If you have never tuned a duck call toneboard, this tutorial is aimed at giving some instructions on where to start the process. There are other tutorials on how to make toneboards, but this will be focussed on getting sounds to come from the toneboard, and learning the basic dimensions and parameters that affect the sound coming from the call. We will intentionally ruin some parts in this learning process, but it is needed for learning. No shame in ruining some reeds and cork in this process. Adjustments to the toneboard aren't as easily reversible as replacing the reed and cork, so always adjust reeds and cork first before tweaking on the toneboard itself. There is no right or wrong answer when going through this process. But you will have to go through this process and hear how each parameter affects the sound of the call.
Here is a handy reference to keep track of the dimensions on the toneboard:
The first step is to take an uncut insert and insert it into the jig. I am using a RiverMallard public jig for this tutorial, and all of the dimensions in the instructions are based off of it.
Next step is to measure the distance from the end of the tonechannel to the end of the jig (dimension F in the reference pic). This is a little difficult, since the end of the tonechannel is hidden in the toneboard. But take a measurement from the exhaust end of the insert to the end of the tonechannel, and then get a measurement from the exhaust end of the insert to the toneboard tip of the jig.
The first dimension we are going to start with, is .500" (half an inch) from the end of the tonechannel to the end of the jig for dimension F.
When cutting the toneboard arc, make sure you file the toneboard to the exact shape of the toneboard jig. We want to only adjust 1 thing at a time when learning what dimensions affect the sound of the call. So, repeatability of the toneboard arc will be important at first.
The next thing we are going to do is install a reed. Cut a piece of .010" mylar .550" wide by 1.500" long. Cut a piece of cork .400" wide by .700" long.
Place the reed lengthwise between your thumb and index finger. Gently bend the reed to see which way it flexes. The part the flexes outward will be the part that will contact the toneboard surface.
Install the reed and cork onto the toneboard. Ensure that both the reed and cork are both fully seated against the back wall of the cork notch. There will be a little bit extra cork that sticks out in front of the cork notch. This is ok and is intentional.
Cut the excess cork off the side of the cork notch.
The next part now is to take the insert and put it in a barrel. Blow on the duck call trying to get a variety of quacks from the call, both loud and soft, and also perform a hail call.
Record the following:
1) How hard was the call to blow?
2) How did the call sound? Was the pitch high or low? Did the call squeal out?
3) Did the call feel like it took a lot of pressure to blow correctly?
Without adjusting anything, we are going to trim the reed length to see how the length of the reed affects the sound.
With the reed still in the toneboard, cut off .01-.02" ("a hair") off of the end of the reed. A little bit makes a BIG difference, so take off as little bit as possible.
Install the insert back into the barrel, and blow on the duck call. Answer the 3 questions, keeping in mind the changes from the previous try:
1) How hard was the call to blow?
2) How did the call sound? Was the pitch high or low? Did the call squeal out?
3) Did the call feel like it took a lot of pressure to blow correctly?
Keep cutting a hair off the end of the reed until the reed is the same length as the tonechannel, repeating the process of blowing on the calls, and writing down the results of the 3 questions.
Continued on the next post:
