We’ve seen guitars made from all sorts of materials, from exotic woods to recycled skateboards. But Prince Midnight, a ইউटউবার, has taken instrument innovation to a whole new level – or perhaps, a new depth. He constructed a fully functional electric guitar using the actual skeleton of his uncle. Meet the “Filip Skelecaster,” a bone-ified six-string that’s as metal as it gets.
The story behind this unique Skeleton Guitar is as fascinating as the instrument itself. Prince Midnight explained to Guitar World that the skeleton belonged to his Uncle Filip, who passed away in Greece in the 1990s. Filip initially donated his remains to a local college for medical study. However, after two decades, the skeleton ended up in a family cemetery plot, incurring rental fees. Greek Orthodox religious customs against cremation further complicated the situation.
Prince Midnight showcasing the 'Filip Skelecaster', a guitar constructed from a human skeleton
Faced with this unusual predicament, Prince Midnight navigated a bureaucratic process involving state departments and attorney offices to repatriate his uncle’s remains from Greece. Upon receiving “a box of bones,” Prince Midnight pondered the best way to honor his uncle, who he credits with introducing him to heavy metal music. Burial, cremation, or attic storage seemed inadequate for someone who had such a profound musical influence on his life.
Inspired by his uncle’s metal spirit, Prince Midnight conceived the idea of transforming the skeleton into a guitar. This ambitious project, unsurprisingly, presented significant challenges. After extensive research and initial consultations with luthiers at Dean Guitars in Florida (who ultimately declined to participate), Midnight persevered and built the Filip Skelecaster himself.
The primary hurdle in creating this skeleton guitar was ensuring its playability. “Making sure it was actually playable,” Midnight stated, emphasizing the critical aspect of instrument construction – tuning stability. Despite the unconventional materials, the Filip Skelecaster reportedly performs “fine.” However, its skeletal structure introduces some unique playing characteristics.
Close-up view of the skeleton guitar's body, highlighting the rib cage strumming area
Due to the rib cage construction, wide, sweeping chords à la Pete Townshend are not feasible. Strumming is limited to the width of the rib cage. Despite these quirks, Prince Midnight describes an “unexplainable quality” to playing the skeleton guitar. He feels a tangible connection to his uncle through the instrument. “I believe part of my uncle Filip is still there, literally and figuratively. Just a warm presence, maybe enjoying his next life as a totally metal guitar.”
Prince Midnight sees the Filip Skelecaster as the ultimate tribute to his uncle. “Now Uncle Filip can shred for all eternity. That’s how he would want it. I’m super-proud of the project and how it serves to honor him, his life and his influence on me.” To hear the skeleton guitar in action, Prince Midnight has released a cover of Darkthrone’s black metal classic Transilvanian Hunger, showcasing the unique sonic character of the bone-bodied instrument. The Filip Skelecaster is more than just a novelty; it’s a testament to personal tribute and pushing the boundaries of guitar craftsmanship.
