Recycled and repurposed: the best uses for old musical instruments

We've scoured the internet for the very best in upcycled musical instruments – old instruments that have been made into everyday objects. Here are some of our favourites.

1. Piano hammer clock

Look closely at the number markers on this clock and you’ll see they’re actually piano hammers. Photo: JonathanWilliam on Etsy
2. Flute key earrings

Another enterprising Etsy-user has spotted that flute keys make bold earrings. Photo: UpBeatAccents on Etsy
3. Violin clock

Is it a violin? Is it a clock? It's both! Photo: Wolffentigers on Etsy
4. Guitar string earrings

Some bright Etsy spark has spotted the potential in old guitar strings. Photo: Stringcycle on Etsy
5. Clarinet lamp

This is a super-stylish way to recycle an old clarinet. Photo: UpBeatAccents on Etsy
6. Clarinet key necklace

Jewellery made from woodwind keys is very much a thing on Etsy – this one comes from a clarinet. Photo: UpBeatAccents on Etsy
7. Piano bed

Proof that upcycling is nothing new, this piano that’s been upcycled into a bed is actually from 1885. Go to the next photo to see the bed once it’s been set-up. Photo: Brooklyn Museum
8. Piano bed – set up

Here it is, complete with pillows and sheet. Photo: Brooklyn Museum
9. Piano string ring

This is a double-music-win: not only is this ring in the shape of a treble clef, it’s also made from an old piano string. Photo: dremeWORKS on Etsy
10. Flute tie-clip

Most of the upcycled instrument jewellery on Etsy is aimed at women – but the men get a look-in with this tie-pin. Photo: UpBeatAccents on Etsy
11. Cello tuning peg necklace

Got a spare tuning peg for your cello lying around? You could always make it into a statement pendant. Photo: UpBeatAccents on Etsy
12. Cornet fountain

This water feature-meets-brass-instrument is nothing if not eye-catching. Photo: WyldatHeartCustoms on Etsy
13. Saxophone key necklace

The perfect gift for the saxophonist in your life – a necklace made from a saxophone key (shown here draped artfully over said instrument). Photo: UpBeatAccents
14. Guitar string ring

Who knew an upcycled guitar string could be put to such elegant use? Photo: dremeWORKS on Etsy
15. Records cake stand

So this isn’t technically an instrument, but who can resist some upcycled vinyl? Especially not when it’s covered in cake… Photo: BreakTheRecord on Etsy