How to Make a Conch Shell Horn

[@SalomeAlfdisLokidottir]

my land lord gave me some huge conch shells for my birthday and i am in love with them!! I didn't know they could be used as an instrument. I'm going to be the only person who plays a conch in this very musical town I live in. Thank you for making this tutorial. You're awesome!!

[@ziggzaggratt8774]

I thought you said the lord like god

[@wobblebottom3632]

That is a beautiful pututu you have made. Bravo, sir. Bravo!

[@mgsPBZoo]

Thank you!

[@mgsPBZoo]

So glad you found the video useful. I had a lot of fun making my horn. I hope you enjoy making (and playing) yours, too!

[@agnidas5816]

Thank you for the video. 700 millimeters is more than two feet long. In fact they don't become 'conch' shells until they have been 'conched'. That's the hole to get the critter out and kill it. Whelk Sea Shells probably make for some of the best signalling instruments. You're using a smaller Queen shell there. Also fantastic sound. The others tend to be rather quiet especially the larger ones.

[@MrDerick801]

i just got back from the bahamas and i went scuba diving and picked up a conch shell and ate the fish inside and i saw these little kids playing with a conch shell horn and i was woundering how it was made so thanks!

[@franksvarten8382]

Thanks a lot! I got a mission from a friend to make a horn out of a Conch shell she gave me. She pretty much gave me the same instructions as you did, but it is always good to get to see and get other peoples inputs. One thing I really RECOMMEND, that I did different, is to use a sander with bearish grain size instead of sawing. This took me 2min. Not as environmentally friendly, not as sweaty and time consuming. It does demand the sander though.

[@mgsPBZoo]

I'm glad the video inspired you. Good luck with your shell. (Sadly, Witchie-cat died just a few months after I shot this. He was our neighbor's cat, but he spent most of his spare time in our yard. We miss him.)

[@kyradavis9344]

That is so cool! :D I remember that when my parents moved into a new home, in the back yard we found these shells. If I had known you would be able to do this with them, I think I would have convinced them not to throw them away!

[@bellylaughing]

I do happen to have a conch sitting around the house. And I've always wondered about that hole in the shell.... Which I guess I will just plug with my hand until I figure out how to complete the horn making. Thank you for taking the time to show us how it's done. By the way - I like your cat friend in the film!

[@Malcoladdin]

That sounds great! However, bleaching your shell will fade it. I also find that filling holes with wax is a lot less messy than using epoxy. One last thing, its best to use a dremel to clear out the inside tidily and with precision rather than with a drill bit.

[@heartofthewild680]

So what would you suggest instead of bleach?

[@tinkwong1431]

Mahalo for taking interest. A heavy stone and a flat stone is how the nose comes off of mine. I didn’t see you mention this in your video, but the dust from any shell is very toxic to your lungs. If you choose this method to modify your shell, mālama pono and use a respirator or run water over the shell to keep the dust from getting airborne. Aloha pumehana e kākou.

[@mgsPBZoo]

The few sets of instructions I found didn’t mention any traditional steps… or any risks. Thanks for sharing.

[@NemieKav]

You made that look very easy! I have my conch 🐚 I have my saw, I'm braced and ready to go....

[@mgsPBZoo]

Good luck!

[@NateTheTaterTot]

Great video! I have a Lord of The Flies project, and I'm planning on making this for it. :D

[@okamijubei]

Or Star Fox when he's calling the cloud hunter tribe.

[@lanedj801]

Playing the conch is an act of war

[@mgsPBZoo]

Or, according to the US Coast Guard, an act of navigation.

[@tinkwong1431]

A’ole - not everywhere. In some cultures it’s a call to ask permission to land, or a call to commence ceremony or meeting, to call one’s ancestors … different cultures have different meaning and protocols. 🫶🏽🤙🏽

[@lancecrimm]

Thanks so much for this! We were able to cut the 3/4 inch hole quite a bit faster by using a Dawalt D28114 saw with a diamond blade. Rather than 30 minutes with the hacksaw, this "hack" was able to perform the mouthpiece cut in less than 30 seconds! Thanks again for your tremendous post. Looking forward to playing some fun songs with our new Conch shell acquired off the beach just lying on the shore of the Bahamas on Taino beach in Freeport earlier this week.

[@mgsPBZoo]

Yes, the small one works. The pitch is higher and it has a lot less carry... but it does produce a half-decent tone.

[@mgsPBZoo]

Thanks for the positive feedback!

[@mgsPBZoo]

When you cut the end off, you'll see the spiral inside blocks airflow. Clear out about 2/3 - 3/4 of this blockage to allow for air to pass.

[@gnarwhalsw8296]

With the drill bit?

