Italy's Premio Paganini Competition Creates 3D-Printed Version of Guarneri Violin

The 3D replica is a recreation of the 1743 Guarneri del Gesù 'Il Cannone' violin, which was played by Paganini

Italy's Premio Paganini International Violin Competition is celebrating its 70th anniversary by making a 3D-printed replica of Guarneri del Gesù's 'Il Cannone' violin of 1743. The storied instrument most famously belonged to Niccolò Paganini, who bequeathed it to the city of Genoa when he died.

As part of a number of initiatives to promote Paganini's life and work in Italy, the competition partnered with 3DiTALY, who have scanned every part of the instrument to create the reproduction. The replica was then printed in white resin with red nylon strings, to represent the competition's new logo as well as the flag of St George.

The idea behind the instrument is also to increase the competition's visibility with a younger demographic of Italians.

"It is another way to spread Paganini’s message, also for social purposes and to involve young people," said Giovanni Panebianco, the President of the Premio Paganini. "I would like to thank the company 3DiTALY, our technical sponsor, for the spirit and enthusiasm shown in supporting this initiative. Special thanks go to the Premio Paganini management team and, in particular, to Matteo Ventricelli for his valuable planning and creative contribution."

"This is a great promotional initiative for the Premio Paganini, which will also be popular with young people," added Marco Bucci, the mayor of Genoa. "The 3D 'Cannone' is an extra opportunity provided by new technologies, and it can be brought to schools and all over the city to recount Paganini in an unconventional way."

"It is also important to highlight that this work was carried out through a technical sponsorship as part of the Competition’s partnership research program, and that all material relating to the scan and the digital model of the 'Cannone' is now part of the archival heritage of the Municipality of Genoa."

You can view the 3D-printing process that went into making the instrument below.