested in this. I wonder if I could improve on the Buffet E11 that I have. I have 3D printed plastic reeds with some success, but they're not as good as cane reeds. They do have a distinctive tone that could be good for some music! Great job!

[@Jared_De_Leon]

Yes an Ender 3 pro.

[@DOCTOR-TRU]

Hi please help me :) i need to octav holes diameter and this tube lenght ? I have one chines clarinet and want some changes ?

[@themagictrick6268]

Perhaps a high g or ab or high bb clarinet or d clarinet or eb clarinet or c clarinet? It would also be awesome to see a cad model

[@themagictrick6268]

It would be awesome to see a ab clarinet

[@gigabyte2248]

That is good stuff. I know Richard Bobo has done some work on custom keywork manufacture using a basic CNC milling tool - maybe that could be a viable method for fast turn-around custom keywork manufacture?

[@Jared_De_Leon]

Richard actually cut out a rough key for my basset horn. It still required hours of filing, grinding and soldering. It would make the job easier but it’s not that much faster than cutting a key out with a jeweler’s saw.

[@gladabead8409]

Hay what are you doing 🤦🏻‍♂️🤦🏻‍♂️🤦🏻‍♂️🤦🏻‍♂️thats just amazing 😍😍

[@erezk2170]

Jared, This is ***super*** impressive, and it sounds great too! It would be nice if you could compare the sounds to say a Buffett clarinet and discuss how your design is different. Did you print the tennons "standing upright"? Did you drill the tone holes and post holes after the printing ? Bravo!

[@Jared_De_Leon]

Everything including the holes were modeled in CAD. Yeah the tenons were printed upright.

[@erezk2170]

@@Jared_De_Leon Thank you Jared. Forgot to ask, what printer would you recommend for such projects? Best, Erez

[@teamcori]

Wow this is amazing! Do you plan on putting the CAD files online?

[@Jared_De_Leon]

Unfortunately they are specific to this one set of keywork, so it would need to be redesigned for whatever set of keywork you have.

[@martinveringer1712]

@@Jared_De_Leon You can give us link for them

[@voldy3565]

@@Jared_De_Leon Sooo just tell us which keywork to buy.

[@justapersonscrollingby753]

@@Jared_De_Leon you can just give us the files and tell us the keywork to buy

[@Jared_De_Leon]

Just a person scrolling by it’s not that simple unfortunately. No 2 sets of key work are the same. I have been considering selling the files but I’m worried it won’t fit anything else besides the one set of key work I measured. Besides it still requires key fitting experience and tooling in addition to being an extremely challenging print with tons of post processing. That being said if there is still interest I will add the files to my website shortly.

[@Brenglezote]

how did you make the metal keys

[@petelangford4838]

Very impressive! I play clarinet too and also own a an Ender 3D printer. I have made a few barrels, but so far they are not working - no sound. Did you have trouble printing the ledge of the lower tenon? Mine comes out rougher I think mostly because of the support tree. Did you have the same problem? I'm using PLA too by the way. Your comment would be most helpful.

[@Jared_De_Leon]

I use supports, it doesn’t have to be perfect, just flat enough to fit. Not sure why it wouldn’t play, is it airtight?

[@petelangford4838]

@@Jared_De_Leon Hi Jared, Thanks for the reply! Yes it seems to fit well. I'm going to try a finer setting in Cura maybe super quality and see if a smoother bore helps things along. Appreciate you taking the time though!

[@uhhhh-music-man]

the question is the total price per instrument(including keywork)

[@L_S_Barros]

what was the piece played on the start?

[@elfiefromangelcity6142]

I need the dimensions for an A-flat.

[@aboutdesoufflegourdonmusiq5805]

Nice idea, but to get the keywork you will first have to buy a clarinet. Where would you get a set of keys adapted exactly to the clarinet you're building?

[@Jared_De_Leon]

The idea is you can use a set of keys from a cheap clarinet (like a Vito which has great key work but is student level) and make a much better instrument. With the modeling software I use it’s very easy to make small adjustments. Tone hole positions are very consistent across brands as well and any adjustments needed in that sense can be made by bending keys.

[@romanchomenko2912]

Hey could you make me one of those 3D printed clarinet just one question how long did it take to make nice sound.