[@Lrrrrrrrrrr]

Nice! If you're not sure about the size that you drill the opening in the shell you could ask someone in a Mexica mitote ( better known as Aztec dance) group how they make theirs (been doing it for 100's and 100's of years as you probably know) if you want. In the Mexica language, Nahuatl, these shells are called atecocolli and they symbolize femininity so women aren't allowed to play one. But I had no idea that coast guard used it that's really interesting how different cultures utilize the

[@Violet_Lotus_]

They use them in India, they use them in Hawaii.... it's fascinating how universal they are.

[@losmalocoslosmalocos627]

Bos donde la encontraré. O la compraste

[@COOKIERAMIREZ]

Thank you so much for making this how to video really appreciated I already have two of these once we make we'll share it here and give you creds!

[@mgsPBZoo]

Thanks for the kind words. It took a little experimentation to get the whole process right. We let loose with the horn on New Year's Eve 2019... and it was the loudest noise in our neighborhood - including plenty of fireworks.

[@bambispoco]

Wow, what a neat video, definitely going to try it! Thanks for posting!!!

[@busterpiggle]

I'm not sure what you were removing with the drill. And I wonder how long all this would take if you were stranded on a desert island without the hacksaw or drill.

[@Violet_Lotus_]

...not something Tom Hanks attempted in Castaway. :/

[@TheUPwner]

some people just bash the tip with a hammer that works

[@leshort3451]

Ever read lord of flies?

[@heartofthewild680]

Cool, but how do you clean it? I’ve read somewhere that wind instruments are often the dirtiest because people don’t clean them well enough or often enough.

[@mgsPBZoo]

The horn sees very little use. It's more a conversation piece. Maybe check out how trombonists clean their instruments.

[@Kawaiicatpaint]

I want to make a horn but I love the way the conch looks I got mixed emotions ....

[@condundrum5798]

dawnesia Boren get multiple ones

[@cazek445]

I believe you don't even have to do that.

[@leshort3451]

dawnesia Boren get two conchs if you have the money

[@DeA2875]

Buy 3

[@allthingsharbor]

When I create one, I will have two cats to assist me. I am certain this assistance will make the work go faster. LOL

[@mgsPBZoo]

:)

[@brandonl562]

Mr. Smith I see you didn't show the part that you used the drill to bore out the hole. Using the small shell. Then you showed the finished shell done. What do you need the drill for? What do you need to take out after you saw the point off? I didn't see where you applied the epoxy? Asking for a friend.

[@umarmars47]

Beautiful konk

[@nox8240]

when my conch shell arrives I'll use them for this :)

[@mgsPBZoo]

Just type "buy conch shell" in your favorite search engine. You'll get plenty of results. Prices range from about $10 on up. I recommend using a shell that's at least 8"... and buying from a site you trust. Good luck!

[@sjd229sd]

Any update on hole end size after trial and error? Thank you!

[@mgsPBZoo]

No... the outside hole was fine. It was the material inside I had to adjust. I just chipped away a bit more a couple of times and it was fine.

[@mgsPBZoo]

I played it by ear, because I wasn't sure... and I didn't want to open it up too far. So I used the drill to open up about 1/3 and then expanded it a couple of times till I had good flow.

[@Violet_Lotus_]

very nice tone!

[@cozanostrasmagkas1]

hi! i was looking for a video like that! Is there a specific technique so i can make sound for this think? I have cleaned it cut the edge a bit but nothing

[@mgsPBZoo]

Sorry for the late reply. KZbin sent your message to spam. Once you've trimmed the end, you have to drill out a hole inside to allow air to pass through. Then it just takes a little practice to get the sound right.

[@stonedmunkee1138]

I've got a small conch shell, about 3 1/2 inches from tip to top. Do you think that I can use that to make a mini-horn? I've already begun removing the tip, thing is that I'm not reaching any hollow area yet and I've already removed about 1/2 inch. (So it's 3inch now).

[@mgsPBZoo]

My smaller shell was 5-1/2", so I'm guessing here. At some point, I'm sure "smaller" becomes too small to make a working horn. (Then again, with the right Dremel attachments, who knows?) I found I had to drill through on both shells - after cutting the tip - to get to the hollow area. Once the tip is off, carefully drill straight in from the opening.

[@stonedmunkee1138]

Malcolm Smith Thanks!

[@Pyrodonesun]

I play a trumpet and that sounds great

[@ourfamilyoutdoors7331]

I have one that looks like it was sealed with epoxy but on top they pressed in some crushed choral and it helps to hide the hole

[@mgsPBZoo]

That's a pretty clever idea. Thanks for sharing!

