Single-reed vs. Double-reed (I need a new call)

[webbmaster]

OK, I feel like I have been left out in the cold for too long. I'll admit, I don't know the difference.........sort of. I know the technical difference (us Alabamians aren't that stupid). But I am considering buying a new call for the first time in about 10 years.

The only call I have really ever used has been the P.S. Olt single reed. Its what I started on and really haven't ventured too far away from it. I guess it's just one of those things where if it ain't broke, you don't fix it.

Now I am not saying my call is perfect by any means. Its always been that I have learned enough to get by, or have always hunted with a better caller. I know alot of it depends on what type of land you are hunting (timber or fields), but I want something for both. I tend to blow my Olt pretty hard, but as memory serves me correct, that is one of the characteristics of blowing a single reed. (If I have this backwards, somebody slap me and make me realize I really don't know anything).

Unless you have access to someone else who has a bunch of calls, you can't really test them out and return it ifyou don't like it. (If someone knows an outlet that will, let me know!). I've always picked up someone elses from time to time (usually on a hunt) and blown it, but have never found anything I felt "comfortable" with.

I realize I could have just as easily asked "Tell me about your particular duck call and why you like it." I would like to know that, but I also want to know the pros/cons of single reed and double reed (if there is any).

Anyways, thats my in-depth question for the day. Any input you have is much appreciated!

[Greenhead22]

The main difference between the single and double reeds is the fact that the single reeds are more "versatile" and will allow you to make a more wide array of duck sounds. The double reed calls are alot easier to blow and tend to be very ducky out of the package, all you have to do is blow it. With a single reed you have to know how to control the airflow coming up from your diaphragm and being able to vary the back pressure when blowing each note. I was stuck on haydel double reeds for yrs cause I sounded like chit on a single till rnt came out with their short barrel model. I couldn't make the transition from double to single good enough. The curiousity got the best of me and I ordered one. I sounded good on it right out of the box, I was amazed. Since then I've gone to buy 3 more short barrels and have a couple more on the way in a couple of weeks, one of which is RNT's new daisy cutter. It's a suped up version of the short barrel. Go over to http://www.rntcalls.com and look at their new website. They now have the option of listening to everyone of their calls.

[webbmaster]

Thanks for the link! I am listening now. I like anybody who uses the description "nasty and gnarly."

Another question, I see so many calls from different companies where the call costs right around $130.00. Is this the standard price for a top shelf call?

[MemphisStockBroker]

a turned acrylic call will cost you $125. The material is hard, and the call is usually higher pitched. What the fancy boys blow.

a 'poly' call is basically the same design, just made from an injection mold. not as hard, not as fancy. in the $30 range. so if you loose it,
you will not cry as much. but the guys in the blind will not think you are as much of a big shot....

the wood calls can range from $50 on up, depending on the wood and how it is made. you can get a mass-produced one on the lower $$ end, or a fancy custom made(just for you) one in the $150 range. If you want to see some really cool, custom calls look at http://www.doccalls.com
Some wood can soak up moisture. Pro - it tends to not stick as much. Cons - it can swell where you can't get the call apart. -- But some of the higher end woods, like African Blackwood, do not take in moisture as much. (many high-end woodwind instruments are made from African Blackwood).

Single vs. Doubles.... if you want to be cool, and practice allot, blow a single. Otherwise, a double. Not as loud. Will not do those stupid competition high balls.... and normally does not stick as much.

but hey, just my humble opinion.

(you will probably start a fight with this thread.... like what is your favorite gun...)

[Greenhead22]

With your well-known call makers, the wood calls will be in the $60-80 range, and the acrylics will be in the $120-140 range depending on if you buy them straight from the callmaker or a store. It only cost about $15 to make the wood calls and about $30 for the acrylics. The acrylics are higher because the tone never changes, unlike the wood calls over time. But as long as people keep paying that high price then they'll keep selling them at that level. It used to be cheaper to buy the calls from sporting goods stores or companies other than the callmakers because they were usually $5-10 less per call. But now the stores and websites bumped their prices up to the callmakers.

[Drakeshead]

Yes, most of the top acrylics will run $125-$130, but you can opt for a wood barrel with the acrylic insert for around $75-$80. A good solid wood call is going to run about the same as the half and half. The lower line polycarbonate calls go from anywhere from $19.99 to $40 depending on the call maker.

[Greenhead22]

Hey webb, fyi...........that's a MSU grad blowing those calls...........we may not can play football worth a crap but we can blow duck calls.....

[blacklab101]

A buddy of mine had a primos "PHAT LADY" acrylic that I tried the other day. It was a single reed, and I've always used the $15-25 double reed calls. MAN THAT CALL WAS AWESOME!!!!! I don't know if it was because it was single reed or what but I fell in love with it. Luckily my wife was with me and has been hunting me a good Anniversary present. I was ready to break down and buy it but she told me to hold off and then give me that smile...... So now I just gotta figure out what to get her.... Anybody else tried this new call?

[Model12]

Just to POSSIBLY clear up a few misconceptions....While some woodwind instruments are made of Blackwood, more are made of Ebony. GH22 (who's opinion I do respect) stated that it cost about $15 to make a wood call and $30 to make an acrylic. This is sometimes the case...but... As a call maker I often use Acrylic injected woods like Maple and other Burls and it is EXPENSIVE. I often have four times what he stated in a call. I've never had an injected call loose its "tone" over time. Webbmaster, blowing lots of calls is the key. If you will contact some call makers, many of them will sell you a call, and if your not thrilled with it, they will refund your money. That's ONE way to try calls. If you like, e-mail me and I'll give you a list of makers to contact...just trying to help....

[GulfCoast]

Cast acrylic is a PITA to work with since it blisters so easily. The main component in the price of a custom single reed is TIME. This might be interesting to you webbmaster:

http://www.waterfowlreview.com/articles ... k_call.htm

[RIP EM]

Webbmaster,... If you can muster enough air for an Olt call,... You will be able to handle anything on Gods' green earth !

For the money,...I like the Commander calls! ( Phil can make em sound ducky )

Lower priced calls allow you to try a bigger variety, then you can settle on what kind and type later.

You better hurry though !.... Duck season is getting close !!!

Good luck, and let us know how it turns out !

Rip Em !

[torch]

I'm real partial to Gregg Hoods calls. They blow wet and you can use them in timber or field situations. I had a rep give me a PHAT LADY from Primos the other day. I can make that lady sing. I think it is one of the better calls primos makes

[Bustin' Ducks]

I prefer the DBL reed calls....I do like G. Hoods calls also...

[Greenhead22]

I forgot about the exotic wood/acrylic calls being higher, my bad. The custom made calls to take a lot of time, but most of the callmakers now are using CNC machines, and they can turn calls one after another. So basically the extra $$$ attached on to the calls go towards paying for that machine.

[Chevy]

The Primos Wench double reed call is the #1 selling duck call in America. I hear more competition callers that have the $130 calls for contest and the Primos wench for meat. Just wanted to put my 2 cents in.