Suvechha Sarkar
Chasing the timeless beauty of fine music isn’t just a dream reserved for expert instrument makers and great musicians. It is now becoming a realistic possibility for anyone who values the craftsmanship behind a great instrument. Since the 1700s, several individuals have attempted to recreate the expertise of Stradivarius in violin creation. However, none of them could replicate it without years of practice and a high price tag. This is where Forte3D comes in, offering 3D printing designs of classic string instruments in exceptional quality and at a fraction of the cost. Their appearance on season 17 of ABC’s ‘Shark Tank’ offered the founders a platform to demonstrate how technology can reimagine centuries-old art forms.
Forte3D: Who Are They and What Do They Do?
Before the brand of Forte3D came into existence, its founders, Alfred Goodrich and Elijah Lee, were carving out an impressive professional trajectory for themselves. The former began his academic journey by attaining a Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry from Connecticut College in 1998. He then enrolled at West Chester University of Pennsylvania in 2015 to pursue a Master’s in Music Theory and Composition, earning the degree in 2019. Alfred’s career began in 2001 as the owner of Silvertone Studios. He has been serving there as the Producer and Engineer ever since. From October 2018 to May 2023, he assumed the role of Orchestra Director at The Haverford School. While staying in that position in January 2022, Alfred teamed up with Elijah Lee.
Together, Alfred and Elijah conceived the idea of creating a classical string instrument inspired by the art of Stradivarius. The latter has also been the Head of Engineering for the brand since June 2019. Before that, Elijah completed a high school diploma at The Haverford School and then earned a Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Engineering from Yale University. However, his professional journey began in May 2018 as an Event Presenter for Haverford Materials Group. At that organization, he rose through the ranks to become an Engineering Design Session Consultant and Team Leader before moving on in November 2021. Simultaneously, Elijah held several positions, including Engineering Lead for VEX Team 169 from 2019 to 2022 and ML Research Intern at the University of Pennsylvania Health System from February to September 2020.
It was also around that time that Alfred and Elijah developed the concept of low-cost, 3D printed string instruments using carbon fiber. They ultimately created the cello and violin, both of which had a low production cost, leading to the creation of Forte3D LLC. By June 2021, Elijah became a Biomedical Devices Researcher at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, where he worked until January 2022. In June 2023, he began serving in the role of a Biophysics Researcher at Yale University School of Medicine, and three months later, he also became an Undergraduate Learning Assistant at the Yale School of Engineering & Applied Science. Although Elijah moved on from both these positions in 2025, he didn’t stop evolving.
By April 2025, Elijah joined the Wu Tsai Institute at Yale University as an AI/ML Researcher, followed by a position as a Neuroengineer at Orbit Inc. in June. He then became the Lead Recruitment Coordinator at Yale University Office of Undergraduate Admissions in August. Together, the founders have blended centuries-old musical heritage with modern 3D printing technology. Each of their products is crafted from durable materials, including carbon fiber and specialized polymers. The brand’s designs are currently patented and incorporate the traditional fingerboards, wooden bridges, and sound posts. Their products are created to deliver resonant sound and are more durable than their wooden counterparts. Customers can easily clean them using a glass cleaner or olive oil with a microfiber towel.
Forte3D: Where Are They Now?
Following the launch of their instruments, Forte3D quickly found its rhythm in the modern music world. Their products can seamlessly be purchased from their website. They currently offer a Carbon Fiber Cello for $2,950, along with a string set, pegs, one light and one heavy wolf stoppers, an allen wrench, and a string height guide. Their Complete Cello Outfit costs $4,045 and also includes a carbon fiber bow, a foam case, rosin, and an endpin anchor. The brand’s Wooden Old Italian Cello, with a top and back, is priced at $3,250. While Forte3D’s fine art top and back cellos are available for $3,250, the same product with a custom-printed image on the front or back costs $3,345.
Customers can purchase the Forte3D violin for just $1,495. Beyond string instruments, the brand offers a range of cello accessories on its website, including cases, carbon fiber bows, replacement strings, stoppers, cello bridges, and wolf stoppers, among other items, with prices typically ranging from $5 to $959. Since they have Grammy-winning cellist Mike Block as their Chief Musical Advisor, the brand often collaborates with him on Instagram. He first performed with a Forte3D Cello at Groton Hill Music Center. By March 2025, Forte3D made its way to the American String Teachers Association National Conference in Atlanta, Georgia.
In the same month, Forte3D was featured in The Strad, earning recognition within the industry’s most respected circles. By April, Mike conducted a cello sight-reading party at The Luthier Collective store in Somerville, Massachusetts. Furthermore, they have also collaborated with the musician, Steven Sharp Nelson, and The Piano Guys. In May 2025, the brand announced the launch of their Art Cello Tops. Three months later, Forte3D also revealed a content creator contest, where individuals had to submit videos and photos featuring the brand’s cello to stand a chance to win a titanium endpin, a free hand-carved Belgian bridge, or Pirastro strings.
In October, Forte3D disclosed that the artwork on their cellos was created by artist Juleez. Moreover, they announced by the following month that their initial production batch of violins was officially complete. It was available for purchase by the customers along with an initial 25% discount. In the same month, the music band Arkai (arkaimusic) featured Forte3D’s Cello during their performance. There has been an outpouring of positive reviews from musicians who have used their products. It further highlights the fact that their blend of innovation, durability, and artistry continues to resonate far beyond the production.
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