[@utscsiva]

WoW, Good job Man !!! I am Very impressed, and Happy to see that man !!!

[@hyperthred]

I love how you started with the drill towards the middle end of the video but didn't show us what you actually drilled out while you were actually drilling it. Thank you

[@mgsPBZoo]

One guy, one camera, and one very curious cat running interference. Sorry that part of the video didn't meet your expectations. There's a blockage in there; trust me. And, in the spirit of snark-for-snark, there's no such thing as a "middle end." The words are opposite in meaning. ;-)

[@granand]

If you are aware of Indian Hindu Traditions, especially Central and North, Every day twice these are sounded and it is a must in temples before morning and evening Harathi, showing decorated light to the god. Amazing, you can make tons of sales

[@mgsPBZoo]

I wasn't aware. That's interesting. It seems many cultures adopted the conch as a horm.

[@granand]

@@mgsPBZoo Hardly you find a home in North of India, who is a Hindu not having it. In south many homes have it & a must in temples. You can KZbin or Google it.

[@nathankreher]

this video helped so much and its pretty sweet thanks for the vid. keep up the good work

[@cpick-nv7yk]

Thank you so much for this video!!!

[@mgsPBZoo]

I'm not entirely sure what you're asking here... but remove the end of the spiral with one cut & clear out part of the blockage you'll find inside the "mouthpiece" that results. I hope this answer your question.

[@mgsPBZoo]

I'm not entirely sure what you're asking here... but remove the end of the spiral with one cut & clear out part of the blockage you'll find inside the "mouthpiece" that results. I hope this answers your question.

[@sycamore108]

We boutta get a speed boost and health on hit with this one

[@gnarwhalsw8296]

How deep you go with that hole you drill in it? Do you just drill through the center??

[@mgsPBZoo]

There was one layer of shell beyond where I cut the tip. I cleaned out an area a little smaller than the initial opening. I used the drill, because it was the only tool I had that would reach inside and remove material. It was a little awkward, to be honest. You just need a hole to allow enough air through.

[@chaconmendez]

Great Malcolm I will try to make one!

[@jordanfreij8038]

Great video

[@itswitzmoab]

ater cutting, i clamp a belt sander upside-down on the table, lock it in "on" and gently sand 'er down. its esp. good if you cut the hole too small to begin with.

[@cinnanonstrawberries3752]

Dose it have to be a big one, or can it be small

[@mgsPBZoo]

I practiced with a much smaller shell... and it worked pretty well. The tone isn't as deep, but the smaller shell still produces a strong, clear note.

[@fernmatic]

Mousam river in So. Maine ?

[@mgsPBZoo]

Yup. I lived in the Kennebunk area for years.

[@fernmatic]

@@mgsPBZoo nice . Swam and fished the mousam many many times.

[@duglife2230]

According to some accounts, American soldiers in the Revolution would use these to signal eachother if they did not have drums or actual bugles.

[@okamijubei]

Don't think it sounds that far-fetched that they do anything like that. Conch horns have been used since likely prehistoric times.

[@javierdc]

Why some snails have a hole that must be covered whit a finger to sound the snail?

[@mgsPBZoo]

Those holes are made to remove the animal for meat.

[@mgsPBZoo]

Thanks! Good luck with your project

[@lutchmanp]

Hi what size hole should one drill?

[@licanray3128]

podrías hacer un video en español o traducirlo . por favor ? traduction plis ?

[@baglabhakta-TantrikShakta]

Please dear Malcolm, where I can find/buy this kind of conch ? Many Thanks

[@123russianbear]

where do u drill in the mouth piece ????

[@baxtertribe9825]

Really good video thank you✊🏾

[@curtisowens6413]

Kitty thought a snack was in there

[@MeteoricStoneofSouls]

I'm about to find out how small of one I can make.

[@mgsPBZoo]

Good luck with that. My little one doesn’t produce an impressive sound, but folks get an kick out of it.

[@MeteoricStoneofSouls]

@@mgsPBZoo So around 6" and 2 1/2 spirals seem to be about a minimum. It works pretty well actually but I personally am unable to make it play. But now I know how to make them and how to sound one.

[@proudheart_pack8962]

Good job

[@MozziTāne]

Great first time job! I'm aware you made this video a long time ago so this is a bit of a hail mary request. I'm wanting to purchase a conch shell exactly like yours and turn it into a horn as well. Can you recommend any outlets in the 'Conch Republic' that sell internationally? Just exploring my options as I live in Australia and google has limited options. Just thought I would ask. Thanks.

[@mgsPBZoo]

Sorry... but I don't know any international shippers. I'm no shell expert, though. I did find one Florida source online, but didn't see that they'll ship outside the USA. I think scrolling through Google results is probably your best bet. Good luck!

