Call Question

[Still Hunter]

First off I want to give a public thank you to Paul and Wapiti for sending me some calls to try. Thanks guys.

I've only gotten the calls from Paul so far. He sent two diaphragm calls, and a IMAKA DA BULLCRAZY call. I love the bullcrazy call, and it was easy to use. That's a keeper for sure.

Now for the diaphragm calls. I put it in my mouth, and no gag reflex at all. I didn't think there would be. When I was young and working out I took tons of supplements, and could take handfuls of pills at a time. Ok, so no gagging. I tried to make some noise, and just got a squeak. I said to myself......that didn't sound like an elk Pete. I kept working at it, and the squeaks got louder and longer. Then I discovered the call fit right behind my teeth perfectly and stayed there. Then I could use my tongue on the reed better. I started to make cow sounds, but I don't think they's fool anybody into thinking it was an elk. It certainly wasn't close to sounding as good as the open reed call.

Here's my problem. I remember seeing a video on how to use a diaphragm call, and they said to keep it wet. I thought at the time that might be a problem. Nope! Just the opposite for me. I must have over active saliva glands, and i'm drooling all over my beard. I think i'm getting the call too wet. I've done everything I can think of to stay drier, but i'm just too damn juicy.

Any cure for this, or will I be better just staying with the hand held open reed calls. I only plan on using cow calls. so I won't be bugling.

Whatcha think?

[>>>---WW---->]

Sounds like you are just trying too hard. Place the diaphragm behind your teeth, Sounds like you have that part figured out. Then say SHHHHHHHHH! Pay close attention to what your tongue is doing when you say it. Notice how it is sealing along the edges and arching upward in the middle sort of like your bicep muscle does when you bend your arm. A lot of people blow too hard when learning, so ease up on the air pressure. And keep practicing. Sounds like you are on the right track.

Our neighbors dog used to drool a lot. When he shook his head, the slobbers went flying everywhere. Hope you ain't that bad! LOL!

[Still Hunter]

Well, you better hope I don't shake my head when i'm calling. I'll give you a shower.

[ElkNut1]

Pete, you are welcome! Having quite the saliva flow is normal for most until they get a decent control of the reed, it's all about reed management! Too, there's a sight break in period for each especially for newer mouth reed users. There are quite a few tips you can pick up on if you check out the video clips I've put in the ElkNut Tips & Clips Forum. Check out this one for starters! --- viewtopic.php?f=11&t=72

ElkNut1

[Still Hunter]

That helped a lot. Still a little juicy, but getting better. No happy with the sound, but i'll keep working on it.

Were those single reed you sent? They look like it.

[ElkNut1]

Pete, yes they are, it will take some practice & getting used to sir but once you get them set correctly & start managing air pressure & tongue pressure it will all come together. Conquer cow sounds first before you worry about bull sounds as bull sounds are an extension of cow sounds. Watch a few more of the clips there for other sounds to work on after you are comfortable with the cows tones! Good Luck!

ElkNut1

[Wapiti]

Hey Pete,

You are very welcome. I sent your package on Tuesday and the post office said it would be 6-8 business days.

The guys have you on the right track so far !! One thing to watch as well is how your tongue arches. You should try this without the reed in your mouth. With your tongue ( back part of tongue ) try to touch the inside of your top back molar teeth. When you can do this you are ready to incorporate some air into the equation. Now this part is very important..... use the air in your chest and hiss like a snake......deep breath and hhhhhhhiiiiiisssssssss......what you will see is that it is totally different air flow then trying to whistle. Do this with low air pressure also. It's almost just a long exhale.

Now when you have that down and that will help with the wet mouth as well......walk around the house for ten minutes doing that without a reed. Then add the reed in and that should make it easier as you learn. It's really about learning where the reed fits best in your mouth as every person is a little different but same technique. For me I like the reed as far back as my back teeth and other like it up front. You can get crisper and quicker notes when the reed is back further. This is where the gag reflex comes in though so be careful !! LOL Grown men do cry when they gag !!! LOL

Cheers !!

Trav

[Still Hunter]

I think I got it. I moved the call back in my mouth a bit, and used more tongue pressure. Still lots of work to do, but at least I sound sort of like a cow now. I put the calls in my Jeep, and practice while driving. I live in an apartment, and i'm sure i'd get complaints if I kept practicing there.

[Lark Bunting]

Sip a single malt of your choice before trying it. That'll dry the mouth up a bit.

[WapitiTalk1]

I think I got it. I moved the call back in my mouth a bit, and used more tongue pressure. Still lots of work to do, but at least I sound sort of like a cow now. I put the calls in my Jeep, and practice while driving. I live in an apartment, and i'm sure i'd get complaints if I kept practicing there.

Reminder to keep the diaphrams off the dashboard or near any heat source.. They don't do well with heat Also, if you put your tube into a pillow, it's pretty quiet so you can practice at your apartment. Good luck with your elk noises!