Conch Shell Horn

Through the valley, over the mountain, and across the sea, the Conch's cry echoes.
To hear my conch, click here! I'm using sub-par recording software; it can't capture the true richness of the sound, so you'll have to make one and hear for yourself. And make no mistake, this is LOUD, and is in fact an approved U.S. Coast Guard noise signaling device.

How To Make a Conch Horn
For more cool projects, click here!!

Step 1 The Materials

These are the things you'll need to make a horn.

~One Conch Shell
If you live by the Carribean, you can find them on beaches or dive for them. If you live on any coastline, there is probably an analogous species you can use. For example - if you live in Massachusetts, you can use a Whelk. If you don't have access to the ocean, you can buy one online or at some antique stores and flea markets. Anything from around 6" and up will be fine, size doesn't impact loudness, though can impact pitch (larger = deeper).
~Pick one: Hacksaw, Sawzall with metal-cutting blade, Rock, Chisel and Hammer
~Nail or Center Punch
~Sandpaper or File
~U.S. Dime

Comments

[Cru2o]

Where's Spongebob?

[thepelton]

Check this out.
http://www.amazon.com/Sanctified-Shells-Steve-Turre/dp/B0000046MV
8>)
Don

[seansippo]

i think i am doing something wrong, i have made my hole, its a tiny bit bigger than the dime but i think it will be ok. the problem is that i think i didnt do the nail thing right, not sure if i took enough off or not. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WFzqIiBdzIw the begging of this video is showing what sound i am getting when i try to use it. im not sure if im blowing wrong or if i didnt make the hole right.

[luvit]

i used my consh shell horn when i found our castle under attack. it awoke the trees and they walked on the enemy and killed them.

[courtney]

I was fortunate enough to see Steve Turre play a show once where he played Miles Davis's - All Blues on a set of about 7 conch shells amazing!

[guitarman63mm]

I believe someone put that up on youtube! I was just watching it today, actually. I live in Florida, less than 30 minutes from major Tampa beaches, can I find large conch shells there? Where would a man look? I also live near Tarpon Springs, which happens to be a sponge and shell emporium. How much would a foot long conch run me? Anyone?

[Kendallkip]

i got a conch from hawaii (i bought it) and i love the sound

[Kinnishian]

I found my conch shells with small thin chisel holes in them. That's one hole per, presumably because someone killed it to eat the conch. Would that still work...? Its sort of at the part past the tight spiral (where you made the mouth) but before it starts slanting to the tapered cone.

[Kiteman]

According to CITES, conch are "threatened", bordering on "endangered". It would be unwise, therefore, to buy a harvested conch for this instructable. Stick to using shells collected when already empty (although they are also important as (according to AMNH) "abandoned conch shells provide shelter for hermit crabs, baby groupers, octopuses, and many other creatures").

[superridley]

how enviromentaly friendly is a welk shell?

[Kiteman]

As long as it died happily, of natural causes at a great age...

[superridley]

Thanks :)

[walkerpedia]

octopi

[elcappy]

Why does sum1 always have to try and b a smartass, the plural of octopus is actually octopodes, this is not a "simple" Latin word, but a latinized Greek word "oktopus", so octopi is not correct.

[walkerpedia]

We're not speaking Greek, buddy.

[Mitten]

Trees are homes to birds, and chop them down for paper. Its just the way humans effect the environment.

[jtobako]

Trees used for paper are closer to cows-raised on farms just for harvesting. I would stick to 'recycling' by getting one at a second hand store or garage sale.

[Kiteman]

Quite.

[sally_mckleinfeld]

So thrilled with the outcome of this project! Had a tense moment early on when I hadn't cut enough off of the tip and was getting no sound. Found the exterior brittle and easy to cut with a hacksaw, but the interior was maaaaade oooofffff iiiiirrronnnnn. Used a tiny speed bit to perforate the interior piece and snapped it off with needlenose pliers. (In case you're wondering, the conch was decor in my parents' bathroom in, like, 1980, and had been in the basement ever since.)

[badhacker]

sucks for ipod. my marching band has one now for when we get first place!

[iwantacuracy]

thats cool. and where do you live because those pictures look amazing!

[backcountry]

If you want to hear some really good conch, check out http://www.steveturre.com. He plays trombone. And jazz conch. It's conch he's playing on the tune on his home page. Awesome sound!

[CanDo]

That's Awesome! I'm off to find out what type of conch that is...