How to Make a Shell Horn

A long-standing symbol of beauty and power, conch shells can be turned into instruments as well.

Shell horns are beautiful musical instruments made only of a conch shell that has been properly drilled. They have traditionally been used to start important ceremonies like weddings, or to pay tribute to royalty, communicate among sailors or gift to someone as a sign of honor and respect. This rich tradition now extends to modern society, and you can make your own beautiful shell horn using a few simple tools and a little bit of sweat.

Things You'll Need

• Conch shell
• Hacksaw
• Sandpaper
• Drill
• Bleach
• Dime
• String

Instructions

1. Find a large conch that is at least 6 inches long. The size is more integral in determining the pitch than the loudness of the horn. Larger conchs will produce a deeper sound.

2. Clean the conch by soaking it overnight in a 10-to-one bleach solution. This removes tiny dust particles and also sanitizes the shell.

3. Measure the circumference of a dime by wrapping the string around the edge of the coin and marking the point where the string makes a complete circle. Tie the string at this knot to make a closed ring.

4. Slide the loop of string down the tip of the conch until it can slide no more. Trace the string with a marker to make a line around the tip of the conch.

5. Saw off the tip of the conch at the line that you just marked. The resulting hole should be exactly the size of a dime. It helps to saw a few millimeters closer to the tip and adjust as you go along because the hole cannot be adjusted if it is cut too large.

6. Drill straight through the rest of the conch, from the dime-sized hole that you just cut and through the length of the shell. Make sure to cut through all of the spiraled walls and not to make a hole on the other end.

7. File down the tip of the conch to make an appropriately sized mouth piece. Lastly, use the sandpaper to smooth down the mouthpiece until it is comfortable to the touch.

Tips & Warnings

• For commercially bought shells, make sure to cover the draining hole with epoxy. It can be found on the fourth ridge from the tip.

References

• "World's Largest Conch Shell Horns"
• "How to Make a Conch Shell Horn"; 2009