Introduction: ErgoPlay Like 3D Printed Guitar Support
Ok, you see this super neat guitar support by ErgoPlay and think "Wow that's convenient. I'd like to get one." Then you go to their shop, check the price and immediately change your mind. What if you are not ready to invest a hundred bucks into guitar support? Guitar support is a very niche product. It makes all the difference in the world if it suits you and is worthless junk if it doesn't. What if you don't play classical style as much or just want to try it to see if it works for you? Sounds like you. Then this instructable is for you.
This 3D-printed copy of ErgoPlay Troster will hardly cost you anything. Unlike the original cast in iron and built for centuries, this design is very configurable and adjustable depending on your specific use case and what materials you have at hand.
Supplies
- Free 3D model of the base from here.
- Free 3D model of a turning knob from here.
- Bolt & nut with hex head M6. Something like this.
- None-Slip Grip Mat.
- Adhesive foam tape. I don't remember where I get that. Possibly something like this. The main thing is it should have a gripping effect so the plastic parts do not slip under the weight of the guitar. Any foam would do as long as you can stick it to the plastic. Or use the same None-Slip Grip Mat from above.
- Super glue.
- Suction cups. Something like this. For the suction cup, anything with a hook diameter of around 9-10 mm will work.
Step 1: Print the Base and Knobs
First things first, you need to print the Turning Knobs and the Guitar Support Base. Use any 3D print shop in your local area. Check out public libraries, maker spaces, and 3D printing hubs. They usually do it for the price of the plastic - a couple of bucks or so. You need 2 pieces of the Base and 2 turning knobs.
Step 2: Glue the Bolt to the Turning Knob
Grab your M6 bold, put some super glue under the hex head and stick it into the Turning Knob, allow several minutes to dry.
Step 3: Glue the None-slip Grip to the Bottom Piece
Cut out a rectangular piece from your Non-slip Grip Mat and super glue it to the bottom of the Base. This is where it will contact your lap. Use small drops of glue along all the edges and a bit in the middle.
Step 4: Glue the Foam to the Top Piece
Cut 2 stripes of foam and glue them on the outside surface of the top piece. Refer to the photo.
Step 5: Screw It All Together
You don't need to glue the nut for that. Just put it into the Turning knob hex slot and screw it on the bolt.
Step 6: Hook in the Suction Cups
And that's pretty much it. You are all done. Adjust the height using the turning knobs and the position on your guitar using the suction cups. One thing I find more convenient than ErgoPlay is that the suction cups are loose, so you can stick the suction caps first on your guitar and then hook the support on them to adjust the angle. Works sweat 😁.
Check it out in action here. Happy music-making.