Build your own 3D printed synthesizer for 6 dollars

Johan Von Konow is a Swedish engineer with knowledge in mechanics, electronics, software and industrial design. In his spare time, he develops many projects around these subjects. One of his latest projects is called LEET Synthetizer: an open-source synthesizer to create directly at home from a 3D printer. Fully modular and customizable, this small electronic musical instrument can be made for only 6 dollars and would require only a few basic skills in soldering and programming embedded electronics. If you have a FDM 3D printer at home and some free time, you can give it a try!

3D printing really impacts all sectors, from aeronautics, automotive to design and music. And yes, 3D printing technologies can also allow some enthusiasts to imagine more efficient instruments, to design custom solutions or to optimize sounds as needed. It’s a production method that can be easily integrated into a company’s production process, but also used in a recreational way at home. For example, Johan Von Konow uses a plastic material extrusion 3D printer to bring his many electronic projects to life.

The synthesizer integrates several components to be placed in the 3D printed shell

The synthesizer is built around a 3D printed shell that houses the printed circuit board as well as all the individual components. It is the core of the device that holds everything in place – it has channels to place all the wires connecting the components together safely and reliably. According to the engineer, it’s a device that can be easily reproduced, is inexpensive, and can be manufactured before the printed circuit board is received. Each key also has its own RGB LEDs, allowing for visualization of the playback but also to facilitate music training.