Orewa College Year 9 students built an electric guitar using 3D printing and upcycled parts. See how innovation and teamwork brought music to life.

This term, a group of inventive Year 9 students (known as the Makerspace Team) turned creativity into sound by building a fully functional electric guitar.

The project was led by Mr Pinho and involved designing, printing, and assembling the guitar piece by piece. The neck came from an old student guitar that was given a second life, while the body was carefully 3D printed and shaped on-site at kura. The students then wired all the electronics themselves, learning how pickups, jacks, and controls all come together to make music.

This hands-on project wasn't just about tech and tools. It was about problem-solving, collaboration, and putting classroom learning into real-world action. From design software to soldering, every step gave students a chance to explore new skills.

The guitar is just the beginning. The Makerspace Team is looking to expand and all OC students are welcome to join. Whether you're into music, design, coding, or building things from scratch, there’s a place for you here.