[@Jared_De_Leon]

I could, but it would probably cost as much as a normal professional clarinet. It took a full week of work to get every designed and built.

[@minka866]

better than some early ali instruments

[@nickvledder]

Looks certainly challenging, but successful.

[@yauck1]

Did you print 100% in-fill?

[@user-fi4nr7me1m]

Do you have model files? I would make that. (I have 3D Printer) Could you give the files??

[@justinpierce7712]

So clarinets have Cylindrical bores, Oboes have Conical bores. How would it work for an oboe due to the different dimensions?

[@mrslinkydragon9910]

Some clarinets have a VERY slight conical bore towards the bell end. I know my yamaha Bb does :)

[@rustyshackleford1964]

You should really try to make a Bassett clarinet tuned in A! Those are extremely rare and expensive!

[@SebastianRAWendt]

Amazing. How about a fully 3d printed e flat basset clarinet? :))))

[@organist1982]

Personally, I wish the low-C concept would catch on to all the clarinet family; it makes the instrument so much more versatile!

[@rashakor]

@@organist1982 Agreed. However it would render many members of said family very redundant. Low C or better, low B, soprano severely encroaches in the range of the A, A basset, G, F basset and Eb alto.

[@themagictrick6268]

It would be really appreciated if you could make a video describing how to make clarinets in different keys. I am a teenager and love the clarinet. But i dont understand how you make a clarinet in a different key. Do you just make the instrument smaller or do you have to do more? It would be awesome to see a video showing how to make a clarinet in a different key. (I know i should post this on reddit)

[@Jared_De_Leon]

In order for an instrument to be higher pitched, all the proportions would need to be smaller. And a lower pitched instruments would need to have larger proportions. That’s the basics of it, but there’s a lot more too it than that. I don’t really think it’s something I could explain well in a video. Designing an instrument from scratch is a very long process that involves a lot of considerations. Keep in mind that most instruments were designed from trial and error, so there’s not really a set process in making a clarinet in a new key. Sorry if that’s not a very satisfying answer.

[@themagictrick6268]

Thank you for the reply!

[@adrienthewitchcraftteacher4940]

Saw it first on Instagram

[@funwithmadness]

If you're still reading these comments... I'm interested in how you sourced the keys. Did you scavenge all of the parts from another (cheap?) instrument?

[@Jared_De_Leon]

Yeah they came from an Eastar clarinet.

[@BJK13]

So uh.... Where would begin trying to print a tuba?

[@chazguy8723]

can you please send a file for this

[@diogoferreira4979]

What is the brand and model of your 3d printer?

[@Jared_De_Leon]

Ender 3

[@kenlagace7612]

How long to 3D print it? How long to get all the measurements into the printer?

[@Jared_De_Leon]

About 12 hours per joint so roughly 36 hours total with the barrel and bell. I modeled everything in Fusion 360.

[@Garflips]

Where did you get your key work if you don't mind me asking?

[@Jared_De_Leon]

Just from a cheap Chinese clarinet

[@Garflips]

@@Jared_De_Leon better late than never. 😛 BTW - I was an instructor at the Memphis College of Art in 3D modeling plus I have a clarinet and a bass clarinet so you can see my interest. You did a very good job. I wouldn't mind 3D printing a custom MIDI breath controller. Cheers.

[@gongcyclist]

So was a set of keys/posts ordered from a manufacturer then? I can't Imagine that they were handmade for this project, or 3D printed themselves...

[@mr.klunee4103]

What 3D printer are you using?

[@Jared_De_Leon]

Ender 3

[@dstuart76]

Would you be willing to share the STL files for those of us who would like to take a crack at making one ourselves? 🙂

[@Jared_De_Leon]

Hello, I've added them to my website: jdwoodwind.com/shop/p/3d-clarinet-model though I cannot guarantee it will be possible due to the differences in key work from one instrument to another.

[@mbremyk1]

Is there a reason I couldn't also 3D print the keywork?

[@MissTEO1]

Magnus Brevik Theoretically, he could print keywork, but many pieces would probably be need to be redesigned (think long skinny keys and rods) since there will always be a certain amount of flex when using plastics and composites.

[@Jared_De_Leon]

It wouldn't be strong enough and there would be no way to seat the pads with traditional methods. Also springs and screws would be an issue.

