Using diaphram calls

[Powerstroke]

I picked up a calling kit at Cabelas today and it includes 1 mouth call. I'm not nieve enough to think that I would figure it out on the first try, but I wonder if others have had problems fitting it in the roof of thier mouth?

The hard part of the call surrounding the reeds rests against my gums and not the roof of my mouth, like I havea narrow jaw or something. Is this normal or do they really fit against the roof of your mouth.

I will say that I've been able to make some sounds, but I have no control over it yet and it just feels like its not sittin properly.

Any thoughts?

[Ray Esboldt]

Powerstroke,

I'm not entirely sure, but I believe diaphragm calls are made in smaller sizes. They're labeled something like "Small Mouth" or "Small Pallete" calls.

I believe some calls are also made so the outside can be trimmed down to fit better. Someone here will know for sure.

[mechanictim]

Most calls can be trimmed to fit, take a scissors and trim off the edges for a more comfortable fit. Most people I know who use diaphram calls will tell you that it is hard to keep from gagging when first starting out. Once you get used to having a call in your mouth you prabably won't need to trim as much.

When you get done with a call for the day it is a good idea to rinse them in mouthwash an let them dry before storing in a case. I throw out the calls at the end of the season and buy new for the next season otherwise I end with a nasty sore throat.

[Powerstroke]

I understand trimming the latex, but the problem for me is the firm part of the call that supports the reeds. This is the portion that is preventing the call from sitting in my pallete.

I am not having a problem with gagging unless I let the call slip too far back in my throat.

[Nova]

I have several Primos calls that I have bent a little to fit my mouth better, You can do this with Primos calls, but some of the plastic ones break. Don't over bend it, just a litle at a time until if fits. I have a narrow jaw also and it worked great for me, I would try this and then trim them if needed.

[abens1078]

I'm in the same boat as Powerstroke as I recently purchased my first mouth call. I had $10 in my pocket and just picked one so I could start working on it and learning. Fortunately the local tackle & gun shop let me rent a video on mouth calls. The video recomeded trying to pronounce different words to cause different sounds. Do you guys do this to make yelps, cuts and kee-kee or do you have other perferred methods.

As I mentioned I didn't put much thought into the process of picking a call so I was wondering if anyone could recomend a call that was more suited to making softer yelps and purs?

On the side, the people in my apt building must really wonder what is going on

[FOOT]

Powerstroke, good luck with the diaphram call. I know the majority of people can get over the gag reflex but I'm one of the few that can't. I've tried several different makes and sizes and still gag each time, even if I trim them.

After trying for 7 years and 12 different calls I just gave up.

I now use a box call, a slate call and 2 different wing bone mouth calls that I make myself. I had very good success with them and each one gives a different pitch and range. One wing bone is sharper and the other is a deeper/older hen call.

I admire all of those individuals who can use a diaphram call and wish I could but it just ain't going to happen.

[Dave S]

some of the new diaphram calls have the "call chamber" (I think it's called that) which allows for the call to sit lower in your mouth and helps eliminate the gag reflex. It has a plastic dome that seats into the roof of your mouth and holds the call in place. Much more user friendly than the originals.

I prefer the diaphram calls, just wish I could learn to purr with them. I need more practice.

[Captain B.R.K]

I would NOT recommend that you bend the call just to have it sit perfectly in your mouth. The metal/plastic holds the reed (thin plastic) tightly and when you bend it, you displace the reed and won't allow for a true sound when using it.

There is a company (spaces me right now) that makes calls specifically for people with small palletes. My buddy bought one and was able to call on it perfectly. I bought one thinking it would work- nope....almost swallow the dang thing when I'm trying to use it.

In regards to renting video's....I have done this in the past and have access to my fiance's fathers stash of turkey video's. One video specifically has you learn to sound out words with the diaphram. Others just want you to make noises.

I have yet to find that perfect tape cassette or cd for turkey calls.

[Zarkohl]

BRK, I just picked up a CD of turkey calls, that is put out by the guys at Cody Calls. It is supposed to be actual turkey calls, not man made calls. Found it a Gander Mountain this weekend. It gives you the type of calls (i.e., yelps, clucks, cackles, . . . ) and different variations each, followed by a 10-15 second pause so you can try to imitate. Just listened to it for the first time today while driving to work. Don't know if it will improve my calling, but it did get me pretty fired up for the upcoming season.

[Nova]

BRK, no offense intended, but I got the tip about bending the call straight from Will Primos. I think if it affected the call he would know. All I am saying is it worked for me. I am not saying put it in a vice, just a slight curve to the call will help a ton.

[Hotspotter]

Frames made from the right materials can/should be bent for tuning. Primos calls in particular have a lighter, more bendable frame. BRK is right to be concerned about ruining the latex, and overbending will do just that. But a slight bend in the frame like Nova stated will help the call sit better in your mouth, and make it much more comfortable to call.

As for smaller/youth calls, HS Strut puts out several models of these, and are labeled "small palate" type calls. A few other companies out there do it to, but these will probably be the most readily available to everyone.

Trimming the tape outside the frame can help immensely, and so can seating the call further back in your mouth. Many people who think they need a youth model call just seat the call up near their front teeth. The front corners of the call then ride up on the gums, near your teeth, and make for tough going. Trim it up, then put it far back in the palate, making sure the front corners of the call are further up, on the less sensitive part of your gums (otherwise, you will get sore there).

Keep practicing.....only a few weeks left!!!

Joel