Tone Boards without a jig.

[AS@Smith Crafters]

I have only made three calls. I made like 5 toneboards for the first call, until I got one that made any pleasant noise. The second one took two. And the last took one. The first two calls were a typical insert with a cork holding the reed. The third call was made with a 3/8 dowel I drilled then cut in half and held in with a wedge. My father has an old duck call built this way and it is extremely raspy and I love it! So I tried to replicate it. Not quite the same. Mine is really quiet, and I think the reason is because its a smaller dowel with a smaller channel. Any advise you can give me on anything would amazing. I know very little about this call making business so I need the help you are willing to give me. Ill post some pics later.

[David @ Mad Duck Game Calls]

The calls with flat toneboards and a wedge are called reelfoots.... I don't know much about them so I can't help you with that... Other then that I don't really know what your asking?   

[AS@Smith Crafters]

Really I'm asking for any help at all.

Here are some pictures. What am I doing wrong? And what am I doing right? The last one sounds good tho.

Never mind I'm going to have to use my computer to add the pictures.

[Tyson Rae]

I think most people here will agree that we need more information. First of all the pictures will be key. Other than that, what type of wood are you using, what size is your tone channel, etc. There are literally too many different variables that could be affecting your sound right now to pinpoint anyone thing here based off of the information you have given us. Get us this pics and we can start pointing you the right direction.

[AS@Smith Crafters]

What I'm trying to do is get the same sound of my tone boards, but each one is a little different some I'm pretty sure I won't be getting the same sound out of these three. I prefer the third style i went with. I'll have the pics in just a sec

[David @ Mad Duck Game Calls]

To post pics you will have to make a photo bucket account, upload the pics there and get the links to put on here... The way the forums built it won't let you post pictures directly on here
... Also, to get a consistent sound, most guys use a jig, you can buy one or make one..... Marvin (dogcatcher) has made quite a few jigs out of wood, aluminum, etc....

[Wes]

You are talking about a Louisiana Style tone board and you will have better luck with it if you use a 1/2 inch dowel rather than a 3/8 ...

WWes

[David @ Mad Duck Game Calls]

You are talking about a Louisiana Style tone board and you will have better luck with it if you use a 1/2 inch dowel rather than a 3/8 ...

WWes

Oh, maybe it isn't a reelfoot!! What am I thinking???   

[AS@Smith Crafters]

Only problem is I don't have the money for a jig. I'm only 17. And I dont have a job yet. So I make pens on the lathe and sell them for mostly gas money. Duck calls just seem fun. Hopefully I can sell them too.

[AS@Smith Crafters]

Thank you for the info about the half inch dowel, I was going to try a 5/8 dowel because I read about them so ewhere else. I will try a 1/2 first though.

[AS@Smith Crafters]

Inthink this link should get u to the pics. http://s102.photobucket.com/user/DMANTHEROCK/library/?sort=3&page=1

[AS@Smith Crafters]

I don't think all the photos are uploaded yet, because I had to email them.

[David @ Mad Duck Game Calls]

Making a jig shaped like one of those tone boards won't be hard, a 2x4 would work but some walnut or hard maple would be better. Just drill a whole the size of your toneboard and trace the shape onto the block of wood..then cut it close and file it to that shape!! Then you'll have a jig!! For starting out try echo inserts.... They are cheap enough you can file them to different shapes with out having to worry about ruining a good peice of wood (or acrylic) I actually have the sound I like with an echo right now, I filed and filed and filed until I liked what came out of it!!! I still can't seem to get my jig the same shape as that though....     Good luck!! As any questions you would like!! Were here to help!! 

[AS@Smith Crafters]

Where can I get the"echos"?

[David @ Mad Duck Game Calls]

Here ya go!  http://www.echocalls.com/Duckinserts.html  These are great to play around with, try different things with 'em, I got four and got the sound I liked with the second, most people aren't that lucky!!  When youget a sound that you really like make yourself a wooden jig, from there you can upgrade to a custom one, or make your own out of a piece of aluminum... The ideas are endless....  Good luck!!