[@zvonimirtosic6171]

If you’re 3D printing, then maybe print the main body as one piece, not two. You will achieve better tuning and perfect 12ths, better intonation too, which could compensate for the acoustical weakness of material used for 3D printing.

[@zvonimirtosic6171]

The major culprit for the instability and movement of keywork, posts, etc. is not playing, but assembling/ disassembling of a two piece instrument. One piece design could improve that in a 3D printed instrument.

[@gustavoeberle3895]

Where can I buy the STls?

[@Jared_De_Leon]

jdwoodwind.com/shop/p/3d-clarinet-model

[@katmusswoodwind]

I would love to have a chat with you about accessible instruments on zoom/teams if you're game? I'm writing an article about accessibility and I would love to pick your brains about it!

[@user-dm4ob8bw1m]

where could i buy the keys

[@Jared_De_Leon]

Look for an Eastar clarinet.

[@themagictrick6268]

Maybe also 3d printed keys???

[@khaderach19]

hey, I built a 500x500x1000mm printer if you me to print your octocontrabass

[@mrslinkydragon9910]

Wouldnt it be better if the body was printed with out the post screw holes? That way the printer has to do less fine detail work and you can align the keys better.

[@Jared_De_Leon]

The printer doesn’t really care either way, it will print whatever file I throw at it. It would still require measuring all the holes accurately and would add much more post processing. Plus in Fusion 360 I can make super fine adjustments easily.

[@WatchOnYT]

Can we please have the files?

[@Jared_De_Leon]

The files are very specific for this one set of keys, it would be easier to start from scratch and redesign it.

[@WatchOnYT]

@@Jared_De_Leon Did you get that set of keys online, or did you rip it off an existing clarinet? Also, if I make a B flat clarinet, and then basically stretch it a little bit, will I get an A clarinet?

[@DanielBilan]

Any chance you can make a tarogato?

[@Jared_De_Leon]

Already did! If you go on the 3D printed musical instrument parts and tools page you can get the files and print it yourself too.

[@DanielBilan]

@@Jared_De_Leon can I have a link please?

[@DanielBilan]

@@Jared_De_Leon I have seen your tarogato fixing video but I can't find a 3d model of a tarogato.

[@Jared_De_Leon]

daniel bilan I’ll post it to Thingiverse later today

[@DanielBilan]

@@Jared_De_Leon Hi. Did you manage to upload it? Is it a Stowasser replica or nonbranded ? I have seen making different alterations on them.

[@nameisnotwhatyouthink3342]

Let’s say you were to sell one of these. How much?🤔

[@Jared_De_Leon]

Probably around $1000 given the labor involved.

[@Connor-nv5sn]

To me it sounds like my wooden one but mine js rich.

[@kailencresp4843]

Hey, amazing work, I’ve got the CAD files for a basset horn that I’ve made, you’re welcome to get a copy if you can send me your email.

[@Jared_De_Leon]

That would be awesome! Can you send it to [e-mail]? Thanks!

[@ClaronandoBaixinho]

@@Jared_De_Leon como consigo esse projeto

[@Finalizer804]

Hey, I am also interested in making a basset horn and have been working on one for several months, would you mind sending those files to me too? Thanks!

[@kailencresp4843]

@@Finalizer804 I have put a lot of work into these files and Jared is my friend, you are able to get the original plans from the Bate museum and them put them into a CAD programme if you really way them.

[@Finalizer804]

@@kailencresp4843 Ah, I understand. Thanks for the tip though!

[@voldy3565]

2:51 Not correct. The main advantage is the cheap price of priting compared to buying an actual instrument.

[@Jared_De_Leon]

Not really, 90% of the cost of a clarinet is the labor. In fact pound for pound Grenadilla wood is cheaper that filament if you know where to get it. This clarinet would still be expensive to make as the key work is labor intensive.

[@vladochiflidzhanov5045]

I appreciate your enthusiasm, but it really doesn't sound better than a contemporary clarinet, and it is far from sounding like a classical one. sorry! You might be missing smth important, that classical instruments have. You know, it doesn't work like this... moving the mechanics and drilling it like a Boehm clarinet, and sound classical. There is much more... Best regards!