Ryan, in my opinion, the term cut down came back from the old days when there werent too many choices of calls in your area. A hunter wanted something different, so he would modify his toneboard.....cutting it down to fit his style. In order to display his work, he would usually(but not always) turn the barrel around the opposite way to let everyone know that his call is
different. Now a days people are charging to modify other makers calls and
cut down the toneboard. Most of the ones that are done today are very loud in volume and require more air to get it running.
I just decided to tweek my toneboard a little on my calls. I've tried to make them
easier to blow but still have increased volume. Being easier to blow, it still has some finesse to it.
Thats my opinion on it anyway.
David