Musical Bones

Bones for playing traditional American (Old Time) music.

There is a hollow cavity which I found to have a positive impact on the sound. There are two versions, each with a different size cavity and associated sound.

A set of bones (for a single hand) includes both the -L and -R files. The set is a mirrored pair, but the L and R do NOT refer to which hand you play with, but simply to the two sides of the mirrored set. Print both the -L and -R version of whichever degree of hollowness you want.

Highly recommend using either Proto-Pasta Matte HTPLA, which has a naturally bone-like quality both aesthetically and acoustically, or some other composite filament. I've made them from Proto-Pasta Carbon Fiber PLA and from Hatchbox Wood as well.

Conversely, I would avoid printing with standard plastics. The stiffness that the fillers add is critical for the acoustics.

IMPORTANT: Print solid (85-95% infill).

One edge of each bone has a flat surface for printing. Be sure to orient them correctly. Brim is helpful.