[@MozziTāne]

Thanks for your reply. I sort of guessed it would be a bit of a long shot but thought I would ask anyway. I'll keep searching on google I might lucky, but again I appreciate your response.

[@SamuelBaum]

Great Video :) but I think you meant to say 7mm and not 700mm ;)

[@irisamartinez3339]

good job! thank's for sharing.

[@baskarb5911]

Iris A Martinez

[@Jmac34m]

Its easyer if you put tin foil over the hole and glue both sides and put sand on one side it looks better then epoxie

[@alexagomezmolina3624]

No le entiendo nada pero me ayudo muchísimo,mil gracias ✨

[@bensmith5770]

thanks great video helped me a lot!

[@akarsh.-.]

sounds great!

[@champyngiddy]

Excellent

[@mgsPBZoo]

Thanks!

[@michaelanasakta2378]

Hi Witchie-cat, please tell Malcolm that--with your moral support--he made a great video. But please ask him never again to sell a land-locked person that in Key West you can buy a practice shell for only $4.00.lol Michael.

[@mgsPBZoo]

Thanks for the compliment. I didn't mean to give the impression I got the practice shell in Key West. The full-size shell came from Ybor City... the practice shell from Sanibel. I only mentioned Key West in the comments, because I got tired of people telling me conch is not pronounced "conk."

[@microtyger]

Malcolm Smith, I was looking up the pronunciation of "conch," which is how I came across your video. It actually is pronounced "conk." ☺️

[@mgsPBZoo]

Thanks for the back-up. While both pronunciations are technically "correct," I've never heard anyone here in southern Florida pronounce it with a "ch" sound. More importantly, mastering blowing one (not as hard as some may lead you to believe) will impress your friends and neighbors. Or annoy the heck out of them. These things are pretty loud.

[@microtyger]

Lolol.. Now I want to make one! I don't think my neighbors would appreciate either, so I'll go out in the woods, although they may think it's Bigfoot, as I'm in Oregon 🤔 😃😃😃

[@WhosMyDady1]

great video, thank you :) I'll try it

[@mariumaqib4744]

Do you know our shell are same🙂

[@basaball1]

Nice job! thanks

[@miguelpallares91]

Thats awsome

[@jennaevangelista9709]

Wow! I want one

[@EurekaOW]

I have same looking shell

[@DiegoDCvids]

very cool

[@wyatt7465]

is that how it's actually pronounced? never knew that

[@mgsPBZoo]

Yeah. I’ve lived in southern Florida for 20 years, and I’ve never heard a native pronounce it any other way.

[@lutchmanp]

Thanks

[@NP2023_NP]

Awesome

[@MrRastaVibrations]

700mm... that's about 28 inches.

[@mgsPBZoo]

Thanks. I must have been light-headed from huffing and puffing on the practice shell. (Or just brain dead.) At this point, I have no idea where I came up with that idiotic number.

[@dianadelaplaya8405]

That’s it? Just nip the tip? Okie dokie.

[@mgsPBZoo]

I found I had to drill out inside the opening to allow air to pass all the way through.

[@CameronTharp]

you need a sharper saw mate

[@PastorJC]

Awesome...

[@andre1onate]

Cool cat : )

[@ashutoshnilkanth1367]

That's not a complete video you did not show how to make drill in it

[@richardmassey6103]

Which meaning of factoid? "an invented fact, believed to be true because of its appearance in print” Or"Inconsequential fact"? The word has two opposite meanings today vs. meaning only "fake fact" when I was growing up!

[@mgsPBZoo]

The 2nd. Of course, if you're on the water & have nothing else to use as a signaling device, it wouldn't be inconsequential. But for most of us, it's just the answer to an obscure trivia question.

[@syahriliman.12]

👍👍

[@Sir_Needle]

Whaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaat

[@mgsPBZoo]

I'm not sure what you're asking here. But conch shells create an awesome blast. It's no wonder so many cultures use them in ceremonies. Your conch shell doesn't have to be beautiful to make a beautiful sound. Seven years on, mine still holds a place of honor in our living room.

[@lanedj801]

Install it as a car horn

[@EuanTodd]

700mm is 70cm

[@BriseidaGutierrezLicona]

eselente }

[@MermaidAssassin]

1:49, 2:21 kitty!

[@SolaceInEntropy]

Dude, Dremel.

[@kittyruler10]

That sounds ah

[@TeddyBitch123]

I'm just a I'd :( ill try lol

[@christrakt4317]

en français c'est mieux

[@sharkyqwq8328]

First

[@templanzatemplanza7476]

👎👎👎👎👎👎👎👎👎