About the PrintBone v1.1
Updated to v1.1. We now list the designer's v1.1, which he says prints and looks better than the original, with less need for support, better ergonomics and a better fit between parts. The sound and playability are the same. The v1.1 upload is the bell only; for a PVC slide, use the slide parts from the original PrintBone, linked below.
The PrintBone is a trombone you can print, designed in OpenSCAD so almost every dimension can be changed. The bell is modelled on a large-bore 8.5-inch symphonic bell and fits a Bach 42 or Bach 50 slide connector, also used on some Yamaha and Courtois trombones. The designer says it plays about on par with a regular brass trombone, and easier than most. His SoundCloud has a blind comparison between a brass Bach 42B bell and the printed one.
Brass instruments must be airtight, and that's most of the work. Print with at least 25–30% infill, then check for leaks: seal one end, brush on soapy water and blow. Fix any bubbles with a thin layer of superglue. Sand the tuning slide legs until they fit with the right friction, use tuning slide grease, sand the joints a little and glue the parts together. The original PrintBone page adds detail on building the PVC slide (cutting it to length, smooth printed 'stockings', bearing surfaces sanded up to 600 grit and good slide cream). The OpenSCAD files on GitHub can also make carbon-fibre outer slides for other trombones.
Who it's for. Trombonists and patient makers. Pair it with the PrintBone practice mute.
What you'll need
Printed parts
- Bell, bell flare, neckpipe and tuning slide (v1.1)
- Optional: PVC slide parts, braces and stockings from the original PrintBone
Bought parts
- A Bach 42/50 or compatible slide, or about 2 m each of 3/4 in and 5/8 in PVC pipe for a printed slide
- Superglue
- Tuning slide grease and slide cream
- A trombone mouthpiece
Tools
- Saw to cut PVC (for a PVC slide)
- Sandpaper
- Soapy water for leak testing
Build overview
- Print. All parts come in print orientation. Use supports only for the bell and the bottom of the neckpipe.
- Find leaks. Seal one end, apply soapy water and blow; fix leaks with a thin layer of superglue.
- Fit the tuning slide. Sand the legs until they slide with the right friction and grease them.
- Assemble. Sand the joints a little, glue the parts together and fit your slide.
Print settings
- Material: PLA
- Infill: 25–30% or more; 40% gives sturdy bracing
- Supports: Bell and bottom of the neckpipe only
- Orientation: As supplied; all parts are already oriented for printing
Photos
Gallery photos: PieterB, of the original PrintBone (v1.0), from its design page on Printables, licensed CC BY-NC-SA. The v1.1 bell differs in detail. We resized them and converted them to WebP. These adapted versions are shared under the same licence.
More photos and renders of the v1.1 on Printables ↗