Clarinet made from bones
When Signor Ubaldo Ubaldi, an Italian criminal, died in 1950, he left £12 in his will so that his bones could be polished and made into clarinet mouthpieces.
At least, that was widely reported at the time. I have doubts about the veracity of the story, though I can't disprove it either. I can't find any report that Ubaldi's last wishes were carried out.
At least, that was widely reported at the time. I have doubts about the veracity of the story, though I can't disprove it either. I can't find any report that Ubaldi's last wishes were carried out.
Sydney Sun - Oct 19, 1950
Adelaide News - Nov 1, 1950
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Comments
No idea what happened to his bones, but bone clarinets are a thing: https://www.britishmuseum.org/collection/object/E_Af1954-23-3731
As someone who was once a certified bagpipe tuner, I question how the bones could be made into mouthpieces. You need something with a taper, and bones are hollow. You can have one or the other of those, not both without some esoteric technique.
As someone who was once a certified bagpipe tuner, I question how the bones could be made into mouthpieces. You need something with a taper, and bones are hollow. You can have one or the other of those, not both without some esoteric technique.
Posted by Phideaux on 01/06/25 at 11:48 AM
You mean bagpipes can be in tune?
Posted by ges on 01/07/25 at 08:15 AM
Good one ges.
Posted by F.U.D. in Stockholm on 01/07/25 at 11:44 AM
Category: Death | Inheritance and Wills | Music | 1950s