Javalele

14,475

130

11

Introduction: Javalele

3D printing is used here to transform an abandoned portafilter into a small stringed instrument. The electroacoustic mini-instrument can be plugged into an amplifier for control of gain or added effects. In this tutorial you can see how to make the most simple version. The first step is to find a a discarded portafilter (preferrably the kind with a hexagonal cavity in the back of the handle)

Step 1: The Portafilter

I discovered a bin of discarded Portafilters from expired espresso machines at Alan Steel in Redwood city. They reminded me of miniature banjo frames. I decided to make appendages to transform this transporter of coffee into a transmitter of the plucked string.

Other components required:

access to a 3D printer or printing hub

Steel dowel pins (size: Metric Type 316 Stainless Steel Dowel Pin, M3 Diameter, 28 Mm Length)

Piezo Disc with wire leads

3.5 mm phone jack

3.5mm audio cable

a small zip tie

amplifier

Step 2: Soundboard Wrapper

If you happen to find a portafilter of the same dimensions as the one here, you can download the attached STL files and print the components. The little sound board will fit snug over the filter cup turning it into a small resonant chamber. The neck fixtures into the cavity in the back of the handle. These may vary so you may have to redesign your own models to fit your portafilter.

Step 3: 3.5mm Audio Connector

If you can find this model of portafilter you are in luck. Because the 3.5 mm from Philmore perfectly press fits into the coffee outlet. Sometimes there is luck!

Step 4: Insert Frets

7-A4 dowel pins make great press fit frets. The equation (remaining distance to saddle/18 for the next fret distance) for fret distances is used to separate these slots in the CAD model.

Step 5:

Features may vary on the protafilters. The ones I found had differing orientations in the hexagonal cavity in the handle. This required modifications to the cad file such that the neck was aligned with the sound board.

Step 6: Assembly

Attach the piezo disc to the audio jack inside the portafilter. Plug the microphone into an amplifier to test it. If the connection is clean, glue the piezo behind the sound hole on the underside of the soundboard.

Step 7: Bridge

You can use a small piece of wood doweling as a bridge. Or you can print one with the attached STL file.

Step 8: Tuning Pegs

1/4 sized violin pegs are required. Two of them should be shortened so that their turning knobs do not collide when turning. Tuning pegs often come with a string hole. This will likely be too far out for this instrument. Alternate string holes must be drilled into the tuning pegs closer to the turning knob. Tighten the strings while firmly applying pressure on the peg into its hole.

Step 9: String Up the Javalele

Tiny channels are provided in the model to guide the string to its respective peg. On the bridge side, the strings can be tied as you would a classical guitar.

Step 10: Short Demo Here

DIY Audio and Music Contest

Second Prize in the
DIY Audio and Music Contest

Guerilla Design Contest

Third Prize in the
Guerilla Design Contest

Be the First to Share

    Recommendations

    • Game Design: Student Design Challenge

      Game Design: Student Design Challenge
    • Make It Bridge

      Make It Bridge
    • For the Home Contest

      For the Home Contest

    11 Comments

    0
    Attmos
    Attmos

    8 years ago on Introduction

    Super Cool! This is a one in a million inspiration! How does it sound?

    0
    josuchav
    josuchav

    8 years ago on Introduction

    As far as the guerilla contest goes, I wish you had sculpted the plastic instead of printing it... it'd be a little more in tune with the heart of the contest. However, I voted you for both of the contests you entered with this. Very nice.

    0
    Wired_Mist
    Wired_Mist

    8 years ago on Introduction

    I always love seeing people reuse old objects in ways they were never intended to :D

    Have you had any luck tuning it?

    PS: Nice name; Very "Punny" :P

    0
    johngranzow
    johngranzow

    Reply 8 years ago on Introduction

    Thanks. The neck is strong enough to sustain Ukelele tunings. The bridge for now is movable to adjust intonation. I might use worm gear tuners in the next version, but the violin pegs work and hold firmly in the PLA.

    0
    ShaharElma
    ShaharElma

    8 years ago

    awesome ! .. can you upload a video so we can hear how it's sounds ?

    0
    johngranzow
    johngranzow

    Reply 8 years ago on Introduction

    Yes, there is a short video demo at the end of the instructible.

    0
    Bard
    Bard

    8 years ago on Introduction

    you should enter this into the goerilla design contest

    0
    Mielameri
    Mielameri

    8 years ago

    It took me a moment of looking at this to figure out exactly what was going on! Now I see it, and I think it's such a cool idea! Great i'ble