Beware the Conch, my son...

[Donn]

Maybe you're supposed to bring your own mouthpiece?

[David Richoux]

There are quite a few Youtube instructional videos on making and finishing a conch horn - lots of good advice.

The one I bought on Kauai was pre-drilled and pretty easy on my lips.

[Michael Bush]

Can it be smoothed or rounded a bit with some sandpaper?

I have one my grandparents gave me when I was a child. The "mouthpiece" is about the size of a trumpet mouthpiece. I don't really have chops for it, but it feels fine. With a found natural object like this there is going to be a lot of variation. So if this one can't be made to feel better, maybe put out feelers to see if you can find another one?

[David Richoux]

Can it be smoothed or rounded a bit with some sandpaper?

I have one my grandparents gave me when I was a child. The "mouthpiece" is about the size of a trumpet mouthpiece. I don't really have chops for it, but it feels fine. With a found natural object like this there is going to be a lot of variation. So if this one can't be made to feel better, maybe put out feelers to see if you can find another one?

Yes - they are quite hard, so a combination of file and metal quality sandpaper (usually black or red colored) can be used to smooth the surface and edges of the mouth opening. Check Youtube for several tutorials on how to make them.

[eniwatzuba]

If you ever have to play it again, the solution is beeswax. You can get it at a hardware store. Melt it, shape it around the sawed opening. If it is a rented instrument, you can pull it off when you are ready to return it. The wax comes off easier if it is cold.