After a gestation period of nine months, I am very happy to announce that the new, custom built 3D printer is up and running. Designed specifically to produce dulcimer bodies in one piece, it is a significant step forward in the development of a professional quality printed instrument. In fact, it can print up to one meter high parts, which would make for an amazing bass dulcimer. At this point, the printer can produce two bodies every 100 hours, but there are many opportunities to reduce that time as more experience is gained.
The original hybrid wood/printed prototypes have been out in the field for most of a year and I have received some very constructive feedback on how to make them even better. An all new steel string design is in the works (bodies are printing as I write this) that will take full advantage of the new printer. Once the steel string is put to bed, the nylon string will follow right behind. And after that, limited wood instrument production will resume. Stay tuned, 2023 promises to be an exciting year.