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.
Attachments
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
Second Prize in the
DIY Audio and Music Contest
Third Prize in the
Guerilla Design Contest
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11 Comments
8 years ago on Introduction
Super Cool! This is a one in a million inspiration! How does it sound?
8 years ago on Introduction
Very Unique, and very cool!
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.
8 years ago on Introduction
This is very COOL!!!!
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
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.
8 years ago
awesome ! .. can you upload a video so we can hear how it's sounds ?
Reply 8 years ago on Introduction
Yes, there is a short video demo at the end of the instructible.
8 years ago on Introduction
you should enter this into the goerilla design contest
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
8 years ago on Introduction
Hahahaha this made me laugh! Great idea!