Reinvented 300-year-old cello earns US student Shark Tank deal

Elijah Lee, a biomedical engineering senior at Yale and co-founder of Forte3D, has reinvented the traditional cello by using 3D printing combined with carbon fiber and polymer composites. Originating from a high school project, Lee aimed to create a cello that is more affordable, durable, and portable than conventional wooden instruments, which often cost over $5,000 and are fragile. The innovative cello features flat carbon-fiber panels for the top and back, 3D-printed ribs and neck, and retains traditional parts like the sound post and fingerboard to preserve authentic sound quality. Utilizing rapid Computer-Aided Design (CAD), the team can precisely adjust the instrument’s shape and materials to optimize acoustics, surpassing the limitations of carved wood. After six years and hundreds of prototypes, Forte3D’s cello has attracted attention from renowned musicians such as Yo-Yo Ma and The Piano Guys. The company also offers customizable finishes to reflect individual player styles. Forte3D secured a $