Home > Research Support Group> Visualization: 3D Modelling > Example: a Simple Guitar

In the following series of pages, we will walk through the process of creating a model of a guitar suitable for 3D printing. If we were creating a complete virtual scene involving this model, we would need to think about texturing, lighting, and positioning of the camera, but in this exercise, we will concentrate solely on creating the model itself.

Many different methods can be used to create a model of a guitar. For example, you can start with a cylinder and shape it into a guitar body using control points. You could also create a curve that outlines the shape of a guitar body and then extrude it. A more complete list of possible techniques might include combining, duplicating and mirroring, Boolean operations, extruding, sweeping, planar deformations and component-level manipulations ( i.e., moving vertices and control points in 3D space to shape the object).

We will cover several software packages in these pages, describing a variety of modelling methods for each package. The modelling methods we use will vary according to the capabilities and strengths of each package, but the basic steps of model creation will be the same. First, we will create a guitar body, then add a soundhole, and finally, a head and a neck. As we go, we will shape each part appropriately and add details like a bridge and tuning pegs. (You might also want to customize your own guitar model or add more features to it.)

Since our goal will be to create a model suitable for 3D printing, we will not model very fine details like strings. These would be too thin for printing and might easily break. We will need to model smaller parts like the tuning pegs with extra care, as well. Precautions of this sort should always be taken with any model intended for 3D printing. Note that before sending any model for 3D printing, you should also check to be sure that all the normals are facing the proper way: out of the object.

To get started, please choose the package you would like to work with from the list on the right side of this page, and we will begin. Please note that newer versions of each software package has been released since these tutorials were written. As such, features, menus, or commands may be slightly different.

Questions, problems, or suggestions should be sent to research.support@ualberta.ca.

Revised: August 23, 2006